Kolling-Perin Visit

Today was a highly anticipated day- Sharon and her family came for a visit. It is odd that we only live 3.5 hours away- both in North Carolina but have only seen each other a handful of times since high school graduation. We finally managed to coordinate getting together- and getting our kids together! We both have three kids and the ages are staggered perfectly! Ranging from 7 to 18 months- everyone had someone to play with. The day was spent eating lunch out at Bogart's (introducing Joshua to the best shrimp po boy in town), and coming back to the house for pictures and lots of playing. We have been invited to head their way soon, so a road trip might soon be in store for us! What an awesome day.

The Circus

I would say that at least we can say we have been to one, but I am not sure what we went to last night even qualifies as a circus. There were clowns, some low budget props, a few Asian gymnasts and a dog dressed up like a lion. Hmmm. I am not sure what I was expecting, but I think I was at least envisioning some animals. Carson loved every second of it, which made it bearable. And I guess for being 3 years old and having nothing to compare it to- maybe it was sort of entertaining. Tommy and I personally felt like it was two hours of our life we would never get back. At one point one of the clowns played his saxophone to Celine's "My Heart Will Go On". We thought it was a big joke, and obviously so did the guy in front of us who started booing the poor guy. Not a joke. Two hours of really, really overpriced bad "comedy". The one highlight, or so I thought, was when they staged a boxing match with a kangaroo (not counting this as an animal in the act because it was on stage and back in the cage within 45 seconds). Regardless, the kangaroo was not willing to participate and refused to box. Finally they had it throw one arm in the air and the other boxer dramatically hit the floor faking a knock out. I was really pulling for the kangaroo. For the grand finale, a woman rode out on an elephant to which the elephant sat on a metal stool and defecated all over the floor. Not part of the act, but turned out to be one of the best parts of the show.

Me, Carson, Tyler and Ellie (we went with friends) at intermission- where you could go to the floor and have your picture taken with a spider monkey, the motercyclist in the metal ball or with the Sponge Bob Square Pants mascot for a price. We just decided to take our own photo for the scrapbook.

I took a picture of the elephant's gift at the end of the show. Enlarge the photo and look at the stool- priceless.

Second Tooth Gone!

Saint Patrick's Day Visit

Last week my mom, sister and niece and nephew came for a fast visit- very fast! We had last than 24 hours to... Run to a few stores, go out to eat, make smores over a campfire, play outside and just catch up. Oh, and get in a few pictures!

Saint Patrick's Day

Today at Tyler's school I brought snacks and for the class and we built a human rainbow (minus a few colors). The kids dined on blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, purple and green grapes after making a rainbow out of the fruit on their plates- flanked by clouds (mini marshmallows. I took in two colored pieces of paper for each child and then we made a rainbow out of the class. I took the picture and next week they will decorate the frames and will each take home a print.

Home Movies

I meant to post this last week. Rainy day and Tommy rigged home movies to play on the tv. The kids were all hypmotized and watched them over and over. Their favorite (and mine), was Tyler getting the toilet ring stuck on his head a few years ago.

First Camp Out

It's 8:30pm, but the boy's beds are empty! Where could they be?!?! On their first camp out. Too cold and too young to be outside, but we compromised on at least inside a tent. Tommy and I have bets on how long it will last.

Tommy staying true to nightly routine- laying with the boys before bed.

Tommy Lays An Egg

This might not seem post worthy to some, but keep in mind this blog is also serving as a baby book of sorts. Years ago, one of the funniest things to Tyler was for us to pretend to lay and egg. We would tuck a ball or plastic egg between our legs and walk around like a chicken clucking and acting like we were looking for seeds. The clucking noise would get to a loud frenzied squawk as we flapped our wings, only to get this surprised look on our face and open our legs for the "egg" to fall out. Tyler went nuts over this little skit. In fact, I can remember having to do it in Portrait Innovations one year just to make him laugh. Yeah, that was not embarrassing at all.

The chicken laying an egg was resurrected tonight. Same skit, new audience. And did they eat it up! Carson rolled around on the floor laughing yelling "AGAIN!" about 20 times. Ella just sat amused and maybe a little confused. None the less- it was a hit, again.

The things we do as parents to get a laugh.

Carson's First Trip To The Dentist

Yesterday was Carson's first dentist appointment. Tyler also had an appointment, so watching big brother go first helped. What did not help was Carson hopping up in the chair and Tyler announcing, "Now Carson, this might hurt a little." Thanks Tyler. Carson did wonderful. Both boy's chompers passed with flying colors. The dentist did remark that Carson's teeth were showing signs of being a habitual thumb sucker. And Tyler has a second loose tooth and the new tooth is coming through, so we will be working on getting that old one out. Our house in now loaded up with new tooth brushes and sticky wall ball prizes.

Carson's Cake!

Per Carson's request : Homemade tractor cake with layered with mint chocolate chip ice cream and a cookie bar brownie crust with hot fudge topping. The oreo wheels were a just thrown in as a birthday bonus. We will be slicing up this piece of farm equipment after dinner tonight!

Carson Turns 3!!!!!

From the moment I knew you were growing inside me, I told Tommy "This one is going to be extra special." I could feel it, and I have never been so right about anything in my life. Carson has an infection smile, manner and heart. The compassion of empathy he shows to others for being so young is unheard of. Carson is silly, wildly imaginative, quiet and extremely affectionate. He plays such an important role in our family. C-Horse (nicknamed by Tyler) is such a sweet and caring big brother to Ella and an adoring little brother to Tyler. Everyone that has ever met Carson agrees that he is special beyond words- he has the most endearing personality. From the moment he was born (minus the messes), C-Horse has been the easiest child to raise. Carson, we love you so much- Happy 3rd Birthday!!!!!