The Hammock

I was suprised with an early Mother's Day present- a hammock! I have wanted one for some time and thrilled to see it swinging from the trees last night. Apparantly, Tyler also is thrilled to have one. I cannot get him off of it- in fact, all the kids seem to enjoy it. Wonderful gift Tommy!

Springtime Obsession

Caterpillars seem to be the latest source of entertainment in our backyard. Unfortunately for them, Tyler and Carson are not content after finding one until it is properly named, toted around on a stick for at least 45 minutes and rides on the other brothers head. Sorry little guys- maybe next year you will think twice before making a nest within 2 miles of our house.

Ella Is Seven Months Old!

Twins Trio

As we were all getting ready for church this morning, Tyler suggested to Tommy that they wear matching clothes. Tommy was only too happy to oblige. Then we found Carson a shirt that also matched! I personally was not about to look for a blue and white stripped dress to put on, but was only too happy to take pictures of the three of them. Ella- just wait.....our time is coming.

Greening Up The Mountain Festival

Today we attended the 8th annual Greening Up The Mountain Festival in Sylva North Carolina. Basically, vendors in tents lined the closed street selling everything from birdhouses to soaps. The booths were incredible and showcased the artwork of many local talents in the area. There were also performances- everything from bluegrass and banjos to dance performances by kids of all ages. Naturally, there would be no festival without food. My lunch for the day was a grilled chicken fajita with a bite (or three) of fried spiral potato. The big line at the food tent was Indian Fry Bread- a regional favorite. We did not have a change to sample this particular delight- next festival maybe.

The boys really enjoyed sitting on the lawn and watching the dance groups. Ty really perked up with the younger kids preformed a number from the movie Grease. Behind the pavilion was a huge kids area with games and a giant slide. Another hit with Tyler and Carson.

My friend Ellen is to thank for this fun day, she emailed me last night to remind me the of event. We were able to meet her and her son Ford (who just turned one).

The timing could not have been more perfect- we arrived to meet Ellen around 10am, left at 1:00pm and rain came in approximately 1:20pm. I love festivals!!!!

Visit From G-Ma

I teared up to see you leave- had one memorable week momma. Thank you for staying the week with us!

Big Morning!

While Tommy is in California this week, my mom has been staying with us. Ironically, this has been the busiest week in a long time- I am not sure how I would have made it without her. On Monday, about 20 miles from home, my car broke now. New fuel pump is now in and we are about to take a road trip to Asheville tomorrow. This morning we had a tree cutter come and take care of a dead tree and one that was leaning toward our dining room. Carson was fascinated and stayed glued to the window (actually we all were- even Tommy, who asked me to email him pictures).

It was amazing watching him scamper right up the tree- I was outside taking pictures, I am sure he was thinking this woman does not get out much. Before they were finished, we had to go to Tyler's school. Every Wednesday they have a "mystery reader" that surprises the class with a book. Mom was the mystery reader today and took in "Bug Dance".

Tyler got to introduce everyone to his G-Ma and after reading, Mom took the class into the hall and taught the dance! Everyone did it together a few times- it was awesome!

Random Pics, Randon Thoughts

I was looking at some pictures I had on my camera today and did not have a coherent blog with a coherent theme in mind, but just some thoughts I wanted to share...

Ella reminds me so much of Tyler when he was her age- something through the face. More specific, the cheeks. I loved this picture of them. I was trying to get all three, but Carson was off chasing our cat who always wanders into the scene during a photo shoot. I am not sure what they were studying, but it was the same thing. I was clicking away while they just sat content and studied the grass.

And Carson finally returned to the session... only to have Tyler and Ella not interested all at. Typical. This I found hysterical. Never can get them all on the same page at the same time.

The last random thought was how different my coloring is from Ella's. I don't know why I find this so odd, because my sister and I are opposite. I guess I just always thought I would have a dark haired and darker eyed girl. Funny.

Workshop At Lowes

We lucked out today- went to Lowes this morning to get some things and turns out they were having a kid's workshop day building your own flower box. You did not have to invite our crew but once. The staff was awesome- Carson and Tyler both were given aprons and patches to keep and given a flower box kit to put together. With help, both assembled a box and then got to plant flowers. A great start the day!

Consignment Sale!

I went to a consignment sale today and was thrilled with my finds! I went with the specific idea of looking for Ella some summer dresses for church. I have never bought clothes before at a consignment sale- typically finding that one's I spotted looked really worn. I guess one has better luck when they are looking for 6-9 month clothes. I found the sweetest dresses- most looked brand new!!!!!! I am very excited for summer and the chance for Ella to get to wear her new outfits !

Ella In April

Family Visit

Today was an incredible day! My grandmother and Aunt Sandy came for a visit. They arrived with a beautiful pot of flowers and the day just kept getting better. The boys were wound up and very excited for guests. Tyler gave Aunt Sandy "the tour" (his favorite thing in the world to do for first timers to our house), while Carson and Ella got to love on Ma. We all ate lunch on the porch and got to catch up.

We took lots of pictures, and while all the kids were asleep, my grandmother held down the couch (taking a nap herself) and Sandy and I were able to walk around outside and just talk. After many hugs, kisses and books that had been read- it was time for them to go back over the mountain.

We loved the visit and getting to see you, come back soon!

She BANGS, She BANGS!

I wanted bangs. Period. I did not want to pay to have someone take a few inches off...so, I did it myself. Tommy said he wanted nothing to to with it and would not even take my picture. He said he did like them, but begged me to never take a pair of scissors into the bathroom again. What do you think?