Halloween 2014

Halloween was Superhero shirt day at school so the kids wouldn't mess up their costumes before the big night. This year, I escorted Batman and Batgirl to school.

When the time finally came to suit up for real, Leonardo and Ladybug Girl (along with our friend, Mia, in her cutest Anna costume) went trick-or-treating to our favorite house. 

Our favorite neighbors always take good care of our little people.  In fact, this year, they were the only house we visited, because it was CRAZY cold.  Like sleeting and snowing cold.  

Praise God for indoor trick-or-treating at Anamana's church!  What a wonderful outreach opportunity to our community.  Treats for the kiddos and chili supper for all who attended.  We are thankful.

Lucy definitely got the hang of this trick-or-treating thing.  She would walk back and forth trying to hit the candy booths twice. Smart girl. 

Turtle power!  Leonardo in full gear...

Super Dad made Lucy's wings and antenna because I couldn't find any in the stores.  Lucy wouldn't wear her headband, so Daddy did.  That man, oh how I love that man.

Pumpkin Plunge

Amanda had the great idea of taking the boys to the "Pumpkin Plunge" at the rec center.  $5 dollars.  Unlimited swim time in the indoor pool with pumpkins floating around everywhere.  The kids could choose the perfect pumpkin, paint it, and take it home.    This may become a family tradition.  The boys had a great time, and this was such a fun idea.  

                                          

                               

What were Lucy and Daddy up to while we went to the Pumpkin Plunge?

Daddy-Daughter Nap time

Hunting Buddies

One morning Michael woke up early, well before daylight, to go hunting.  Before he got out the door, I kissed him goodbye and got in the shower to start my day.  When I got out of the shower, I found Samuel, sitting in silent darkness staring out the back door.  He had caught his daddy just before he left, asked to go hunting, and was told "not this morning."  Leaving while his boy starred sadly out the door was enough to guilt his daddy into picking him up early from school that afternoon and taking him on his first real hunting trip.  Excited would be an understatement.  

Camo on.  Face paint applied.  Bow and arrow in hand.  These hunting buddies were ready for success.

They climbed to the top of the tree stand.  Sam was so brave and such a good listener.  They got seated and settled in, and Sam whispered, "So, Daddy, where's the deer?"  Michael explained they would have to sit quietly and wait and maybe they would see one…

Thirty minutes later, they were on their way back down the tree and headed home.  

Sam stayed on zero (deer count) and was bored.

And, that's a wrap for my boy's first hunting trip.  Better luck next time, boys.

Those Pigtails

I can't explain it.  I absolutely love these little red-headed pigtails.  

I think they are the cutest thing ever. EVER!

My little BFFs

I hope this lasts forever…

You're Four...

My sweet boy,

I won't lie, this birthday has been a hard one on your ol' Momma.  I can't think about it too hard or too long or I'll just cry.  You see, I love having you as my sweet little boy.   And, there's something about you turning four that just doesn't seem so little anymore.  You're not a baby now.  You're a boy, all boy.

You kept asking how long it was until your birthday, so when October rolled around, I made you a countdown chart so you would know how many more sleeps until your birthday party.  I'll never forget the night you marked off the "3" on your chart.  My days with my sweet three-year old were drawing to a close, and I just teared up.  You turned to me and grabbed my hand, and with all your sweet innocence, you said, "Remember Momma, we talked about this, I'll always be your baby, ok?" You promised me we could still hold hands in the parking lot and give hugs when I dropped you off at school.  I'm gonna take you up on that, little man.

Daddy brought home birthday Dunkin Donuts for your Saturday morning birthday breakfast.

That face.  How I love that sweet face.

Birthday measurement:  43 inches tall

Lucy joined in on the fun too (33 inches for her at 18 months old).

Since your first request of a camping party ended up being a rainy impossibility, plan B became Chuck-E-Cheese.  If you asked once, you asked twenty times that day, "Is it time to leave for my party, yet?"  A 4:00 party was a lifetime of waiting to my new four year old.  It was worth the wait though :)

A boy, a few buddies, a table full of pizza and game tokens = birthday bliss

The birthday crew, or most of them anyway

An original Ninja Turtle birthday card from Kayden, the artist.

A hand decorated gift bag and card from Beck

A Nerf bow and arrow set from Nani

And candid fun shots of your family celebrating your big day with you...

New slippers on.  New bow unwrapped.  Immediate testing of new merchandise.  Check.

New Ninja turtle four year old.  Check.  

As much as I'll miss the year that has passed, I don't dare look backwards for too long for fear of missing out on the new and exciting things you are doing and learning every day.  You are so funny and smart, and I enjoy having real grown up conversations with you about your day, your friends, and new things you're learning.  

You still love to snuggle up and watch movies.  You still run up to me everyday when I pick you up from school shouting "Mommmmmy," followed by a running start tackle hug, which makes my day.  You are fiercely protective of Lucy and would give her your last M&M without hesitation.  She thinks you hung the moon and would follow you to the ends of the earth.  You still do a happy dance when you find out it's a "stay home with Momma" day (Saturdays), and you'll take any chance you can get to snuggle up in our bed instead of yours.  

I can't seem to find the right words to communicate how much I enjoy being your Momma.  You make me smile, and you make me proud.  Thank you for bringing so much joy to our home.  Here's to another year of growing, laughing, learning, and loving together. 

 I love you like the sun loves the earth, sweet boy.

Staycation 2014

It's fall break time in our world again.  No big vacations planned.  I still feel like it would be more work and stress to travel than it's worth with my little people.  So, we planned a few close-to-home daily outings to have a little fun with our family and friends. 

First up, Sam 's first "big boy" fishing trip with Daddy and PawPaw and Mommy.  

We went to the dam for some easy bait, and Sam caught a big one.  Then, we used out bait fish to catch some big catfish.  Sam caught the biggest SkipJack and helped Daddy reel in his first catfish.  

He's hooked.  He loved fishing with the guys (and momma.)

My heart beats for these boys.  Big love, y'all.  Big love.

Our next adventure was a trip to the zoo with friends.  The largest wooden playground on the planet, water fun, animals, snacks.  What could be more fun than that?!

Michael showcased his "bird whisperer" skills in the bird sanctuary.  Very impressive.

Ya'll, this boy.  I can see why Lucy gives him the flutter eyes...

We searched and searched for "Nigil" the cockatoo (from Rio), and guess where we found him???

In the kangaroo exhibit!  Well, that's a fine place for the bird, but I'm just glad we found him!

Flamingos - Momma's favorite

Thankful for the 'dorfs and for a fun day together at the zoo.

Before we left our parking space, they were done!

And finally, a trip to the pumpkin patch with Kelten!

These boys are serious goat herder/brusher/protectors.  

Funny faces 

The giant slides were a big hit!

Swingin' with my #1

Spider web climbing

Hay-ride scouting for animals

Ms. Suszane treated the boys to a pony ride on Brownie and Fancy as a special treat.  

More goat tending and a train ride.

And, little man's most favorite thing he got to do today…milk a cow.  

He can finally check that one off the bucket list!