Spaghetti Dinner

The easiest meals at our home are definitely the most kid-friendly. And what is more kid-approved than spaghetti? We used to get all worked up about the mess that came along with this meal, but we have since given that up. The children love to be able to feed themselves and so we have let it go. We are all washable!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Morning

I love mornings at home. Monday Everett did not have preschool and got to spend the whole day with us at home! While Eleanor was napping we made banana bread. Hampton is definitely a helper boy. He had the most fun mashing the bananas.

 

And Everett mostly sat at the breakfast table organizing/arranging all his toys.

Then while I made butternut squash soup for dinner, the boys took all the pillows off the sofas and made a fort.

 

We actually spent the whole morning upstairs in the living room and kitchen. We usually spend most of  our time in the playroom, so it was a nice change. So grateful for the time I get with my babies.

School Progress

So Everett has gone to school now four times this year and I am already so amazed at the progress he's made as compared to last year. Almost every day last year he cried when I dropped him off. He started to get anxious when I would tell him it was a school day and the tears were inevitable each time. However, this year he has barely shed a tear! This morning he told me he was excited to go and just walked right into his classroom! I was so impressed. He told his teacher, "Lots of kids come to preschool and they aren't scared." I guess something just clicked with him, or he just matured. His teacher also reported that he has been using the potty on his own and he has already made some new friends-girls. Ha! He loves PE and music class. I think his favorite has always been just playing on the playground though. I have also gotten more creative with his lunches this year as well. On Monday some of the cinnamon applesauce I made him leaked onto his grilled cheese sandwich (I pack his lunch in a divided tupperware container). When I asked him after preschool how is lunch was he said-"My applesauce got all over my sandwich. Why would you do that to me?" Funny boy. And then today I overheard him using his first naughty word-stupidhead. Yup. Since we control everything he watches on television I am pretty positive he picked up this word at preschool. Eric and I told him that was a naughty word and we don't say that. I am sure it was bound to happen. As much as I want to control everything single thing he comes into contact with, I know I can't. That is life. The best we can do is teach him here at home and pray that it carries over into his school life. Giving up some of that control is definitely not easy for me to do, but I know Who is ultimately in control. When I think of Ev going to kindergarten next year I would be lying if I didn't say I have a internal panic attack each time at the thought. He is still a baby in my eyes. But I know it is so good for him. He has matured so much over the past year and will continue to do so. I am so proud of my Evy boy. 

Preschool

Preschool

He went


I cried

And he reported a good time!
I will miss my Evy boy, but I know it is good for him. He is going Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9-12:30. I cannot even imagine what next year will be like when he goes to kindergarten! 

Celebrating One Year- Family Style

Today we officially had Eleanor's one year party. Eric's brother and sister-in-law....along with our nephews Zeke and Daniel came in from Georgia. The children's Gigi (Eric's mom) was here as well. It was low key and lots of fun. It is always nice to celebrate one of our babies birthdays, but visit with family as well.

Oh Sassy- we have loved this past year with you. You have brought even more joy to our home. In the past week you have become this wild child! You are everywhere and into everything.
Also-Eleanor went for her one year check-up this past week and weighs 21 pounds (75th percentile) and is in the 75th percentile for height. Her head circumference was in the 95th percentile.


The Williamson came bearing gifts for Eleanor, but brought a treat for the boys as well! 

Hampton showing Zeke is train. Needless to say, Hampton was our entertainer. 

And Daniel was so sweet to Eleanor.

 

I loved watching all the children interact.

It was fun to finally decorate with pink!

The menu for lunch was simple, but good- barbecue chicken sandwiches, broccoli slaw, macaroni and cheese, chips, raw veggies, and an assortment of fruit.

 

And for dessert-cupcakes with almond frosting, courtesy of Black Mountain Bakery. 

Eleanor is a lover of food, but she is not fond of sweets. This was her first true sweet and she was not into it at all. No complaints from me though. I am glad she likes the healthy stuff!

Our tradition is to take the 1 year picture while having their cake/cupcake. 

 

The best shot we could get of all the cousins together.

Hampton liked the big boys.

And Zeke was so kind to read to Everett

And they both share a love of the Beatles! Everett was giving requests.

Such a fun day celebrating one year with Eleanor!

Time with the Twins

Okay so they are not technically twins....but it is what we fondly refer to them as. Since Everett will be in school three mornings a week, that gives me more time with my "babies." Yesterday we went to the park and walked a trail. I anticipate more fun activities and I am even joining a Bible study at church Wednesday mornings. Although we will miss Everett, we will make the most use of our time.


 

Eleanor Turns One!

Eleanor turned one today! We had such a fun day. I didn't have anything planned special for her to wear, but I did find the pink dress that we brought her home in. I had her wear it as a tunic and paired it with a pair of Gap skinny jeans. And she wore her new gold shoes! She is still getting used to shoes.

We went to Panera Bread this morning for breakfast. We had bagels, cinnamon rolls, and pumpkin muffins. So good! And the children were so behaved.  

We then went home and Eleanor went down for a nap.

After Eleanor's nap we went to Everett's preschool for orientation. Everett went with his classmates and teacher while Hampton, Eleanor, and I stayed for the meeting. It was so hard to keep Hampton contained and I probably looked like a mess trying to do so. I am so excited for Everett to start pre-K tomorrow! 

After orientation we went to Chick fil A and picked up lunch. This is not our norm, but I wanted to keep today special. 

And they loved it! They ate a huge lunch.

After lunch we all went down for naps. Everett didn't nap, but had his "rest time." After lunch we went upstairs and played. This girl is into everything! She is definitely keeping me on my toes. She is on the move always.

And she is so silly! She has the best sense of humor.

She loves to play with her noise machine in her room.

 

 

 Later this afternoon, the children's Gigi came in town. We had tortellini for dinner and then did the whole bath time, bed time routine.
We had such a fun day celebrating Eleanor. I still cannot believe she is now one. I think we may have sang Happy Birthday about a dozen times. She is so special to us.