Christmas Card 2022

 

Well, folks, it appears that this blog is not well kept.

I started it years ago, and sometimes I get the urge to write something and publish it on this blog, but the fear of the first blog back not being enough of a milestone, I never commit to writing it.

Admittedly I don't expect that I will be able to keep up with it through 2023 either, but even if I purely write this for my own benefit, I want to record some of these sweet memories from 2022 & a snapshot of each of the kids at this time. The last 7 years have flown by, and I retrospectively wish I had done a Christmas card each year in this same manner, so they were all together... That fact is what brings me here today!

2022 was a year for growth! As I am putting together our annual photo book, I go through thousands of pictures that I have taken in the last year, and I am always in awe of how much the kids have grown in just one year! I love to look back at all the fun things we have done in a year, the mundane things that we find joy in, and also the ways God has shown up on our challenging days.  I pray that you have a blessed holiday and that you also can reflect on the ways God has provided, protected, and helped your grow this year.  

Let's start with the oldest two children: Dakota and Kiley. I hesitate to group them together because of course they are two independent young ladies that are blooming at their own rate, yet their paragraphs could be quite repetitive if I wrote it up separately because they share many interests and milestones. 

Dakota and Kiley turned 10 the week before Christmas! We celebrated by having a birthday bonfire on the beach with Jason’s brothers and their families that were in town for a visit. For their birthday, Jason and I signed them up for a 3 day horseback riding camp. In the beginning of the year they finished their soccer season, tried out a new sport in softball, and also participated in swim team in the summer.  One day of horseback riding was all we needed to know that they had found their “thing.” So, at least for now, they have started weekly horseback riding lessons. We really enjoy the ranch that runs the lessons and they have learned so much already! Another highlight for Dakota and Kiley was participating in Camp Paws this summer at the Humane Society. They are passionate about caring for animals, and this year that has also transferred to being passionate about caring for the environment as well. It is so fun to see their interests and passions develop as they grow and become more independent! 
They are both in 4th grade. They are in different homerooms, but they have the same two teachers.    They are very good readers and read lots of books at home. Dakota also enjoys Coding Club and Kiley participates in Quest. Both of these are activities that let them explore STEM activities. Another big milestone for them is that they have earned some independent privileges in the kitchen. Not only are they helpful to me in the kitchen, but now they also are able to cook their own eggs and put together simple recipes. 
Recently I have enjoyed watching them work in the yard as they are building their own clubhouse with scrap wood. They have designed it and are executing the plans as independently as they can! It is so much fun to have big, independent, and creative kids!

Gorgeous setting for their birthday bonfire on the beach in Gulfport.

Dakota at horseback riding

Kiley at horseback riding

Kiley (L) and Dakota (R) enjoyed continuing to volunteer at the Humane Society after Camp Paws. In fact, they have asked to use this as a reward for excellent behavior at home!

Dakota (L) & Kiley (R) at the beach for Fall Break

Fishing off the pier over Fall Break

Kiley (L) & Dakota (R) at Camp Paws

Dakota (L) & Kiley at Camp Paws

Dakota climbing trees in Pass Christian

Kiley climbing trees in Pass Christian

Dakota at Mardi Gras 2022

Kiley at Mardi Gras 2022

Kiley (L) & Dakota (R) softball ready!

Nora

Nora is in 2nd grade, and she got to loop up with her loved first grade teacher which worked out great! She was very excited to be invited to join Quest this year. She has claimed the blanket/game closet as her cozy reading nook and takes many trips to the library between her class's weekly visits to exchange the chapter books she has already finished. Nora is very social and makes friends everywhere she goes. She is involved in soccer, softball, and swim team. She would do just about any activity or sport that we would allow her to try (& she would probably excel in anything she tried!), so we have to ask her to stick to her favorite sports! I absolutely love how she has her own unique fashion sense. It is not uncommon to find her dressed to the nines and accessorized head to toe… playing softball in the backyard mud. She loves to tag along with mom or dad anywhere they go, often volunteering before she even knows where we are going. She is often first to offer help in the kitchen, pick up the baby, or with whatever project Jason is working on. At the beginning of the year, she mastered riding a bike without training wheels which has given her a lot of independence and confidence. When we were at OWA amusement park over Fall Break, she and Jason were the only ones brave enough to conquer Rollin' Thunder, the alarmingly huge and twisty rollercoaster. She was also the only Caswell to catch a fish on that trip! 2022 was definitely a year of growth for her!

