Ready, set, let's party at Wylie Rec!

Rise and Shine!  Another busy Saturday was on hand this weekend, except this time we also had a birthday party thrown into the mix at the end. 

 

We drew the early time slot and the Bees were on the field by 8am.  It was our turn to bring drinks and snacks, so we swung by the donut shop on our way to the game.  Lila and her teammates played so well and came away with another win.  Buzz on!

 

Next up, Madison's game in Wylie.  The Blue Thunder played some big girls, but held their ground and got the win.  So far, so good.

 

 

We came home, ate lunch, Cami took a nap and then we were back at PSA for Jackson's basketball game.  It was his final one of the season and the winner got 3rd place.  The Mavericks were leading the whole game, but just couldn't hold on to the lead at the end.  They lost 16-12.  Not so fun, but Jackson played hard--just look at the intensity on his face.  I love it.

 

 

Thankfully, it was his birthday party night and he was ready to just go have fun with his friends.  I had no doubt that it would bring a smile to his face. 

Jackson enjoyed seeing his old friends, like Cole...

and new ones, like Maceo.

Very soon we had a gym full of boys and they were ready to go wild!

Who wants to play some basketball?  I do!  I do!

 

We attempted to pick teams and have a scrimmage, but then they all just ran off and started playing their own games.  What evs--they were having fun, so it worked.

A few minutes later, the climbing wall opened, so the birthday boy went to check it out.  Turns out he's pretty spidey-like and got to the top after a couple tries.

Maddie Mae made it about half way up before she bailed out...

and Lila made it about 3/4 of the way up by the end. 

These kids were some rock climbing maniacs!

Meanwhile, the rest of the group was busy playing foosball with Boom...

and posing for goofy pictures for me.

This kid was loving life.

Sweet baby sister was having a ball, too, just running all over the place.  Thank goodness Gigi was there to keep track of her!

The kids played more foosball...

tried their best to ring the bell at the top of the wall...

played soccer...

and more basketball until it was time to go eat pizza.

"Did someone say cheese pizza?"

Lila and Brooklyn gave that idea a big thumbs up.

The kids chowed down and then we sang to J man. 

Sean and Maddie gobbled up their cupcakes, but J didn't get too far with his super-sized one.  I didn't remember to bring him a fork, and it was so big, all he got was frosting!

Something tells me that would have been just fine with Cooper and Brock.  Oh my word!

The party was a big success, but those crazy kids left quite a mess.  Thank goodness Cameron was on clean-up duty.

 

We finally got our picture with the birthday boy. 

Happy 9th Birthday!

Anyone ready for bed yet?  Not this kid!  We kept the fun going once we got home, and watched him open his gifts.

He got lots of great things, but this Prince Fielder button-up jersey was at the top of the list.  I think it will come in mighty handy in Surprise, AZ for spring training--the perfect gift!  And a really special night for our oldest kid. 

Happy 9th Birthday, Jackson!

Not sure how this happened, but as of yesterday at 8:25 am, this kid officially turned 9 years old!  Nine!  Only one away from 10.  Holy cow.

Everyone was awake bright and early.  Happy Birthday, Bubba!

Cami and I ran around town before making it to J's classroom by 11:30.  We bought him some much-needed new tennis shoes, picked up his custom donuts, and then picked up lunch at Country Burger.  We were so proud of ourselves by making it to school with five minutes to spare.

The birthday boy loved his special donuts and immediately put dibs on the blue #9.

Every kid in his class got a letter donut--so much more fun than a cookie or cupcake, I think.

After saying hi to all of his friends, we walked down to the cafeteria for lunch.  Burgers and fries were just right for these two.

I love it that he still really likes having me join him for lunch.  It's the first time I've done it this year, but hopefully it won't be the last.  When we were chatting at lunch, I asked him what he'd like to do after school.  His answer--play ball with some friends.  Easy enough!  I invited four kids over and they all were able to make it.

 

It was a gorgeous, 73 degree afternoon.  Perfect for some basketball!

