At the Lake

We spent yesterday afternoon and most of the day today out at the lake. We went with another family, and we all had such a great time. Carter especially loved having a friend along. As you can see, Kevin's getting pretty good on the wakeboard. I haven't been able to stand up on it yet, but I'm not giving up! Carter and his friend had a blast swimming in the lake. He's learning so much from his swim class; he's really quite a good little swimmer already! Bryson had lots of fun, too, but I think we wore him out!

Familiar Fun

One of our favorite bounce places from our last city is here in our new one, too! We were so excited to find it; we checked it out with our Mommy & Me group this week. The kids had a blast, and it was great to get to know the other moms from our new church a bit better. The boys love the inflatable slide here; the down side is that Bryson insists I go down it with him every time!

Finished Rooms

After living here for 2 months, I'm beginning to finish decorating a few of the rooms in our new house. I love design, but being an HGTV junkie does not equal being a good designer. I'm slow and unsure about my choices. I know what I like, but I don't always know how to make it work. The first 2 rooms that I've finished decorating are the guest bedroom and the kids' bathroom. These aren't the most used spaces in the house; I just finished them first because I knew the direction I wanted to go in these rooms. In the kids' bathroom, I stuck with the froggy theme from their nursery in our old house - I just couldn't let go of some of the things that reminded me of when they were small!

I still have a lot left to do, but I'm enjoying it!

Our New Toy

This week, Kevin & I bought a boat! We are so excited because it's something super fun that we can do together as a family. We have already taken it out a couple of times, and the boys absolutely LOVE it. Yesterday morning, we went out to the lake early and had breakfast together at the dock. After breakfast, we had our first run on the boat. It was a blast! We went back out again today after Bryson's nap and had another fantastic time. The boys smile from ear to ear the whole time (actually, we probably all do!). I can hardly wait until next weekend!

Swim School

Both of the boys LOVE their new swim classes. They get so excited when it's time for their lessons. Carter's been practicing his swimming strokes and putting his face under the water in the bathtub. His teacher says he's doing a great job. Bryson loves the water; we've always called him our fish! Here they are getting ready for their classes to start.

House Cat

One morning last week, the boys were playing on the back patio and left the door just slightly cracked. Smokey, our outside kitty (who came along with the house), siezed the opportunity and darted inside. He bolted upstairs and settled in on the bench in our guest bedroom. Here he is, looking cozy and comfortable as an inside kitty. (After I took the pics, I booted Smokey back outside!)

Freeze Frame

There are a few times in every person's life when they wish they could just hit the pause button and make things stay that way forever. This is one of those times for me. Kevin & I are so happy in our new home with more freedom than we've had in the past. He's at home so much more than he was in residency, and the kids love spending the extra time with him. The boys are both at such wonderful ages where they play happily and indepedently yet still love and need us so much. In a few weeks, Carter will start Mother's Day Out, and I feel that it will mark the beginning of having to let go of him. I can't imagine spending my mornings (just one a week!) without him. I believe each day I have with them at home is an incredible gift, and I'm trying not take any of them for granted. If I could hit the pause button on my life now, I would!

A Quick Visit

On Monday, all 4 of us drove to Nana's & Paw-Paw's house for a short visit. Carter & Bryson had a great time riding the tractors, feeding the cows, & playing with their cousins. It's always so nice to visit; I wish we lived closer!

Presents for Bryson

Today Bryson received some birthday presents in the mail. (Mimi & Pop-Pop sent them just a little late because we were all so crazy busy on Bryson's birthday with our move, the Michigan trip, and Chris's visit.) I showed him the boxes and asked, "Bryson, do you want to open some presents?" He started dancing all around and saying, "pres-sents!" in his precious sing-song voice. Carter & I helped him unwrap a new mailman costume, a mailbox, and a ride-on firetruck. Bryson & Carter were both so excited and neither one wanted to leave the new toys for bath and bedtime. Thanks, Mimi & Pop-Pop, for all the fun presents! They're a hit!

Mall Fun

Gaylee came to visit again this week; she came to town as a mid-way point to drop her kids off with her in-laws for the weekend. Our kids played together for a little while before she met up with her father-in-law. Afterward, Gaylee & I escaped to the mall for a little while. It was so much fun to hang out, talk, & shop - just us! Carter wanted to come so badly that I felt a little guilty leaving him behind, but he had lots of fun playing outside with Bryson & Daddy while we were gone. Thanks, Gaylee (and Kevin!), for a fun afternoon!

