This past week our oldest son turned 8. As quickly as that time seems to have flown, it is frightening to me to realize in just as little time, he’ll be waving goodbye as he backs a car out of the driveway. AACK! In the midst of this busy stage of life, I want to take time to reflect on who he is now at this stage, so I can cherish and savor it for years to come.

Some people like the feeling of sand beneath their toes. I must say I do enjoy the squish of wet sand beneath my feet as the waves lap at my ankles. My children, however, have a whole different kind of love of sand. One which truly baffles my mind. EVERY SINGLE TIME we visit our community beach, it’s the same routine. We drop our stuff in the sand and they make a mad dash for the water, they splash and play and swim and then, inevitably, they decide it’s time to hit the sand.

Round these parts the_ current _ show which they all can agree on when they are given the chance to pick something is Woody Woodpecker. What’s at the top of your queue these days?

Spring break was FABULOUS! Oh my, what a treat to have an entire 6 days off of school. It was like a foretaste of summer vacation, (which for this homeschooling family is just around the corner). But before we get back to the books tomorrow, thought I’d share a few of our favorite memories from the week. We crafted… We made memories with friends (he had SOO much fun seeing the farm animals at the park with his friends)

It’s been really neat to watch the bond between my oldest and youngest. Our baby was the answer to his older brothers prayers, as he longed to have a little brother. I’ll never forget the look of pure joy when he found out he finally had a baby brother. I know he can’t wait for the day when they can truly play together, but for now it is so neat to see the love between them blossom.

March was a rough month at the circus. Scott had some deadlines at work which meant he worked a lot of overtime. This happens with his work and we’ve all learned to roll with it, but that doesn’t mean that the long days don’t eventually start to take their toll. On all of us Which is why it’s been so great the last 2 weeks having Scott around more often. Last Monday he left work at 2 to go to DC with us, on Friday he got home at 5:30 (to which my oldest son asked, “Dad did you take vacation time to get home this early?

I told the kids I made them brownies for dessert tonight.  They were a little disappointed to discover the brown E’s I made for them. April Fools!

Countless “winter” afternoons were spent sporting flip flops, eating picnic lunches outside, soaking in the warmth of the sun’s rays. And I loved every minute of it, while also inwardly fearing a return of cold weather. I so hate that time of year when you have to keep both warm and cold weather clothes in your drawers because you never know what the weather will do. I love it when you can confidently box up last seasons clothes and fully embrace the new season.

She pretty much whips me at this every Monday and Wednesday… and I wouldn’t trade the sweet memories we’re making for anything in the world.

I really wanted to take the kids in to DC this spring to see the Cherry Blossoms. It’s not something we do every year, in fact, I think I’ve been only a handful of times in the 27 years I’ve lived in Maryland. But, this year, I thought it’d be fun to go and was thinking we might even have a free weekend during their peak blooms. But, thanks to the warm winter we had, they peaked early and there was NO chance of going during their peak week as it just didn’t fit with our schedules.