Our Weekend Through Monday

Well-- yesterday was a bit of a doozey as far as Monday's go and I just did NOT get around to catching up about our weekend {which was pretty fabulous as far as weekends go}. So here is a little rewind of our weekend plus a day!

{F R I D A Y}
Friday when Hudson got off the bus it just felt like the weekend was finally here! It has been so awesome to watch Hudson adapt to kindergarten, hear about his day and just watch him grow even more into who he is.

The weather was beautiful so we tossed his school things inside and played in the backyard for a bit. I also took some time in between playing to work on the boys' activity binders for the plane. I made one for Hudson and one for Beau. In them I put some busy bag activities, some color sheets, blank construction paper, stickers, mini post its and some worksheets from workbooks (my boys LOVE workbook pages...no idea why but I won't fight it!)

I thought we could do patterns with the stickers on the mini construction paper. They could draw with their crayons, write words, etc on the other blank paper. The mini post its are different colors to play a game of tic-tac-toe on the drop down trays. Just simple things to keep them busy. Gabe can also draw and use the stickers. He has packed some books, miniature animals and Disney characters to play with too!

My in-laws also gifted each boy with an mini activity book that works with a water pen. Hopefully they will have enough to keep them busy! If not, there is always the last resort of the iPad but I'm hoping that we don't have to use that until maybe the plane ride home! ;)

We grabbed some dinner after playing outside at a Mexican restaurant (our boys LOVE Mexican). We had some family snuggle time before bed and wrapped up our night. 

{S A T U R D A Y}

Saturday was Hudson's last soccer game of the outdoor season. Neither Andrew or I played soccer before so we really had no idea what we were getting into but we have grown to LOVE watching our boys play soccer. This has been Hudson's third season. He has played with the same friends each season and it is the most fun! They have gotten better each year and are learning so many skills, the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. 

He ended the season on a high note scoring two goals! So proud of his hustle!!

We came home after the game and started working together to get a few things done around the house. Then I began the task of packing five people for Disney! Honestly, packing hasn't ever been too overwhelming for me. I can pull everything out but my problem is trying not to overpack. If it's just me, not a problem. But it's so long and I don't want anyone to need anything! 

We are checking one bag and have two carry on suitcases. The boys have a backpack with their snacks and activities and we have a diaper bag/backpack that we'll use in the parks as well. 

The boys took a nap while I finished laundry up and then the we loaded up to head to my grandma's for a cookout. 

We played soccer with the boys and my nephews, cooked hot dogs and s'mores. It was such a beautiful, cool evening. I love being close to family. 

{S U N D A Y}

I woke up early on Sunday to have some time to myself. I made monkey bread for the family and my own sweet breakfast for me. 

Our sermon was a new series on peace and oh man was it so good!! I am really excited to hear more. The biggest takeaway: "Peace redefined is not a temporary mental state, but a permanent state of reality." 

I stayed during our second service in one of our kids' rooms. I just love seeing them engage in the lessons, worship time and hearing about their weeks. 

After church I met Andrew and the boys who were at my in-laws. We stayed for lunch and played. My boys are seriously blessed with all the people who love them being so close. I went to the store to get a few things for the trip and Andrew took the boys home. When I got home, Hudson and Beau were playing and Gabe was asleep. Andrew said he walked into the house, grabbed his fox (his lovie) and went to his room and got in bed! Ha! 

Little man was TIRED!!

Sunday night is always our night to get ready for the week. So we played with the boys some and had dinner, read and put them to bed. They were pretty worn out from the weekend and we definitely need them rested before our big trip. 

Andrew and I caught up on some work, did a little more prep for the trip and went to bed. 

{M O N D A Y}

Monday was like most Mondays. Our mornings are pretty full. I made the boys breakfast, got them ready and Hudson on the bus. As he gets on the bus, Gabe's SP arrives. We love her dearly and she works with Gabe for about an hour. As she leaves, I get Beau and Gabe loaded up so we can take Beau to preschool. 

This week is Beau's week at preschool to share All About Me. I was carrying Gabe (who was being crabby) and Beau's poster into school and Beau was happy go-lucky as typical just chatting away. We both tried to walk through the door at the same time and I bumped him with my wide arm load. His head hit the door frame. Bless his heart! 