These boys played so much!  They started out with basketball, moved on to football and then ended with soccer.  They never came inside, but they did stop for a few water breaks.

Jackson was so thankful that his buds Ethan, Tucker, Ben and CJ could hang out on his big day.  The last boy left at 6:10 and we had to scramble to get cleaned up and out the door by 6:30.  We had more plans for the night.  Next up--Gloria's!

 

All four grandparents, Madison, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Maria met us for some yummy Mexican food.  Jackson opened presents throughout the night and was smiling an awful lot.  And with good reason--he got tickets to the Dallas Sidekicks, a new big barrel bat, two pairs of shoes, baseball socks, and new Texas Rangers shirts.  We saved the big surprise for last, though, and it started with a package of sharpie's.  He looked confused, but said thank you.  Then he opened an envelope that read, "SURPRISE!  You get two tickets to Spring Training for the Texas Rangers in Surprise, AZ!" He smiled SO big, said, "sweet--that's awesome!" 

We ended the night by singing Happy Birthday to Jackson and then watching him blow out all 9 of his candles.

Then we all dove into the Texas Sheet Cake I made him earlier that day.  It was a sweet end to a very sweet day.  His birthday is very sentimental to me because it's the day I became a mommy.  God blessed us with an amazing little boy and we can't wait to see where his dreams will take him.  I believe the sky is the limit--Jackson Hays is going to change the world one day!

 

Be My Valentine?

Sunday morning with my three littlest valentines.  My true valentine bought me those gorgeous white and pink tulips and they are still beautifying our house today!

The kids loved their valentine cards from us, their grandparents, cousin and each other. 
They are surrounded by so much love!

 

This little girl simply adores her Bubba.  And he's pretty fond of her, too:)

 

 

Sweet Lila worked really hard making a special card for her brother.  It said, "I love you Jack.  You are the best.  You are cool!  I rely, rely, rely do love you." 
Priceless.

I was signed up to work in the nursery at church, so we had to hustle to get there by 9:15.  We made it and I got to love on 6 precious one-year-olds.  Jared went to Kids Town with the big kids because it is parent month, and he got to see what their church experience is all about!  After lunch, we split up and Jared took J to pick out a new bike. 

Great success!  He officially has a BIG BOY BIKE!

 

He is so stoked about this birthday gift and we hope he enjoys it for years to come.

We spent the whole day as a family and I really didn't want it any other way. 
Valentine's Day 2016 - perfection!

Spectacular Saturday

9am - The Bumblebees started off bright and early.  It was a beautiful morning and the Bees got off to a great start.

 

They played tough against a 1st graders team...

 

and came away with the win!   What a fun way to start off our outdoor season.

A fun bonus--heart-shaped donuts from Malee's mom!

Coach Dad is taking his job very seriously and doing his best to teach the girls how to properly play the game.  They have improved, for sure, and we can't wait to watch them get even better.

Next stop, Breckinridge park for Maddie's game.  Go Blue Thunder!

Madison played so well, getting a goal in the second half, and ensuring the win for her team. 
They won 2-1--Go girls!

And the fun didn't stop there, either.  After lunch, the girls headed to Frisco to cheer on the U.S. Women's National Soccer team.  Boom Pa and Jared were their dates and all said it was a very fun afternoon.

They had excellent seats in the middle of the field, and the USA won 1-0!

Meanwhile, we were not resting at home.  It was finally time for us moms to take our boys to the Monster Truck Rally at AT&T Stadium!  First stop, dinner at Pappadeaux.

I really, really enjoyed my night out with this kid.  He made his mama proud:)

After driving around forever in massive traffic, we finally found a great lot to park in that was next to the stadium.  We ran in, put in our earplugs, and were good to go. 

Go Gravedigger!  My goodness, it was LOUD!

 

There were so many characters around us and on the big screen.  Check out this maniac. 

 

Everyone was thoroughly entertained!

 

 

Those trucks got some serious air! 
It was a night to remember, for sure.