Nora at Mardi Gras 2022

Caswell girls ready to PLAY at Tropic Falls (OWA!) The white structure behind the fountain is part of the roller coaster that Nora and Jason conquered!

Friends on the soccer field!

Nora as a "Cranberry" In the Thanksgiving musical. 

Nora picked the BEST BOOK OF 2022 for her book fair project, and she worked very hard. The result was impressive!

Pajama Day & Christmas party at school

Making Christmas cookies at Grandma's 

Evelyn

Evelyn started Kindergarten this year! It makes my heart swell with pride when I think about how much Evelyn has learned and grown already in just a few months since kindergarten started. She has made so many friends and made a lot of progress with her academic and independence skills. I am consistently impressed when my free spirit sits down to do her homework. Her focus is so precious. Still, she has not lost her endless imagination and spunk! She is still a spark of energy and adventure, yet also loves to snuggle up with me to read a book. She loves to climb trees and run wild and free! For Christmas Santa brough her a ninjaslack line for the backyard. It should be perfect for her to climb and jump and expend all that energy in a fun way! This summer she learned how to swim by being on swim team. She picked it up really quickly and she loved being able to participate in something her big sisters were doing too! Evelyn has the kind of sweetness in her soul that makes you believe in the magic around you. She loves all things rainbows, mermaid, glitter, and unicorn (and SWEETS!). One of my favorite memories from 2022 with Evelyn is gathering around the fire pit and listening to her "spooky" stories that she dreams up. 

Evelyn turned 5 in May

Before Evelyn started Kindergarten we spent lots of time together at the Children's Museum & around town!

Evelyn was recognized as the good citizen in her class at school. Her explanation makes me laugh every time I think of it. She told me, "They announced my name on the speaker and I went to the gym and they gave me cookies. There are good citizens, and there are bad citizens. I am a good citizen." HAHA! There are a few holes in her story, but I loved her version! 

This is one of my favorite pictures of Evelyn from 2022! The rainbow unicorn swimsuit with the fringe is SO HER! 

Tucker

Tucker is 3 years old and every bit of that. Looking back on the pictures and memories from this time last year it is hard to believe he has grown so much in just one year! His favorite things to do are play with magnatiles, chase his sisters with a shovel, and insist I read the same books over and over, or ask for something specific to eat, then insist that I did it wrong and demand something else to eat... His favorite book is "Room on the Broom" and his favorite shows from the year were Blippi the Musical (YES someone actually made a MUSICAL for blippi... and the biggest surprise is that the songs are SO CATCHY!) and Paw Patrol. One big milestone this year is moving into a big boy bed in his own room. We transformed the playroom and half bath into Tucker’s room with a full bathroom. The renovation was a headache, but we are very happy with the result! Right now, the bathroom is a guest bathroom and the girls also use it, but eventually we will make it Tucker’s own space, because as the only boy, we figured he needs a little bit of space for himself! He loves to play with his sisters (or terrorize them if they don't include him, like little brothers do!). He cracks us up when he puts on a show he calls parade. When he loves something he is eating, he hums, and it makes us all smile. When he enjoys an activity we do, he clearly states that he wants to do that again tomorrow... so he has an ongoing list of things he wants to do tomorrow. While his big sisters are at school, we usually explore parks and playgrounds in our area, go to story time at the library, or go to the Children's Museum that is close to our house. At the beginning of 2022 we also had a membership to IMMS so we frequently visited to watch the dolphin show and pet the sting rays. Now that Maggie is a bit older I can see Tucker playing with her more and he is always making her laugh with his activity! 

Tucker with Buc-ee himself on one of our stops on the way to the beach!

The beach is so fun with little ones! They love to explore, collect, build, and splash!

Tucker and Maggie at the local library story time

Tucker and Maggie joined us on a date to the local ice cream shop

Tucker and Jason enjoying the rides at OWA

Crafts  at the library story time

Tucker LOVES riding the lawn mower (blade up!) with daddy!

