Jason, Megan, McKenzie, and Landon

Green Beans

2012-02-02T19:20:00.004-05:00

Tonight Landon got to try green beans! First, I mixed them into his cereal and he loved them! Then when his cereal was all gone I just gave him what was left in the container. He ate every last drop. Yea, he likes green beans!

All done!

5 Months Old...Already

2012-02-02T19:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Landon turned 5 months old...already! He is such a joy! He continues to smile all the time, sleeps great, and still loves his cereal! We had a very nice surprise on Tuesday night. My cousin Amanda was flying through Atlanta on her way home to Wisconsin and was late leaving Jacksonville, so she missed her connecting flight. The next flight out was not until yesterday at 3 pm. So she got to spend the night with us and meet little Landon! It was so great to see her even just for a short time! I always love surprises like that!

5 month old breakfast!

Amanda, Princess Aurora, and Landon

If you look close, Landon is holding on for dear life to McKenzie's boa!

McKenzie is dancing to her music video from school...again!

Landon thinks it is funny to watch his sister!

This is what happens when I walk out of the room for one second!

Tucker's Baby Dedication

2012-01-29T22:18:00.006-05:00

Today was sweet Tucker's Baby Dedication! Look at how handsome this boy is! It was such a nice service. We all partied before the evening service at Amber and Brian's house to celebrate this beautiful blessing!

Tate, Blake, McKenzie, and Landon were at Tucker's house with a babysitter!

Aunt Megan finally got a turn!

Tucker on the big screen!

Tucker is playing with his tongue!

Funny guy!

The Lamb Fam on the big screen

Father's Night

2012-01-29T22:09:00.002-05:00

Last Monday was Father's Night at McKenzie's school. McKenzie always gets so excited about it! She loves to take Jason to school to show him what she does. This year, the teachers even set up a tent and read the Mercer Mayer book, Just Me and My Dad! So sweet! She made him a beautifully painted tie that he got to wear. They colored pictures and did hand prints. She came home from school on Friday with a very adorable book that the teachers put together of their night! All ready to go!

Random Cuteness

2012-01-29T21:49:00.007-05:00

McKenzie loves nothing more than to dress up as a princess! I mean just check out all her rings!

Two tiaras!

Even high heels!

All ready for church

Landon in his 12 month sleeper at 4 months old!

Swinging away...

Landon loves his feet! He likes to chew his toes at bathtime!

Shark Attack!

So long...

Playing with Daddy

He still loves to roll all over on his mat!

This boy is all smiles!

Cereal...Take 2!

2012-01-29T21:40:00.004-05:00

Landon has now mastered the whole cereal eating concept! He gets to excited when he gets into his high chair. He just starts licking his lips! It is precious! He likes to play with his bowl when he is finished to see if he can get anything else out of it. We will be starting vegetables this week! I can't wait for those faces!

I guess I was feeding him too slow...he was sucking his thumb in between bites!

Just making sure he got it all!

Cereal...Landon's First Experience

2012-01-11T19:30:00.004-05:00

Well tonight was the night! Landon got to try cereal! He hated the high chair at first but soon realized that by sitting in there he got to eat something with a texture, life was much better! He ended up eating all 3 tablespoons and then finished off his 3 oz bottle! He loved his cereal after he got used to it. McKenzie even got a chance to feed him, which made her night! She loves her little brother! Not so happy about the high chair!

Thinking that it might be okay!

Getting ready!

First bite...

Big sisters turn!

All done with a clean bowl!

One happy camper!

Landon's 4 Month Check Up

2012-01-11T15:27:00.002-05:00

Today, Landon had his 4 month check up. He is really growing! It is no wonder he is in all 9 month clothes already! The doctor was very excited that he is rolling over both ways now. He can start on his rice cereal which we will try tonight! I am so excited to feed him from a spoon but I think that McKenzie is even more excited! She has been asking about feeding him since he was born! Pictures to come after tonight! Also, just today, Landon started clicking his tongue. So cute! He also hums and sings himself to sleep now just like McKenzie did. I love that! His feet are becoming his favorite new toys and he grabs for objects with his hands. He is growing so fast and changing every day! Here are Landon's stats verses McKenzie's...

Landon
Weight: 16lbs 12.8 oz (78%)
Height: 27 1/2 inches (98%)
Head Circumference: 41 1/2 cm (25%)

McKenzie
Weight: 14 lbs 12.8 oz (75%)
Height: 26 1/4 inches (95%)
Head Circumference: 43 cm (90%)

Happy and Healthy! We are so blessed!

Landon is 4 Months Old

2012-01-05T07:53:00.007-05:00

Sunday, Landon turned 4 months old! I can't even believe it! He is such a complete joy! He loves to roll all around on his mat. He rolls over both ways now which is really fun to watch. He always has a look of surprise on his face when he does it! He now also likes to be upright and sits in the jumper. Sitting up is helping his flat little head in the back. He is still sleeping from about 9:00-6:30. It still amazes me! He has also found his feet and plays with them all the time. It is so cute! He is so laid back and go with the flow! McKenzie is still such an excellent big sister. She helps him out so much!

She loves to read t him! It is so sweet!

Landon in his penguin hat and puffy jacket!

He loves rolling around!

Hangin' out!

Christmas at the Farm

2012-01-04T17:28:00.018-05:00

Christmas evening we headed to Madison for Christmas at the farm. It was a house full of chaos and so much fun! Four children under 4 was quite eventful! We were all there! This year Uncle Mark, Aunt Kim, and only Alex were able to come, all the way from Utah. Nick had to work. Bom and Boppa came from NY and then Uncle Marty, Aunt Gail, Brendon, and Caitlin came from Charlotte. On Monday when we had everyone together, Dad cooked chicken halves. It is a favorite of all of ours but we very rarely do it. My Dad has a big pit he built years ago and the chicken is cooked over a charcoal fire. It is to die for! It was so much fun spending time with all of the family that lives out of state. It is always so sad to say goodbye because we usually only see each other at Christmas. However, it wasn't so hard this time. We are all flying to Utah in June for Alex's graduation. So when we left this time, we had a date to see each other again before an entire year! We also managed to squeeze in Landon's 3 month pictures when we were in town. We can't wait to see them!

Sweet Cousins!

Present fun!

Jason trying out the new pillow Landon got!

Landon did a great job opening his presents with Papa T's help!

Bom and Boppa

Matching Calendars!

Boppa had the magic touch with Landon, he put him right to sleep!

Chicken Halves! Yummy!

All the men cooking chicken!

Getting ready to flip it over...

Landon and his Buddy again! Boppa is a great baby feeder!

Marty, Gail, Caitlin, and MG

Tate got a new Lacrosse shirt!

Uncle Steve and Tucker

Love this Picture...

Bom

Landon in his new robe!

Nana reading bedtime stories!

Alex taking his turn!

Jason's double decker dessert he made...Homemade cheesecake and pumpkin pie on top!

Landon riding in Nana's car!

