To the Mountains we will go!

This weekend we headed to the mountains (Ellijay, Georgia) to go camping. We actually had a really nice house complete with a jacuzzi, outdoor fire pit and just a few steps from a river. This is my style of "camping." We had our extended family join us including Pop Pop, Cook Cook and Madison. The weekend was spent playing outside, fishing, roasting marshmallows and relaxing.

Caroline enjoying getting really really dirty!
Jack helped Uncle Jimmy build the campfirePop Pop helping Caroline fish with her Dora fishing poleThe kids had so much fun with party hornsNothing better than a S'more.Daddy and his little bugs

Happy Mother's Day

Thanks Jack, Caroline and Ed for making my Mother's Day so special. Jack and Caroline are the most wonderful children and I'm so glad they call me Mommy. We spent the day together doing our usual Sunday and then had dinner with Cook Cook and Pop Pop. Thanks Mom for teaching me to be a Mom.

Happy 2nd Birthday Lyla

Today, we celebrated Lyla's 2nd Birthday. Lyla is Caroline' s special friend from music (Lyla is very musical and will be on American Idol one day!). Lyla loves animal so she had a farm animal themed birthday that included a hayride in the wagon. The kids had a great time and were both a sleep before we pulled into the driveway. Thanks for inviting us to celebrate with you, Lyla.

Lyla's face while we were signing Happy Birthday!Caroline enjoying her ice cream (she sat at the table for 20 minutes eating her ice cream)Jack and Ada (Lyla's older sister)

Mother's Day at School

Today, Jack and Caroline's wonderful school honored Mom's with a luncheon . . . without the kids. It is always nice to have an adult meal and actually get to finish a conversation. After lunch we headed to the kids class for a surprise gift. Jack's class sang a song and then presented us with our butterfly themed gifts. Jack made me a cup that with butterflies made from his fingerprint, a flower pot with his hand prints coming out of it, and a beautiful picture and story. Jack was so excited about his surprises!

Caroline also had a special cup for me with her sweet little fingerprints made into a butterfly. She was so excited for me to open up my gift. It was so sweet to see her give me my gift. Of course, after I opened it, she said it was her juice box! Everything to drink out of is a juice box right now. Thanks for making my day special. I love you both so much and love the special gifts.

Random Happenings

Some random pictures of the kids playing around the house over the last couple of weeks.

Jack riding his tricycle - Don't you love his attire!
Caroline with her fancy boots and playing with bubbles.
Caroline coloring. . . on her arms (don't worry it is washable marker). I turned my back for about one minute!Jack and Caroline with their morning hair

Birthday Weekend

Our weekend was spent celebrating birthdays with two special little people! On Saturday, we celebrated Mattie Lou's 2nd Birthday with a farm animal party. The kids were able to touch and brush a pig, duck, rabbit, llama, small cow and a horse. They loved getting up close and personal with the animals. Stephanie also had a craft, animal mask and playtime for the kids during the party. Both Jack and Caroline had fun celebrating Mattie Lou's 2nd Birthday Party!

The birthday girl with her family
Caroline, Dad, Landon and Jack petting the cowJack and Riley riding the horse
Thomas the Pig and Jack the cowCowgirl CarolineOn Sunday, we were able to celebrate Nicholas' 1st Birthday party. His mommy had him a cupcake and clown theme party. The kids were able to play outside and the highlight of the party was Ruby the clown. Jack and Caroline were both unsure of the clown at first but quickly became a fan of Ruby. He even had Jack help him during one of his acts. Jack loves magic right now and we are having to do magic tricks each night. Nicholas loved his cupcake and made a complete mess! This is my favorite part of a child's first birthday.

Nicholas enjoying his special cupcake
Mom and Caroline watching RubyJack and Ruby the Clown
Jack and Riley looking for a bubble in each others ear

The Circus is in Town

We headed out to Jim R. Miller park to the Shrine Circus and Carnival. I don't know why I like Carnivals but I do! I love the cotton candy, the games and rides. Jack and Caroline both had a great time playing a couple of games. Jack was able to ride a couple of rides and loved them this time. Even Caroline was crying to get on the rides but is still about 6 inches to short. Maybe in a couple of years you will be tall enough peanut!

The great part of the night was meeting up with Cousin Madison and Uncle Matt. The kids were able to ride the train and watch the circus together. The circus itself was a little slow and not nearly as entertaining at the Barnum Bailey but the kids had a great time. Madison was dancing to the music and has some great moves.