Mother's Day

I got to spend yesterday with my three favorite peeps.  And all I really wanted was a good picture with my 3 kids.  But that simply was not in the cards for Mother's Day 2012. 

Attempt #1.  Notice that Luke was not even in this picture.  He was too busy throwing money in the fountain in the hotel lobby.

Attempt #2.  We tried another spot where he could not see the fountain and he still was not happy.

Attempt #3.  This is the best one we got.  Notice that Luke is not smiling, but at least he is not crying AND all 3 are looking at the camera.

Attempt #4.  Still no smiles from Luke.  David has lost interest.

Attempt #5.  Maybe outside will be different?  No, no it won't. 

Maybe next year.

Luke was ALL SMILES when we got to the church nursery (at Will's parents' church).

We did get an excellent picture of Will's mom with all her grandchildren.

There are a lot of really good articles about parenting on the Internet right now.  For your reading enjoyment:

Motherhood is a Calling by Rachel Jankovic

How to Miss a Childhood by Rachel Macy Stafford

Motherhood as a Mission Field by Rachel Jankovic

Don't Carpe Diem by Glennon at Momastery

Atlanta Birthday Trip

We had such a fun long weekend trip in Atlanta to celebrate Claire & David's birthday.  And I had a nice break from Luke.  (He really wears me out right now.)

We started out Friday morning at the Georgia Aquarium.  (This counted as a field trip for Claire.)  We spent about 3 hours there and it was super-crowded, but AWESOME!  I think Will and I had as much fun as the kids. 

The beluga whales.

Penguins from South Africa.  (Will has seen these animals and swam with them in their natural habitat.)

Tropical fish.

Jellyfish.

The kids in front of the giant tropical fish tank.

The shark tank.  Look at that giant ray!

We ran into the aquarium mascot.  And you know my kids are always up for a photo op with a character!  We love Deepo!

Frogs.  David made me take tons of pictures of frogs.

After the aquarium, we met up with an old high school friend who worked across the street and caught up with him while the kids played on this awesome downtown park.

Then we checked into our hotel.  And Will and the kids hit the pool.

Then we headed out to eat dinner at Chuy's where Claire ate her wait in chips & cheese dip.

Saturday morning was time to shop for birthday gifts.  Claire did all of her shopping at the American Girl Doll store.  I'll just say little Claire and Molly racked up!

We loved all the cute doll displays.  Anyone for a doll slumber party?

Or baking?

Or a piano concert?

Shopping 'til we dropped.

David did his birthday shopping at the Disney store.  We now have a full collection of the Cars 2 transformer cars.  We also purchased LOTS OF LEGOS!

We enjoyed a nice lunch at The Cheesecake Factory (no pictures).  And then ... more swimming!

After a quick photo stop in the hotel lobby ...

We headed out for dinner at Mellow Mushroom ... where the kids entertained themselves on our cell phones while we waited for yummy pizza!

And then it was back to the hotel for jumping on the bed ... a hotel favorite.

I think we will make this an annual thing!  It was way more fun than two birthday parties in the same weekend!  And probably a whole lot cheaper!

The Masters 2012

Will got a chance to go to the Masters again this year.  His good (long-time) friend Courtney called him up a week before with a last minute invite.  Will instantly said "yes!" 

This was Courtney's first trip to the hallowed grounds of golf's finest.  For the most part, I'll leave off any commentary on the photos because I don't know who everybody is!  They went on a Wednesday, which is the same day we went last year, so they got to see a practice round in the morning and watch the Par 3 tournament in the afternoon.

Rickie Fowler.

Future champion ... Bubba Watson (in white).

Tiger in green.

Will and Courtney in front of Amen Corner.

Ben Crenshaw.

Cool golf photo.

Phil Mickelson (in the navy shirt).

Bubba Watson and Aaron Baddeley.

Freddie Couples.

Mark O'Meara.