Memorial Day 2012

Memorial Day with my family is always fun and this year was no exception!  We swam, ate a low country boil, talked up a storm, watched the guys shoot off rockets (and then search for them) and just enjoyed every one's company! 

Emersyn's first time in the pool

Braden aka the water bug

Cannonball!

Emy and Grrr....they love each other!

Parker preferred to smirk at  watch everyone from comfort of the steps

Hunter's first family get together

Granny- I wanna be like her when I grow up!

Ready for Kindergarten!

Oh no!  Say it ain't so!  My first born baby is heading to kindergarten!  We are so proud of all that Braden has accomplished in his years at HH Preschool and we are looking forward to all he will achieve in Kindergarten.  But I am not sure that I am ready for him to be this big already.  It seems like only yesterday that Brad and I were taking him to his first day of preschool loaded down with his new train back pack and lots of kisses from us.  He walked in that classroom the first day and never looked back at us- he was much more ready for that new chapter than we were and I am certain that he will be again when we drop him off on his first day of Kindergarten.  Braden Wright, I am so very proud of who you are and who you are growing to be!

Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day weekend was just the way I like it...low key and relaxing.  Saturday we went with my parents and Brad's mom to Stone Mountain to have a picnic and watch the Laser Show.  The weather was perfect (until Laser Show time).  We had sub sandwiches, fried chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, and fruit salad at the children's playground.  It is an awesome playground that is totally shaded so even on a hot day it is not so bad.  The boys LOVED it and Parker found a steep slide that he would not stay off of...he went down the slide on his belly, upside down, any way he could! 

 After our picnic and letting the boys play, we headed to the huge lawn for the laser show.  We hadn't been since Braden was Emersyn's age, so I was excited about going back, especially to see how Braden and Parker liked the lights and the fireworks.  We set up on the lawn and let the boys kick their soccer balls they brought.  Braden met a new friend instantly...no shocker there and we watched them kick the ball back and forth.  Parker and Braden got so excited when the train came rolling down the track and Brad and my dad kept monitoring the weather.  About 45 minutes and a small rain shower before the show was to begin we decided that it would not be fun to get caught with three kids and all their gear in the bigger thunderstorm that was headed our way, so we packed up and headed home.  It was a good idea since it was already past the kids bedtime and they all passed out when we got in the car and the rain came in as we were pulling in the driveway!

Sunday morning Brad and Braden woke me up to give me my favorite flowers, a card made by Braden and a new pair of TOMS.  We met my parents at church and Emersyn was actually quiet through most of the service!  We headed home and got the kiddos down for naps and then I went ALL BY MYSELF to get a mani/pedi.  And the best part of my day was eating Tokyo in our own kitchen with my precious babies and my wonderful husband.  Low key and spent with the people I love the most!

Art Night

A few weeks ago the boys had Art Show night at their school.  We have been going every year since Braden has been at the school, but this was our first Art Show where Parker was showcased too!  It is a fun night to view their art work, meet with teachers and other parents and enjoy snacks!

"The Crooked House"

"Hickory Dickory Dock"  made from a capri sun box

"The Season Train"



"Name Art"

Easter 2012

We had a super busy, but super fun Easter weekend. The kids and I were exhausted from getting in late Friday night from Mississippi, but we were exciting about heading to Grandpa and Grandma's house to celebrate with the whole Hoffman clan. We had a great time eating lunch, hunting for eggs and just hanging out!

Daddy and his girl

serious about hunting

excited about getting LOTS of eggs

Easter morning Braden awoke super early. We got Parker and Emersyn up and headed downstairs to see what the Easter Bunny left. After Easter bunny fun, we got dressed and went to church to praise God for our RISEN savior!

After church we headed home to lay Parker and Emersyn down for a very short nap and then headed to my aunt and uncle's house to celebrate Easter with my family. My parents weren't able to make it since they were spending Easter with Chad and Erica and sweet little baby Walker. We had so MUCH fun and so MUCH awesome food!

He was content to stop and eat his candy while everyone else continued hunting for eggs!

God Is Good!

This past year and a half has been a roller coaster of emotions- disappointment, joy, fear, contentment, and excitement. Brad got a new job at SpringLeaf Financial in Covington, which is a HUGE answer to prayer and it means that after LOTS of prayer and A WHOLE LOT of FAITH, I am quitting my job to stay home with my kiddos. There will be LOTS of coupon clipping in my future and sacrifices to consumerism, but Brad and I both feel that God placed a desire on each of hearts for me to be at home with the children. I am so excited to have the opportunity to raise my own babies and spend more time with them each day than I do with other people's children. I do love my job and a part me feels sad about leaving my school, my class, my para and colleagues, but I can't imagine regretting my "new" job for even a second!

The New Bosses

Walker Eil

Walker Eli Peden made his debut Thursday, April 5, 2012, 13 days early and on his Daddy's birthday! Erica and Chad are so excited and they are going to be the best parents!