The Nevins

Memorial Day Weekend - Part 2

2014-07-07T12:48:00.003-05:00

May 23, 2014 (continued)

After the zoo we went back home, met Shawn, packed and headed to the cabin. We arrived around 5 PM and Shawn mowed the lawn (with Aidan's help!) and Lauren and I unpacked and got the cabin ready.

Daddy's helper!

After Shawn was done with the lawn, we were starving so went to the local restaurant, The Junction for dinner.

My boys at The Junction

We were ready for dinner!

The next day we got up in the morning and packed everything up to head out for a day on the water at Mark Twain Lake. We first stopped at the The Hootenany for breakfast. Talk about a small town diner! They were short handed, so the cook was also our server! Breakfast was good though!

After we ate breakfast, we drove down to the marina. Once there, we unloaded the car, took everything down to the marina, loaded everything on the boat, and then….the battery didn't work! Oh the joys of owning a boat! So we unloaded everything from the boat, loaded it back in the car and headed back to the cabin - packed up the cabin and headed home!

Once we got home, me and the kids decided we weren't going to waste the day, so we went to the neighborhood pool.

New shark raft

Lauren's new raft that she picket out. The water was so cold, I can't believe they swam as long as they did!

Lauren went to sit in one of the lounger chairs and fell right through!

And monkey see, monkey do!

Despite the boat fiasco, it was a great weekend!

First Day of Summer Break!

2014-06-29T19:04:00.001-05:00

Friday, May 23, 2014

For our first day of summer, the kids decided they wanted to head to the St. Louis Zoo.

We hadn't been to the zoo in awhile, so we were all super excited!

This year is the 250th birthday for the city of St. Louis. As a part of the celebration, there are cakes hidden all over the city. We found our first cake!

After we renewed our membership, we went to the sea lion exhibit. We really love this one - there's a tunnel you walk through and the sea lions swim all around you - it is really neat!

The kids saw one of the zookeepers using a penny to get the attentions of the sea lions, so they both asked me for a penny. They put it up to the glass and the sea lions would follow it. This one sea lion just loved following Aidan's penny. It was so cute!

We spent a lot of time with the Sea Lions!

A quick drink and snack break. This is Aidan's first of two Dippin' Dots on the day!

On the carousel! Lauren thought it was hilarious that the name of her animal was the "Wild Ass."

It was like freedom to say "ass" all day!

Having fun making pressed pennies!

After we left the zoo, we found two more cakes!

One in Turtle Park - with Aidan's stuffed snake souvenir from the zoo!

And one in Dogtown. They were excited to find this one because of the Irish theme -

they knew daddy would like it!

And that was just the first part of our day! Next post will have the rest of our day!

End of the School Year

2014-06-03T23:13:00.003-05:00

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The last day of school!

How can it be that we have already completed another school year????

It's field day, so no uniforms today!

And one of my favorite things to do is the side-by-side, first vs. last day of school photo.

It always amazes me how much they've grown.

I didn't think Lauren's would look much different, but she's definitely matured.

I can't even believe how much Aidan's matured this year.

He looks so much older!

They had a half day and I picked them up. Waiting at home was an early birthday gift from Mama Judy, Papa Renny, Aunt Alisa and Uncle Dan.

We are all super excited about many upcoming Nevins family b-ball games!

That night one of our friends kids school was having a food truck night,

so we went up there to check it out.

Lauren and I had Russo's and Aidan and Shawn had BBQ.

Both kids found the snow cone truck!!!

It was a gorgeous night out!

Enjoying her toasted ravioli!

Someone is ready to go home!

Today was a great start to our summer!

Water Balloons!

2014-05-30T22:32:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Aidan got a water balloon kit as one of his graduation gifts, so after school tonight the kids immediately wanted to play with it! They had lots of fun and are ready for summer!

Kindergarten Graduation

2014-05-30T17:36:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

I don't know how it is possible that I am writing a post about Aidan's Kindergarten graduation…where has the time gone????

Such a handsome little boy. He wanted to wear his tuxedo (suit) for graduation - so cute!

Cool little dude!

The processional in!

Part of their graduation is getting their first Bible from the congregation. Here Pastor Mizel presented Aidan, Bryce and Kieryn with theirs.

Song 1 - Fill My Cup

Son 2 - Kindergarten!

Getting his diploma!

Thank you for everyone that came out to see him graduate!