Our 1st Christmas at Home

2012-01-04T15:17:00.013-05:00

This was our 1st Christmas at home! We went to bed in our beds on Christmas Eve and woke up in them on Christmas morning for the very first time! It was awesome! We decided last year that was the last Christmas that we split my parents and Jason's parents on Christmas day driving in the car three hours to the other house. It is not fair to our children o be in the car that long on Christmas day when they want to be playing with their toys! So Christmas morning at our house was fantastic! Jason and I were up super early and showered before either of the kids woke up. We were too excited to sleep! Landon was up first and he ate and played for a long time before we decided to wake up McKenzie at 8:30. Of all days to sleep in! She was so excited when she came out of her bedroom and looked over into the living room and saw her triple stroller! That is all she wanted to do was play with that! We took a break from opening presents that was a very slow process. McKenzie wanted to stop and play with everything she or Landon got instead of opening everything first. So, we stopped half way through and went to church! The service was excellent with wonderful Christmas music! We came home and finished opening presents and then later on that evening we headed to Madison for a delicious turkey dinner! Here is McKenzie with red ink all over her hands after she made her Christmas card for Daddy!

We got an extra special surprise on Christmas Eve....the Backus Family Caroling! It was amazing!

Then we opened up one gift each!

Daddy opened up cards from McKenzie and Landon that McKenzie put in a box and then wrapped all by herself!

McKenzie got a duck humidifier!

Setting out cookies for Santa

All ready for Santa!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

We had a candy tree this year! It was awesome!

Santa came and ate the cookies, drank the milk, and even left a note!

Landon playing waiting for McKenzie to wake up!

Sleepy girl...wake up...Santa came!

Looking over the see what Santa brought!

Christmas Morning at home!

Stockings first!

Even Baxter...dressed like Santa!

My Working Elves

2011-12-23T17:07:00.004-05:00

Tuesday, Boppa and Bom flew in from NY! I picked them up at the airport and then they stayed with us until Thursday morning. Steve came up Wednesday night and spent the night and they rode to Mom's house with him. It is always so much fun to have them at our house. It is never long enough. Our visits go by way to quickly. However, as long as I had all those elves at my house, I put them all to work frosting cookies! Many hands really do make light work. My cookies were frosted and decorated in no time at all! Landon and his namesake...Landon Jay and Boppa Jay

Bom with MG

Bom and Landon

Check out these hands...

Such happy little elves!

Craig Elf and Steve Elf

Look at this cookie! So much fun!

Me and my girl! She ate more than she frosted!

One Messy Kitchen

2011-12-19T22:29:00.003-05:00

Tonight, we made cut out cookies! McKenzie loves to do this just as much as I do! However, this is the first year that Landon is in on the Christmas cookie making! He just looked all around and watched our every move. Next year, he will be right in the middle of all the flour action! The only thing more fun to do with MG is frost and decorate! I can't wait for that mess tomorrow! So hard at work!

Telling Landon all about it!

Christmas in Young Harris

2011-12-19T22:07:00.007-05:00

From Granny and Granddaddy's house on Friday, we traveled north to Young Harris for Christmas with Jason's family. We spent Friday night there. When Jason's parents came to our house last weekend, they brought this giant present for McKenzie and Landon. McKenzie was so excited that it was bigger than her! It was a new wagon with a top and seats!

MG in the wagon!

We made this stool for Grandma and Papa for their bathroom for Christmas. It turned out super cute!

Great Grandma and Landon

Jason's family

MG so excited to open presents!

Now MG is opening LJ's stuff!

Christmas at Granny and Grandaddy's House

2011-12-19T21:25:00.010-05:00

Friday, after McKenzie's party at school we headed to Granny and Granddaddy's house for Christmas. It was so fun to hang out with Jason's cousin from Greenville that we never get to see. Andrew his oldest cousin is married now to a precious girl named Elisabeth. She is a nurse and works with babies. She was so great with Landon. I wish they lived closer. It was also Landon's big meeting of the cousins! Granny cooked a delicious meal like always and McKenzie was super excited about the presents! She wanted to help everyone open theirs. She is such a great age for Christmas this year. I just can't wait for Christmas morning!

Uncle Jeff

Present time

Granny and her frame! She loved it!

All the dress wearers and the dress maker!

Granny, Grandaddy, Kathy and Landon

Uncle Kevin and Aunt Becky

Papa, Landon, and McKenzie...little mommy kissing her baby!

The married cousins...can you tell who the newlyweds are?! Nice face Jason!

Granny and Landon

Brothers chatting it up!

Trouble!

Aunt Becky, Thomas, and Catherine

Grandaddy and MG

Thomas and Catherine making over Landon

Grandaddy, Olivia, and Landon

Catherine

Precious, precious

Talking football!

McKenzie's School Christmas Party

2011-12-19T21:11:00.005-05:00

Friday, was McKenzie's Christmas party at her preschool. It was really fun! They decorated upside down sugar cones with green frosting and then placed all kinds of candy on them and they were decorated Christmas trees. They also made ornaments with their pictures in the middle and played snowman bowling. Super cute! Here are a few pictures from the day!

Snack

This was amazing to me and very scary at the same time. Please notice how each stocking is painted. McKenzie's is the one on the far left. I think I have my hands full!

Making her Christmas tree!

Her teachers Mrs. Ritchie (in the blue) and Mrs. Shadix (in the green)

Mrs. Ritchie

Melting snowman cookies...adorable!

McKenzie and Kole...they have been together for 3 years!

McKenzie and Colton...have been together the last two years!

Landon's Baby Dedication

2011-12-13T10:51:00.011-05:00

On Sunday, December 11, we had Landon Dedicated at church. It was a beautiful service and we were so excited for this day. We had a lovely party afterwards to celebrate Landon and what a true blessing he is to us!

On stage for the Dedication!

Granny and Landon

Precious Cousins

My favorite picture ever!

Tucker

Lunch Time!

I love when they play dress up...Tate says he is a Prince!

The gang!

Granny's delicious cake!

Grandaddy, Landon, and Papa T!

Sweet Cousins

Landon went to fall over and Tucker grabbed him by his ear and pulled him back up.

Landon and Tucker

The four loves of my life...Landon, Tucker, McKenzie, and Tate

Tucker and Uncle Steve

Uncle Jeffrey and Landon

Family Photo

Milestones and Conversations

2011-12-07T14:41:00.003-05:00

Milestones:
Landon has reached two milestones in the last 24 hours! He is now rolling over as of yesterday from his stomach to his back. He was so surprised the first time he did it. He just laid there and looked around. I was so excited that I was sitting right there with him and got to see the entire thing! Such a big boy! Speaking of big he is up to an even 15 lbs! Landon's second milestone was that he slept all night and I mean all night! He took his last bottle at 8:00 pm last night and didn't wake up until 7:10 this morning! I couldn't believe it! I woke up at 5 am and jumped up, thinking something was wrong because I hadn't been up yet. Sweet boy was just puffing away! Now I am anxious to see it this continues!

Conversations:
McKenzie is so fun these days! She is growing up and can do so many things now. She is such a great help with Landon. Too much sometimes. Yesterday when I ran upstairs to get some more diapers for the downstairs changing area, upon my return she was changing Landon's poopy diaper. I almost died. There was poop every where. It was one of those moments that was just priceless and there was no time to react, just time to clean up! She informed me that she was just helping out. I couldn't be mad at that innocent face but we did discuss that poopy diapers are for moms and dads only!

