And she is THREE!

We spent the weekend celebrating Avery's third birthday. It was packed full of fun, family, and friends. Tricia and Kyle stopped by to see the birthday girl on the morning of her big day and brought her a bubble blowing lawn mower and an ice cream! She was thrilled! After naps our friends the Parro's and Mayer's came over with more gifts. We were able to sneak in a quick trip to the pool and then enjoy a yummy cookout. Then, another day of cake on Sunday. Ammy, Bamp, Tally, Jake, and Truss came over for another trip to the pool and a late lunch. Of course, more presents and fun! Round two next weekend!





Are't these boys getting big???

What a week!

Well it has been one week exactly since my last post. And, I haven't even had a second to think about blogging. Two weeks ago Dylan started sleeping 12 hour stretches. He also became very aware of me. He started to pull down the bumper and look for me when I left and entered his room. This resulted in crying at nap and bedtime, something I am not accustomed to. I took this as a sign that he needed to cry himself to sleep (call me stupid). So I set the microwave timer and let him fall asleep on his own. I noticed he was losing his pacifier (binkie as we call it) and was getting a tiny cold. To make everything better, Trevor was traveling so this just might work. So...I yanked the paci! What was I thinking??? 7 days later, he doesn't need that little addictive sucking thing! Thank God! Because I have a 3 year old that is addicted to hers! He can get to sleep on his own, but because of this little cold I am getting up with him once a night. Please tell me this will all be worth it!!! I am praying that in a week we will be healthy, sleeping, and adjusted. This is all a part of this job called being a Mama. I love it, but boy it ain't easy! I do love my kiddos, and my husband he is the best!

Now I know!

Every summer when Carrie Beth and I sit down to plan fun summer events for the kiddos the weekends are always off limits. The Poseners are always lake bound. I have always thought it was a lot of fun but couldn't imagine spending so much time up there. We have been lucky enough to enjoy a couple weekends up there before. Once in the winter (we explored caves and waterfalls) and once Avery woke up with a fever and cut our trip short. Both trips were really fun. However, this weekend we were able to enjoy almost 24 hours on the lake. And now I know! Being on the water, in the sun, with the humming of the boat is SO relaxing. Then, looking around at those you love most having a all sorts of fun is fantastic. Enjoying friends company and laughing. The guys even did a little cliff jumping. Can it get better? YES! We swam, tubed, played in the sand, road around, ate, talked everything was good. Then, the magical moment on our way back to the dock cruising the lake and all four kids were fast asleep. Carrie Beth held Harper, Robbie held Handley, Trevor held Avery, and Dylan was next to me in his car seat. They were all so happy, so sleepy, and all was right with the world. I had to fight back a few tears because it is times like this without the distraction of a phone, TV, or anything else you are able to remember what is truly important. Family and friends are the most special things. A few times over the weekend I caught Trevor adoring Avery and Dylan. At one time he said, "I just couldn't love them any more than this." At that moment I was thinking to myself, I just didn't think I could love him this much!

The kids were all unbelievable. They were so active, didn't nap, and still played so well together. It was a huge day for Handley and Avery as they shared their first sleepover together. They each had their own bed, matching pj's, and they did it!!! In the morning they ate yummy cinnamon rolls together. It was a perfect weekend for the adults and kids. I truly didn't want to leave and go back to reality. I wish we had a lake house. I know I would go as often as possible.















Thanks for the wonderful weekend Carrie Beth and Robbie! We loved everything. Thanks for sharing! And....CB thanks for putting Dylan to bed. You are the baby whisperer!

Welcome Summer

Friday was Avery's last day of school. We celebrated in style with some of her classmates and teachers. It was lots of fun. We are now ready for the summer!

Aquarium Adventure

Our sweet friends Jessica and Sarah invited us to the Georgia Aquarium. Lucky for us, they had season passes that allowed us to get in for free. We left early and spent three fabulous hours enjoying the sea life. The girls were able to pet sting rays, starfish, and sea urchins. They loved seeing all of the fish. Dylan was full of giggles. He enjoyed the morning as much as the girls. We took a quick lunch break in the cafeteria and then browsed a little more before calling it a great morning. It was a super way to spend the morning! Thank you Jessica and Sarah!!

















**Did you notice the kids adorable shirts?? They are compliments of Jeanna. They are whale-y cute!
http://lollipopgirlstwo.blogspot.com/

School days draw to an end

This year whizzed by! It is hard to believe that nine months ago was Avery's first day of preschool. It is also hard to believe I was sitting in my car crying after I dropped her off that first day. I was forced to pull it together in order to go in for Muffins. Even though that sadness didn't last (in fact, by Labor Day I was upset to have school cancelled) school was a great thing for Avery. Both of us learned how to be apart from one another. She learned to make her own friends. She has become more independent. She has learned great manners, is potty trained, and most of the time is good at sharing. From time to time we do struggle with that though. I am just thrilled with her school, the teachers, and families we have met. Ms. Melanie, Ms. Catherine, and Ms. Shelley made the transition to school so smooth. They were unbelievable with Avery. They always made sure Avery felt safe and happy enough to take the risks that have helped her grow socially and academically. I am sad to see the year come to an end but look forward to the next few years we will be able to call it our school. I also have to note that for me having Avery in preschool has made me feel apart of our community. Until this year, we have lived in Smyrna and made our neighborhood our home. Now, I feel like we are very lucky to have a wonderful place for Avery to grow up and a community as well. To me this is a great feeling. I guess you could say we are getting settled.