Maggie

Maggie just turned ONE! Oh what a blessing she has been to our family this year! When I reflect on 2022 I could cry with how much I love her and how much she has taught me this year! She has been a light to our whole family. Her siblings are her biggest cheerleaders.  It is so precious to see them cheer for her every milestone.  She has done a lot in her 12 months on earth! We have traveled to New Orleans, Memphis, Pensacola, and Orange Beach. She also got to join me when I went to New Orleans for the Picasso exhibit with my friend for my birthday in the summer. In the fall, we were grieved to hear that my cousin Dan, a St Louis Police Officer and Navy veteran died. With the help of a lot of family and friends, Maggie and I were able to make the very last-minute trip so I could attend the funeral. This meant Maggie also got to fly on an airplane and stay in a hotel for the first time. It also meant she got to meet her great grandma Dee-Dee for the first time (and eat IMO's!).
Maggie is on the verge of walking and is eating anything that is offered to her. She is happiest when she is within 6 inches of mommy, but she is beginning to venture out a bit more. She is constantly entertained by her big siblings and the dog. She is happy to tag along to all her big siblings' events and has figured out how to catch Zzz's in the car or in the wrap - basically wherever she can! She started December with 2 teeth, but in the last couple of weeks there are 2 more out and working on 2 more! I know that 2023 will be another year full of big milestones and growth for her and I am so happy that I get a front row seat for it all! 

First time in the pool and she loved it!

Picasso Exhibit was a wonderful experience!

So much fun with her big sisters!



What a difference a year makes!

Jason

Jason finished another year working for Memorial Hospital in the orthopedic clinic. We are so proud of him for all he does at work, but the really incredible thing is the way he comes home and still manages to find time and energy to take kids to practice, keep up with yardwork and house maintenance, grab a broom when necessary, and help with homework or throw a ball, and most importantly lead our family in our faith walk! People often ask me how I can “do it” with 6 kids, but the answer is, “I don’t do it alone!” It is definitely a team effort and I have a great teammate! This year he has also made time to go on a Cursillo Retreat through the diocese and make a few trips with us as a family to Memphis and New Orleans. We were also able to go on a family trip to Pensacola with my family, but we spent a lot of that time caring for sick kids. An opportunity came up for us to take a last minute trip to Orange Beach over Fall Break. We stayed in a house that was right on the bay and walking distance to the beach. Jason took the kids fishing off the dock in the evenings and we walked to the beach or enjoyed the view from the balcony in the day. We are at Lambert's on the way and played cosmic mini golf. We also went to the OWA amusement park while we were there and we had SO MUCH FUN!

Kathleen

I am still a stay-at-home mom, and I am so thankful that I get to do this for this season of my life. There are long hard days, but overall I know it is an incredible blessing that I am able to be present with the young kids during the day and pick up the big kids in the afternoon (late, usually!) I am still participating in Bible Study Fellowship for my 9th year (although I have taken some breaks in different years). Jason and I have also taken an hour of adoration at the 24/7 adoration chapel this year. I have been feeling the pull to build up a community of families and look forward to what this might look like in the new year. I still make time to paint, although it turns out having six kids takes up a lot of time, and newborns and 3 year olds don’t seem to sleep a lot, or at the same time… and when they do, I am usually too exhausted to pull out my brushes! Still, one of the most exciting things in the art department was becoming a published illustrator for a children’s book! It has been a huge learning adventure and surprisingly a lot of fun! (THANK YOU to all who supported me through this!!!) I am still consistently amazed at how God can use my art and my hands to bring Glory to Him! (Yes, even painting dogs and cats and Easter baskets can be used to His Glory!) 
I was asked to join a book club this year and I have really enjoyed that! I managed to keep track of the books I have read/listened to this year and I read 41 books in 2021. This year I am beginning the Catechism in a Year with Fr Mike Schmitz. If you did Bible in a Year in 2021 or 22, I would love to have you join me on this journey!

For 3 days the kids' ages are perfectly stairstepped! So we took a Stair Step picture on the Stair Steps!

Friends, if you have made it this far, I am surprised! That is a long update!
I want you to know that you are loved, and cared for, and that a lot can change in a year. I hope that you will take the time to think about where you want to be in a year and make steps today toward making that happen. If there is some way that I can support you or pray for you in the New Year, I invite you to reach out to me! 
I also want you to know that if you sent us a Christmas card we have already started our yearly prayer routine of praying for your family for one week in 2023. (Not too late to get on the prayer intention list! Just send us a card!)

Merry Christmas! (still 3 days left in the season!)

The Caswells

 

 

 

 

 

Nora's Baptism

Saturday, May 30 we celebrated a very special moment in our family.

We formally welcomed Nora Marie Caswell as a Daughter of God when we celebrated the sacrament of baptism.

The entire day was so special to me.
Lots of people=lots of help with the kiddos.. bonus!!!
It gave me several moments to reflect and pray.