McKenzie is also very funny and very witty. Some of the things she says are just hilarious! Here are two examples...

We had new neighbors move in two doors down. I made them a pecan pie to welcome them to the neighborhood and Jason and McKenzie took it over. Just as they were leaving, MG looks back at the lady and says, "We want our dish back!" I mean, I have so no idea where she gets this stuff from. Thank God the lady laughed!

Today driving home here was our conversation:

Me: "What do you want to get Daddy for Christmas? You haven't gotten him anything yet."
MG: "Ummm, tacky shoes."
Me: "Why tacky shoes?"
MG: "Because my Daddy likes tacky things!"

I laughed right out loud! Hilarious! Her little wheels are always turning!

Pictures before church last Sunday!

Brock's 5th Birthday...

2011-12-03T17:24:00.015-05:00

...North Pole Style! Yes, North Pole Style and it was done amazing as only Brooke can do! First of all let me start by saying that I can't believe that Brock is turning 5 already! The first time I ever really hung out with Brook and Brad (Brock's parents) was when I took them dinner when Brock was born. Brad and Brooke were in our Life Group but we really did not know them. So the night I took dinner I ended up staying 3 hours holding that sweet baby and chatting with them. It is just so crazy how fast time goes and that was 5 years ago! It makes me sad though that he is 5 because that means no more play dates during the week next year. Brock will be in kindergarten!

Anyways, he had a birthday party for the books! It was complete with pizza, snowman donuts, reindeer cokes, reindeer cookies, a cookie cake, and red and green candy. Then there was painting of Christmas pictures and writing letters to Santa. Then all of a sudden, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived! Mrs. Claus read The Night Before Christmas and then Santa held each child and listened to his or her wish list. After that, Santa handed out a present for each child and then everyone got a stocking with goodies upon leaving! It was fabulous! McKenzie asked if she could have a Christmas birthday next year. I tried to explain that her birthday is in April!!

Landon's first birthday party!

Decorated to the top!

Candy Table

Brock's cake...complete with his list to Santa!

Reindeer cokes and cookies!

Snowman donuts!

All the happy eating children!

Landon is liking this party thing!

MG painting!

Yummy cookie cake!

The precious birthday boy~Brock!

Deep in thought over what to write to Santa!

Check out the envelopes!

MG's finished letter!

The arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus

All the kids were so excited!

Mrs. Claus reading!

Braden and Brock with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

McKenzie telling Santa her list

Landon and McKenzie with Santa and Mrs. Claus

McKenzie's name was called!

She was so excited!

Braden, Brock, and McKenzie

Too much partying for little man!

Hugs goodbye!

Notice that Brooke even made a stocking for Landon...unbelievable!

Such a fantastic and super fun Party!

3 Months Today...

2011-12-01T19:09:00.002-05:00

We can't believe that little Landon is already 3 months old today! Where has the time gone? Landon is very strong and holds his head up very well now. His back is very strong too and he sits very well in the Bumbo seat. He is a big smiler and loves to look around and play on his mat. He is sleeping from about 8:30-4:30 every night! He eats a bottle around 4:30 and then back to bed until about 7:30. No complaining about that!

McKenzie always makes him laugh!

I love this face!

Sweet brother and sister!

Does She Ever Sleep?

2011-11-28T16:29:00.003-05:00

This is what Jason found last night upon checking on McKenzie after she had been in bed nearly 2 hours. First, she put her animals that started off in her bed with her when she was put to bed next to her tree. Then if you look closely at La La, the pink bear, she is wear hair bows. Second, if you look at the bottom left side of her Christmas tree she has decorated the cord all the way from the tree to the outlet with hair bows. I honestly am not sure how much this child actually sleeps!

I stretched out the cord so that all the hair bows wold show. I mean who would ever think to do this kind of thing. It is no wonder she doesn't sleep, she has way too much going on inside her head to shut down for the night!

Big Boy in the Bumbo

2011-11-28T16:23:00.003-05:00

Look who can hold up his head and sit in his Bumbo seat already...Landon! He loves to sit in his seat and look around. It is a whole new view of everything for him! He can't sit up for long, only a few minutes but still that is awesome! He is growing up way too quickly!

The Gingerbread Train

2011-11-28T16:11:00.005-05:00

Jason and McKenzie worked very hard last night on the gingerbread train! It looked great when it was all finished! We had to get some extra candy out of the cupboard to finish it because a little someone ate most of what it came with!

So proud of her work!

Goooooooo DAWGS

2011-11-27T20:13:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, Landon was sportin' his UGA Jersey in honor of the GA/GT game! Landon's Jersey was good luck because the DAWGS won 31-17! Thanks for this adorable jersey Heider!

Tippin' over!

Almost fell...but I caught him!

Thanksgiving 2011 at The Farm

2011-11-27T18:21:00.014-05:00

Thanksgiving this year was in Madison. We were all together and it was a great time! Now with four children it is very busy and very loud! A great representation of healthy children- Praise God! This Thanksgiving was complete with Papa giving tractor rides, making Gingerbread houses, and a few early Christmas presents!

McKenzie helping Nana break up the bread for the stuffing.

Reading a Christmas book...and McKenzie is getting tired...NOT!

Sweet Tucker Bear

Landon with his turkey bottom!

Yea, I took your picture!

The Lamb Fam...it is very hard to get a 3 year old to smile right...but he is so cute!

Sweet, sweet cousins

Nana and Papa T with their four blessings
(Tate, Tucker, Landon, and McKenzie)

We got a picture of the whole family!

Chill time...look at Tucker...he sit up so well by himself!

Early Christmas

Yummy!

Tucker is so cute even when he is crying!

Let the creativity begin!

Tucker loves to eat and he is such a great eater!

All done and they look great! (Notice Tate's pile of whoopers...that is his mud hole!!!)

The Backs

Wrestle time with Uncle Steve

LJ!

Matching 76 shirts...76 was Brian's football number! Great find Amber!

Tucker checking out his little cousin

Bath time with UB! He bathed all 3 all by himself! How awesome is he?!

Random Cute Pictures

2011-11-21T15:24:00.006-05:00

Landon has been teething for a few weeks now. No teeth but he loves to chew on Sophia the giraffe and he drools all over!

McKenzie in the leaves!

All ready for Church!

Sweetness...she still loves him!

Landon is already pulling hair!

Landon loves his mat!

Gliding with Sophia!

Epic- his onesie from Heider!

McKenzie's ELC Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T15:04:00.005-05:00

Friday, was McKenzie's Thanksgiving feast at her school. They sang song with the other 3 year old class and the 4 year old class and then they had a real feast afterwards. They had turkey, green beans, cornbread, mashed potatoes and a brownie! Every class was responsible for something. McKenzie's class had to bring potatoes. They all made really cute shirts and wore headdresses like Indians. I went and helped paint faces before the performance. It was tons of fun! McKenzie just loves her school. They do the neatest things! McKenzie's sweet class

McKenzie, Gracie, and Addison

Singing

Mommy and Landon watching McKenzie sing!

The feast

The cute decorations that the kids made.

McKenzie and Mommy

McKenzie's adorable place mat. She wrote that she is thankful for her house and brother!