Papa Ken

Papa Renny & Mama Judy

Uncle Joe

Mommy & Daddy

Aunt Anne & Uncle Jerry

Cousins! Hayden, Aidan, Lauren & Maddy

Aidan and his adorable teachers, Mrs. Birk and Mrs. Milberg - seriously, could they be any cuter?

When he grows up he wants to be a football player.

After graduation he decided he wanted to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner! We love you Aidan and are so proud of you!!!

Girl Scout Bridging

2014-05-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

Monday, May 19, 2014

Still trying to get caught up on blogging - we've been doing too much lately! On Monday, May 19, Lauren bridged from Brownies to Junior Girl Scouts. Proud of you Lauren!

Walking over the bridge!

The other girls in her troop that made the bridging ceremony - Erika & Katelin. Mia, Lexi and Layla were unable to attend.

Such a cutie!

Check out Aidan in the right side of the picture. I didn't realize he did that until I downloaded the pictures - little stinker. His first official photo bomb!

Brother & Sister!

Mexican Dominoes!

2014-05-30T16:47:00.000-05:00

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Today Shawn and I went to look at some new cars for me. We looked at the Toyota 4Runner (like I currently have) and the GMC Acadia. The Acadia dealer let us take the car home for the weekend - so I'm sure I'll end up liking that one! Good move Acadia dealer, good move!

After looking at cars, we had the Hills over for dinner and mojitos. We ended the night with many, many rounds of Mexican Dominoes. It was so fun to play a game that the whole family could play.

Their game faces are on!

What a fun, fun night!

Flat Tire

2014-05-30T16:33:00.002-05:00

Sunday, May 18, 2014

We started the day off at church and then had to go straight to Aidan's baseball game. We had snacks this week (which I had ready), but needed to go get drinks. So we dropped Shawn and Aidan off at the ballpark and then Lauren and I ran to Wal-Mart for juice boxes. As soon as we get out of the car at Wal-Mart, Lauren notices that we have a flat tire…in the car we are borrowing from the dealer. Great.

So after taking forever to figure out what I was going to do, we finally call AAA and they come out and change the flat. By that time, Aidan's game was over and we completely missed snacks. Oh, and even better….I didn't have drinks, just snacks, so I never even needed to go to Wal-Mart in the first place - argh!

Thank you AAA man!

Violin Recital

2014-05-27T19:16:00.001-05:00

Friday, May 16, 2014

Today I was off for the Kindergarten field trip to the park, but it ended up getting cancelled because of all the rain we've had lately - the teacher thought it would just be too muddy. So I ended up still taking the day off and getting some things done for our kitchen project. I went to the tile store and narrowed down what I like and also to the paint store to pick out the cabinet paint colors.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day, so me and Parker took a nice, long walk.

I was able to pick the kids up from school as well, which they just love and I do too. It's funny how something so little is special for a working mom.

That night we went to Lauren's violin recital. She did awesome! We were all so proud of her! Here are some videos of the performance.

After the performance with her flowers from Mama and Papa!

After the violin recital, Lauren wanted to go out to dinner, so we went to Red Robin. Aidan immediately said "I want the onion ring tower!" Lauren, however, decided she wanted McDonald's (which the rest of us did not want), so she took McDonald's to Red Robin - to each their own!

Aidan with the onion ring tower!

Me and my girl!

My boys!

School Picnic

2014-05-23T08:27:00.000-05:00

May 15, 2014

Tonight was the end of year school picnic. It ended up being too cold to have it outside, so we had to have it inside the gym.

The kids loved the Kona Ice Truck!

Shawn made up a game that a bunch of the kids played with him. I think Shawn had just as much fun as the kids!

Love these two! The end of the school year is almost here!

Snorkeling in the Tub!

2014-05-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

What, you don't use a snorkel and goggles when you take a bath???

Silly kiddos!

Mother's Day

2014-05-18T22:19:00.000-05:00

Sunday, May 11, 2014

I have to start my post by wishing a Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mom and my awesome mother-in-law Jane. We truly don't know where we'd be in our lives without the two of you. You are our rocks and we couldn't ask for better "mama's" for our kiddos - we love you!!!!

So we started our morning with my sweet kiddos bringing me gifts in bed. Lauren wrote a wonderful story about me being her hero - I will seriously treasure that forever. Aidan made me a beautiful card at school too and he picked me out a card from the store. They also got me a pretty new robe and PJ's - love it! After church we went to a little coffee house in Cottleville I've been wanting to try, VB's Chocolate Bar. I had a fantastic brown sugar latte and Shawn and the kids split a black cherry soda.

Waiting for his black cherry soda. He was supposed to have a baseball game, but it ended up getting canceled because the field were too wet.

