E turns 3!

This was an amazing birthday!  Simple.  Simply perfect!  No big plans, parties or expectations, just good ol' family fun.  We started the day (a Tuesday) like normal, but with one gift at breakfast (bacon!), before Dada went to work.  After breakfast and playing with his new puzzle (states!) Harper, E and I decided to brave the crowds at the recently open Krispy Kreme here in town.  E had never been to Krispy Kreme before (and I don't remember the last time I went).  He was completely intrigued by the cooking donuts and the "waterfall" of icing.  His donut had chocolate frosting and sprinkles - he was SO excited when he saw them in the case, he could barely contain himself.  The three of us enjoyed some warm donuts, on a rainy morning and then headed to the Children's Museum (CHOM) to run off the sugar we just consumed and meet some friends.  After some serious play-time, we all (5 moms, 2 pregnant, and 7 kids, all under 4 years!!!) went to lunch together (not sure we'll be allowed back to that establishment after the mess and chaos we all caused!).  After lunch, we went home for some Umizoomi and a nap.  After nap, when Dada got home we all had CAKE (strawberry - E's request - with vanilla frosting) and presents.  E was in heaven when he saw all the games and new toys for him.  He wanted to play with ALL of them.  Harper was even excited.  We Skyped with Grandma K and even sang Happy Birthday.  While E, Dad and Harper played out front (with the new rocket launcher) I made "breakfast for dinner" - E's favorite (more bacon!).  Then the four of us snuggled on the couch and ate dinner while watching The Lorax (a bday gift) for the first time.  That night, E insisted on sleeping with ALL of his new presents...so we let him pick a "piece" of each one to take to bed.  He was especially excited to sleep under his new "outer space" bedding.  The next day (Wednesday) the celebration continued at school.  Harper and I came at snack time with Oreo's, juice and pinwheels for the whole class and a special Toy Story balloon for E.  He loved hearing the class sing to him and showing off his "mama" and "sister".  He's such a sweet boy!  Truly an amazing person.  It's really incredible to see how much he's learned and how far we've come in just three short years.  He will always be special, as he was our very first baby.  He made us parents for the very first time.  Though he's growing more and more independent, he'll always be my baby boy.  He brings a smile to my face every day and I love to hear Dr. M and E giggling each night.  He challenges us daily, but I think it just makes us all stronger.  Happy Birthday Elliot!!  We love you SO much!

First present of the day....States puzzle!

Chocolate frosting with sprinkles!!

"Look at the turtle, Harper!"  at CHOM

 

Make a wish!

The rocket launcher!!

Dinner and a movie!

New "planets" bedding!

Awesome new watch!

First Day of School...

Yesterday was E's first day of school.  Same school, new teachers, classroom and friends - Trinity Presbyterian Preschool, Mrs. Curri in the 3 year old classroom.   He goes three days a week (MWF) from 8-12.  Some of his old friends are in his classroom (Mae), but there are also a lot of new faces.  I'm excited about this year and the things he will learn.  Mrs. Curri's classroom is set up more like an actual school room and is very structured, which I think will be good for him.  He loves school.  He truly loves everything about it.  He is so social and outgoing and has such a thirst for knowledge, that I think school is very exciting for him.  Plus, it gives Miss H and I some girl time together.

SO handsome!
Dad even added a little "goop" to his hair to spike it.
He's grown/changed SO much since his first day of preschool.

14 months!

Our amazing little girl is 14 months now...which seems impossible.  It seems like just last week we were celebrating her first birthday.  This summer has gone by so quickly and I feel like little Harper is growing up just as fast.  She's not walking, but running now!  In just the past week or so she has really developed her balance and insists on walking all the time.  She's especially proud of herself around her brother and when she carries something across the room or climbs up on a chair all by herself.  She's quite the climber.  This little girl is fearless!  She's great at going backward (feet-first) off the couch or down stairs, even down a slide.  When she falls, she gets right back up - she's a tough little cookie!  She's still on the small side, just under 18 lbs and about 30 inches tall, but developing and growing right on her little curve.  She says/signs "all done" and "hi", waves and can follow simple instructions.  Her hair is getting longer - so long in fact, that I've been putting it in a "ponytail" on the top of her head - but still a light redish, blonde.  Her eyes are still a radiant blue and her eyelashes are so thick, dark and amazingly long (got them from her daddy!).  It's so fun seeing her develop her own little personality and she's quite feisty! Her smile and sweet personality just light up the room.  She seems to draw everyones attention with her sweet smile.  Strangers often mention how beautiful she is and how much she and her big brother look a like.  I'm also proud to add that I am still nursing my baby girl and we are still using cloth diapers!  She is truly the most amazing little girl I know and I'm so proud to be her mother.  I love you, Harper Deane!

She's sassy!

Her first "ponytail"! 

Is that not the cutest thing you have ever seen or what?!

Such a big girl, wearing shoes and everything!

Family Vaca!

On August 3rd with 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1 big bag o' snacks, 1 bag o' surprise toys, 3 suitcases, 1 stroller, 1 frog potty, 1 DVD player, 3 full sippy cups, 2 water bottles, 1 dog bed, 2 blankets, 3 pillows, 1 iPad and a minivan.....we survived our very first family road trip!   The 6 of us (dogs too) braved the 10+ hour trip to Dallas/Fort Worth.  Dr. M had a conference at Texas A&M so we decided to rent a van and make a family trip out of it.  The first day of the trip was a nightmare!  The rental company was a disaster and we ended up leaving 7 hours later than we planned.  We drove as long as we could, but ended up getting a hotel at 2 am in Shreveport, LA (E though the hotel was very cool!).  The next morning we made it to Dallas to see Dr. M's dad's family (whom we hadn't seen in over 2 years!).  Grandma Wanda was armed with tons of toys, snacks, beds and even a bubble bath for the kids.  We stayed there that night and enjoyed getting caught up.  The next morning we loaded up again and headed to Fort Worth to see Grandma and Grandpa Wedman and their new house!  GG, Aunt Kaps, Aunt Jamie and Aunt Sarah were all there waiting for us too!  It was so good seeing everyone...it had been over a year since we had seen GG, Kaps, Jamie and Grandpa.  Dr. M left for his conference that night and the kids and I stayed at the Wedman Ranch for the week.  We swam everyday, met the neighbors, went shopping (TJ's!!) and stayed up late just talking!  It was a wonderful (and much needed) trip.  I loved everything about it, especially being able to hug everyone and can't wait to do it again (road trip included)!

On our way!  (I have to admit that I totally miss this minivan and can't wait to get one of our own!)

Serious bubble bath at Grandma Wanda's!

Skating with Uncle Colin (and Dad)!

4 generations shopping together in downtown Granbury!

Four generations of GIRLS (and E)!

Having a drink by the pool...

Swimming with Grandma!

Where I spent every "naptime"!  Newton was in Golden heaven.  He swam every day, all day!

Swimming with Grandpa - E's favorite part of the trip!

Lunch on the road...

Here comes trouble....in 15 years!