Supper Club Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T14:53:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday we had our Supper Club Thanksgiving! We had so much food thanks to Marnie (AKA Katie) and her perfect planning! This year we welcomed a new guest at our Thanksgiving diner. Adam joined us! He is Lobello's new boyfriend! We all loved him and hope he will be back soon! It was a wonderful meal complete with ABC's of Thanksgiving! Looking forward to next year when Landon will be at the table too! Not that I want him to grow up that fast but he will love the real food!

Landon's 2 Month Check-Up

2011-11-09T17:24:00.002-05:00

Monday, Landon had his 2 Month check up. I can't even believe that he is 2 months old already! He is doing great! Landon continues to be such a great and easy baby. He is sleeping longer now! We have dropped the midnight feeding and he sleeps right through until about 3 or 4 am. However, last night he slept from 9:30-5:30! It was amazing! Here are his statistics from his checkup...
Weight: 13 lbs. 4 oz (78%)
Height: 24 inches (80%)
Head Circumference: 39 cm (22%)

I dug through McKenzie's file and here were her stats at her 2 month check up:
Weight: 12 lbs. 14.8 oz (90%)
Height: 24 1/2 inches (95%)
Head Circumference: 41 cm (90%)

I can't believe that McKenzie was taller! I thought for sure Landon was! I am excited now to compare their 4 month check up stats!

Sick Again...

2011-11-02T09:54:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we made another trip to the doctor. McKenzie woke up from her nap screaming and crying that her ear hurt. Poor little girl. Landon woke up yesterday all congested. So, we went. Once in the little room the nurse was asking what was wrong. McKenzie looks at her and says, "My throat hurts and my ear hurts, but Lord we don't know what hurts on Landon, he can't tell us." With that statement, I almost fell on the floor laughing! When she said, "But Lord," I almost lost it! So I guess from now on, I can just drive the kids to the doctor and McKenzie can do the rest! She is such a little mess and you never know what is going to come out of her mouth!

McKenzie is sick though. She has strep again, a sinus infection, and an ear infection. No school today. Landon is being switched back to milk based formula. Hopefully that will help with all his plumbing problems.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-02T09:49:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween from our little Dogs! McKenzie had a blast this year trick-or-treating! She understood what she was supposed to do! McKenzie and Jason went with several kids from our neighborhood and walked around. Landon and I stayed home and passed out the candy. It was very chilly here on Halloween night so Landon had to stay in! He was a great candy passer-outer!

McKenzie's Fall Party at ELC

2011-11-02T09:38:00.004-04:00

McKenzie's Halloween/Fall Party at school was really fun! Each child got to paint a Cinderella Pumpkin, doing pumpkin bowling, and play bean-bag toss. The kids had ball. Then they all had a wonderful snack! McKenzie's first station was the painting, her favorite! She splashed green paint all over her orange shirt so she had to take it off so it could be rinsed out!

Working hard!

Pumpkin Bowling

Bean-Bag Toss

More Bowling

McKenzie got to help Mrs. Shadix, her teacher lead the songs

What a yummy snack!

Halloween Fun

2011-10-31T20:41:00.003-04:00

It has been a really fun Halloween weekend! We went next door to our neighbors Halloween party! They rented a giant slide for all the kids. The slide did not have to be returned until Monday so after church on Sunday McKenzie got to slide again! A few of the neighbor kids came over to slide too. When it was dark and the kids could not slide any more they came to our house and frosted cookies! It was great fun!

McKenzie and not so happy Landon!

Cookie frosting fun!

Lilly, Sam, and Avery

Olivia and Max

Sweet Max

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-31T20:04:00.003-04:00

Last Friday McKenzie and Landon carved the pumpkin with some help from Daddy! It was great fun! We roasted the pumpkin seeds and had a little snack when the pumpkin was all finished being carved. Talking about what the pumpkin should look like!

Getting Landon's input!

Pumpkin seeds...some have cinnamon and sugar and the others just salt. Yummy!

The finished product!

Our First Bon Fire

2011-10-26T15:43:00.008-04:00

Sunday night we had the Andersons over for dinner. We had a cookout and then Jason fired up our new fire pit! We roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. It was really fun and kids had a great time! Gary and Landon

The fire pit

Gettin' ready to roast the marshmallows

Roasting!

S'more time!

Yummy!

McKenzie, Sammy, and Olivia

Megan and Nicola

Nicola teaching us how to roast the perfect marshmallow!

Olivia and Sammy...so sweet!

Enjoying the fire pit!

McKenzie's Homework

2011-10-26T15:41:00.003-04:00

This year at Preschool we were warned that McKenzie would have homework from time to time. Here was her first assignment. She was sent home with the plan white person and she had to decorate it however she wanted to! Ta-Da!

Heflin Cousins

2011-10-26T15:37:00.003-04:00

Sunday, after church our Heflin cousins came to meet Landon. It had been a minute since we saw them last. The boys have grown, grown! It was great to see them and hang out for a little while. We are glad that they have gotten to meet Landon!

Connor and Landon

Karen...AKA Ceaser and Landon

Jackson (Karen's nephew), Karen, Landon, and John Russell

First Sunday to Church

2011-10-26T15:34:00.002-04:00

Sunday, October 24, 2011 was Landon's first time to Midway. He was such a good boy. I only had to take him out once for being too loud! When he calmed down he slept the rest of the service!

Nana's Birthday Party

2011-10-26T15:16:00.007-04:00

After Burt's Farm we went back to Brian and Amber's house to celebrate Nana's birthday. We had a cookout and it was lots of fun! Tate and McKenzie played so well together! It is going to be really busy when Tucker and Landon are old enough to play too!

Tate and McKenzie enjoying the slide!

Aunt Gail brought cookies to decorate!

Great job Tate!

Nana helping MG

Auntie Amber feeding Landon

Sweet Tucker

Blowing out the candles!

Jason and his mini Me!

Tucker holding the fork and wanting real dessert!

UB working MG over!

Nana opening presents!

McKenzie loving on Tucker

Burt's Farm 2011

2011-10-26T14:25:00.010-04:00

Last Saturday we went to Burt's Farm...the giant pumpkin patch! We had a big crowd this year. We went with Brian and Amber and the boys like always, Mom and Dad came this year, Gail and Marty, Brittany and Jordan, and one of Amber's friends and her husband and kids! It was a blast! The kids had a really great time and Tucker and Landon got to have their very first Burt's experience! We did the hay ride too and took up one entire wagon!

So excited!

MG loved on Tucker all day!

Sharing a snack and talking about life!

Thanks for the Icees Papa T!

Landon is loving the hayride!

Dad, Landon, Gail, and Marty

Brian, Megan, Brittany, and Jordan

Mom's lovin' it!

The house of pumpkins

LJ in the lil pumpkins!

Precious boy

Deciding what to get into next!

They sure do love each other!

Priceless

Amber, Brian, Tate, and Tucker

Everyone minus Steve

Jason, Megan, McKenzie, and Landon

Marty, Gail, Brittany, and Jordan

Sweet brothers

McKenzie just loves her brother!

Tucker Bear

The "Babysitter!"

