Fun at Hands On Museum

Our friends invited us to play with them earlier this week at Hands On Museum and we were happy to do so! It had been awhile since we have played and explored there and the children had such a good time. Everett and Hampton enjoyed going on several scavenger hunts (put on by the museum) and putting on a play. Eleanor loved the play grocery store and painting. Thatcher loved the fountains and rice sensory box. Also, he put on a Carolina Panther cheerleader outfit from the dress up box and it took a lot of convincing for him to take it off when it was time to leave! That boy cracks me up.

It was such a fun time with our friends!

Easter 2017

Praise our Father for sending His Son to die on the cross for the atonement of our sins. And better yet? He rose victorious from the grave! As a believer and follower of Christ, this is my favorite day of the year. He has risen! He has risen indeed. 

Spring Fun

We are absolutely loving these warmer temperatures. I do not think I realized how much we all needed more fresh air and some sunshine. 

 We try to visit a park/playground at least a couple times a week. This particular playground is just a giant sandbox. These two are in heaven and can sit and dig forever. 

 Eric cleaned up our back patio and yard this week and the children have loved it. Squirt gun fun!

 I used some of our Amazon points and got an air popper. Why have I not had one before?! It is awesome. I have a feeling we are going to be making lots of popcorn!

 I remember playing with "cornstarch goop" when I was a little girl. It is basically just cornstarch and water. I made a big bowl of it for the kids and let them have at it outside. So fun and it brought back so many fun (and squishy!) memories. 

The Biltmore Estate in the Spring

Last Monday we went and visited the Biltmore Estate with our dear friends (who we pretty much do most of life with) to see the gardens. The tulips were in bloom and it was beautiful! Living here never gets old and I feel blessed daily. 

 We even got to hear a mini concert of a flutist!

 Several bathroom breaks with small children are a must. 

 Everett was most interested in trying to name all the gods and goddess statues that were in the courtyard. Also, pictures of the mountain range in the background just does not do it justice. So gorgeous!

 Everyone loves sweet baby Caleb!

Another field trip success! We cannot wait to go back. 

Spring is in the Air

We have had a busy, but wonderful week. I think everyone was ready for warmer temperatures and fresh air! 

I was so proud of the boys for riding there bikes all the way to the playground. It has been awhile since they have ridden them and Hampton made the funniest comment stating "how could you let me go this long without practicing?"

 Our friends Victoria and Gabriella came over one morning to bake and decorate Easter cookies. We had so much fun.

 Wednesday afternoon we went to the library for a science class on worms. Who knew worms were so useful?! The big boys loved exploring the worm farm, but Eleanor and Thatcher would not even go close. 

 On Thursday Hampton got his AFOs. He was a bit uncomfortable for a couple hours, but has completely gotten used to them. So very proud of our boy for adapting so well. 

 Sunday after church we went to the Nature Center to enjoy the beautiful warm weather. We first stopped at Fresh Market and grabbed a picnic lunch. Such a lovely day!

Hampton's Tooth

This cute boy has been wiggling his tooth for over a month now and it finally came out! He was so happy and definitely got a visit from the tooth fairy. The funny thing is, I overheard him say to Everett that he knows the tooth fairy isn't real, but mommy and daddy still give him coins under his pillow. 

Hampton's Feet

At Hampton's 7 year check up I had mentioned to Dr. Chu that Hampton continues to walk (although not all the time) on his toes. I truly believe this is just a bad habit that has formed. His doctor suggested seeing an orthopedist. I agreed, as it has been going on for quite some time now. So on Monday, Hampton and I headed to Care Partners Orthotics to have a consult. While in the waiting room we got to take the whole experience as a teaching moment. We browsed a magazine where we discussed prosthetics and why someone might need one. And soon after a veteran came in and showed Hampton his prosthetic leg. It was definitely a learning experience. 

After assessing Hampton, the orthopedist suggested Hampton wear a modified version of an AFO. This would not completely prevent him from walking on his toes, but it would make it very uncomfortable. He showed us an example of what one would look like and Hampton said he was on board. I think the fact that he is going to design them to be Minecraft certainly helped! So next week they should be ready and thus another journey in Hampton's story will begin. So grateful for modern medicine and intervention and a sweet boy who is willing to do whatever it takes!