This morning, for the first time in months, Sam came running into my bedroom in his footed fleece pajamas and climbed under the covers to snuggle me.  He curled up his knees into my stomach, grabbed my face and kissed it, all the while telling me how much he loved me.  Did I sleep well?  How was I feeling this morning?

We used to start all our mornings like this.  It was such a sweet and wonderful surprise to have him stop for a few minutes in his crazy, busy life to love on me.  He usually runs straight to the bathroom to interrogate Cody on everything he is doing, and ignores me.  Not today.  Today I got all the attention... it was awesome.  I wanted to freeze time.  We were 20 minutes late to school and I don't care one bit.

He is growing so tall, and he will start Kindergarten in the fall.  He can write his name and recognizes dozens of sight words.  He loves to swim and plays soccer like he is never going to run out of batteries. He is sweet with his sister, and wants to be an astronaut or "animal doctor" when he gets to be older than a teenager.  His latest favorite is anything Muppet.

I can't wait to spend the summer with him.  He is so much fun to be around.  I am really proud of him.  And honored that I was blessed to be his Momma. 

Easter weekend

Before I post anything about our Easter, here is Sam at the Life and Science Museum in Raleigh.  He loved that place and loves this picture.  He asked me to put it up special.  I thought that was pretty cute that he wanted to have some input on our family blog.  Maybe next year, when he gets a few more computer skills and spelling proficiency he can do some "guest" posts.

Easter weekend was not to busy, but just busy enough.  We went to a few egg hunts, played in the yard and generally just hung around the house.  Cody is working on tearing down a few fences, and the kids and I are really enjoying not having any agenda.  The Easter bunny was really good to the kids, they had tons of eggs to seek and find.  I will be throwing out a lot of candy.  Their baskets had some goodies, but mostly just outdoor toys to enjoy this spring and summer.

The whole family went to church on Sunday morning and then we had brunch at the club.  They had an Easter bunny and egg hunt there as well.  I will never have to buy another plastic egg again...

A picture with all the loot!

One of many unsuccessful dressed up pics

Creepy bunny and Sam

 Annarose really, really got into the egg hunting!  She was very serious about the whole business.

Sammy found a frog!

Sam and Cody found a froggy.  They had a good time holding and talking about him.  Sam was beside himself with pure boy joy.  Our land is covered with all kinds of critters, and frogs are abundant.  You can here them croaking all through the early morning and at dusk.  It's pretty cool.

We had Grandma out from Arizona for a few weeks.  She lucked out and got the most beautiful March on record.  The weather here has been incredible all month, the temperature barely dipped below 70.  The kids had so much fun getting to know her again, it has been way to long since her last visit.  The trip out did her good too, I think.

We spent a good amount of time chilling on the porch talking and playing.  And, she was so kind to paint my ugly dog ribbon bathroom.  It looks amazing!!!  I am so excited about it.  Our first project on the house is finally completed.

Sammy and her planted some sunflowers, carrots and radishes.  I can't wait to see if they do well!  I've never had space for sunflowers, but I have always wanted some.  

The kids miss her already and have been asking about her.  Annarose just stands by the back porch door and calls for her.  So sweet.

Celebrating Grandma's birthday with Gummy Bear Cupcakes

At the zoo!

Grandma and Sammy hanging out on the porch making silly movies with each other.