Believe, Belong, Become

We have finally found our new church home! It feels wonderful to have a sense of belonging again and to have a place to worship & fellowship. We have been waiting for friends of ours to launch their new church here, and they finally opened their doors this past Sunday. Worship was incredible, very similar to our last church. Justin's first series is titled, "Believe, Belong, Become", and he preached a powerful sermon this week. It felt so familar; it was like coming home again. Kevin & I are already volunteering (I'll be in the preschool class; he's a parking lot greeter), and the kids loved their class. Right now, the church is very small, but I believe it'll grow quickly. I've even already started a new Mommy & Me group! We met today for the first time, and there were 3 moms & 4 kids. We played at a sprayground/playground & had a blast. I'm looking forward to getting to know the ladies better and forming new friendships. This church is definitely an answer to prayer. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness!

My name is Carter!

I have unsuccessfully been trying to teach Bryson to answer the question, "What's your name?" His answer is always the same - "My name is Carter!" I say, "No, your name is Bryson. Bryson, what's your name?" "My name is Carter!" Whenever anyone asks him his name, I always have to correct him and tell the person his real name. Silly boy!

Playground

Tonight after we went to the duck pond, we rode over to the playground. The weather was perfect, and the boys loved swinging and sliding before bedtime. It was a great end to our fun day.

Duck Pond

We love to visit the duck pond in our neighborhood. We take bread to feed the ducks and turtles twice each day. Carter sometimes pretends to be a duck as he eats the bread and quacks!

Gator

A few weeks ago, Kevin & I bought the kids a 12-volt gator to ride around the neighborhood. They ride it every morning and every evening and still squeal with delight every time we go out. Kevin & I ride our bikes along side of them, and on most trips, we end up at the duck pond. Here are a few pictures of the boys on their new gator.

Children's Museum

Today the boys & I discovered a super fun place - a children's museum! They have a little city where the boys pretended to be mailmen, grocers, doctors, hair stylists, and police men. They have a glow-in-the-dark room, a giant play space, an arts & crafts room, and a 2 story play house. We all had so much fun and can hardly wait to go back!

SKUNKED!

Living in "the country" is great for a lot of reasons - we have lots of running room, it's very quiet & peaceful, the trees are beautiful, and we get to experience more of nature. There is, however, also a downside. Bugs, snakes, and SKUNKS! A skunk sprayed very near our house during the night last night, and it smelled so bad that Kevin & I were both awake for over an hour. We just couldn't get a fresh breath! This morning, when we were up and about, I realized that it actually smells worse IN our house than out!!! P-U!

Swim Lessons

Today the boys had their first ever swim lesson! Bryson & I are taking a mommy & me class together, and Carter's in a big kid class (just next to us in the same pool). It's supposed to be a group lesson, but right now there aren't any other kids in his class. He's definitely getting plenty of swim time! Carter is learning to swim and to put his face under water. He swam all by himself with only a water noodle today - I was so impressed! Bryson is learning to blow bubbles in the water, to float on his back, and dog paddle his arms. Today was lots of fun; we can hardly wait to go back next week!

Zoo & Omniplex

In the past week, the boys & I have made 2 trips to visit our old city. It's just a short road trip, and it's been great spending time with friends. We went to the zoo and the Omniplex - 2 of our favorite old hang-outs! At the zoo, we loved seeing the sea lions, the monkeys, zebras, and giraffes. As usual, the boys enjoyed the choo-choo ride most of all! At the Omniplex, we had a ton of fun on the tractor, in the firestation, and watching the trains. Bryson especially loved rolling around on the gym mats; Carter's favorites were having his face painted like a kitty and "flying" in the cockpit of the old jet. We all had a blast hanging out with our friends!

Amy's Visit

Last week, my friend Amy & her kids came to visit us! Carter was so excited to see Zane; he's still talking about it! Bryson was so crabby the morning of Amy's visit that I ended up putting him down for his nap before they came; I feel bad that he missed out, but he wouldn't have been much fun. Carter, Zane, & Avery had lots of fun playing together while Amy & I chatted. Thanks, Amy, for coming to visit!

Fire Department!

If anything, today was eventful. Bryson locked Carter & me out of the house when we walked out to the garage. I grabbed the hammer I needed for hanging pictures and was almost back to the door when I heard the unmistakable click. Bryson, left alone in the house, was grabbing at the doorknob when he accidentally pushed the lock. First, I tried sweet talking him into unlocking the door and letting us in. After several minutes, it was obvious that he couldn't turn the knob and was becoming very upset. Luckily, my cell phone was still in my truck, so I called Kevin. When he didn't answer, I racked my brain and couldn't think of a single person to call, so... I called the fire department! They came out and jimmied the door open. Poor Brysie cried the whole time! After we were finally rescued, he was so upset that not even the sight of the fire truck parked in front of our house could calm him down!

Gaylee's Visit

My wonderful friend Gaylee and her 3 kiddos took a road trip to visit us one afternoon this week. It was unexpected and tons of fun. Our kids all splashed in the kiddie pool and played in the toy room while we watched and chatted. I always love hanging out with Gaylee; she's an inspiration with her energy and optimism. Thanks for coming to see us, Gaylee Girl! I love you!