Joshua

2011-10-26T14:19:00.003-04:00

We had a surprise visit on Friday night from our friends Erin and Jason! It was great to hang out for a minute with them. McKenzie and Joshua had such a fun time playing together. It was so fun to watch them talk to each other and interact! While they were here, McKenzie and Joshua wanted to ride the horse! Too funny!

Tired Horsey!

Tummy Time

2011-10-19T20:07:00.002-04:00

Landon hates tummy time! I try to make him do it several times a day. His little head is becoming flat on the back for always laying the same way. I try to turn it from side to side and he always moves it back. I only leave him on his mat a few minutes and then he just cries and cries. This time, he just gave up and went to sleep! Such a sweet boy!

Nashville

2011-10-19T19:34:00.007-04:00

Jason and I went to Nashville over the weekend for our 6th anniversary. It was a great trip! I have been once before and Jason had never been. There is so much to do in Nashville especially if you like country music! They have amazing restaurants and great bakeries. The shopping is fabulous too! We went to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night and saw the Oak Ridge Boys. We went to the Ryman and did a walking tour of down town Nashville. We also went to Dave Ramsey's home office building. Since Jason is one of his ELPs we got a tour of the entire building. We got to meet Dave and take pictures with him while he was on a break from hosting his talk radio show, which he hosts right from his office building. It was very cool to watch! Also, the long weekend provided much needed sleep! However, we were so ready to get home to our babies! Life is just not the same without them!

Merchant's were we ate for out anniversary!

Inside the Ryman

The Ryman Stage

We got to play at the Ryman!

Roy and Minnie

The Famous Tootsies Bar

The AT &T Building looked like Batman!

Country Music Hall of Fame

Printer's Alley

My very favorite!

Cookie Making Fun

2011-10-11T13:25:00.005-04:00

McKenzie has been asking to make cookies that you have to roll out and use cookie cutters to create. So yesterday morning we made the cut out cookie dough and after it chilled all day we made the cookies last night. This morning we frosted them! It was so much fun and such a huge mess! We had flour and sprinkles every where! That is how you know you have had fun! This was Landon's first experience making cookies! I finally got some pictures of him smiling in the process! He loved helping his big sister and Mommy!

Landon holding the car cookie cutter

McKenzie getting to work!

Busy, busy!

Working hard! Look at those floured knees!

There is the smile!

And again!

And again!! I love this one! He was almost laughing!

Frosting time!

The sprinkle queen!

Too much cookie decorating for Landon!

Our Fearless Floater

2011-10-11T13:21:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at swimming lessons McKenzie got her fearless floater ribbon. She was the only one in her class to get it! She can now float all by herself! She loves her swimming class and is doing such a great job at it!

Young Harris

2011-10-11T13:04:00.006-04:00

Last weekend we went to Young Harris for the weekend to visit Jason's parents and for Landon to meet his great grandparents. While we were there McKenzie got to carve a pumpkin for the head of her pumpkin girl she made with Papa. It was so cute and she had a great time making it. Great Grandma, Landon, and McKenzie

Great Grandma, Landon, and Jason

Plotting the pumpkin's face

Carving time!

Papa and McKenzie watching the carving

All Done!

McKenzie in Grandma and Papa's fall display!

McKenzie and Pumpkin Lady McKenzie

Landon wearing Daddy's outfit

Again!

Landon wearing another one of Daddy's outfits and laying on his baby blanket.

Papa and Landon

Landon looking so cute in his new outfit!

1 Month Check Up

2011-10-05T20:00:00.002-04:00

Today, Landon had his 1 month check up. He now weighs 10 lbs 8.9 oz and is 22 1/4 inches long. He has really grown from his birth weight of 7 lbs 6 oz! He has started cooing and the doctor could not believe that he does that already! He has to do something to be heard over his sister! Poor Landon had to have his second Hepatitis B shot today. It has not seemed to phase him though. He continues to be a very happy and content baby!

Swing time

Ha Ha...Funny Joke...

2011-10-05T19:59:00.002-04:00

Jason is always playing jokes on me with the dishwasher. He thinks that it is so funny to open it up and place an item in the dishwasher just like it is. For instance...he will take a plastic container to work for lunch and come home and just put the entire container in the dishwasher without taking the lid off of it. When I find it and laugh, he thinks that it is hilarious! (I am not sure if it is more a joke or pure laziness but it is funny either way!) It is just kind of an on going joke with us. Well this is what I found today...really?!

My New Toy

2011-10-05T19:53:00.004-04:00

Today, my new toy arrived! I never thought in all my life I would be so excited about a stroller, but I am! Now we own a double stroller so both kids can ride at the same time! Amber did all the research and this is the one she decided on so I just trusted her and went with it too! Thanks Amber! I love it! We went for a walk today to try it out and it is so nice and easy to push and turn! McKenzie loves the options of sitting or standing. Landon just slept in his car seat so he was very happy too! Oh the things that make you excited as a parent!

Standing

Sitting

All ready to go!

Very Special Company

2011-09-27T10:36:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, we had some very special company! We had visitors from Norway at our house for lunch. Jason's grandma is from Norway and her cousin, Marit and her husband, Torger came to the States to visit. Jeffrey spent lots of time with them when he lived in Norway so it was really great for us to have a chance to meet them. They had to fly home yesterday but they were able to stop by our house so for a bit. They were the nicest couple and I truly wish that I could have spent way more time with them. They were so interesting and so very kind and lovable.

Torger and Marit

Lovin' on Landon

Uncle Jared came on Saturday to meet Landon!

Uncle Jeffrey came back to see these babies again! He is so great with our kids!

Playtime!

Grandma and MG

3 Generations...Keith, Jason, and Landon

Growing, Growing, Growing

2011-09-27T10:20:00.004-04:00

It is so hard to believe that Landon will already be a month old on Thursday. He is growing so fast. He has grown out of most of his newborn clothes already. He eats 4 ounces every 3 hours and he sleeps about 4 1/2 -5 hours his first stretch at night! He continues to be such an easy baby and so laid back. He just goes with the flow and never fusses. He is having more time awake now and loves to watch McKenzie play. McKenzie is still really good with him. She loves to help with him and plays really well with him. She will shake his toys for him and lay on his mat with him and sing her favorite songs. It is so sweet! She is such a great big sister and help to me during the day! Landon looks just like Jason these days!

Tummy time=sleep!

McKenzie helping Grandaddy feed Landon!

Playtime with McKenzie on the mat

Sweet baby boy!

Landon loves to swing!

Artist MG

2011-09-27T10:09:00.005-04:00

I bought McKenzie this bird feeder over the summer when I was in NY. I brought it home and gave it to her. She loved it but we did not have time to paint it right then. We put it in the pantry and totally forget about it...until it was time to clean the pantry out! There it was, the bird feeder from this summer! So, McKenzie got to work painting it. She painted and painted and painted for almost 2 hours on her bird feeder. She had a blast doing it and now it looks so nice hanging in our backyard! She did such a great job!

The finished product!

Landon's First Bath

2011-09-13T21:56:00.004-04:00

Last night Landon had his first real bath! His little cord finally fell off yesterday so he was able to get into his tub for the first time! He was not sure of it at first but then liked it!

All nice and clean!

