A pretty SPECTACULAR beach trip

So the first 24 hours of the trip were probably some of the best. Yes Ryan was super tired from driving all through the night, and I wasn't experiencing full energy either...haha. BUT...moments like this with our kids make being tired and crammed in a car 1000000% worth it. I kept telling them that too. "Guys, this might end up being my favorite day of the week, cause it's just the 6 of us. The kids RALLY when we are all stuck together and it's vacation time. It's just unique and special. Ryan and I got semi- depressed as we drove down here this time. Just talking about how this will NOT be our forever life. Kids grow up, can't come on vacation with us anymore, have families that may prevent this from happening forever. BIG GULP. It makes our hearts sick and so...we soak this up. We don't take one moment for granted. And we thank JESUS so incredibly much for our amazing kids and the fun/memories we have and make together. 

day 1

 day 2

Today was almost just as special. We got to check into our house around 11 am and met mom and dad at this AMAZING beach home. We were all pretty much speechless when we walked in the door. It was a perfect setup and ON THE OCEAN. Not something any of us had every experienced on a spring break trip. Absolutely incredible. The Moan crew didn't arrive until 8:30 and Kiki didn't come until around 11:30. So as excited as we were to everyone, it still was a great day (AND HOT) to be on the ocean. So so thankful. 

day 3

Griff line

Putting Griffin to bed tonight and he bumped his stuffed animal (RALPHIE) in the chest. He says "Sorry buddy...you're just filled with lots of stuffing, so it doesn't hurt. But I'm filled with lots of blood and LOTS of Abs..."

Oh Griff!!!!

First family ski trip!!!

hubby-licious and patty getaway

Winter blues and cooking

We have watched a lot of TV the last few weeks. Not our favorite...but winter days call for that. I think we make up for it when the weather turns. :) Grady comes home from preschool and pretty much CRASHES every Tuesday and Thursday. He loves to snuggle on the couch and lay low for 45-60 min before we move onto the next activity for the day. The little man is growing hard and growing tough and growing fast.

I just want to remember these canisters because I refill them multiple times a week...with flour, and oats, and sugar...and more sugar. :)

Ice skating with my babe

Grady doesn't typically just sit and read. But today he did. And this is how I found him. Amidst the questions about our different skin colors and hairs...:) He plopped himself down on his chair and read this book. Pretty much made me smile a TON.

Master Chef Junior #1!! Both girls are loving to help in the kitchen...Ellie with my cookie business (she's a gift from God)- and Emma is desiring to cook and cook up a storm. Tonight on the menu: fresh pasta (sauce made from scratch), homemade bruschetta, and salad. WIN!!

karate kid goes wild

This kid is sooooo close to his black belt. Could not be more proud of him and his persistence with this rigorous sport. Two times a week, an hour each time. He makes me so proud. Griffin--- you are black belt bound!

Snowy Lake Day

Us Snows love the lake. All of the time. Any time. The 6 of us drove up on Friday night and right before the sun went down the 3 big kids went out to "prepare" an ice skating rink for Saturday's snow and sunshine. I mean there is not much better than the sun setting on the lake...even when it's snowy and 20 degrees.

Ice cream sundaes with coats on...it takes awhile for the heat to get cranking at the lake. Soooo...we eat ice cream and color by the fire.
Ice cream is definitely a huge win for the 6 Snows. Brings us all together, that's for sure.

Kids in bed...and here I am sitting behind my mama and watching TV together. I took this picture because I treasure it. And I treasure her. I love watching random cop shows and random medical dramas. I love her, I love her skinny pop and red wine at TV time. I love her blankets and robes and glasses on the edge of her nose. I love how she loves to be cozy and wants us all here with her, together.

Ice skating rink in the works!!!

Kiki and Dave surprised us and came up for the day. Pretty much the best walk ON the lake. We typically walk alongside the lake, drive boats on it, swim in it...so it's also pretty special to walk ON it together. Kids thought it was pretty awesome.