May Happenings

I have been horrible this year about posting, but better few and far between than not at all, right? The kids started swim this past month, and have really enjoyed it. I am pleased with their progress and will definately feel more comfortable at the pool this year. Noleigh has already moved up and Hiram, if we can ever shake his fear of the water, will soon.

On May 2, we looked out the window to find a little grey furball out in our yard, I had to go out and get a closer look and this was what it was, a baby possum. . . and as a friend pointed out, that means the mama is not too far away. . . glad we didn't run into her instead.

We love Grandview Nature Reserve, especially when we can enjoy it with friends, thanks Andrea and kids for joining us!

And this month I got to celebrate another birthday. Dan and the kids made me a yummy chocolate cake and spoiled me with a wonderful dinner. Thanks guys, you are good to me!

On May 14, there was a Homeschool Day at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. We really enjoyed the park and learning about eagles, seeds, and pollinators. The kids especially enjoyed the eagles nest and seeing some bugs in the pitcher plant.

Hiram was having a hard time seeing the eagle's nest, so Noleigh was pointing it out to him.

We had another birthday this month, Oreo celebrated his first year alive (which was a miracle considering he all the naughty things he has done!) The kids had wanted to bake him a cake, even after I told them he couldn't have any. . . . I think they were more excited about having a treat than they were about Oreo's birthday.

Yesterday morning we had the opportunity to join my dad in placing flags at the National Cemetary here in our area. It was a good way to start our day and our weekend. We enjoyed being out and taking a little bit of time to remember those who served in our Armed Forces. I am truly thankful for the sacrifices of our ancestors and I am grateful for opportunities to teach my children to feel gratitude as well.

Noleigh with Chuck Smith, a gentelman who is running for Congress for the November election, Good Luck!

Last night we headed to Busch Gardens, and it was just a gorgeous night to be there. I have always loved the landscaping, we found this little area, that we must have overlooked several times and found a few little surprises.

We found this little frog/tadpole, it was cool to see a young frog who still hadn't lost its tail. We had just learned about the frog's life cycle in science, so it was cool that we came across a quasi-morphed frog.

This may have been the mom or the dad?

Daddy's Homecoming and other fun things

On April 12, Dan returned from a year deployment. We were all very excited to have him home. This past year has gone by so quickly, I'm amazed at how fast time truly does go by. The kids and I stayed very busy, and before I knew it, it was time for him to be home. I am grateful to family, good friends, and neighbors who helped us out so much, helping with the yard, babysitting, keeping me company, and in so many other ways!


Easter weekend I took the kids to the Peninsula Town Center egg hunt. It was very busy, but it was a lot of fun. I was very impressed with some the props and characters they brought in for the kids. My children enjoyed the sights and the Italian Ice after!



One of the first things we did as a whole family, was go to the zoo. I had purchased passes in the fall, so it was great to go and walk around. We are in Chesapeake on Wednesday mornings, so if we have no other obligations, I like to have a picnic lunch at the park in front of the zoo and walk around. We always enjoy our time there, I'm especially looking forward to the new tiger exhibit that should open this summer.




These were just a funny knick-knack we saw at a shop. I had to laugh when I realized they were cast iron heels, to be used as a hammer- for the "Handy-woman"!