Dylan wants to go to school!!!

Quick stop for Uncle Scott

Uncle Scott had a motorcycle trip that brought him South for the weekend. He was sweet enough to stop in Atlanta on his way back home. We all loved his company and we just visited and played all day! I hope he had enough fun that he will come back soon!

Uncle Scott showed Avery all of his riding gear. Avery thought his helmet would be perfect for riding her scooter. I am thinking it would make her a little top heavy though. Next, we introduced Scott to Chickfila. I don't think he is as sold as Avery but he gave it a good try. After short naps, we rounded up and went out to Mexican for dinner. Aunt Tricia joined us there because she was in the neighborhood and even gave Avery a cute trim. The highlight of dinner.... Uncle Scott ordered every dessert on the menu. No wonder Ave had a hard time getting to sleep.









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Round and round we go

Friday, off to Joey D's with the kids. We went early and didn't quite know if it was appropriate but the kids were outstanding. We enjoyed a tasty dinner complete with an onion loaf and ice cream brownie for dessert. Yum!






Saturday, Daddy and Ave ran errands at Home Depot while Dylan, Riley, and I got our exercise. Then, we packed a picnic and headed to the pool. I am not going to lie and tell you it was warm, but it was fun. Both kids and Dad loved every second the sun peaked through the clouds. Everyone must have been tired because we napped until 4. Then, off again to meet Ammy and Bamp at the carousel. We had a great time and managed to squeeze in a dinner at CPK. A rule to the wise, always taste the food before you feed it to your baby. Tonight we fed Dylan what we thought was guacamole. His eyes immediately teared up and he screamed. Come to find out it was VERY spicy. Poor buddy, we fed him water with a straw like a little birdie. Then on to the baby food. Lucky for us, 15 minutes later he was the happiest camper around. He sang and laughed through the entire meal. We certainly won't do that again!

Cheers to a good weekend and looking forward to a visit with Uncle Scott this week.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today Avery celebrated her 3rd birthday at school. We are about 15 days early, but they will be out for the summer by the time her actual birthday rolls around. I had been thinking of the perfect birthday treat to send in for a couple months. My Mom always made the best birthday treats! So, I was trying to be like her. When I asked my little girl if she had any ideas, she had her heart set on donut holes. Well, I was a bit disappointed that I wouldn't be making something special, but it was a lot easier. And the important thing is, I made her day! She had a great birthday with her friends. My, my time flies when you are having fun!







When I asked her how they would celebrate she said, "sing happy birthday, say the blessing, amen, and eat!"

Check-Up's

Off to see Dr. Knox! Love that guy! He is always on time, very good about answering questions and telling you what to expect, plus he has a good sense of humor. As we walked through the door Avery was shouting, "I'm scared!" We quickly had to pick her up and get her out of the waiting room. Dr. Knox was right there with a Barbie tattoo! That is all it took to win her over. She did have a rather high pulse and blood pressure reading. I am sure that was due to her elevated stress level at that moment. Why do they take those readings first?

Dylan, he was a doll. Happy for the whole well visit. Except for the three shots and oral vaccine. Poor buddy! Thank goodness Daddy was there because I just can't do it!

Glad to have this appointment behind us but glad it was a great trip. Of course, we made a b-line for Chick-fila for lunch. Avery got a peach milkshake this time and loved every sip!

The STATS:

Avery Reese: height: 36 1/2 inches weight: 32lbs

Dylan Bruce: height: 26 inches weight: 18 lbs 1 oz.

Now to compare...

Avery at 6 months weighed 19 lbs 3 oz. I weighed 18 lbs 3 oz.

Avery's height was 25 3/4 and mine was 26 inches

Happy Mother's Day!

Today I am thankful to be a Mom and grateful to my Mother and Mother-in-law. You both inspire me to be the best I can be! I love you both and hope you had a great day!



We had the perfect weekend! Beautiful weather, a date night (thanks Mom and Dad for coming over to watch the little ones), and lots of family time. I am so thankful to be a Mommy! These kids are absolutely the best thing! Trevor and I are two lucky parents. Although parenting is the hardest job I have ever had, it is by FAR the BEST! I am also grateful to my husband for working hard and allowing me the unbelievable opportunity to be home with my children every single day!

We spent our Sunday up at the lake. Had a delicious brunch and then went exploring Mom and Dad's property. It was gorgeous. The dock was great, we can hardly wait until they build. Avery got to fish for the first time. She was rather disappointed when we never actually caught a fish. There is always next time. What a beautiful day!