Winter Break Getaway

This week Jack had winter break at school.  We took the time off to go visit my Aunt Jean and Uncle Dick in Virginia.  The boys had never been there yet and were quite excited.  They kept asking when it was time to go to Virginia!!

So Tuesday we headed up.  The drive up was actually pleasant.  We left in the morning after a workout at the gym.  Sean took a short nap before we stopped for lunch near Concord, NC.  The big boys took short naps after lunch.  Sean was too busy looking around to nap.  We managed to make only one other stop at a rest area for a potty break.  We arrived by 3:30.  The boys were excited, but still a little tired due to their short naps. 

They had tons of fun checking out their new surrounding and showing off.  Their favorite discovery was Boots.  She is a cat and they have so little experience with cats.  They all loved petting her dearly, following her around and playing with her toys.  Sean in particular was super fond of her!!

While we were there we were truly spoiled.  THANKS!!!!  It was a break not having to cook or clean!  We ate lots of yummy food (especially my favorites like chicken salad, deviled eggs, chocolate pie and lasagna).  We visited with several people.  The boys went to a bounce house and had lots of fun (as did I)!!  They played in the backyard (the weather was fabulous).

All in all it was an excellent getaway.  The boys behaved pretty well (just one or two meltdowns), they slept relatively well (skipped some naps though and had one rough night, but what can you expect when away from home) and we just had tons of fun.  THANKS FOR SO MUCH FUN AUNT JEAN AND UNCLE DICK.

No sooner were we down the road and Jack was asking "Does Uncle Dick know where our house is?  Can he come visit us?"  You truly made an impression on the boys and they can't wait to see you again.  Come visit us and we'll spoil ya'll!!

Sean showing off while playing football with Uncle Dick

Jack climbing a tree and Sean thinking about it

The gang making dirt cakes and pizzas

Jack trying to catch the football

We even got Aunt Jean to play football!!!

Fun with sticks

Sean loved the watering can

Ewan having fun bouncing

Sean trying to figure out how to climb the wall

Sean at the well....everyone's favorite spot in the backyard!

Playing with Boots

Flashback Friday - June 2008

I know, it's Saturday not Friday.   BUT I just got back in town last night and was far too exhausted to put up a post.  So here it is, one day late.

Jack enjoying himself at a playdate in June 2008.....

Have I Mentioned How Much I Love Zulily??

I just love Zulily.  That being said, it can get dangerous!  Today I just saw the most adorable rocket fabric covered chaise lounge chair that would look great in Sean's room.  He loves to sit in his rocking chair and read books.  This would be more comfortable, and bigger for all the boys.

But do we need it?  No!  There isn't any excuse to get it now...no gift giving reasons.  Easter?  Maybe.  Ah, so once again I must resist the urge.  But I really do want to get it!

I just love the unique items they have.  It's nice to get things that not every child has.  Plus they frequently feature products made in the USA (as this lounge is), always a plus.

Should I stop checking the site every day?  Of course!  Will I?  Heck no!!

Operation Yummy Bountiful Garden

Yesterday Josh and the boys worked on the garden.  Mostly adding compost, chicken poop etc to make the soil better.  They also redid the herb garden since it was getting full of tree roots.  Sean was impressed with the tiller!  They all had a blast playing in the dirt of course!  Sean and Jack liked "helping" shovel the dirt too.  Jack was actually a pretty good helper.  That should come in handy this summer hopefully.  Sean also showed a genuine interest in helping, hopefully that will continue.

They planted the first row in the garden.  We ordered all our seeds yesterday and will start them in the house/on the porch when they arrive.  Until then though they planted a row of carrot seeds on tape.  This was fun for the boys and something they could help do.

All in all it was a fun and DIRTY day!!  I'm eager to see everything grow and eat it all!!  They boys are eager too.  It's also nice to see them show an interest in yummy healthy food...carrots, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, blueberries...  Bring on the yummy fresh produce!!

Flashback Friday - May 2010

A look back at our family pics taken by Karen Johnson in 2010 (pregnant with Sean).  We will definitley have to find the time to have new ones taken this year!  Funny, the boys' expressions are still pretty much the same.

Mr. Romance

Happy Valentine's Day one and all!!  Let me introduce you to Mr. Romance (aka Jack).  This requires a story...about two weeks ago my dear sweet husband got me a dozen pink roses.  Last week Jack noted the water level in the vase was getting low and he commented that we needed to fill it.  I then informed him that the flowers were pretty much dead anyway and it was time to get rid of them.  He then decided we needed more flowers.  I told him sometime soon maybe.

Later that afternoon Jack suddenly informed me that he wanted to give Ava (the girl with whom Jack is EXTREMELY smitten at school) a flower for Valentine's Day.  I nearly giggled it was so cute.  Mind you we never discussed Valentine's Day with him...the whole flowers, chocolates and gift thing.  He just picked it up on his own.  Anyway, he told me I would have to drive him to get the flower because he couldn't drive!  I told him to wait and see as the big day got closer.

Over the days he still talked about it.  He definitely wanted to give Ava a PINK ROSE.  He was very specific.  So Sunday we went to the store and got a dozen pink roses since they didn't have them individually.  He is quite excited, though he also wants to give her a pink heart with candy (I talked him out of this).  Later that day I actually did manage to find roses sold individually so I got four.  I figured if he gave one to each of his teachers he could more discreetly give one to Ava.

So Monday rolls around and it is time for his class party.  He is thrilled to take his roses to school.  I took him in the building instead of just dropping him off.  I needed to explain the situation to his teachers (yes, they know he is quite fond of Ava). 

After school I asked him if he gave Ava the rose.  He said yes.  I asked him if she liked it.  He said "I think she liked it!".  It was so incredibly adorable.  My little romantic boy!  Watch out girls, here comes Jack!!  Or should I say watch out dads!!!!  Romeo also shared the same work station with Ava at school that day so he was thrilled.

Hope you are all enjoying your Valentine's Day.  My boys certainly are!!

Jack in the car waiting to go in the school and give Ava her flower!!

Flashback Friday - February 2009

Uncle Nick home visiting Ewan at Valentine's Day!!