Super Meow-Meow

Yesterday Carter played with a new friend, and they had so much fun together. They dressed up (Carter was a construction foreman; his friend was Spiderman) and gave themselves super-hero names. Carter's name was Super Meow-Meow and his weapon of destruction was a pair of pliers. He went around meowing and snapping his pliers in the air. Pretty intimidating, huh?

Let's Say Jokes

Lately, Carter has been asking me to "say jokes" with him. He makes up something silly, then throws his head way back and lets out a loud, long fake laugh. Then it's my turn to do the same. Here are a couple of my favorites:

"How bout... YOUR FAVORITE FOOD IS GRASS!!!"

"How bout... I WEAR SHOES ON MY HEAD!!!"

Last Trip to the Library

Now that we're getting so close to our moving date, we're starting to experience some

"lasts". Yesterday was our last big get-together at this house. Today was our last trip to the library. Every Tuesday, we go to the city library for play and storytime. We love going, and we look forward to it every week. The boys now know all the songs and finger plays and both have their favorites. Carter enjoys the "Two Little BlackBirds" rhyme, and Bryson loves to help find "Little Mouse" behind the felt houses. Today was extra fun because Kevin joined us (he's on vacation!). The boys thought it was really special to have Daddy there. Of course, I had to snap some pictures of their last playtime at this library!

Memorial Day

I love Memorial Day for 2 reasons. First, I'm so grateful to all the men and women of the military who have been willing to give the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live better lives. Because of them, I am so proud to be an American! The other reason? - I love to celebrate the unofficial start of summer with friends and family!

Yesterday, we headed to the neighborhood pool for the first swim of the season. Carter was so excited! When I dressed him in his bathing suit, he began racing circles around the house chanting, "We are going SWIM-MING! We are going SWIM-MING!" Bryson wasn't so sure. He didn't know what "swimming" meant, and he didn't care at all for his bathing suit. When we got there, the water was very cold. He just kept shivering and saying, "Go - Go!". After a couple minutes in the pool, he warmed up a bit and ended up loving it. He was squealing and laughing, having a great time. His fearlessness scares me a bit; he kept wanting to run and jump to us in the water.

In the evening, we had friends over for a cook-out. We had a great time and ate tons of yummy food. As always, it was lots of fun hanging out and talking while we watched the kids play.

Tickle Time

We make time for tickling every day! Bryson & Carter laugh and squeal as Daddy & I take turns tickling them. I love these other pictures of the boys, too. In his picture, Bryson is playing Peek-A-Boo. Carter is posing for his picture in a friend's helmet (I don't think he's got it on quite right!). They bring us so much joy!

Feeding Bryson

Bryson has been using a fork and spoon for months now, but just recently he has decided he would rather have someone do it for him. He's happy to pick up finger foods, but doesn't want to feed himself messy foods. Tonight at the dinner table, Bryson held his spoon out to Daddy and said, "Here, Daddy." Daddy said, "No, you can do it." Next he turned to me, "Here, Mommy." "No, you can do it", I told him. Finally, he turned to Carter. "Here, Carter." Eager to help, Carter pulled his chair over and started feeding Bryson. So cute!

Meeting Lincoln

Today Lesley, one of my very best friends, had her baby boy. She named him Lincoln Joseph. He was 6 lbs, 13 oz and gorgeous! Lesley & I have become very close over the past 5 years with our husbands in residency together. Our big kids (Carter & Emery) were born 4 months apart, and our little ones (Bryson & Greyson) are only 5 days apart. It seems odd not to be expecting this time as she welcomes home her new addition! Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful healthy baby!

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Yesterday was Kevin's 32nd birthday. He worked most of the day, then ate cold chicken and drank a hot soda for dinner (he was a little late meeting us for our picnic dinner after work!). At home, he unwrapped his presents (1 from each of us). Carter wrapped his presents for him this year, and helped unwrap. He even told Kevin what was inside each one before he helped open them! Kevin says the best part of this year's birthday was the peanut butter pie I made for him. I've never made pie before, but I think it turned out pretty well! Happy Birthday, Baby! We love you!!!

Biker Dudes

The boys (all 3) have been riding their bikes out in the driveway every night this week. They have all been having so much fun, especially Bryson. This has been his favorite part of each day!

Sweet Boys

The boys have been so sweet to each other this week. Yesterday we drove to the hospital to have dinner with Kevin. I was struggling to carry everyone's dinner & drinks while managing the boys from the truck to the water fountain where we had planned to meet Kevin. Carter could see that I was having trouble, and he told me, "You don't need to hold Bryson's hand, Mommy. I'll do it." It was so cute and sweet. They held hands and walked together the whole way.

