Mommy's Birthday and More

It was another bright birthday for me filled with color and love!

My sweet husband ordered a cake for the kids to "color" for me. They each had an outlined stick figure of themselves that they got to color along with butterflies, hearts and flowers. They were off in another room working on it and doing their best to keep it a surprise from me until it was time for the grand reveal. But Hayden couldn't help herself and had to give me a little hint of what they were working on: "We're doing SOMETHING for SOMETHING!"

Keith also surprised me with having some of our neighbors over to celebrate and enjoy the large cake with. The weather was perfect!

And the kids were delighted to have friends over and eat cake. I found out later that Madison and Hayden even finished some of their leftover slices when they headed off to play. Those little sneaks!

On my actual birthday Keith and the kids gifted me with a great cake decorating set. I see some fancy cakes in their futures!

Then we ate out as a family out on a breezy patio.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

The kids were tickled that I rode home in the backseat with them.

And they even serenaded me with the Happy Birthday song! (Play video below)

Cousin Addison also had her 5th birthday party and the kids had a blast celebrating with her. While they used to prefer face painting on their arms or hands, they now like the full-face creations. Spiderman, have you seen Payson around here?

Hayden chose the rainbow unicorn. Not surprisingly her smile turned to tears when it was time to wash it off that evening. She had plans to lay on her back all night so it wouldn't smear on her pillow.

Madison chose a princess design in her favorite color: purple!

Also this month we hosted a brunch for our sweet friends Jen and Taylor and their adorable daughter Joey. What. A. Doll!

And, in typical Melker fashion, we hosted a spring cookie decorating playdate with my church's MOPS group. More sprinkles, please!

Payson and Ryan... best buds...

...ultimate rivals! Sooners vs. Longhorns - train 'em young!

Madison has napped in my closet for years now (yes, there's central air in there and yes, this is normal - just ask every other mom with triplets or those with three or more young napping children!) Each child needs their own room to nap and this has been the perfect, quiet location - she loves it! While she loves to curl up in her pack 'n play, little Madison isn't so little anymore so it was time to move onto a bigger bed, but who has ever heard of putting a bed in a closet?

Well, then you've heard it here first, but it's really just a kids-sized futon. But it works for now until Madison drops her nap, which is getting closer and closer. Our babies are growing up!

The last news of the day is that Keith and I tackled the Warrior Dash for the third time this year. I was really sick with a bad upper respiratory infection so it took just about every ounce of energy I had but it was full of fun and adventure as usual.

The kids are always anxious for us to get home so they can see muddy pictures of Daddy and Mommy.  Here we are 3.25 miles and 12 obstacles later!

Egg Hunts Galore!

This year I am posting pictures from all four of our Easter egg hunts in one post. Actually, they did seven, but who's counting? Despite all of the searching for sugar, our school, church and certainly Mommy and Daddy did a lot to reiterate to the kids what Easter is really about.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3

We first hopped over to our neighborhood egg hunt where the kids got to meet the Easter bunny. Not too fast said Payson when he asked, "Mommy is he real? I see his clothes sticking out the back." Payson has a lot of great qualities and being observant is one of them. Together we concluded that he must work for the real Easter bunny.

And they're off!

LOVE these smiles (notice Payson's tongue hanging out?) Easter just might be his favorite holiday!

Madison took her hunting a little more seriously. There was a job to get done!

Let's get to crackin'!

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Our sweet friends Shannon and her daughter Ryann hosted an Easter playgroup at their house so the kids were super excited to spend time with their friends AND search for more sweets!

This time Madison was in touch with her silly side as she gathered her eggs.

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Back at home the kids woke up to some treats from Mom and Dad. We've decided that the goodies come from us and the outdoor hidden eggs are from the Easter bunny. We'll just stick with Santa coming down the chimney once a year.

We try to give some fun gifts at Easter each year since their birthday falls just a few days before Christmas. There is always a December overload of new toys and treats so it's nice to have a few fun things to give them mid-year. A cardboard castle was this year's big surprise!

