First Day of Pre-K

Carson is officially "in-school."  His attends First Baptist Smyrna Weekday Education program and his first day was August 26th. He was pretty excited about starting school. He didn't shed a single tear...shoot, he didn't even look back when I dropped him off in his classroom. I waited until I got back out to the parking lot before I started to cry. We found out that there is another "Carson" in his class, so we told his teachers that they could call our Carson "CJ" (since that is the nickname we call him anyways). After his first day of school, he told me the thing that he was most excited about was the transformer in his classroom (transformers are his current go-to toy). He also says he tries really hard everyday not to get any "checks" by his name because if he gets no checks all week then he gets to choose something from the class treasure box on Friday. While I appreciate his efforts, I remind him he should obey his teachers because God tells us to obey those that are in charge of us (like parents and teachers). He politely nods in agreement, but lets face it...treasure boxes are pretty good motivators.

Vacation in Southport

We spent labor day weekend vacationing in Southport, North Carolina. Uncle Terry and Aunt Polly graciously hosted us again this year. They are so hospitable with us and helped us with the boys. It really was such a relaxing trip. We spent time at the pool, at the beach, and in a hammock -- what more could you ask for on a vacation! We also enjoyed a day trip to Wilmington where Carson and Timothy were able to explore a children's museum and even had time for a bike ride before we left town.

Carson loves spending time on the beach...but not in the water. He would rather build sandcastles than play in the waves (he gets that from his mother :) )

The boys with Uncle Terry and Aunt Polly at the beach.

Carson and Allie -- good buddies.

Terry's dad, Howard, is living with them now in Southport. The boys provided him with lots of entertainment.

 Hammock Time!

 Watching the sunset at a park near Polly and Terry's home.

 me and my snugglebug!

Family picture in front of our "home away from home" 

Timothy at 9-months-old

Our sweet baby boy  passed the 9-month mark on August 21st. He is such a little cuddle bug and brings so much joy to our lives. His favorite things are playing with water bottles, playing with his brother, and jumping in the jumper. He doesn't even mind that the jumper is pink (we borrowed it from cousin Cali). He hasn't started crawling yet but does some serious rolling all around the room. Our Tiny Tim measures in the 4 percentile and weighs a little over 16 pounds. We love this little guy!

Timmy loves blueberries

Hanging in the jumper

Tummy Time

Carson turns Five!

It is hard to believe that my firstborn turned FIVE on August 7th. Carson is such a sweet and loving boy and I am so blessed to be his mommy. I really enjoy watching his ever-evolving personality develop. At the moment, he loves (in no particular order): butterflies, grasshoppers, transformers, going to church, tinker toys, and his little brother. He does not particularly care for putting his head under the water at the pool or taking baths (don't worry...we make sure he does the latter).

We opted out of a birthday party this year and instead decided to take Carson to Stone Mountain (again) to do the "ride the ducks" tour (one of those amphibious vehicles that can go on land and in the water). He was excited that cousin Cali and his friend, Charley, were able to join him for the fun. I also attempted to make cupcake cones for his birthday (major pinterest fail) -- he did have fun icing and decorating them so not a total bust.

Medieval Times

We were glad to have Charles parents in town to visit the last week of  July. Grandma is a professional baby rocker and loved cuddling with Timothy. Grandpa and Carson are "early bird buddies." We decided to take Cletus and Betty to Medieval Times to celebrate Cletus' birthday. I am not a huge fan of eating with my hands but we had a good time anyway. Carson was enthralled by the horses and jousting. Timothy was a good sport too and I think just liked being somewhere other than home.

Butterflies and Ropes Course

We have season passes to Stone Mountain so took the opportunity to go there when Nana was in town a few weeks ago. Carson and Charles began the day putt-putt golfing  with Michael, Julee, and Cali. The park also had a cool butterfly exhibit. Carson LOVES butterflies and Timothy was fascinated. The park also has a ropes course for  little kiddos that Carson enjoyed. We will definitely be taking a trip there again soon!