Check out the cute hand-drawn sign at VB's Chocolate Bar - I think we'll have to come back and try some of their yummy sounding ice cream!

For breakfast we stayed in Cottleville and went to Bemo's for brunch. It was so good - you should have seen all the food Aidan ate!

Ah, holding hands - these moments don't happen often anymore, so I have to appreciate them when they do (and capture them on camera!)

We then went over to Shawn's mom's house for the rest of the day. Unfortunately I ended up getting a horrible migraine and only got to stay about 30 minutes before I had to go home and sleep the rest of the day :( Not really the way I wanted to spend the rest of the day, but Shawn and the kids were able to spend a lot of time that day at Jane's house.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!

An Early Mother's Day

2014-05-12T20:59:00.002-05:00

Saturday, May 10, 2014

First thing this morning I took both the kids to get their hair cut. We go to Dana at Salon de Christe and we think she does a great job. She's so good with the kids.

Here they are sporting their new do's!

Next we met Mama Judy at our house and gave her her early

Mother's Day present - scrapbooking goodies!

Here are the kids with Mama - we love you!

Next Aidan and Shawn headed to Aidan's football game and me, Lauren and my mom went out for a girls day. We started at the Meadows and went to Charming Charlie's where I found two cute new scarves and a couple of necklaces and Lauren got new hair ties. Then we went to Old Navy where Lauren got several adorable new outfits. Next we went to Max & Erma's for an outdoor lunch.

It was absolutely gorgeous out - us girls had such a lovely time!

Next up was Home Goods to look for lamps for my mom's house - no luck there this time. Then we finished our day with manis and pedis. We had such an awesome day!

That night, I really just wanted to stay in, but was outvoted by the family. Everyone wanted to go to Olive Garden, so off we went.

Me and my favorite little guy!

My loves!

Love this little guy!

Next up was our first ice cream of the summer from Fritz's.

Everyone enjoying their ice cream on this gorgeous night. We even brought Parker a

doggie cone home!

This really was a great day. I loved getting to spend so much time with my mom because we don't get to hang out like that often enough. It was a wonder early Mother's Day!

Favorites Day, Granite & Orthodontist

2014-05-12T20:45:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Today was teacher's favorite things day. The kids each wore their teacher's favorite colors - Lauren wore purple and Aidan wore blue. They also brought in their teacher's favorite things. Lauren brought Mrs. Chrismer Dr. Pepper and a Butterfinger and Aidan brought his teachers sodas and bags of white cheddar popcorn.

I took a half day today and went to the granite place to pick out our granite for our kitchen remodel that is starting in a couple of weeks. Here are a few examples of what I'm thinking I like.

Then I went to pick up Lauren for her first orthodontist appointment. We went to Dr. Bauer at Bauer Orthodontics and she just loved them there. They are so very kid friendly and made Lauren feel so comfortable. We probably won't need to do braces until she's 11 or 12, but they already start seeing the kids now to make sure there isn't anything they need to already address.

Shawn got invited by his friend Tony to Rams Park for a draft day preview party.

I took Aidan to his baseball practice and was able to walk while he practiced. Lauren and I also enjoyed the beautiful night by reading our books while practice finished up.

2014-05-10T07:08:00.000-05:00

Monday, May 5, 2014

I had the day off today to get some much needed things done around the house - laundry mainly!

I picked the kids up from school and it was hot enough out that they were able to run through the sprinklers.

Trying out their new goggles!

Silly boy - he said he was working on his tan!

After dinner, Shawn went to help out at Chevy's for Cinco de Mayo and me and the kids headed up to school for the PFG meeting. One of the teachers was there and grabbed the kids to come to her classroom. They got to watch 4 baby chicks hatch - they thought that was pretty neat!

One of the four baby chicks that the kids got to see hatch!

2014-05-09T20:24:00.001-05:00

Sunday, May 4, 2014

We started the day Sunday with Aidan's baseball game. It was gorgeous out, so I walked the levee trail while the kids warmed up. Chesterfield was having their annual air show that day, so we saw lots of planes and helicopters flying overhead.
The kids already decided that next year they are going to that air show!

It's a beautiful morning for a ballgame!

Here's my little slugger at bat. Notice the new helmet? Shawn got it for him after his first home run! This at bat he got a triple!

One of the moms brought eye black for the kids - Aidan thought that was really cool!

My two sweeties in the car after the game!

After the baseball game everyone was hungry, so we hit the Cracker Barrel for some yummy breakfast.