I started the day with EARLY risers. Little ones who don't give up trying to get in our bed at night, even when they are walked back to their room 5+ times in a row.
You gotta love a two year old's perseverance!
I looked over at my two month old sleeping soundly in my room and thought to myself, "Why are the twins keeping me up? Something is wrong here!" Just joking. I thank God daily that he gave me a rare type of newborn who likes her sleep as much as her mama. Since I had the twins first, I do not take it for granted.


Then of course I couldn't get back to sleep because I was too excited for the rest of the day!! So I made breakfast for our overnight guests, started the ham for the lunch, then I got a really special treat...time with my sister Julie! We hit a couple garage sales and scored big with a $4 queen sized air mattress that works! Then we pretty much drove around laughing and drinking coffee until we had to report home to feed our respective babies. 

As everyone gathered at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, several things struck me. First, how significant it is to be standing in the church that Jason and I met at and shared mass together for 4 years through college, about to baptize our third child together. I never would have guessed that we would end up back at the same church for this season in our lives. I love watching God's plan unfold in amazing ways!
Another impressive thought was the number of people who gathered together for this day.
Father Robbie has been a friend for 12 years. He was my spiritual director and a role model to me through high school and college. He concelebrated our wedding (& Julie and Reed's!), and performed the sacrament of baptism for Dakota and Kiley, as well (& Elaina!). He traveled to Mississippi to be there, and it meant SO much to us. It sure is nice to have a family priest... and one that I consider a close friend, too!

Father Robbie & all the Caswells he has baptized...

Additionally, we were surrounded by both of my sisters, a BIL, a niece, both of my parents, Jason's brother - The Godfather, both of his parents, and a significant number of friends.

Father Robbie gave a very personal sermon. It felt like he was speaking straight to each of us. (He was!) Even Nora seemed captivated by his words. She had her eyes locked on him and even smiled at the right parts!

 I looked around the baptismal font at all the people gathered and it was hard not to get emotional.

WOW! Look at all these people who support us in our faith and our growing family. 

Look at all these people who took time out of their busy weekends to spend time with us. 

Look at all these people who traveled more than 2 hours just to be here. 

and most importantly...

Look at all these people who think that this sacrament is important enough to make these sacrifices to celebrate with us.

[Disclaimer: There were SEVERAL people who were not able to make it, but still took the time to let us know they wanted to be there and were thinking of us, especially her Godmother. All the calls/texts/emails made an impression on me, too. THANK YOU!]

After the sacrament, the mandatory pictures, a beautiful lunch reception with tons of fellowship (& Platten family's special birthday cupcakes!) we went home. At one point I was holding Nora as she fell asleep.. YES, she is the spoiled third child.
I was rocking her, soaking in the scent of Chrism.
We had some Pandora Praise & Worship music on in the background (Not uncommon- sometimes we need something calming in the background!)
It seemed like every song that came on gave me a chance to pray for this newly baptized Child of God.

For example: Matthew West, "Do Something."
He sees things all over the world that disgusts him, and he shakes his hand at God and asks, "God, why don't you do something?" God responds, "I did. I created you."

Yes, God.
You created this beautiful human and somehow entrusted her to me. I thank you for that. I beg for you to give me wisdom in parenting to bring her up in your ways. Let her be the one that "Does something." Give her courage and perseverance. May she always know that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you, God.

Please join us in covering her in prayer. Thank you for being our support in our faith and family!!

[Disclaimer: I had similar thoughts at the twins' baptism, but I had no time or energy to record it. This weekend gave me an incredible opportunity to refresh my own promises I made at their baptism, too. I certainly need a reminder of the massive responsibility. So I spent this day focusing on Nora, but of course I feel this and pray this for all of my beautiful gifts from God.]

Dayenu!

She is here!

Our precious gift from God is here.
Nora took her first breath on March 5. My overwhelming love for her came instantaneously. We are so incredibly blessed.

This is a very personal post that I felt compelled to share.

While I labored the night before I sat up reading a fascinating book called "Sitting at the Feet of the Rabbi Jesus" by Ann Spangler & Lois Tverberg. I am learning so much about our Lord and prayer through this book. One thing that really struck me was the traditional Passover song Dayenu (or Dayeinu). The word means "enough for us." As the book states, the idea is that if God would have stopped at any one, his people would have been completely satisfied. Here is a sample of the prayer/song:

If He had rescued us from Egypt, but not punished the Egyptians, it would have been enough! (Dayenu)

If he had punished the egyptians, but not defeated their gods, it would have been enough...

If he had given us the Sabbath, but not led us to Mount Sinai, it would have been enough...

If he has led us to Mount Sinai, but not given us the Torah, it would have been enough...

