Happy 7th Birthday Mason!

Seven years ago Mason made a very challenging entrance to the  world as our #3.  There is something special about this little guy; when you look at him, you feel love, his face is still so innocent and we all just adore him. While he’s growing up so fast, we hope he keeps that wit, deep thinking and sweetness about him. We love you!  

Yesterday, Mason wanted to go to The Science Center, so we did!  Alecea and the girls joined us for a day full of big bubbles, gears, gadgets, and an iMax production called Tiny Giants in 3D. We all had a great day!  He insisted on a breakfast supper, so mommy made pancakes, bacon and sausage. He also wanted a cookie cake but Kroger was all out of birthday ones.  So, Go Cats it was!  He now has a total of 4 new games for his new DS and got two more PlayStation games yesterday. He’s in a happy place!  

Christmas #3: The Bewleys

After a grand opening Christmas morning, we headed to Etown around noon for the Bewley family Christmas. Santa made one final stop on his way back to the North Pole. A wonderful celebration with family. 

Christmas Day Morning

Christmas morning 2017 was one full of happiness, surprise and laughter. It was so humbling to watch our babies sit in awe by the blessings Santa brought this season. An iPhone 8, new tv and Nintendo 3ds were all big hits. We thank God for another year of health and happiness. We continue to pray for many more to come.

 

Sam the Elf’s Shenanigans

Our elf has been especially active this season and Mason is still asking, three days after Christmas, if Sam a coming back.  This has been his top year of utter enjoyment for sure. Love this boy so...

Christmas Eve

We always enjoy the Kidd Family Christmas beginning at 10:30 am with brunch. The house is getting more and more packed with love thanks to the addition of Jake this year. All the babies are so sweet and very laid back.  I didn’t get as many pictures of all the kiddos I wanted, but that was due to all the fun! Our babies had a wonderful day with Mason posing by his box of goods and the girls especially showing off their new Ugg boots. So blessed!  Following the festivities, we headed to Radcliff with Annie, Ryan, Claire and Malcolm to see Papaw Steve and Peggi. We enjoyed a brief visit then headed back to Mamaw and Papaws to meet Daddy after a long day of work. It was a busy, yet fun, day. 

Christmas with the Hawkins’ Side

We were excited to celebrate Christmas with The Hawkins’ (and Santa) on the 17th. It’s always a great time with family, and delicious food. The first of Four Family Christmases. Here we go!

Happy Early 13th Raelee (with friends)

Raelee didn’t request to do much this milestone birthday, but ice skating and Pitch Perfect 3 were two she couldn’t resist. While she’s never been ice skating, it seemed like a good idea. Eventually, she did catch on. We headed over to Iceland around 6:00 and skated until 9:00, with her friends Abby, Leila and Carley. Emma joined us for the evening sleepover and the movie the next day. The girls had a great time. Can’t believe this girl is almost a teenager!

A New Tradition

We are so incredibly blessed with our health, supportive family and the food we eat. There are so many in our community much less fortunate and we decided it was time to teach the kids to give back. Mason was able to see his Scouting for Food experience come full circle at the local food pantry in Mt Washington. The kids and I prepared food boxes, the girls bagged hygiene items and we even unboxed donations and sorted them in preparation for delivery. The kids were amazed by the line people waiting for food. I am so proud of them and look forward to doing this more often as a reminder to not take our blessings for granted. 

Raelee’s New Teen Room

Raelee loves a rustic, shabby, chic look and boy did mommy and daddy deliver on this one!  Daddy spent many weeks collecting pallets and mommy painted the walls her requested light teal color. Raelee is thrilled with the results and we were able to get it all done during a crazy, hectic time of year; just in time before her friends’ birthday party and sleepover!  Mamaw really outdid herself with pillows and blankets like we’ve never seen. A true one of a kind beautiful bedroom. 

Happy 16 Years to Us!

Dinner at Lola’s!  Yummy, intimate and cool. Cheers to us!

Tiger Scout Christmas Party 2017

Merry Christmas to the sweet boys Mason calls friends...his Tigers. He enjoys being a part of this group of kids, so much. Friday night was their Christmas party and Santa dropped by for a visit. 

Mason’s Last Basketball Game of 2017

Mason has truly enjoyed playing basketball this season. He works hard, goes after the ball and blocks the opponent. He’ll be signing up for the winter league for sure!  His last game, he made his first goal of the season on a free throw shot. Way to go buddy!  

Making the Team

Raelee has an unbelievable spirit. She works hard, is a team player and offers so much more than just a spot on the team...she bring spirit. This year, unfortunately, she was not chosen for the MWMS volleyball team. We were shocked. There’s nothing like seeing your babies hurt. However, her resilience the days that followed is what we love most about her. Middle school is tough, yet despite this challenge and disappointment, she still managed to come out with making the most of those first few days back to school and realizing that she has so much more to offer. We look forward to seeing what God has in store for her. 💗

‘Tis the Season for Sam

Mason loves our elf, Sam. He’s the first thing he looks for every morning when he wakes up once he arrives every year on December 1st. This is a shot I just couldn’t resist. We love how great of a reader he’s become, but mostly just how amazing of a kid he is.  This picture captures both...reading to his pal, Sam. ♥️

Collins Family Christmas 2017

While this year didn’t quite go as planned, everyone had a great time catching up and spending time with those that matter most. We sure did miss Aunt Annie, Uncle Ryan, Malcolm and Claire though.  They had caught a rough case of the stomach virus, with Ann having to change the location to our house last minute in fear of someone getting sick.  Appetizers and dessert made for a simple, yet enjoyable, little holiday evening. Merry Christmas indeed. 

1st Grade Winter Festival for Mason

Mason has lost all fear of the stage and seems to really enjoy performing in front of others. He really concentrates and works hard to give his absolute best. So proud of this little guy. He’s growing up so fast!

Mason Our Ball Player

Mason is enjoying basketball more than any sport he’s ever played. He hustles up and down the court, is aggressive but also a team player. We look forward to what he becomes with more practice and experience. 

Let’s also add...he’s #1 in the super cute department, despite wearing #11. 

Thanksgiving & Grand Opening

Thanksgiving came and went with our typical busyness the season brings and of course a little Black Friday shopping with Mom. The kids stayed with Papaw as we left out Thursday evening. 

This year, however, was even more eventful due to Aaron’s opening of Flywheel Brewery. The weekend was a huge success and like a high school reunion, I might add. While this was an adults only evening, the kids were able to see the bar complete. We’re so proud of his hard work and innovation. Way to go Uncle Aaron!  

Happy 60th Mamaw!

As a mom you tend to put your kids first. That’s to be expected but on a special day like your 60th birthday you deserve to be pampered and surprised by your own girls!  We started at Board and Brush and ended our time together at Porcinni’s. We hope it’s a memory she’ll cherish always!  

School Day FUN!

The girls crack me up how they don’t care what they look like as long as they’re having fun. Two weeks ago was spirit week at MWMS. One day was “nerd” day and they rocked it out. In the meantime, Mason had career day where he dressed as a teacher. Love these guys!