Playing checkers outside at Cracker Barrel while waiting for our table.

That afternoon we had a Girl Scout event at the Painted Pot.
Aidan got to attend too, so he was excited.

Aidan with his Ninja Turtle painting.

Lauren with her horsey painting.

After painting, Lauren and I went to Home Goods to find some pillows for the deck and then we went off to Aidan's football game. Shawn had a softball game with some guys from church and me and the kids did the grocery shopping. Then we went home for dinner and to

finish the deck, then bath and bed!

Lauren found the perfect spot to relax at Home Goods!

At the grocery store.

I finished the deck late in the night, so the picture is kind of dark. I just love how it turned out. Now I just need to add some plants and flowers.

We're trying out foam rollers tonight!

Garage Sale!

2014-05-05T17:01:00.001-05:00

Friday, May 2, 2014

Today I left work around 1 to go home and set up for our neighborhood garage sale. The kids were so excited to do a garage sale. They decided to use the money they earn as their summer fun money. Mama, Papa and Aunt Anne also came over to help with the sale.

Lauren making a chalk garage sale sign on the driveway.

The kids had a snack and drink bar set up and had a lot of customers!

They both found roller blades at a neighbors sale - not sure what I was thinking letting them get those!

Saturday, May 3, 2014

We started our morning out with the garage sale, day 2! Mama, Papa and Aunt Anne all came over to help again. The kids ended up making $340 - they were so excited!

That afternoon Lauren's friend Mia had a painting birthday party. She of course picked a horse to paint!

Lauren and Mia!

After the party we had a quick stop at Michael's. Here's she's reading her first Teen Beat magazine!

While we were at the birthday party, Aidan and Shawn went to lunch with Mr. James and Evan at Chevy's and then to the batting cages to hit balls.

That afternoon Kelly and the kids came over to make a special canvas for Mother's Day for Mama Jane.

That evening, the kids went over to the Hill's house for a few hours and I started putting together an outdoor couch for our back deck. What a jam packed day!

Sweet Home Alabama!

2014-04-30T11:55:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Today was a fairly calm day for us. We had Sylvan tutoring tonight and then we went to pick up Lauren's Girl Scout troop's incentives from their cookie sales. The kids also decided they want to sell some things in the neighborhood garage sale this weekend so they started putting things together to sell!

Here they are in the basement getting their items together.

They also put together their list for race for education donations.

Donation packets coming to a mailbox near you soon!

We ended our night with a family sing along to "Sweet Home Alabama"…yep, that's how we roll!

Mud and Blood

2014-04-29T09:55:00.001-05:00

April 28, 2014

Nothing like starting the day with a dog that got under the deck and wouldn't come out! He was a huge ball of mud! There are bunnies living under the deck and he will do anything to get to them (including digging holes, tearing off lattice, moving flower pots that we thought would block the opening - you get the picture)!

I was dressed for work, so there was no way I was touching him. Luckily Shawn fetched him out from under the deck and was able to give him a bath that morning.

The only good thing about working for a sports team and having them leave the playoffs early, is that you get a few days where you can leave work a bit early. Today was one of them, so the kids were super excited when I showed up at school to pick them up early.

Yeah! Mommy picked us up early today!

We went home and the kids were able to play outside. They were practicing baseball/softball, when in they came yelling that Lauren was bleeding. Yep, Aidan was pitching to her and she got hit in the nose with the ball. I was so proud of her though, no tears or anything. She just cleaned it up.

After this photo her nose stopped bleeding and she told me, "mom, I'm ok, I'm a tough girl, I'm going back out and playing." Ha - love it!

This would be my nutty husband cutting onions for dinner. He claims the goggles don't make his eyes tear up - makes me laugh. He made an awesome shrimp and crawfish etouffee. Seriously, so good - I love having a hubby that can cook!

Touchdowns!

2014-04-27T22:39:00.001-05:00

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Today was another busy day! We started by going to church, then it was home for a walk for me. It was so beautiful out this morning, but storms are supposed to be on the way for tonight.

Aidan had two football games today. Here he is with his coach waiting to go back in to the game. In the first game he had 2 touchdowns, several tackles and an extra point conversion.

Here is his first touchdown!

And his second one!

Lauren entertaining herself - look at those long legs!

They won game one, but ended up losing game two. Lauren and I left the game and went grocery shopping. When we got back home, Lauren was so sweet. She goes to him, "come here buddy, I need a hug." When he came over and hugged her she goes "Great job today buddy, do you know how proud I am of you?" And then she says, "And you know how much Jesus loves you right?" Oh my heart - such a sweet, special moment.

