Weekend of Celebrations!

I love May! There are so many fun things going on between my family and Mike's. This year was especially busy, but enjoyable because we celebrated birthdays and a bit of Mother's Day down in Vegas. And I figured I couldn't miss grandpa's big 80th birthday surprise party! :) I wondered how we were all going to make it into town with a good excuse, or without knowing we were there...some staying right across the street, but it all turned out perfectly and grandpa sure was surprised!

Grandpa had so many friends and family come to show him how much he is loved!

I love my Grandpa! I remember our little "dates" out for ice-cream we used to go on to celebrate both of our birthdays, since they are so close. Well, we aren't able to do that anymore, but I loved being there at this party and had fun seeing all who was there!

And whenever the majority of us sisters are together we have to get a picture together. Love you guys! (Missed you, Becky, but it was good talking to you :)

And, of course, there is always a goofy one! Ha!

We also had Mike's Dad's birthday party that day.Thomas, Keira and Abbi enjoyed the warm weather and jumped at the opportunity to go swimming! Thomas is a big fan now, now that he is feeling more comfortable in the water...and as long as he has floaties. And Keira is our little water baby. She hasn't shown any signs of being afraid of the big pool or the deep end with her floaties. We will try to go to the pool lots this summer.

So, Tom's party was fun, we missed Soozi's birthday earlier that week, but hopefully made up for it a bit while we stayed there. Then Mother's Day! (And my birthday) I opened my present early - a sewing machine, so now I need to learn ;) and Mike and I went to Tucanos for lunch before Vegas. I did have candles on my donuts in the morning and got sung to again at Mike's dad's, and then we celebrated again in Utah at Mom's. So, even though we had to drive back home, it turned out to be a very nice birthday/Mother's Day with everyone! Thank you to everyone!!

Mother's Day is such a special day! I absolutely LOVE being a mother!! I have the greatest kids and truly enjoy getting to be home with them as often as I do. No other job is more rewarding! It is challenging sometimes balancing getting things done and spending good quality time with them but sometimes the other things just have to wait...because like everyone says, they won't be this young forever, so take every opportunity now. Thomas and Keira are the light of my life! I try every day to be a good Mom for them, and am so grateful they keep on loving me through all the mistakes I make at parenthood.

I love the women in my life! My mom, step-mom, mom-in-laws, grandmas have all been a great influence in my life! I'm glad I got to see them either on or the day before Mother's day! I owe so much of who I am to my Mom! She is amazing! Love you, Mom! (Sorry, I only got this one picture of us last time. I definitely need more of the 2 of us)

It was so good to see everyone! There's nothing better than family!