Whenever my kiddos hit their heads I hold them close and just rub the spot that got hit, except this time, I pulled my hand away to look at him and see you're ok and there was blood. Like a LOT. 

Fortunately, lots of other mamas were dropping off and helped me get me what I needed to clean Beau up (who was so calm and sweet) and see what the situation was. Thankfully it was just a small little nick. No need for stitches or anything other than a little TLC. He didn't want to stay the day. He had a good sized bump and seemed a little shaken up (we've never had blood like that before in our house) so he went home to rest up. 

See--crazy Monday!! 

Thankfully today was a calmer and we are all set for our trip!! 

Hudson's 1st Day of 4 year-old Pre-K!

It's official! Our house is "back to school!" I can not believe Hudson is in his last year of preschool before Kindergarten! It is absolutely crazy how fast these years have flown by!

Hudson attended preschool last year as well, but because we moved halfway through the fall, there were no openings in our district's preschool program. Although we loved where he attended last year, I wanted to get him in district so we could meet other families and so Hudson could start building friendships with kids he would go to school with in future years.

His new preschool is a co-op. Parent involvement is a requirement which I love. Every day there are two parent helpers in the room that act as aides.  I can not wait to go in each month and be part of his day and see him in action!

Yesterday was Hudson's first official day. Parent, and then child, orientation took place before Labor Day weekend. But yesterday was him, on his own, with his teacher and classmates!

Tuesday night we read the "Twas the Night Before Preschool." My mom had gotten Hudson a little back to school gift and the book was included. We saved it to read. When the story was over, Hudson admitted that he was a little nervous about his first day too but a lot excited! :) We reassured him that he would have a great day and prayed about his school year.

I wanted his first day to be special and to make it exciting to help ease his nerves. After my workout and shower, I whipped up some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins.  I found the recipe over at Mix and Match Mama a few falls ago. My boys have loved them from the very first bite and ask for them all the time! They become a staple at our house when fall hits. And since Labor had passed, I felt like we could officially call it fall!

Andrew stayed to have breakfast with us, and to drop Hudson off for his first day! (It was also my first day teaching my Cize class at a new gym! Overlapping times equals Dad to the rescue for week one!)

Our guy looked so sweet on his first day.

The little boys and I went to Cize Live. They played in the day care area while mama got her sweat on teaching a fantastic group!

After we went home, snacked and played, it was time to pick up our missing piece! He was so cute packing up his bag and was thrilled to tell us about his day. Beau held Hudson's hand as we walked back to the car and asked, "So, how was your day at school, Hudson?" Melt my heart, would ya?? So cute! 

Hudson got to choose where we had lunch and picked Culvers. As we were finishing up, another boy from his class came in with his mom and came up and said, "Hey Hudson, remember you went to school with me today?" 

I can already see so many fun moments like this happening. Love it!

We ended his big day by meeting some friends at a church outreach called Real Encounter. BMX bikers and motorcyclist stunt men showed off some tricks and shared their testimony.  The boys ate it up!!! 

That's it! First day of 2015 in the books! Here is to a year full of fun, memories, learning and growth, sweet boy!!

Gabe turns ONE!

It happened. Saturday our sweet baby turned one. The first birthday is always really hard for me. I reflect on how fast the first year goes. I feel as though the stage of being a baby is over. All things baby seem to end (in our house): bottles, pacis. They seem to sprint into those next stages of learning and grow up over night.

Typically, the first birthday was eased because we were planning our next member of our family. But this time, although the door isn't closed on another baby, Andrew and I are both shelving adding to our family right now. We love being a family of five and the stages of our boys so want to focus on that for the time being. Which made Gabe turning one, just a little bit harder.

Friday night I snuck into his room to take a photo of him on the last night as a baby. He looked so big and sweet. I walked out of the room with tear-blurred eyes.

We had planned to have an outdoor party. Being that it is August in the Midwest, my husband was immediately concerned that the weather would be sweltering as it typically is in August.  Luckily, and surprisingly, the weather has been beautiful. Sunny skies, cool, mild temperatures, and less than average humidity.  The day called for clear skies and the same beautiful weather. 