I love my boys!

My two little guys keep me on my toes most days, but I am trying to do a better job of snapping pictures of my little love bugs. Carson really does such a good job with Timothy..he can make him laugh on cue and is so loving toward his little brother. It is hard to believe that Timothy is already 7 months old. He really is such a sweet and easy going baby. He is sitting on his own and starting to babble. No crawling yet, but lots of tummy time. He finally started sleeping through the night (Hallelujah!)and he is eating like a champ (though not a fan of peas or green beans). We call Timothy our "little grabber" because when he first began eating meals with us, we would plop him down in his bumbo seat in the center of the table (we also called him our centerpiece) and then would have to clear all cups, plates, food out of his reach.

Cool Dudes!

Who needs a babysitter when you got a brother.

Carson is sweet enough to "entertain" Timothy in the morning by filling his crib with animals or pulling a chair next to the crib and reading a book to him until I get out of bed to come and get him.

Firefighters in training. We took these pictures for Auntie Joy!

Carrots...yum!

The boys love hanging out with Cali.

What is so funny?

Tummy Time! 

Brotherly love.

Timothy at 7 months.

Mother's Day

Charles asked Carson what he would like to do for me for Mother's Day this year. Carson said he wanted to take me to Hawaii. Since that wasn't going to happen, Charles asked Carson if he would like to paint a picture of Hawaii for me instead. Carson did an amazing job! Charles said that he outlined the details and Carson did all the painting. They even glued on real sand! It took them 3 hours to complete this masterpiece and I am so proud. I absolutely LOVE my painting!

A Visit to Florida

I am a couple months late in posting this, but better late than never. We took a trip down to Florida in May to see my mom graduate from Eckerd College. While we were there, we visited with family and friends and took Timothy to the beach for the first time.

 Way to go Nana! We are so proud of you.

Timothy's first time in the pool.

Carson with cousin Cali and Nana at the beach.

Nap time at the beach.

A Visit to Ohio

We were very excited to spend Easter in Ohio this year. I have never spent Easter in Coshocton before and was excited to see the Easter musical at Charles' home church that I had heard so much about over the years. We decided to make the trip so that we could meet our new nephew, Mavrik. He was only three weeks old at the time of our visit and is such a cute little guy.

Me and my nephew, Mavrik!

 

Here is a picture of me and my sister-in-law, Angie. She is the proud mama to Mason, Maelynn, and now, Mavrik. I am holding Mavrik in the picture and she is holding Timothy. I cannot believe how big Timothy (4 months old) looks next to Mavrik (3 weeks old). I think these cousins are going to be great buddies!

Grandpa and Grandma loved spending time with their Georgia grandkids.

 

Timothy and Great-Grandma (she turns 91 this year).

 

The Cousins: Maelynn, Mason, Mavrik, Carson, and Timothy

 

Before our trip to Ohio, Angie had told us that we could have Mason's two-wheel bike (with training wheels) to give to Carson. In the weeks prior to our visit (and getting the bike), we told Carson he had to work diligently on his chores and earn enough chore chart points if he wanted the privilege of owning a new bike. He was very consistent in his chores (making bed, getting dressed on own, setting the table, etc.) and was very excited to bring the bike back home to Georgia with us. He has really gotten the hang of it and is even able to maneuver up and down the big hills in our neighborhood.

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Cali's 2nd Birthday

In mid-march Nana and Papa came into town to help celebrate cousin Cali's 2nd brithday. Unfortunately, on the day of the birthday party, me, Charles, and Nana all got the stomach bug and could not attend the fun ladybug brithday party that Julee has planned for Cali. Carson, Papa, and Auntie Joy were able to go and help Cali celebrate. Cali is the cutest little ladybug I have ever seen!

When Nana got to feeling better, she enjoyed playing superheros with Cali and Carson. They have so much fun together!