Color Run '14

The color run was awesome. Kadyn and I ran it with one of my young women and by the finish line we had stumbled upon a large group of families we know from church. It was great. The top picture below features Kadyn non colored and clean, the lower ones not so much. It was a very fun Saturday that we'll make certain to take part in again.

Sensational Swimming

Due to a kind hearted friend graciously sharing their awesome swimming pool, the kiddos have had...."the BEST summer ever, and school's not even out yet!" We've spent numerous afternoons here and the kids are lovin' the water and soakin' up the sun. Azure is still a little hesitant, but I think by the end of summer we'll have her talked into it. I love that this summer is already being remembered as "one of the best", yet school is still in until next Tues.! Makes me happy. 

Spring Recital '14

Kadyn and Haley had their violin recital last week. This particular recital was a bitter, sweet one. The girls had a great experience and Haley loved performing for a crowd. That was the sweet. The bitter was knowing that this recital would be the last one with their amazing, wonderful teacher. She, along with her cute family, will move next month and the Ballard family will be heartbroken. They have been great friends and examples to us. The girls will continue on with violin, and in Haley's positive words, "work hard to make her proud"! :)

Mother's Day '14

Blissful. That's the one word I'll use to describe being a Mom to this clan. They are amazing and make my life complete. I decided this year to surprise the kiddos with a gift from me to them. Fleece blankets covered in pictures from their lives. It was SO fun to spend a few nights scouring the computer for pictures to complete each of their individual blankets. It transported me back through twelve years of amazing memories and reminded me once again how very lucky I am to be their Mother!

Super Soccer

Indoor soccer has taken over Saturday mornings in the Ballard household, and it's been wonderful. It's so fun to see our kiddos learn and grow in something they have never tried before. Both Haley and Kadyn have had an amazing experience with their teammates, and, with strengthening their own self esteem and knowledge. It's been such a fun opportunity for them. I have a feeling when the season comes to an end in just a few shorts weeks, there may be some tears from the Ballard girls.

Kadyn's Race

It's short and sweet, but it's definitely blog worthy. Kadyn recently completed her SECOND 5K! She did awesome. She ran the entire race and beat her last time by over a minute. With help from her school coach she trained for a few months, then ran the race side by side with Dad. They had a great time and hope to run another one soon. 

Strawberry Picking '14

The berries are in full bloom here in sunny NC, so last Saturday between soccer games we ran over to Gillis Hill and started pickin'. It was great. They had a wagon drive us out to their furthest patches and let the kids go wild. It took only 30 minutes to gather three crates of strawberries to take home and enjoy. We made a dozen jars of jam, then used the rest for strawberry shortcakes and yummy smoothies. Now they're all gone and the kiddos are begging for more. We may just have to make one (or two, or three) more stops to this awesome farm.