We choose a carnival theme for Gabe's first birthday. It was whimsy and fun, bright colors. It was one of my favorite parties to plan. 

We rented a bounce house for the bigger kids and had a face painter come. There were also a couple of carnival-esque games; a giant ring toss and bucket toss. 

I wanted the food to match the theme. I also wanted to serve foods that people could walk around and eat while they watch their kids play and converse easily. We did corn dogs, giant pretzels, fruit cones, veggie cups, popcorn and peanuts.  I served cupcakes for dessert too. 

We kept the decorations simple. The backdrop for the food table, balloons, a carnival sign, tissue poofs above the cupcake table. Really simple and easy but the bright colors were eye-catching. I also drew up a little stat and fact sign about Gabe and his first year favorites. 

I loved sharing this day with some of our closest friends and family! The kids all played so well. Their sweet faces were so cute painted. Our face painter was a doll and did faces, their arms, legs; seriously whatever.  They looked so cute. 

Hud and his sweet friend

Gabe was such a great sport. He is the most lovable, easy going baby. He rolls with it all. which makes him perfect to be the third guy in our line-up, since our family seems to be on the go often with all of our schedules. He was loved on by everyone, passed around from arms to arms. 

Not sure if it was all the excitement, or if he takes after his daddy who also doesn't like to be sang to, he wasn't a fan of being sung too!

Is that not the sweetest sad face though??

Singing?? Not a fan. The cupcake? HUGE FAN! He scarfed the entire thing down. Icing in his nose style scarfing!

Although the weather called for clear skies and no rain, it was overcast the entire afternoon leading up to the party. With about half an hour left to go, the skies opened up!! So we moved inside to open presents.  Gabe had no interest after about five minutes but my sweet niece, Paisley, was all about helping! She was a hoot!! Loved hearing her commentary as we opened gifts! Gabe did love playing with all his toys as they came out, however!

It was such a sweet time celebrating our Gabers. I can't believe the day has come and gone. 

Here is to another year as a family of five! 

Weekend Recap

Yeah so, technically I meant to post this yesterday but you know how Mondays can be right? Now add to that a traveling husband and we'll just say I ran out of time.

In all actuality, I just filled  my day yesterday will my boys.  I was drinking in my time with them.  It was a perfect 70+ degree day {the only day like that this week} so we spent the morning outside, came in for lunch, and then met friends at the park to play. I made a SUPER simple dinner for the boys and then took them for ice cream; for which I had coupons so they indulged to the happy price of FREE! ;)

So no post yesterday.

But I feel like that perfect Monday come on the heels of a really great weekend.

{Friday}
Friday was a typical day. We didn't have any big plans really.  Our boys slept later than usual because of a late night with friends the night before (more on that later). My brother came over to pick up Beau's old crib.  He and my sister-in-law, Tori, are having their first baby in August.  Another boy for that side of the family!! Andrew and I chatted with him for quite awhile.  Hudson and Beau loved that Uncle J was over!

My friend, Tessa, messaged me about having lunch.  This girl is one of the funniest, sweetest people I know so when I asked the boys if they wanted to have lunch with Tessa, they were all about it! Any adult interaction in my week is a plus. It was kind of cold and dreary, but we took the boys out for a walk.  About a mile in we realized how cold and dreary it actually was.  I ended up carrying Beau the whole mile home, Tessa carried Gabe, and poor Hud ran/walked the whole way! Such a trooper!

We came home and changed into some warmer clothes. Then, we met my in-laws for pizza.  They came over for a bit after dinner to watch a local high school team in the semi-final state basketball game.  After they left, it was still kind of early but Andrew and I had been totally thrown off from the time change so decided to go to bed! How exciting are we!

{Saturday}
Saturday morning Andrew and I were going to split duties.  I needed to spring clean. I had already done my regular cleaning for the week but wanted to clean and scrub all the baseboards, clean my windows, dust on top of my cabinets, mop and vacuum again.  Hudson needed to get a blood draw (his iron levels have been low). That obviously is no fun task so Andrew and Hudson had a special breakfast date before and then shopped for a friend's birthday present after. (See how we planned that--good, bad, good??)  Beau, Gabe and I got to work.  We were pretty much finished up by the time the other two got home.