The kids had fun playing some street hockey with the neighbors.

The kids playing Minecraft on their iPads - they are having so much fun playing this app together.

Poor Parker. There is a bunny outside the window that is completely tormenting him. He wanted outside so badly! Silly doggie!

We had storms tonight, so I ended up with three extra guests in my bed tonight!

And our weekend ended with an unfortunate Blues loss, which means they've been eliminated from the playoffs. So, my summer starts way too early - better luck next year I guess.

Fundraisers, Baseball and Trivia Oh My!

2014-04-27T22:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Today was a crazy, busy day! Shawn started the day at a golf tournament and I got up and worked up downstairs.

Still in his Blues jersey from last night!

He's practicing TJ Oshie's move from last night's game!

After working out, we went to Sylvan for tutoring and then to a friend's fundraiser. Here's Lauren and her friend Mia.

Me and my sweet girl!

Next stop…Aidan's baseball game.

Here he is getting a hit! He also got an inside the park home run. He ran so fast around the bases he almost passed the kid on the base in front of him!

Aidan's cheering section in the stands!

After baseball, we hurried home and got ready to go to the St. Mary Magdelen trivia night with Joe and Kelly. Morgan watched the kids and we all had a great night!

Dancing the Blues

2014-04-27T21:35:00.001-05:00

Friday, April 25, 2014

Tonight is the father daughter dance at school. Unfortunately I have to work tonight, so won't be home to help Lauren get ready. She really wanted her hair curled for the dance, so I agreed to curl it in the morning, but I sure hope it holds until the evening!

Unfortunately, the curls did not stay for the evening's dance. Luckily Shawn thought on his feet and took Lauren over to our good friend Carrie's house. She's a hairdresser and did a great job fixing Lauren's hair so cute!

Meanwhile that evening, I got to spend it with this sweet guy!

My mom and dad picked him up from school that day and brought him down to the hockey game. We all got to watch the game together from a suite.

Here he is with mama and papa!

Watching the game with papa!

Such my silly, sweet boy.

Nothing better than chicken tenders, Sprite and hockey!

He told me that he was praying for the Blues to win…me too buddy, me too!

Unfortunately the outcome was a loss for the Blues, but I had such a special night with my little guy. He was tuckered out on the way home! Thanks for an awesome night!

What a Day

2012-07-03T23:50:00.001-05:00

All I can say is wow what a day. My amazing new COO at work was so kind as to let everyone leave today at noon. It was so kind and the extra time off was so needed!

I was thrilled to pick the kids up early and they were so excited that they got to leave early. We headed to the library where we checked out about a bazzillion books - let's hope we get them back on time or that will be one big fine!

We had some dinner and then headed to the pool. It was so pretty tonight. It was hot but it felt awesome when you were in the water.

We came home around 7:30 for baths and when Aidan was finished with his bath he managed to hit his mouth on our bed when he was picking up his robe. He immediately started crying and was bleeding pretty bad. So yep, up to the ER we went. He ended up getting 2 stitches on the outside and 3 on the inside. His teeth went right through his lip. I must say though that he truly is such a brave boy. He laid there so good for the doctor. The doctor and nurses couldn't even believe it! About halfway through I had to sit down because I almost passed out and sweet little Aidan laid there as brave as can be! I'm so proud of you buddy!

Father's Day

2012-06-18T21:49:00.000-05:00

I hope all the dads out there had a wonderful Father's Day! We took my dad to brunch in the morning, the kids had tennis lessons at noon and then we went to celebrate with Shawn's dad for dinner. The kids got Shawn a portable speaker system he wanted and a subscription to Runner's World magazine, but they also made him a couple of special things I wanted to share.

"I love Dad. You are the greatest Dad ever. I love you to pieces.

You are just great. You are my best Dad ever. My heart is full of love to you Dad."

Is that not just too cute? They love their Daddy so much and I'm pretty fond of him too! Thanks for being a great Dad honey - we love you so much!

This week

2012-06-12T20:41:00.001-05:00

Last Sunday was the kids first tennis lesson. Shawn took them, so sorry, but no pictures. They both had a great time and Lauren even won one of the competitions. While the kids were doing tennis I got the honor of going with my sister and mom to look at wedding dressed for my sister. We had so much fun and she looked stunning and absolutely beautiful in every dress she tried on!

After tennis, Shawn took the kids to visit their cousins, so they had lots of fun. Then that night Lauren lost another tooth! I hope everyone had a great weekend!