8.07.2016

June Phone Dump

Once Carson was out of school and Carver still had a couple of weeks left, we were able to do a few things just the two of us, or with friends!

WNC Nature Center with Ande, Graham and (their mom) Becky.






Soccer games were really hot in June!

This was the day that Carson stayed in character as Leonardo All. Day. Long. He fought "bad guys" throughout the house and called Daniel "Sensei" for the entire day. It was hilarious.

Heading out to a $1 movie at Regal-- The Lego Movie!


Photo booth fun at the theater.

Leonardo fell asleep in the car line. A rare occurrence these days.

Carver's last day of kindergarten!


He was a very reluctant participant in his end-of-year school program.

Lunch at Tupelo Honey Cafe with this one-- his choice :)

The friendly neighborhood snake. I hate him.

Found THREE ginormous ticks in the house over the course of about a week. No, just no.

We made boats and then sailed them in the creek at Montreat.

I spent the whole afternoon wondering when Carver started looking so chubby. Then I realized he had on his brother's size 4T bathing suit. 


Last soccer game. The trophy was a big hit.

Keeping the sun off of Grandmama.


Last day with long hair. I was sad to see those locks go.


Vacation Bible School!

Crafts at Micheal's! We went about twice a week whenever we were not out of town. It was a huge hit-- the boys (especially Carver) just loved it. I highly recommend!

Another day, another craft at Micheal's.

Holding Tight

It's days like these...days that are so normal and seemingly not even noteworthy, that I will hold onto so tightly as the boys get older.



I'm nostalgic by nature. Change makes me sad. I struggle not to live in the past, and I am often a bit pessimistic and negative. I spend a lot of my time worried about things that will probably (hopefully) never happen. I often let the fear take hold. Or I start doomsday prepping in my bed at night. You know, thinking through what will happen to the boys when/if I die-- that sort of thing. Making plans, trying to work it all out in my head so that I can just sleep.

I'm lots of fun to be around. Clearly :)

But, oh, some days are just right. And good. And calm and soothing to my  soul.

It was a simple request. Carver wanted to pick flowers in the yard of the empty house at the front of our neighborhood. He asked almost every single day.

Then, one day, I said yes.

And the boys rode their scooters, with Winston and I close behind. And the boys picked flowers until their fists were full of them. Then they paused for pictures for me. And gave hugs to each other.






And we walked back home and put those weeds in vases of water. And they were so pleased.

I wish I was better. A better mom. Kinder. More gentle. More patient.

I make a lot of mistakes. But, this day? This day I said yes to a quiet walk to pick flowers. And it was a very good day.


Family time (in June) at Emerald Mountain and Mt. Mitchell















8.06.2016

Robots, Robots, Robots! Carson's turns 4

Carson had his "big" party with friends and family and he chose a robot theme! It was a really fun party theme and I was pleased with how it turned out. It was chaotic (lots of kids!), but they all had a great time. Sadly, not many pictures were taken... but still, so much fun :)

We started with some crafts-- robot magnets, masks, stickers and coloring sheets.


Cupcakes with robot rings and toppers. The big party table with confetti and a robot Little Golden Book!


Hand-stamped party favor bags: mini play dough, hershey kisses with robot stickers; robot-shaped crayons. And bubbles with robot tags outside!

 Part of the food: zaxby's chicken; chips, fruit & dip, veggies & dip, and black bean salsa.


Craft table!







Ice cream and wooden spoons. (Sidenote: these individual cups are the best thing ever)






Carver served the ice cream.
 And, time for presents!



We loved having (almost) everyone from our family there-- Jules was greatly missed! It was a  great party. Super stressful and chaotic. I love planning birthday parties, even though I always feel crazy overwhelmed.

I think this Robot theme just might be one of my favorites so far :)

We partied hard for Carson's 4th birthday. I've got about 5 months until Carver's birthday-- time to start brainstorming!