After lunch and getting the boys down for nap, Andrew went for a run and then I went for a run.  It was such a beautiful day.  I wanted to take full advantage so decided to go further than I had been.  I *thought* I remembered this route I had run with a friend, but apparently I didn't.  I ended up getting turned around so three miles turned into about four and a half.  It felt really good though and the day was beautiful!

I got cleaned up, made a corn casserole and then we loaded up to head to a friend's house for a cookout.  Their set up was so beautiful, y'all. Their patio off the back, with a pool and this gorgeous gas fire pit.  And then the backyard rolls down hill and backs up to a conservation area, which is perfect because they have like 8 horses or something.  My boys were in heaven!! They rode a pony, rode the gator, ate burgers, chips and cookies. Talk about an ideal night! The sunset was beautiful.  And I don't know if there is anything than spending the night with great friends around an open fire.  Gabe was so mesmerized by the flames he fell asleep in my arms. We went home happy and tired.

{Sunday}
We woke up and got ready for church. We were well rested since the boys slept in and Gabe SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! Are you rejoicing with me??? (I mean, technically, he woke up at 5:30 for a bottle..but 9 pm to 5:30 am is through the night in my book!!)

Church was wonderful.  We went to my parents' for lunch after and played there. Then Andrew had to go out of town for work.  The boys went down for a late nap.  We spent the evening playing outside and taking a walk.  Hudson is riding a big boy bike with training wheels.  He does great until we have to cross from one side of the sidewalk to another.  He slows down and hits the incline awkward and tips.  He definitely bit it a few times but he was getting better towards the end.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too! And have a great week!

Taking it back to Halloween

So you see--this thing called moving happened the very same weekend that Halloween happened. And then a whole lot of life happened.  What didn't happen? This blog! #bloggerfail

But it's ok.  We are just going to have a little throwback for awhile as I catch up everyone (hi, mom) who reads this.  Because no one likes missing pieces of a story, mmmk?

On Halloween, the boys woke up to a fun little breakfast, their Halloween bags holding a few treats and a house pretty completely packed up.  Writing about it now I feel like it was years ago that this happened.  I can't believe we moved away only a short month ago.

Anyway, back to Halloween..

Do you see that it is still dark out? My kids have  been waking up early ever since! 

The plan was for us to take the boys to our new (well, new again) town so they could trick or treat there that night.  I knew trying to keep them occupied in a house all packed up was not going to be much fun.  Andrew and I decided since he was coming back late that night to pack up the moving vans that I didn't really need to stick around.  Around nine that morning, I packed all three boys up and headed home.  

I can't tell you how surreal that drive was. I crossed the river out of Pike County and I couldn't even believe it.  In a year so much had changed in our lives.  Andrew and I became a stronger couple; we welcomed a new baby; made new friends; and found a peace in who God was calling us to be.  I never expected to be heading home permanently so soon.  My heart was so full.  It was as if the boys could feel my peace too.  Shortly into our drive, all three fell asleep.  It was the most peaceful two hour car ride. 

We made a stop at Andrew's parents when we got to town for a potty break and to unload.  Then we headed to meet my mom and brother's family for lunch.  Lunch with five boys, three and under, is never boring!

After late naps, the boys woke up to their other cousins (Andrew's brother's family) arriving for pizza and to trick or treat.  Hudson and Lila were really excited.  It was like they really understood how  much candy they were about to get!

My superheroes 

All month, all week even, the weather had been beautiful.  Halloween night was COLD! Like 30* cold! We layered our boys underneath their costumes and left Gabe with the grandparents so we could brave a few houses.  We stuck to Andrew's parents street and that was enough for our crew!

Before heading out

Striking a pose

It was such a fun night! I wish my kids could stay these ages forever.  Everything is so magical and special to them. 

Our boys were pretty wiped and fell asleep pretty quickly after settling down and getting into jammies.  Andrew's night was just beginning. 

