Counting Down To Easter!

Ella is modeling her new Spring bonnet that arrived today- thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

Spring Break in Oak Ridge

We just got back from a visit in Oak Ridge and crammed about as much as possible in to 2 1/2 days. We had intended on stopping through Oak Ridge on our way to Nashville to visit Tommy's parents and grandfather, but got news on the way that Tommy's grandfather had a fall and was staying in the hospital for a few days. We were all sad, but are planning a trip in about a month to go again. So instead, we just stayed an extra day in Oak Ridge. While there I was able to get Carson's 2 year picture and Ella's 6 month picture taken. I also got my rings re sized (my knuckles grew after I got pregnant with Ella and never went back down). Basically, Thursday and most of Friday was spend just running errands and going to stores that are no where near our house in North Carolina.

We ate out a lot (also a treat- since we also have no good restaurants where we live) and we got to see family- the best part! My sister threw Carson a belated birthday party (photos in blogs below) that was wonderful- and we were able to go to the Oak Ridge Easter Egg hunt. The boys had a great time seeing their cousins. We loved getting to see family and took TONS of photos- Great jump start to our spring break!

Carson's Belated Party!

My sister threw Carson a birthday party while we were in for a visit over the weekend. She grilled burgers and shrimp and they were incredible! Carson made out like a bandit with all of his toys- a lawn mower, drill set, race car track, hats, vegetables that you can cut- just to name a few. The boys loved seeing their cousins and Tyler was beside himself to get to play Dawson at Wii games. Awesome party- thank you everyone!!!!

Carson tearing into the loot and loving his Micky Mouse themed party favors!

My mom with her two granddaughter- Sophia and Ella.

In Bloom

Playground

Visit With Cousins

Sisters

Ella is 6 Months Old!!!!!

I am speechless. Half a year old already. Best eater, sleeper, smiler and weeper (if you put her down). Ella is babbling, laughing out loud, rolling over and practicing her balance in the sitting position. Her favorite things are her brother's making her laugh and being outside. We love you beautiful girl- happy 6 months!

Outside Time

Snowing yesterday and 60 degrees today. This weather is unbelievable. Unsure what the temperatures are going to be from day to day, we are spending every second outside on pretty days. Typically, Tyler and Carson will play on the playground or outside before nap and then we rush to enjoy the rest of the day when everyone wakes up from a nap. All three prefer staying outdoors and we are all getting excited for the weather to get warmer. Tyler and I have already started to make big plans for this spring and summer. Our plans include a lot of rafting, blueberry picking and we might be building a tree house for the boys in the near future.

Just a few pictures I just took before we came in today, Carson is off pushing the dump truck to the side while Tyler is letting Ella lay on him. In the picture below I was trying to figure out how to do the self timer and get a group shot. I was having Tyler sit with her just so I could adjust where the camera was shooting. Ella must have gotten tired of waiting and reclined back to try to take a nap. Tyler is so sweet to her. I will say it again, she does not have any idea of how good she has it- both boys are crazy about her.

Almost 6 Months Old...

Dump Truck Racing

The boys have discovered a new source of entertainment, downhill dump truck racing. They take turns pushing each getting the truck in position. On Carson's turn, Tyler kindly runs along side of him. I am curious to see how long they are satisfied with this new thrill before wanting to try something from higher ground and faster moving.

Big Tommy, Little Tommy

Just a preface to this blog, it took me 20 minutes to convince Tommy to let me take this picture. We were at Tyler's school picking him up and a father of one of my friends was there with his dog. The dog's name? TOMMY!! And the dog's sweater even matched my Tommy's shirt. It was hysterical, to me at least. Tommy- big Tommy, did not find it so amusing. Every time I yelled "Tommy" they both looked. And I made sure I called their name out at least every 2 minutes for comedic value alone. This made my day.

Pictures Tell A Story...

Not quite sure what the story is in this case, but something was going on. All I know is that I was in the kitchen fixing dinner when I saw Carson get way too excited seeing the empty car seat next to where Ella was sitting. I grabbed the camera and started shooting while they laughed, rocked together and carried on. Carson had the time of his life and I am pretty sure Ella was happy to have a buddy sit with her.



Ella first acted shocked at C-Horse's rowdy behavior...

...but eventually loosened up.

Siblings

First Soccer Practice

Last night was Tyler's first (and last) soccer practice. Let me explain... Tommy and I told Tyler he could play soccer this year (which he has been pestering us about for a really long time). Little did we know that he missed the age cut off by 4 months. So instead of telling him he was too young to play, a friend of ours was coaching an older team and invited Tyler to join them for practices. We thought it was a great plan- Tyler would think he was on a team and get to play a couple times a week. Notice "Assistant Coach Tommy" with his hands in his pockets- ha!

I was even more excited to see Tyler up next to the kids that were 3 years older- he was actually not that much smaller than some of them. I took pictures and was loving seeing him run and finally get to do some drills. Until he got tired. Then the age difference started to show. You see, when a seven year old gets really exhausted- they just stop running or take it easy. A 4 1/2 year old does cannot cope quite as easily. Tyler fell apart a few times- especially when he forgot not to pick up the ball with his hands and got his hand kicked a little.

Overall he had a great time (especially when Carson ran onto the field to say hello), but on the way home told us that maybe he should play soccer when he turns 5. Nice, I wonder if I can return cleats and shin guards used only once?

Tommy having to talk Tyler into getting back out on the field after he said he was too tired to run any more.

Carson and Ella

My goal today is to get a little caught up on blogging. If I had blogged regularly during the last few weeks, it would have said the same thing over and over-"we are still sick". I have never in my life seen as many germs pass through one household. I am not sure if it is preschool, the season or both. If I went through all that we have had since October, I fear no one would want to visit for fear of lingering strep or flu, or RSV...got the drift? I will try to catch up on the small and big happenings throughout the week that I have failed to post and hopefully return to blogging again instead of being full time nurse.

First, with Ella rolling over nonstop and wanting to be in the middle of everything, I have had to break out some new gadgets. The latest has been the exersaucer. She sat in it for about 10 minutes and decided she hated it. Carson however, enjoyed seeing all it had to offer. Ella is really starting to come into her own. She started rice cereal weeks ago and now has added bananas to her diet- which she loves! We also had to buy her a port a crib since Carson is apparently in no hurry to move out of his bed. So she wheels from room to room depending on nap time and where the boys are playing.

Carson is also getting into new things. He is really into pretend play right now and has taken over a corner of the house which we find precious. He takes his animals and cars and lines them all up on the end table and can play for some time by himself. Tommy and I love to watch him and encourage him to have his own space. Carson is talking (babbling mostly)like crazy and is Tyler's shadow. Right now Carson's favorite words are "no" and" mine". Typical, but frustrating.

I wanted to get one picture of Carson and Ella together- this was taken several days ago after Carson had gotten over a virus. The entire week he had been begging to hold Ella. When I finally let him, he also wanted his picture taken with her. This is one sweet combo.