Florida

We just spent an amazing few days in Cape Coral, Florida. It was the perfect combination of fun & relaxation!

After a morning flight we arrived at the house and spent the rest of the afternoon swimming. It took the kids 1.5 seconds to jump in after arriving. :) 

 The next morning we drove to Sanibel Island where we enjoyed the waves.  

 We had heard this was one of the best beaches to shell hunt, but we had no idea how many there would be. We loved hunting for unique and beautiful shells. 

 Selfie attempt: 7 out of 8 eyes isn't bad.

Lunch at a spot we picked at random but ended up loving: Snook Haven.

 On day two we drove to Englewood Beach, which was another great day of sand, sun & shells 

 We also explored Four Mile Cove, where we spotted almost 100 lizards running around. 

On the morning of our final day we drove to Lovers Key beach.  

 A storm rolled in, so we had to leave a bit early, but it was still an amazing day. 

It is great to be home, but we sure are missing the ocean already!

Summer is Here!

It's hard to believe we are only two weeks into summer...we have had so much fun already!

Last day of school: two happy kids!

 Froyo to celebrate.

We have decided to try a new outdoor adventure each week this summer. Our first one took us 35 minutes outside of town and made for a wonderful morning of hiking and playing in the creek.  

 Rejoice: both kids are tall enough to go down the waterslides at the pool! Last year they were so close. Some lifeguards would let them go, and some would send them on a walk of shame down the stairs. 

 Multitasking: reading and zip-lining. 

 Best date night: a full moon float at Gray's. 

We are off to a great start & feel so blessed to have summers to recharge. 

Lately

May went so quickly and I cannot believe today is the first day of summer vacation (for me...the kids are done tomorrow). Here's what we have been up to lately. 

Kate has taken to sleeping in the guest room closet whenever there is rain in the forecast (which she checks each night). She has made quite the little cozy nest in there!

 A sweet moment of the kids playing school with all their "guys". 

 Lots of my spring evenings were spent coaching track, which was lots of fun....

 ...other than sitting in the FREEZING cold rain at the Drake Relays. 

 Fortunately, our boys won the 4x100, which made it (mostly) worth it. 

 Another rainy weekend spent indoor rock climbing. 

 Snuggling my sweet nephew Nolan. 

Andrew started baseball and is loving it.  

 Smoothies with my favorite girl--she looks so old here! 

 "The best thing about having children is they can help"

-Andrew, while tiling the ground for grass seeds.

 Three of the Cavanagh cousins on Mothers Day.

 Cavanagh Crew.

 I bribed the kids with donuts to clean the basement. Best $3 I ever spent. 

 We found a mini-golf park by our house. 

 Andrew represented the kindergartners in front of the whole school and won the challenge for his class. He was super proud!

 And we were super proud of Jason for completing a 31 mile race, where he placed second. He trained really hard, and I love his dedication to his goals. The kids made a sign...Andrew's said "Are you going to do this again?" :) 

 After his race we jumped in the car and drove to Sioux City where I got more cuddle time with a sweet nephew. 

We had tired kids on the way home.

Yesterday we had a breakfast celebrating Andrew's year of kindergarten. He showed us his portfolio, 

 and was awarded the "comic relief" award. 

 And Kate got a playdate at a swimming pool with some friends. 

We had a busy and fun spring and are excited for our summer adventures to begin!