If he had given us the Torah, but not brought us into the Land of Israel, it would have been enough...

How much more, then, are we to be grateful to God for all of these good things which he has indeed done for all of us!! 

 The book challenged me to write my own stanzas considering God's blessings in my own life.
This was a perfect time to focus all my prayers and energy on the blessings that God had given to me.
Here is some of what I meditated on:

If He had given me Jason, but not blessed us with children, it would have been enough...
If He had given us one healthy baby, but not healthy twins, it would have been enough...
If He had given us healthy twins, but not provided us with the incredible support to help us, it would have been enough...
If He had given us two healthy daughters, but not given us an opportunity to have more children, it would have been enough...
If He had given us this pregnancy, but not given us exceptional doctors and nurses, it would have been enough...
If He had given us exceptional doctors and nurses, but not a perfectly beautiful healthy baby girl, it would have been enough...
If He had given us a perfect baby girl, but my recovery was complicated, it would have been enough...

How much more, then, are we to be grateful to God for all of these good things which has indeed done for Jason and me! 

It was especially meaningful for me as I was praying this prayer because I had not yet seen that I had a perfectly healthy girl & a typical delivery/recovery. I was putting my trust in God, telling him that what I had been given was already enough. God blessed me in that moment and brought me peace in my moments of anxiety, pain, uncertainty, and anticipation.

I hope that this inspires you to come up with your own stanzas for this prayer to thank God for all the blessings you have, and to put your full trust in him for the future. I hope that this prayer helps you come to a place that whatever God offers you, it will be enough.

Christmas Card 2014

Happy New Year!

Why yes, I did intend to send out a Christmas card, and as usual, it turned into a New Year's card. Which  turned into... why don't I just post on my blog. (Oh, you still have a blog? Yeah-it's been that long). 

2014 was a great year for the Caswell's! 

We settled into our new home in Columbus, MS. Jason started his career with Columbus Orthopedic. He works with a spine surgeon in surgery and sees his own patients in clinic. He has learned so much in the last year and really enjoys the challenging work he is doing. After transferring his membership to the local Knights of Columbus he has been given lots of opportunities to stay busy and get involved. His favorite part of the day (and mine!) is coming home to two excited little girls who love climbing all over him and demanding bites of his snacks! In October Jason went to Orlando for a PA conference. We tagged along and had a blast playing in the pool while Daddy was in meetings, then going to the parks in the evening. One of the best parts of his new job is that it puts us close to Mississippi State. We have enjoyed baseball, basketball, and soccer games, campus tours and outdoor activities, plus all the holiday festivals put on by the university. Of course the highlight for all of us in the MSU family was seeing our football team have the season of a lifetime. (YES I had to mention it.)

With a membership at a gym that offers childcare, I have found a new interest in fitness! Strangely, regardless of how frequently I go to the gym, I seem to be gaining weight, specifically in the belly. Hopefully that will change in March, when we expect to welcome our new baby, Nora Marie, into our family. I have been staying busy by getting involved at church through bible studies. I also recently started selling some of my artwork. It has been so fun for me to fill orders! I pray for the customer as I create and ship each piece. I pray it brings joy and happiness to the home, and glory to God. If you want to see what I have been working on, you can look up my page on facebook.com/KCaswellco.

Dakota and Kiley have grown up so much in the last year. They are talking so much and getting into everything. They certainly have that twin bond that I've always heard about. They are fully potty trained and sleeping (more or less) in a big girl bed! They are ready to be big sisters, although they are pretty sure that my belly button is named Nora. They love kissing the baby bump and blowing bubbles on it. Playing outside and getting the mail are some of their favorite things to do with daddy. Although they do just about everything together, they definitely have different preferences. Even if there are two identical objects, they each know which one belongs to them. They are so fun to watch as they grow. I am sure they will be big helpers when Nora gets here. 

2015 promises to be a big year for the Caswells. We love having guests, so please let us know if you are in the area. We would love to see you! 

I hope you all had a merry Christmas. We are so fortunate to have you in our lives! 

Love, 

Jason, Kathleen, Dakota, and Kiley Caswell

P.S.
I will pretend like I planned  to do this all along so I wouldn't have to narrow down the pictures too much for a Christmas card. Enjoy the pictures (in reverse chronological order) and check out our youtube channels for some hilarious videos! 

Pictures from Christmas mass

Finally fell asleep in the toddler bed... after pulling everything out of every drawer. 

Memphis zoo

Twin love!

Pumpkin Patch 2014

We love Mickey!

