fast and slow.

The last 2 months have been so incredibly busy we sometimes forget what day it is or where we need to be every night. Because, we literally have had to be somewhere every single night. I've mastered quick, simply dinners and the kids have been so flexible with changes in bedtime routines and late night sports practices. But, this week it all wrapped up and our schedules are quickly slowing down...thank goodness!

On top of a busy sports season this spring we've continued to check big house projects off our list. The latest project? New windows!! I'm so happy with how they look. It was a very expensive project but well worth the money and so needed. The original aluminum windows just weren't cutting it anymore.

 Matt worked from home all week so he could be around to assist the installers, when needed. This meant I not only needed to be away from the house so he could work quietly, but window installers had equipment everywhere and it was definitely not kid friendly! So, I had to get creative. Day 1 of installation? Donuts!  Because...why not?!?

 We then headed over to one of our favorite local bookstores for awhile. Simon apparently loved the puppy books

 And since we hadn't read enough that day we went to the library too...although this time Simon had enough and really needed a nap. Yep, right in the middle of the library on a random chair - poor guy. He would have slept a lot longer but I had to wake him to go check out our big pile of books.

We survived the week and are now enjoying new, beautiful windows. (and a new rug for my late Mother's Day present!)

 We had a special morning last week to slow down and celebrate Carter's half birthday. I love to celebrate these days because as a kid, half birthdays are super important. And he has a December birthday which is often a bit crazy. And, well, I think it's fun! Homemade strawberry waffles for breakfast and a new book as a little gift - Happy 7.5 years Carter!

 Carter has been a reading machine lately. He literally reads at least 1-2 chapter books every.single.day. We can't get enough books for him! I absolutely love watching him devour a book and really get into a complete series. He's at such a fun age and will read anywhere he can. At the soccer field. With his brother and even just laying on the floor. He's amazing!

 Simon's birthday is around the corner and he is SO 2! Oh goodness....love this kid despite him driving me crazy at least 16 hours a day.

 Another reason our schedule is slowing down? Lucy wrapped up preschool this week! It's incredible to think back on how much she's grown over the past 2 years. She started preschool excited but very shy, nervous and a bit timid. And now? Oh goodness, she is so social, outgoing, a leader and such a good friend. She has grown so much and I can't wait to see how much she loves kindergarten. I still can't believe my baby girl will be going to school next year.

 Her amazing teachers! Best news though - Simon gets to start next year, one day a week...woohoo!

 Both kids had their final spring sports games this week too. I'm so proud of Carter and his flag football team, the Thunderhawks. They never won a game but that never slowed them down. They hustled, ran hard, worked well together and learned so much. Carter really loved football and can't wait to play again next year.

 Lucy's team, the Elephant Goalies, had their final game too! They won all but 1 game (not that we were keeping score!) and had so much fun. Matt coached both Carter and Lucy's teams (hello busy!) but really loved it and has already told their teammates he'd be willing to do it again next year! Lucy's team was full of so many great kids. I'm really going to miss this routine and seeing all of our friends.

 So, our busy season is wrapping up and now I'm planning for fun summer activities. Only 2 weeks left for Carter and then he'll finally be done with school. Can't wait for summer break!