Operation: Backyard oasis

 Most understated way to express Steve's relationship with bugs: HATE. He hates bugs. He will not sit outside more than two minutes if it's "buggy". Myself, on the other hand, will endure bugs to a normal degree just to get some fresh air and moderate time in the sun. It's been nice and cool lately but then yesterday, blast. It was 94. And the bugs have made their grand entrance and I'm pretty sure they're here to stay. At least until Septemberish. So, I needed a plan of attack. Literally. I headed to Home Depot last night and got some gear. I so wanted to make these but with canning jars but I knew I'd have to go to Walmart for those and I just didn't want to make that extra trip.
The above picture is of the supplies before I started. I found 4 cute little glass pails with metal handles made by Yankee Candle, which made making the candle holders almost too easy. Along with some tiki torches and bug citronela oil, wire, string, rice and a couple jars I already had, I set things up! I must say, we're diggin our little backyard oasis. It just makes me say awwwwww.

 And I actually got him to sit outside with me!!! Success!!

 Steve thought this picture was hilarious. Me with a lantern head.

THREE

Our girl turned 3 on April 24th. We headed to Williamsburg, Virginia that weekend to Steve's dad's house to celebrate her birthday and Easter, which fell on the same day. We, of course, had to have lunch at Chuck E Cheese the day prior and had cake and icecream too! Then the following weekend, we had a Mexican fiesta at our house with some friends and family. We had so much fun!

I can not believe I've been a mom for over 3 years now. My heart can never grow big enough to hold all the love I have for my family and my kiddos. 

Cinderella dress from Grannie and Far Far

Now that's a fun icecream truck!

Of course, she didn't want to blow out the candles

They were trick candles so they kept relighting themselves. Gave her  a chance to warm up and give it a try herself

Cake with Far Far

Rain coat and hat from Grandpa Billy

Personalized Snow White blankie from Auntie Kath

Sweet Barbie van

Favorite jammies ever

Tacos in a bag

 

Gramma and the kids waiting for the guests to arrive

Make your own sombreros

Make your own treat necklace

Party peeps

Steve's aunts Linda and Maureen, his mom Sandi and Nana

Pin the tail on the donkey

Eli bringin in down

Had to take a drink break

This poodle purse is sweet

Hugs for Greta

Running back to open more presents

Happy 3rd birthday Audrey!! I can't tell you how blessed we are to have you! You put so much color into our lives!!  Your energy is contagious! You're bright, compassionate, sensitive, goofy, imaginative and so expressive!! You're our tiny dancer, who spins and twirls and sings and is so full of life! Thank you for your kindness and gentleness to your little brother! I am so looking forward to you all growing up together! You're such an encourager and you have such a sweet heart towards others. I believe the Lord has given you the gift of compassion and you bless me and so many others with that! Thank you for being you! You make me such a proud mama! I love you Audrey Lane!