But that is another story! ;) 

Weekend Recap: State Fair

Hello, Monday! I don't think I have ever been so excited to see a Monday roll around in all my life....well, at least not in the past 10 months! It is BABY WEEK, y'all! This little guy can come anytime he wants this week because we have officially checked everything off our summer bucket list with our trip to the State Fair this past weekend.

We have gone to the fair every summer since we had Hudson.  And every year I get more and more excited to go because the boys are older and can do more, take more in and get excited about different things.  I think every time we asked Hudson what his favorite part of the fair was he changed it to something else. So sweet!

Last year, we went right when the fair opened and loved that timing.  It was late morning so we lunched our way around the fair and planned to do the same this year.  Well, no such luck.  We live about an hour from the fair location and when we woke up Saturday, it was POURING! Beau kept saying, "It rain. Hard!" over and over as he looked out the window.  Andrew, being diligent as ever, checked the Doppler repeatedly, trying to figure out our best window to go.

So the morning was a bit lazy.  I did laundry and cleaned (shocking since that is all I feel like I've done this past week #nester) and we played and introduced our boys to Aladdin (woohoo) since it was showing on TV and, ummm, rain--what else were we going to do? We left a little after noon.  The boys slept on our drive over and we killed some time at Scheels before heading over to the fair grounds. It was raining but not too much and we waited in the car for about ten minutes before venturing out.  My mom, who met us at Scheels, had an umbrella and the boys' stroller had a covering but it was honestly just a sprinkle (and it ended about 10 minutes into our time at the fair).  We went to the Little Ag area first.  Our boys are such wanna-be farmers; I love it! They looked at the chicks and the farm tables.  Had it been nicer we would have done the Little Farmer walk-through but it was still raining so we stayed under the tent area and let them play a bit.

We left there and went to our first food stop: corn dogs, fries and lemon shake-ups! Our boys CHOWED (and so did the adults!).  Is there anything better than fair food? #idontthinkso

After our little "snack" we went to the rides area.  The big slide was closed due to the rain (really sad) but most of the other rides were all open.  I didn't have any thought that Beau would be hesitant.  He is our little daredevil.  He has no regard that he could get hurt or is high or anything like that.  Hudson on the other hand gave me a moments pause.  He is our boy, that when climbing at the park and realizing how high he is, freezes and doesn't go up or down, just calls for help.  Well, surprise, surprise, both boys loved doing everything! Hudson even rode this "octopus" ride with Andrew that tilted up and back down and their seat spun around the whole time.  He had the biggest smile on his face!

We walked to look at all the animals.  My boys thought that was great.  They loved them all and couldn't get sit still in the stroller, wanting closer, or out! It is in those moments that farm life appeals so much to me.  But then I remember all the work it takes to run a farm like that and I am not sure I am cut out for that.  Maybe when my three boys are older! ;)  We went to the area where you can milk a cow.  We tried this last year with Hudson and he wouldn't even go near the cow.  (I mean, honestly, those animals are HUGE!) This year, he went up to the cow, petted the cow, got really close to milking her, but then backed away. Bless the young boy's heart that was helping out at the time.  He was probably in high school but was so patient with Hudson, showing him how.  So sweet.  Beau petted the cow too but didn't get much past that! They sure enjoyed their free milk afterwards though!

Then we trekked it on over to Andrew's favorite part, Conservation World, but not before grabbing a funnel cake and mini donuts. I am not a fan of this part of the fair.  Our boys are a little small for the activities in this area and honestly, it is deer and fish.  Do you know my husband? We get a lot of that already.  But nonetheless, we made the journey and walked around.

Our last stop was of course, the dairy building with the famous "Butter Cow".  The boys got some ice cream there.  It was already almost 5:30 and this mama was winding down! So we headed back to our car and made the trek home. But first..pony rides.  Because you can't not do the pony rides!

We got back home, got baths and put our kiddos down around 8.  They were so tired! And so were Andrew and I! It was beautiful or sunny this year but it was cool and the rain held off! I am so glad we got to go and make some more memories with our boys before fall and all this change!

Happy Monday!