Aqua Tots

2011-09-13T21:30:00.007-04:00

McKenzie is taking swimming lessons at a place called Aqua Tots. She absolutely loves it! Here are some pictures from yesterdays lesson. She is just about to float on her own! She has really done great! Getting ready to go under...

Under!!!

I did it Mom!!!

Floating

McKenzie's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-10T16:42:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, was McKenzie's first day of Preschool. This year she is a friendly fish! She could not wait to start back to school and see her friends. She loves it! This year she is going three days a week.

Uncle Jeffrey was here for her first day and he got to go and pick her up. She was so excited for him to get her! It was so cute! McKenzie is going to have a great year at school!

It's a Boy! It's a Boy! It's a Boy!

2011-09-10T11:26:00.017-04:00

Well...he is here and he is absolutely perfect! Landon Jay Norton was born on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 4:25 pm. He weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and was 21.5 inches long. He is the best baby. He eats, sleeps, and just looks around. He is such a happy little blessing!

Jason and I left for the hospital on Wednesday night August 31st around 9pm. My induction was scheduled for 10 pm only giving me 2 hours until September 1st! However, there was an emergency and my room was not ready so we ended up in the waiting room until 12:10 am. I had made it to September 1st! I got all checked in and into my room and the process started around 2:30 am. At 7:30 am the pitocin pump started. I got the epidural at about 11 am and went to sleep! Little Landon came very fast once he decided it was time to be born!

McKenzie has proved to be the best big sister ever! I don't think that she could love him anymore! She wants to hold him and kiss him and fed him all on her own. However, she gets very upset that she is just not big enough to do it herself. She is adjusting very well to life as a big sister!

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Off to the hospital!

Our last picture as a family of 3!

Daddy feeding the first bottle!

McKenzie was the first one in the room! She could not wait any longer to meet her little sibling! Look at her sweet face!

McKenzie opening up Landon's present she got him!

Holding Landon for the first time!

Katie came the first night!

So did LoLo!

And...HiHi too!

Brittany and Landon when he was just 5 hours old!

Granny

UB came too!

Look at Uncle Jeffrey with the bib he brought. It says My Uncle is Hot and Single!

Granny and Grandaddy

Grandma and Papa Norton

Landon had to spend 30 hours under the lights. McKenzie was so sweet and just watched him the entire time she visited.

Big Sister McKenzie

Under the lights...

Auntie Amber

Nana and her newest little man

Papa T

Papa T, Uncle Steve, and Landon

Uncle Steve

I'm going home! We were able to bring him

home late Saturday night, September 3rd.

The Dodes

Our first family of 4 pic!

Our mailbox all decorated

Handsome

Aunt Gail and Uncle Marty came from Charlotte!

Monday, Sept 7th was Labor Day and Tate and Tucker came to meet their newest cousin!

Uncle Jeff came to help out for a few days!

McKenzie is so sweet reading to her little brother!

Sweet Baby Boy!

Big Stretches

Sleepy time...

The Ticker...

2011-08-28T15:41:00.002-04:00

Once again I write about the ticker to the right...the one about Little Sam. Yes, today is the due date for our precious baby that we anxiously await. However, there are no signs yet of this little one coming. I am fine with that! I am holding out for Thursday morning...September the 1st....the month of the beautiful blue sapphire!! I know I am crazy, but a girl can dream and plan! I do have an appointment to be induced Wednesday night at 10 pm if Sam cooperates and does not come before then. We just can't wait to see what this baby is! Boy name is settled, girl name is still not 100%! Ahhh...it is getting close! We must decide soon! McKenzie is still holding out for flip flop! She may just win if we can't decide on anything else!

It is so hard to think that 3 more days is all the time we have left with just McKenzie. I am not sure how we will spend Tuesday and Wednesday. However, I do know that Uncle Jeffrey is coming tomorrow with Granny and Grandaddy and McKenzie cannot even wait to see them! She is beyond excited! Jeff arrived home last night. He has been living out of the country for 3 years. His latest home was Norway. We are so excited that he is back and will be living here, we hope forever now! He has no plans now to return across the pond that I know of yet, so we so are glad for that! McKenzie and I have not seen Jeff since Christmas. Jason went to the airport last night to welcome him home!

A Sidda kind of Saturday...

2011-08-20T19:07:00.009-04:00

Today was a Sidda kind of Saturday for us! For those of you who don't know, Sidda was Jason's cousin who passed away 2 years ago. She was a birthday party junkie! She loved them! It seemed like every single Saturday Sidda had a birthday party to take her son to. It became a joke with us that we could never hang out on Saturdays because there was always a birthday party to attend. Well, today we had 3 birthday parties to attend! It was defiantly a day Sidda would have loved! We started off this morning at 9:30 with Hattie and Meredith's birthday parties. Hattie is turning 5 and Meredith is turning 2. They are sisters and 2 days a part. Their party was at an indoor playground. McKenzie loved it and I loved it too, it was air conditioned! (I am rather HOT these days!) After playing it was cupcake decorating time. Every child got an apron with their name embroidered on it. Super cute! So that made cupcake decorating even more fun! Excellent idea Ellen!

Then this afternoon we had Carson's 4th birthday party which was a surfer party! They had all things water...a seal sprinkler, a slip and slide, a pool, and a giant water slide! It was very fun and the perfect hot day to have it.

Hattie and Meredith's Party

Meredith

MG headed up to the top!

Getting ready to decorate a cupcake!

The birthday girls! Meredith and Hattie

Lovin' that sucker

Presents!

The last one at the food table!

McKenzie's precious apron

Carson's Party

Slip and Slide

The seal sprinkler

The giant slide

The water slide

Pool

Getting out of the giant slide

Carson's delicious surfer cookie cake

Singing...Happy Birthday!

Haircut #2

2011-08-16T14:01:00.003-04:00

Today we got McKenzie's haircut! I have been going back and forth with the idea of a shorter haircut for her and today I just decided to go with it! The front is not much shorter at all but the back...it is 4 inches shorter! Her little hair is all one length now. It looks so cute! When Carmen, the hair cutter showed McKenzie her hair she said, "It's gorgeous!" She loves her new look. She looks so grown up now. Front

Back

Side

A Present for Baby Sam

2011-08-15T20:50:00.003-04:00

As we are getting down to the wire here as a family of 3, McKenzie can hardly stand it! She wanted to buy baby Sam a present to bring to the hospital for the first time meeting her sibling. McKenzie had the book Brown Bear Brown Bear What do you See and she loved this book. However, it was loved on and ripped and so she decided that baby Sam needed a new Brown Bear Brown Bear book. So, last week we went and bought it. A few nights ago we wrapped it up in wrapping paper and then she put it in a gift bag. Today, she wanted to wrap it some more. So she got out the tissue paper and tape and went to town for about an hour and a half wrapping this present. It was so sweet to watch. She used every color of tissue paper I had...blue, green, yellow, pink, light blue, and teal! Then when she was done wrapping she placed it back into the bag and colored a card. She worked on her card for another hour. She put stickers all over all different colors of construction paper and then colored with her markers all different colors. Precious! She is just so excited!

