Birthday Week

I am still in shock that we have a four year old! Everett's birthday was last Wednesday and we had such a great week! Eric's mom came to visit on Tuesday and Wednesday and then my mom came on Thursday. Lots of company and lots of love.

Everett opening a gift from Gigi

On Wednesday morning Eric and I took Everett to IHOP (his favorite) for breakfast. He loves pancakes!

I talked about birthdays all week. Here are the boys coloring a picture of a birthday cake.

 

On Wednesday evening I made Everett his favorite meal-meatloaf, served with sweet potato fries.  

And then we had chocolate cupcakes for dessert!

 

 

After dinner, Everett opened up some birthday gifts. He got a lot of fun new toys.

Poor Eleanor wasn't feeling well that day. She tried to have a good time, but was exhausted.

Everett had a great birthday this year. He kept telling me what a fun time he was having. I am so blessed to be his mama!

Park

One of our favorite parks is in Montreat. It is perfectly shaded, has creeks running throughout, big beautiful trees, and lots of playground equipment. Last week we decided to make the 30 minute journey to visit. We joined up with our friends the Mertens family as well.


Everett may be cautious in social situations, but he goes for it with physical challenges. He scaled this rock wall and I was one proud mama on the sidelines.

Hampton however is careful. He doesn't have the confidence yet, and is a little clumsy!

But he has to do what Everett does. He follows him around mimicking his every move.

And Eleanor? Well she's just happy.

 

Big Morning

Yesterday we had a big morning. After we dropped Everett off at preschool, the two babies and I headed to the library. The Dollywood Players were there putting on a special show. It was about Otis the Tractor and was so fun. Hampton sat there the whole time with his mouth open, so I am guessing he had a good time. Eleanor watched intently as well. After the show we still had an hour before needing to pick up Everett, so we went out to lunch at Green Sage Cafe. We have never eaten there before and it was so good! It was mostly organic/whole foods, so right up our alley with how we eat. We don't eat out often and Hampton was hilarious. He sat in the booth like a big boy and when he was through with his meal he pushed his plate to the side, got down from the booth, and toddled off.

Eleanor enjoyed a bagel as well.  

 

When I was pregnant with Eleanor I thought I would never get out with all the children on my own. I am surprised at how often we are able to accomplish activities or errands with little to no meltdowns. We love being at home and playing, but we also have fun getting out-even if it is just going to the market for milk. I already have a list of activities we want to do this summer on our fridge!

Big Kid Things

Our babies are growing up! Each of them are doing some "big kid" things this week.


Today I snipped the tips off two out of the three pacifiers Hampton has in his possession. He got mad at first and then I told him his "ba ba" was broke and he needed to put it in the trash. After throwing out the "broke" pacis he demanded I get him a new one. I told him they were all gone and that was that. Throughout the day he has asked for a paci, but I keep reminding him they are in the trash can. Even now as I write he is upstairs in his crib having a hard time, but I know it is best. I keep telling him what a big boy he is.

And then there is Everett. Everett is turning four next week, which has prompted me to push him to do a few "big boy" things of his own. One of those things is wearing his "big boy pants" instead of training pants during his nap. Yesterday he did it! Mid-nap he went to his bathroom on his own, used the potty and then came to tell me. I was so proud! He still is wearing training pants during the night, but we'll get there.

 

 

And then Eleanor. She is SO close to crawling I can't take me eyes off of her for fear I'll miss that moment. She gets on all fours and rocks back and forth.

I'm not sure I am ready for three mobile children!

 

So proud of all the babies for their accomplishments this week. As much as I want to keep them babies, I know that with each milestone they are that much closer to independence.

Photo Shoot Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring Photo Shoot