Today in the car, Carter was talking about what he wants to be when he grows up. He said, "I want to be a truck driver. I'm going to drive all kinds of trucks." He named all the trucks he wanted to drive and ended his long list with a firetruck. Then he asked Bryson, "Do you want to be a fireman with me? We can sit in the cab together and both drive the firetruck!" Bryson's response was, "Wee wee whoa whoa!" Carter (in an irritated tone) says, "Hey! I'm tryin' to talk 'bout growing up!"

Farm Friends

Today our Mommy & Me group went to a friend's farm. She has several goats, and the kids had a blast petting them and feeding them grass. After meeting the goats, the kids played and we had a picnic lunch. It was lots of fun! Thanks, Elizabeth, for having us all over!

Touch-A-Truck

This morning our city's moms' club held a fundraiser called Touch-A-Truck. They had over 30 trucks including garbage trucks, firetrucks, police cars, crane trucks, school buses, S.W.A.T, and so many more. The kids were allowed to climb inside and flip switches and buttons, honk horns, and use the sirens. We spent about 2 hours there exploring all the vehicles, but I think Carter could have stayed all day. The smile plastered on his face was so big I'm sure his cheeks hurt. Bryson loved it, too. He kept pointing at the firetruck and saying, "Fire. Wheels. Hop in!" It was better than Disney World!

When the Cat's Away, the Mice Will Play!

Tonight after I tucked the boys in bed, I went to a shop in the mall to finish painting a ceramic salt & pepper shaker set that I had started last week. When I finished, I called Kevin to let him know I was on my home and I could hear Bryson chattering in the background. Apparently, Bryson (who hadn't woken up from his nap until 5 this afternoon) was in no mood to go to bed at 7 tonight. When I got home, I could hardly believe my eyes. It was 9:30 at night, and Bryson was playing at the train table in the dark while Kevin was experimenting with the camera on a new setting. He had the camera on a timer, and was waving a flashlight and his cell phone around in the air to make shapes (including my name and the smiley face you see here!). Maybe it's better not to know what they're up to when I'm gone! When I asked Kevin when he had planned on putting Bryson back in bed, his response was, "Whenever he asked me to." Gotta love him!

Baby Shower

Today our Mommy & Me group had a baby shower for 3 of the mommies who are expecting new baby boys this summer. At the shower, I was talking with a friend about how quickly our group is growing. We have so many kids in our group (I think I counted 18 today), all under the age of 4. It seems crazy to think that just 4 years ago, none of our kids were here, and now it's hard to imagine life without them! We had lots of fun visiting, eating, and watching the kids play. In Carter's words, "It was a super fun party!"

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is one of my very favorite holidays. Being a mom means so much to me. I work harder at being a mom than anything else I've ever done in my life, but it's rewards are so far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Every time Carter says, "I love you, Mommy," or Bryson climbs onto my lap to share a book, I know I'm living the life God planned for me. I love my boys so incredibly much. I know it's the same love my own mother has for me.

My mom is a wonderful mom. She's loving and kind, sweet and thoughtful. She's a good listener and a great friend. Growing up with my mom meant always knowing that I was loved. One of my favorite memories of living at home is that my mom always tucked me into bed at night, all the way through high school. She would sit on the edge of my bed and talk with me about whatever was important to me. I still love talking things over with my mom!

Now that I'm married, I have 2 moms. I know I'm lucky because most girls don't have the kind of closeness that I share with my mother-in-law. We have lots in common and always have fun together. I learn a lot from her, and I genuinely enjoy her company. She's never met a stranger, and has a contagious happiness about her. I would love to be more like her!

Happy Mother's Day, Moms!

Streakin'!

Tonight we rode our bikes, with the boys in the bike trailer, over to the duck pond & playground. When we got home we told the boys it was almost bathtime, and they disappeared into the house while we put the bikes away. A few seconds later, Carter comes back out the front door completely naked and shouts, "Bathtime!" We live on a busy street, so several people were out. The neighbors across from us were sitting out on their porch swing, there were bikers riding past, and cars going by. Kevin, laughing hysterically, tried to explain to Carter that he couldn't come outside naked and carried him back into the house through the garage. Seconds later, Carter arrives again through the front door. "Naked!", he declares. By this time, we're both doubled over laughing, while Carter is running around the yard screaming and laughing. We love our crazy boy!

Racecar

Last week (at Hobby Lobby), Carter got a racecar kit to make with Daddy. They mixed the plaster with water and let it set in a mold overnight. Tonight they painted it and put the wheels on. They both had tons of fun and were proud of their creation. Fun guy time!

Ladybugs!

Today was a fun day. The botanical gardens downtown released 70,000 ladybugs to help control pests. Bryson, Carter & I went and each received a container of ladybugs to set free in the garden. Carter loved dumping the bugs onto his chosen leaf. Bryson was fascinated by the plants, the bugs, and especially the waterfalls. Afterward, we headed over to the pond to feed the ducks. It was a beautiful day!

