More lake fun!

The twins recently got a weekend to themselves with Nana and Papa at the lake. Here's a little glimpse of their life in Hawkins. Videos courtesy of Nana...

I think that says it all! Life at the lake is GOOD!

Mason's 1st Camping Trip

A few weeks ago, Mason took a road trip to Arkansas for his 1st camping excursion with his Nana & Papa. Packing his suitcase was a challenge as he wanted to take tons of gear. He "required"me to include- his army vest, army hat, flashlight, pistol, knife, various belts, tools and special snacks (just to name a few). It was too funny but I gladly obliged because he was just so excited.

They cooked on the grill (inside the tent due to the weather), went on several hikes, explored, met the Park Ranger and just had a great time! He cant wait to go again!

A few videos courtesy of Nana below--- my Mom cracks me up....

Happy Mother's Day

Being a Mom is hard, really, really hard. It takes patience beyond normal human measure as far as I am concerned. Only after having kids of my own did I ever really appreciate the enormity of this job. Am I making the right decisions? Did I handle that correctly? Should I be doing flashcards and listing to classical music in the car??? Well, maybe (but I'm not- for the record).

My Mom (Saint Nana) is beyond wonderful- loves my boys as much as I do and spends as much time with them as she can. She always has some sort of adventure planned for the kids like road trips, museums, camping, hikes, fishing and much more. She is beyond fantastic in the Nana department and we are so blessed to have her in our lives! Growing up, I have so many fond memories with my Mom (yellow Volvo, Disney, sunglasses at night, Ding How, Scrivener's, Enchanted Rock- just to name a few for you Mother) and now its such a joy to see her doing it all over again with her grand babies. Mom- I love you beyond words and I love how you love my babies! And for the record- Brady's new thing is to say "he wants his Nana"almost every time hes in trouble.

My Nana & Poppy- married 70 years. She is the Mother of 2 boys and the Queen of the Sikkel family!

And then these little turkeys- Mason made me a Momma and then came Logan and Brady who made me a proud Momma of 3 gorgeous little boys. I feel so blessed to be covered in their kisses every day. My boys are ornery, hilarious, fearless, sensitive and more than anything THE LOVES OF MY LIFE! I have no idea how we got so lucky- but I did and cant imagine our life any other way!

Pretty typical- everyone going in different directions and I'm just along for the ride (of my life)!!

Happy Mothers Day to all the fabulous Mommies out there!

Life at the Lake

My amazing Mom (we call her Saint Nana) complied a few videos of the boys while they spent some time with her at the lake last week. She took Mas by himself for a few days and then traded him in for the twins. GREAT break for me and as you can see- they had a blast and LOVE life at the lake- it's truly a little boy haven! You really need to watch all of the videos in succession to see how they spend their days. (They are all only a few seconds each but so precious and my Mom is just such a RIOT!)

My boys adore "their 2nd home" and I am so thankful to have this blessing in our chaotic lives!

P.S.- Could my Mother be any cuter??? I think not...

Had to include this pic from their latest trip with Pirate Mason to Louisiana during Mardi Gras.

A Lifetime of Love

Can you imagine being married for 70 years? Pretty amazing! My Grandparents just celebrated this milestone anniversary and we threw a party in their honor. Our family traveled to Kansas (where it was very cold) so we could all be together for the festivities. Guests at the party ranged in age from 2-90 (haha) and included 4 generations of Sikkel's. Pretty spectacular!

The happy couple of 70 years

Their amazing cake

The decorations of course had to include their amazing heritage. Wooden clogs from Holland and the most gorgeous tulips ever! (Great job, Dad & Cindy!)

This is how we party!

The boys and I made a tree using all of their hand prints and included a special poem for Nana & Poppy. Resembles "The Roots" of our family. Lots of gifts and cards were opened that night and at the end, my Poppy announced that he too, had a special something for his bride. He presented her with a beautiful diamond ring. I think she called him a stinker and reminded him that they "weren't doing gifts" for each other. Yeah, right.

The Sikkel Crew (minus us, who at this point in the evening had to get our very tired kiddos home.) Did I mention that on this evening, Mason spiked a 103 fever???

Queen Nana & her boys!

And yet another attempt at a Cobbs family picture... Ho-hum...

Brady climbing up my Nana's walker... All of the boys did this several times and thought it was oh so fun...

Mason and Cousin Erin. He loves her ENDLESSLY. Their very special relationship is sweet beyond sweet.

My brother and I with his bride to be- Jen. ADORE HER and cant wait to officially make her part of our family this June. (Although she very much already is.)

The King & Queen with the Prince and Princess! (Uncle Mark & Auntie Ria)

Mason and I with "Unca Unca"

This was a very special occasion for all of us. I'm so thankful for my wonderful family and even more thankful for my Grandparents who have shown all of us the power of commitment. They are 2 of the most genuine people and I am so honored to belong to them!

Happy 70th Anniversary Nana & Poppy!

Mason's Summer Vacation

Mason's Nana & Papa took him on an amazing summer vacation this year. My sweet Mom says that this has been "her dream" and was more excited than anyone (I think). Being that Mom and John lived in Colorado for 11 years, she knew all of the PERFECT kid friendly destinations and planned this trip with activities for Mason every day. I LOVE Colorado in the summer, snow capped mountains, a cool breeze and gorgeous scenery. But alas, someone had to stay home and tend to the babes. So off Mason went with his Nana & Papa to explore the Rockies. Here is a quick recap from their week long get-a-way...

*Warning* LOTS OF PICS!

7 a.m and ready to head to DFW

On a train ride thru the mountains. Mason got to meet the Conductor and was very excited about that. Lots of elk sightings on this leg of the trip.

Pooped after a long day... (so sweet)

Boom Days- Leadville, Co.

Boom Days is a Colorado Mountain Festival and celebration of the ol' west (perfect for my lil' cowboy!) Complete with Burro races, gunslingers, gold miners and a Parade. He had a blast getting his face painted (requested a T-Rex), panning for gold, buying Indian souvenirs and jumping in the Pirate bounce house.

He brought home the gold he found! (For his Momma, of course!)

Keystone, Co

Next up was a trip to Keystone for more fun. A chair lift ride, hiking, the super slide down the mountain and gorgeous snow caps everywhere!

Mason with his Nana & Papa (cute overload)

He calls this "The Bad Bull...." I can see why...

Don't worry, while he was gone, these 2 kept me PLENTY busy!