We are getting excited too! There are now two car seats in my car! We are ready to go. 13 more days until due date! I am getting very excited to know if Sam is a boy or girl! (We still have not finalized the girl name so at this point so I am hoping for a boy!) On one hand I thought that the end of this pregnancy would never come and on the other hand I feel like it has gone by so quickly. It is hard to wrap my brain around only 13 (maybe less or maybe a few more) days left with just McKenzie. That part makes me sad and super excited. Her little world is just about to change but she is so excited. I just hope she stays that way when we bring little Sam home! The pink layer...

The blue layer...

Now yellow!

Card time...so sweet!

Friends are so Fun

2011-08-08T16:04:00.007-04:00

Yesterday we had a really fun play date/cookout with our neighbors, The Andersons! They have one of those really big, blow up water slides! The kids had so much fun and Jason was really jealous that he was not in the weight limit to play too! We had a really fun time with them yesterday and it was so fun to just relax and grill out!

Check out this water slide!

McKenzie

Olivia

Sammy

Jason- standing, Gary, Sammy, Olivia, and MG

Today we had a play date with Brock and Braden! We went to this really awesome indoor playground. It was a huge playground in sand. It also had inflatables and Nerf guns that shot these soft little balls all over the playground. There was even an area for younger children to play on rocking toys and things like that. It was so much fun! McKenzie did not want to leave and asked when we got the car if we could come back tomorrow! She just loves playing with Brock and Braden and this place was so fun! We can't wait to go back!

Braden having a snack!

McKenzie

Brock

"I love that Sound"

2011-08-04T15:40:00.003-04:00

Today, I had a doctors appointment to check on Baby Sam. Everything went very well. McKenzie went with me. When the doctor placed the monitor on my stomach to hear the heartbeat McKenzie looked right at the doctor and said, "I love that sound!" It was the most precious thing ever! She loves the sound of her little sibling's heartbeat. So sweet! McKenzie can't hardly wait any longer to meet her little brother or sister. I hope she is just as excited when we bring it home as she is now!

Sleeping with Bows

2011-08-04T15:33:00.002-04:00

The other night I went up to check on McKenzie after putting her to bed and this is what I found. She had apparently gotten out of bed and put 11 hair bows in her hair, gotten back into bed and fell sound asleep! The next night, I checked on her and the hair bow count was 38! What a mess she is, even when she sleeps! It was hilarious to witness first hand!

She loves to sleep with her slippers on her feet too...even with footed pajamas!

All 11 hair bows!

Up Up and Away!

2011-07-27T20:27:00.020-04:00

Last Saturday I crossed off a hot air balloon from my bucket list! Jason and I were supposed to do it on my birthday but the weather was not right. So we had to try again last Saturday and the weather was perfect! It was by far one of the best experiences of my life! If you think that you might want to do it, do it! There is nothing like gliding along in a little basket with a view of 365 degrees. We went up 2,000 feet and just floated along. We got to land the balloon on two different lakes which was awesome! The basket just floats along the water and then the balloon goes up again and the ride continues. We got to ride for an hour and went about 8 miles. We landed in a beautiful field and the chaser picked us up right away. The pilot of the balloon really has no control over where the balloon goes, the wind really does just carry you away. With saying that, the pilot had no idea where we were going to land. We just had to find a spot, meaning an opened field when it was time for our hour to be done. There is a person on the ground who followed us called the chaser, so that when we land they can put the balloon back in the trailer and take us back to our car. You never take off and return to the same spot. It was such a great present for my 30th birthday and I hope that I can do it again before I die. Is there such a thing as re-adding something to your bucket list?

The entire balloon fits in this little bag. All 110 feet of it!

Pulling the balloon out of the bag!

Getting it all set up.

Getting closer to full!

Almost there... using the fan to blow up the balloon

This is the inside of the balloon

Jason got to help and he had to turn off the fan when he was told to do so.

Lifting the balloon off the ground

Upright!

The hot flame that makes the balloon go up! It was a hot ride...literally!

Take off...the trucks below!

Up and over...

The sun was just coming up!

Gorgeous views!

The first lake we landed on.

Lifting back off of the lake and the water dripping off the bottom of the basket while the balloon makes a beautiful reflection.

Leaving the lake

If you look close on the road below, you can see our chaser on the side of the road!

The trees that we flew through and I got a tree top...you can see it below!

My tree top!

Very up close...the basket is small and there is no back up room!

Sunrise!

The second lake we landed on.

Landing on the lake!

Leaving the lake...the water dripping from the bottom of the basket again!

Our reflection while we were getting ready to land.

Once we landed on ground our pilot got out and Jason got to push the button to make us go up a little as the pilot and chaser pulled the balloon towards the driveway for pack up.

Tim, the pilot with Jason in the basket and Chad the Chaser outside.

Tim set up a beautiful breakfast for us of champagne and (sparkling grape juice for me) and fruit. He told us all about how ballooning got started!

My hot air balloon made from the cork of the champagne bottle. Thanks Chad!

Breakfast was delicious and so super sweet!

We are standing infront of the basket which is laying down. If you look closely you can see mud on our forheads. It is a tradition to have mud put on your forehead from the ground of your first landing. It was fun!

The trailer that the entire balloon and basket fit into!

I can Pump!

2011-07-21T09:13:00.003-04:00

McKenzie has mastered her swing! Jason taught her about a week ago how to pump and now she can do it all by herself! She can start herself and stop herself! She loves to be outside but especially on her swing! She has no fear and swings very high too.

This Day Just Keeps Getting Better...

2011-07-17T18:12:00.006-04:00

After such an eventful morning of going to ride in a hot air balloon but not getting to, we headed to Brian and Amber's house for lunch! We had a blast! It was so great to have Dad with us on his birthday today too! There have been several years where we have not been together on our birthday because he has been on the road or I have been out of town. So, today was very special! We were all together!

Tate and McKenzie still LOVE each other so much! I hope it stays that way always. They are so cute together. Playing one minute and fighting the next just like siblings! Kenzie had a great time spending the night with Tate last night. They did not sleep much but sometimes having fun is more important! Tucker is precious! He just lets anyone hold him and he just looks around. He did not make a peep the entire time we were there. He has the best smiles too but unfortunately I never had my camera at the right time for one today. He is now just over 17 pounds at 3 1/2 months! He is just solid and so fun to hold and cuddle with. He is truly such a great baby. Every time I hold him it makes me just want our little Sam now! However, I know I must continue to wait a while longer.

It has been a wonderful 24 hours of 30th birthday celebrations for me. Jason went way over the top for this and put so much time into planning the perfect birthday for me. It was wonderful! He sure is a keeper!

Just the guys...then McKenzie stepped in!

I love this one because Tucker is looking too!

These kiddos love black olives!

Ready to eat!

Getting ready to sing...

Sweet Tucker slept the entire time we ate. What a great kid! I hope Sam is taking lessons

Look at how well he sits in his seat and holds up his head!

All three...poor Tucker he does not like this much!

All three again and look at Tucker's face this time...It is like he is saying..."Really Nana...you thought this was a good idea to put me in the middle of these two?"

34 weeks today...42 more days to go!

Me and my Daddy! Happy Birthday Dad!

30 is Great!