Hail State!

This would have been one of our Christmas Card pictures. 

Celebrating 3 years married! :)

This is from when we were in the newspaper in Columbus

We were blessed to go to the beach with the whole Caswell crew in May!

Then we were able to go with the whole Platten crew later in the summer!

Enjoying a spring day on the campus of MSU!

Twins' first Mardi Gras! 

First Week of School Thoughts

SUMMER IS ENDING.
All of my fellow teacher friends are beginning their new school year, with a new group of kiddos, curriculum, expectations, and evaluations. Although I totally envy the excitement of greeting my kiddos on the first day and preparing just for them, and the eagerness to know what progress they will make this school year, I am at peace about sitting this new school year out.

IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE.
Being a Stay-At-Home-Mom is not for everyone. I honestly didn't know if it would be for me. Now that I have adjusted to my "new normal" I know that for this season in my life, this is my vocation from God.
I am so blessed to have a husband who considers it a priority for me to stay home with the kids- and for a husband who considers me a worthy child care provider and homemaker.

THINKING OF YOU.
For those starting back- especially the working moms, I want you to know that I am thinking of you. I am praying for you as you drop off your own kids at school or day care. I know first hand that you literally have two full time jobs. I admire the work you do... and I also know first hand that you are not just working 7:00-3:00, then coming home and relaxing. You put your heart and soul and mind into your classroom and your students, then you come home and put your heart and soul and mind into your own children. (And yet, there always seems to be more to do in both areas.)
Good luck this school year. I hope you find PEACE and JOY each day when you wake up and go to work & when you come home, knowing that you are fulfilling God's plan for you-at least for this season in your life.



Did I mention I miss the smell of my school? :) Never thought I would say that.

Spring and Summer 2014

Greetings!
This spring has been FULL! Our little ones have been keeping us busy!
In April we went to New Orleans for a good friend's wedding. While we were there we were diligent about spending time with Jason's family that lives there, specifically his maternal grandparents. D & K are Jason's grandparents' FAVORITE (only) great grandchildren. They both love to watch them play, and grandpa won't stop singing and dancing and entertaining them. The girls love it! The girls sit so nicely in their laps and just relish the attention. This weekend in particular was special because it was Jason's grandmother's last weekend on Earth. I am sure that she would not have wanted to spend it any other way. Everyone was devastated to have to say good bye, but no one can deny that her life was long, full of love and life, and that she left an impressive legacy.

Another devastating blow came a week later when we received the news that Jason's paternal grandmother died. Again, we were extremely saddened, but she was another woman who left a legacy of love and family. We had the opportunity to see her a lot around the holidays, making memories that we will cherish forever. Again, Mamaw loved to see the twins and always made a fuss to make sure they were taken care of.

So a huge benefit of moving back to the GTR (Golden Triangle Region) Area is getting a chance to reconnect with old friends! This spring the girls and I got to spend many afternoons with some friends of mine from college. We were able to celebrate with them as they graduated from Mississippi State Veterinary School. YES! I have super smart friends.

Me with Dr. Samantha Vitale, Dr. Caitlin Allori, and Dr. (to be) Stefanie Vamenta

This is Honey and one of her favorite kids....
and Samantha and me on the Drill Field

In May, we were visited by my Aunt Lou. We enjoyed a tour of Mississippi State campus, an afternoon of doing nothing but playing with the kiddos, and some good healthy cookin'! It is so nice having her in town. She and Carol are the easiest guests to host.

For Memorial Day, ALL the Caswells went to Santa Rosa Beach for the long weekend. We had a blast! I was SO relieved that the girls loved the sand, and warmed up to the water by the second day. Especially since they (especially D) hate getting their hands dirty.

The next weekend Jason went above and beyond to make my 25th birthday really special. The highlights were a REAL date with my handsome husband, a sweet after church brunch including the girls, and when the girls brought me birthday cake oreos in bed.

Then I got to go to on a girl's weekend trip to Panama City Beach. We had so much fun and so much girl time! I missed the twins, but nothing beat the welcome home I got. I can't say they didn't love having Gigi there to spoil them, though. :)

Lauren Tucci- The bride!

For Father's Day weekend we spent the afternoons outside. The girls surprised Jason with a container of rocks that they collected by themselves at the park.

The girls love "helping" :)

Daddy's little sunshine

We got into the newspaper! 

I also got to attend my friend's wedding in Memphis while my parents spoiled watched  the girls. 

Our summer is off to a great start...I can't wait to see what July has in store for us!