Ready. Set. Go! Look out for Hayden's oversize reaction to finding her extra-large pink egg! And see if you can spot Hayden filling Madison's basket with eggs! Such fun!

This 4-year-old knew exactly what to do! Fill it up and open 'em later!

 That silly Easter bunny hid eggs all over the playset!

Madison giving a treat to Payson that she knew he would like. Warms a mother's heart!

The kids turning their castle into a masterpiece.

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After church on Easter Sunday we gathered at Gam and Grandad's for fun with the family and cousins. It's crazy to think about me doing these Easter egg hunts at their house nearly 25 years ago and now my kids are carrying on the tradition!

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die."

John 11:25-26

Play Ball!

Payson's second T-ball season is up and running with 11 other little boys from our neighborhood. This year he is proudly playing for the Red Sox.

It's really neat to see how much the boys have grown-up and progressed since this time last year. Instead of each child having 4-5 swings, the boys can connect with the ball on the first or second try. The game moves faster and more smoothly and it's fun to watch too!

Payson with his friend Marc. He just loves having his boy time with all of his buddies!

Hayden celebrating a great game with her brother. His sisters cheer him on and he loves it!

Grandma came out to support Payson too. Way to go, bud!

We kicked off the season with a barbecue at our house for all of the boys and their families. I am "Team Mom" this year so I have been quite involved in this season.

The weather was beautiful and the kids enjoyed playing in the backyard.

Keith grilled up some mean hamburgers and ballpark hot dogs for the boys and their #1 fans.

And everyone enjoyed homemade banana pudding and baseball cupcakes for dessert!

In other news, we first took the kids to the circus when they were 2 1/2-years-old which was a little on the young side. Then for over a year now Madison has been asking when are we going to take her to the circus. Seriously, the girl asks at least once a week! We decided to skip the Barnum & Bailey circus last fall and instead took them to the Shrine Circus at Fair Park this spring. It was quite a different experience but I loved how it felt more like a circus rollin' into town like the good ole' days. The tigers were a hit with the kids!

Mighty Bo the elephant stole the show and was truly spectacular. In my mind, the circus is more for the kids, but Keith and I were definitely entertained by his talent and tricks.

Hayden and Daddy enjoying the show. Now Hayden wants to be an acrobat!

Just prior to the circus we attended the Dinosaur Train exhibit at the MNS on the other side of Fair Park. Can you spot three familiar dinos riding in the train?

The kids are getting more and more out of the museum each time we go as they develop and learn how to manipulate and understand various exhibits. Our membership has truly paid off!

This visit's special attraction was meeting Buddy from the Dinosaur Train series on PBS Kids. The girls are  holding his hands!

Madison gave Buddy a big dino hug as we left!

Bluebonnets in Texas

I read that "the Bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland." Having grown up in Texas, it is something that I look forward to seeing every spring. Seeing fields of blue warms my heart and brings out a little pride in the Lone Star State (not that us Texans need help with state pride)! The last time we took photos amongst the Bluebonnets, the growing season was coming to an end, but this time the fields were bright and lush.

Hayden taking in fragrance of Texas.

Payson amongst the field of blue.

Madison, too, senses that spring is in the air!

The kids were given their first school project this year in preschool. They were challenged to work with mom and dad to make a wearable box vehicle for the school's Transportation Parade. While we had a list of neat triplet ideas, we let the kids flourish as individuals and each pick their own ride. Payson selected a firetruck.

Hayden always says, "I want to be a Mommy, Ballerina and Astronaut when I grow up" so it was fitting that she chose a space shuttle for her vehicle.

Princess Madison was pleased to finally have the carriage she was always dreamed of.

Sound the siren, here comes Fireman Payson down the parade path!

Madison sported her tiara, silver slippers and a silly face as she made her way to the royal ball.

And Hayden was on cloud 9 as she proudly took flight in the "Hayden 4 Space Shuttle."

One last group appearance before their vehicles turn into playroom items where they'll surely get bent and broken!