101st Indy 500

After lots of ugly forecasts for race weekend, the weather was perfect for the 500.  We decided to bike to the track with IndyCog this year.  The ride started at City Market downtown, then hundreds rode together with a police escort to Daredevil Brewery in Speedway.  It took around 40 minutes to get there and was so enjoyable.  It was definitely better than walking or driving!  Craig and Tessa joined us, too.  We had great seats, beautiful mid to upper 70 degree weather and watched another exciting race.  So glad we could do it again!

Hanging out at City Market waiting for the ride to begin.

Tessa and Craig

Brad took this during the ride.

Two Blackhawk helicopters landed in the infield before the race to deliver the green and checkered flags.  Instead of getting back in the helicopters, the army men clipped on and were carried to the outside of the track.  We were right next to the golf course where they landed.

Tessa snuck over and got this pic of a few of them.

We ran into Jen and Dayna on our way to our seats!

Ready for the start!

Our view of the backstretch.

Turn 3

Another Year In The Books!

Today is Alivia's last day of 3rd grade and Drew's last day of 1st grade.  Both kids have had exceptional years and we've been blessed with wonderful teachers and friends.  I will admit that I've never been so ready for their summer break.  I don't know if it's the busy schedules or the fact that I just look forward to us all being home, but Brad and I have both been looking forward to it.  We're planning a road trip for Brad's Father's Day gift and tons of softball and baseball games.  I'm so thankful our work schedules give us so much family time.  We can't wait! 

Last day of the 2016-2017 school year.

First day of the 2016-2017 school year.  My how they've grown!

Red Nose Day

Thanks to Grandma Karen, the kids were all prepared for Red Nose Day (an effort to end child poverty).  Karen is an easy target for charities - she found these on her way out of Walgreens the other day.  While these two have no idea how good they've got it, it was a nice opportunity to talk about the less fortunate.  We feel truly blessed!

Math T-Races

Alivia was selected to represent her 3rd grade class in the t-races today.  We were so proud of her for working hard to be chosen.  Her excitement was obvious as she couldn't stop smiling.  In a school of almost 600 students, she was one of 30 competing.   Way to go, Alivia!

MAC Room Picnic

Drew's class had a picnic last evening to celebrate a great school year.  Several families joined the teachers at Lions Park for lots of fun.  Drew has loved the MAC (multi-age classroom) room!  We've loved the teachers, too.

Lots of MAC room kids and a few siblings thrown in the mix, too.

Regan and Alivia

Mother's Day at the Ballpark

It was a busy Mother's Day weekend!  We had five games between the kids (4 for Drew and 1 for Alivia), a wedding on Saturday evening and visits with Aunt Leslie, Mamaw, Nanny and Papaw.  I absolutely love the opportunity to raise these two kids.  I'm feeling especially blessed, loved and honored that I was chosen to be their mom.  It's no easy task, but the most rewarding work I'll ever do.  They each brought home handmade crafts from school this week that I will cherish for years (see pics below).  We went to church this morning and out to lunch at Olive Garden before heading to the games.  Happy Mother's Day!

They even cooperated for a picture before church.

This sweet girl asked if she could dress like me today. ;)  Twins with Alivia this morning...

...and Drew and I were twins this afternoon!

Playing pitcher's helper.

Taking a knee while checking out an injured player.

Alivia had a great game!  Here she is at 1st base.

She went 3 for 3 at the plate and had 3 RBIs!

Her first try at pitching.  She did so well!

Alivia's sweet note.  I had to laugh that she thinks I'm really good at cooking.  I don't think heating up Kraft mac and cheese is considered cooking!

Drew's gift...

"She is as tall as a door." LOL!  He said "I didn't know what to put for that one!" :)

We LOVE to play games and yes, I'm always happy when he cleans his room.  But evidently I need to remember to set out the clothes in the morning.  Too cute!