2011-07-17T07:54:00.010-04:00

Well, well, well...Ta Da! Today I turn 30! However, last night was just one big surprise after the next! I had asked that our Supper Club go to dinner for my birthday last night. I was under the impression that was all that was going on. Well, then a limo pulls up to drive us all to dinner. Yes, McKenzie went too! Car seat and all! She was so excited! She kept saying, "Mommy, this is so fun!" Which it was! Katie even thought far enough ahead to pack a bottle of sparkling grape juice! When we arrived at the restaurant we were ushered right to the back where Jason has an entire room of people waiting for us. SURPRISE!!! It was so fun! At that point my Dad was there too and took McKenzie back to Brian and Amber's house for the night where they were staying with the boys. (Katie had packed McKenzie an overnight bag when I was getting ready and slipped it into the limo trunk without my knowledge at all. Sneaky!) So the meal was absolutely delicious! Everyone enjoyed it! After dinner we brought the limo back home and were in by 9:30! (My kind of planning, especially these days with my growing belly!)

When we got home Jason told me that we needed to get up really early so we needed to go to bed. I asked him how early and he said we were leaving the house at 5:45. That meant I was getting up this morning at 4:45. I had no idea where we were going or what we were about to do. It was still dark when we left the house this morning. When we arrive in a nearby town, waiting for us was a truck and trailer hauling a hot air balloon!!! I have always wanted to fly in a hot air balloon. However, this morning the weather was not right for a guaranteed smooth landing and me being pregnant there was no chance of risk. So, we did not get to fly this morning but have rescheduled for next weekend! (I will for sure blog about it then!) The rest of the day will be spent at Brian and Amber's house! We will be celebrating my 30th birthday as well as Dad's 57th! Yes, today is his birthday too! Happy Birthday Dad! So all I can say about 30 so far is AWESOME!

Our limo!

McKenzie riding in the limo! What 3 year old gets to do this? She loved every minute of it and even said that when baby Sam is born he/she needs to ride in a limo too!

Heider and Lobello!

Katie and Me!

The toast...and boy was that sparkling grape juice was good! Way to go Katie!

McKenzie loved it!

Mike, Christy, and Chris

Our menu...Jaosn picked all my favorites!

Yes, the picture behind us is me!

Auntie Amber

Super Club is always monograming something!

Scary Lobello and Heider

The group!

Yes, pictures of me at all ages!

I made a good wish!

The whole gang!

Katie made me wear it!

Heider was in charge of all the balloons on the ride home!

Heading home with 90s weekend playin'!

Baby Sam...Boy or Girl?

2011-07-16T15:53:00.004-04:00

Today we went shopping for baby Sam! When Jason and I were expecting McKenzie we had so much fun picking out a boy outfit and a girl outfit to take to the hospital with us for the trip home. However, today McKenzie had just as much fun picking out outfits! She was so excited! New clothes makes the whole idea of a new baby even more real for her. We picked out two outfits for a boy and two outfits for a girl! Now if only we could pick names as easily! We have the boys name but the girls name is undecided.

Bom, my grandma is saying a girl! That would not be such a big deal except she has been correct 3 out of 3 times so far. She called Tate as a boy when everyone said girl and she called McKenzie a girl when everyone else said boy. Tucker was the same. She said boy and he was a boy when everyone was positive he would be a girl. So, I am so excited to see...if we have another girl! This time around I have no feeling either way other than the fact that this pregnancy has been so different from McKenzie's. That is the only reason I might say boy. However, when I was pregnant with McKenzie I dreamed about a little boy all the time. I had seen his sweet face and played with him. Jason and I just knew it was going to be a boy! When she was born it was a total shock! So, we can hardly wait until the end of August to see what our little blessing will be!

The boy outfits!

Fronts

Backs! I love the outfits with prints on the rears!

The girl outfits!

Fronts

The backs!

The Bag Lady

2011-07-07T12:39:00.002-04:00

McKenzie has become obsessed with putting her toys/dolls into containers, strollers, shopping carts, bags, containers, etc. She likes to see how many she can fit in and still close the object holding the goods. This morning she began to fill her stroller. She filled it higher, and higher, and higher! (She gave me me very strict instructions not to go close to the stroller because my belly would knock it over! It was hilarious! I laughed right out loud!) Then when one animal or doll would fall off that would lead to two and three and so on. Before long she was crying out of frustration because she does not understand that her little stroller can only hold so much. After several stuffed animals and dolls fell out of the stroller this morning she got so mad she just pushed the entire stroller over and they all fell out! So then we counted...how many objects do you think she fit into this stroller? The answer...37! Yes, 37 different stuffed animals and dolls we in the stroller this morning!

So proud of herself!

All 37 amimals and dolls!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-06T12:02:00.004-04:00

We had a cookout with our neighbors for July 4th! It was a blast! The kids swam in McKenzie's little pool and played and played. Here they are enjoying ice cream! It was a great day!

Olivia

Sammy

McKenzie

McKenzie was telling them all about out tree that fell!

Gary and Sammy doing sparklers!

Olivia and her sparkler!

TIMBER...

2011-07-01T20:39:00.004-04:00

Last night we got a call from our neighbor across the street while we were at the beach. He informed us that we had a bad wind storm, not much rain just wind and we lost a tree. Well, we lost a really big Oak tree and our fence tried to catch it. When the Oak feel it landed on another tree and took that one down too. Much better the fence than the house! Thank you God! Here are the pictures of our yard...

The Beach

2011-07-01T19:32:00.008-04:00

We got back today from our beach vacation. We had a great time! McKenzie decided while we were there that she no longer wanted to wear her swimmies. She could walk in one of the pools it being 3 feet deep. However, the other pool was 3.5 feet deep in the shallow end and she could not understand why she couldn't walk in that pool. She is now jumping into the pool all by herself, with her swimmies on. She loves the water and I love that!

The beach was gorgeous! The water so clear every day that you could walk way out and see straight to the bottom. The flag was red for two days so we had to be really careful then. McKenzie loved riding the waves with Jason on the raft. She also still has a huge love for shells and found a ton of them. Jason and McKenzie both found their first sand dollars this trip! It was a very exciting day!

We got up very early to drive home today leaving at 4 am. We thought that MG would sleep and that would make the ride much shorter for her. However, she never closed her eyes, saying that she did not like to sleep! That is for sure! The weather was great and we had a fabulous little family trip!

No swimmies!!!

MG in the kiddie pool!

McKenzie's first sand dollar!

She was so excited!

We went to Pier Park one night. McKenzie is holding up her ticket to ride the farris wheel!

The airplanes!

Merry-go-Round

This is my favorite part...the BEST ice cream in the entire world!

McKenzie started this off by wanting to have her feet buried in the sand. Then it lead to her knees, legs, and then...she wanted to lay down and cover her entire body...it was really funny! She loved it!

My Kitchen Helper

2011-06-24T11:54:00.002-04:00

Today McKenzie and I decided to make some chocolate covered pretzels. I dipped them in the chocolate and she put the sprinkles on. We had a blast making these and she loved helping. I am not sure if the floor or the pretzels got more sprinkles but it sure was fun!

Gymnastics...

2011-06-21T21:45:00.002-04:00

McKenzie has started to take gymnastics. She loves it! She goes every Tuesday morning. She is behind her class because she is the youngest one, but she tries so hard and loves every minute of it! It is absolutely precious to watch her flip and flop all over. Here she is already to start class today!