My Guys

I have the greatest family. I'm just so proud of each of my 3 guys. My heart jumps inside when I think about how much I love them. It's hard to believe that just 4 years ago, Kevin & I were only a couple, and now the 4 of us are a family. I feel so incredibly blessed; this is the best life I can imagine.

Kevin works so hard and has come so far in the 16 years since we met in high school (I've been connected to Kevin for more than 1/2 my life, now!). I can hardly believe he's about to finish residency after 26 years in school; he has definitely earned those 2 little letters after his name! Kevin is an awesome man of God; I've seen him come so far in his walk with Christ (We both have!). One of my proudest moments was his baptism almost 5 years ago. He's a wonderful dad, too. The boys get so excited when he comes home in the evening. Kevin once described himself as the "ice-cream" parent - the once in a while, super fun treat! He's not here as much as he'd like, but when he is here, he comes home full of energy, ready to throw them, tickle them, and make them laugh until their sides ache.

Carter is my big boy. I can hardly believe he's almost 4 and will be starting school soon. He's got a big heart and a big imagination. When I studied Psalm 127:4-5 (Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.), I immediately thought of Carter because he is our "protector". Carter loves all things that go. He has an explosive excitement for every truck, train, cat or dog that he sees. He has so much to say, yet he's very shy. Carter fills my days with joy.

Bryson is my baby. We have a closeness that can only be found between a toddler and his mother. If he could, I believe he'd spend all day in my arms (which, most of the time, is just fine with me). Although he's 19 months younger, he does pretty well at keeping up with Carter. Like Carter, he loves anything with wheels or fur. He also loves reading books and dancing to music. He's so sweet, but rough at the same time. He'll be the football player that barrells over the opponent then helps him up. Bryson has a love of life (and a laugh) that is infectious.

Cook-Out

This is my favorite time of year. The weather is so beautiful, and I love being able to spend every day outside. Tonight we joined some friends from church at the park and had a cook-out. The boys loved playing on the playground. Bryson must have gone up and down the slide 50 times! Carter was especially excited to see his friends. We all enjoyed a yummy dinner of hamburgers & hotdogs, but Bryson enjoyed his the most! He ate 2 and 1/2 hotdogs, lots of beans & fruit, and a piece of cake. It's a wonder he didn't burst!

Hanging Out with Carter

Just recently, Carter has stopped taking afternoon naps. Bryson sleeps for about 2 hours, so Carter & I now have a bit more one-on-one time. Sometimes on the weekends when Daddy's home, Daddy & Bryson both take naps. Carter & I take advantage of the time to do something or go somewhere fun together.

Yesterday, we went to Hobby Lobby to get some new arts & crafts. Carter picked out sun catchers, glitter, a plaster car, and a finger painting kit. (While we were there, Carter bumped into a big display and accidently knocked down several platters! Luckily, nothing broke, but he was very upset.) After Hobby Lobby, I took Carter to the nail salon. He watched a DVD while I got a pedicure. He thought it was very funny that my feet were "taking a bath". I even let Carter pick out my polish color (he picked bright green!).

Today we hung around the house for a while and tried out Carter's new finger painting kit. He painted 3 jumbo sized pictures and loved every minute of it. Afterwards, we decided to head back to the arts festival. Carter rode the ferris wheel again, and also raced through the obstacle course. This time, I captured Carter's ride on camera. I love spending time with my big boy - he's so special!

Arts Festival

Tonight the 4 of us went to a local arts festival. It was all outside, and the weather was perfect. We strolled around looking at the beautiful artwork, then ate some yummy food, and went to the kiddie area. Carter wanted to bounce & slide on the inflatables while Bryson chose to roll around in the ball pit. Next Bryson rode a pony and Carter rode the ferris wheel. They both had a great time! On our way out, we tried to get a sculpture of the boys holding hands, but Bryson wouldn't cooperate long enough to have the mold made. Maybe next year! It was a super fun Friday!

Fun at the Zoo

Carter, Bryson, & I spent the morning at the zoo today. The weather was gorgeous, and we had a great time. As usual, as soon as we arrived we headed straight for the choo-choo. Next we watched the water show; the boys both loved watching the sea lions flip through the air for fish treats. We ended our trip with ice cold lemonade and a picnic. We didn't see a lot of animals, but we sure had a lot of fun!

Playground Pics

Last week I took the boys to the cutest little park. The playground equipment looked like a big firetruck with ladders and slides. There were tires to climb through, a steering wheel to drive, and even musical instruments to play. The park also included a really pretty walking trail with fountains. I got a couple of cute pictures, but my favorite is the last one here. Carter wanted to play and was tired of me taking his picture. The look on his face says it all!