Getting outside and Riding Horses

I know I didn't post much after our move to Ohio and during the winter months. That was mostly because I wasn't sure I needed to report that we sat inside most of the winter and hibernated. We moved to a new place and had started making some friends and I had some playdates, but our calendar was pretty clear and we did the same thing every day. Needless to say, we are so thankful for the warmer weather so we can get outside and start exploring Ohio. Moving to a new place provides opportunity for new adventures. 

So we have been getting outside more and yesterday was one of the most exciting days for Payton since we moved here because she finally got to ride a horse. We have new friends Josh and Shala that were in our Life Group and when we first met Shala this winter, Payton learned that Shala used to show horses when she was younger and her parents still had horses. Shala has 2 little boys and she told Payton she would love to take a little girl out on her horse Mack. Payton has really loved the idea of horses for a few years and we looked into lessons that but they were really pricey and we weren't sure about spending that much money on something we weren't even sure if she would like.  She was elated that yesterday she finally got to ride Mack. All the kids enjoyed him.

We have also been exploring different parks, fishing at friends homes, and taking walks and getting rewarded by cops for wearing helmets.

Presley thinks she needs her shirt off right now when the boys have their shirts off.

 

Payton has 4 days of school left then we head to Florida for our Wiens family beach vacation. We are so excited for summer. We have a lot of fun trips planned and we love being outside!

Birthdays

In the last month we have celebrated Colton's 4th and Payton's 6th birthdays. Since as Payton so pointedly told Colton that he doesn't have any friends in Ohio yet we opted for family celebrations this year. Both kids got breakfast out on their birthday alone with mom and dad. We had talked up going to Scene 75 (an amazing indoor entertainment center) for his birthday. We really talked it up since we weren't doing a party. The night of Colton's birthday we pulled into Scene 75 only to find out it was closed. We couldn't believe it! If we hadn't been talking about it all week it might not have been that big of deal . Thankfully he was a good sport and we ended up over at Sam's and got cupcakes. Just this past week we finally made it back to Scene 75 to celebrate both kids and they had a blast. We had our friends the Boots join us for the celebration. Payton also got to ride the saddle at Texas Roadhouse for her birthday. We were in Anderson for the day visiting with Uncle Benny and Papa and Gigi.

Kindergarten

Payton started Kindergarten last Thursday. She goes to the half day morning class. She really enjoys it. We are all getting used to having to be out the door early every morning. Preschool started much later and was only 3 days, so the whole family is adjusting to our morning routine. She has a couple friends in her class that she already knew and I know she will thrive in school. Here are pictures from sneak peak and first day.

Larry and Kathy watched the little 2 so we could go to sneak peak and focus on Payton

Papa got her a new bling bling shirt for Kindergarten

Colton and his buddies dropping off their sisters first day of school. Colton was the only kid without a shirt, gym shorts and cowboy boots. That is how we roll :)

Steve and I celebrate our kids growing and moving into different stages. There was a part of me that thought, it just got real, that our kids are growing up. Steve shed a tear as he says I am the head and he is the heart. I am so thankful for his heart!

Father/Daughter Dance

Last weekend was the event that Payton talks about ALL year long, the Father/Daughter Dance. The ladies hosting it really went above and beyond this year with a castle/princess theme. The even have 5 "real" princess there. Payton seriously talks about the dance all year long. This year Payton still got daddy to herself for dinner and most of the dance. I worked the dance so Presley was there for some of it, but Payton enjoyed the last year alone. Colton went to his favorite friend E-mans house and wrestled the night away.

Colton's night

Years past

2013

2012

2011

Payton is 5!

Today our oldest turned 5!

We love watching her mature and grow into a beautiful girl, inside and out. 

She is a little mother to her siblings and super responsible (1st born syndrome).

Friday night she invited 5 girls over in their PJ's and we had pizza, popcorn and all the girls favorite candy. They watched The Little Mermaid. It was so simple and low-key but the girls who came just loved it. I think the idea of getting dropped off at a party that is at night (they all left by 8pm) seemed like they were big girls. It was girls only so Steve and Colton left after the pizza. 

Camping out on the floor for the movie

Today was her actual birthday and we did our traditional waffles and whip cream for breakfast then she chose Chick-fil-a for dinner and we had ice cream with friends afterwards.

Trent and Colton spinning some coins

The McNeil Clan

Larry and Kathy who are some of our "local" grandparents

Jessica and Trent (our youth pastor and wife)

There is so much sweetness in this face!

Presley was done, the girl likes to go to bed early like her momma!