The Caddy's Shack

Better Late than Never, Right?

2012-01-23T22:11:00.001-05:00

Way back last year, we went to Santa's House in Newton to visit with good ole St. Nick. It was fantastic. I actually got a picture of all 3 of the children with Santa.

We fed the animals

And made reindeer food

Of course there was SANTA!!!

Later that month, Harris and Cara had their annual Christmas program at Abernethy. I was so proud of both of them. They sang their little hearts out.

Lisa with Harris and Lauren

Of course, the kiddos (mostly Cara) had to wear all their festive Christmas outfits.

We went to Nana & Pepaw's to start the present opening.

I absolutely love this picture of Chris with his grandmother. It makes me miss mine even more.

On Christmas Eve, we (I) wrote our letters to Santa asking for the one special gift. Of course the kids decided to change what they had asked for earlier. Too bad Santa had already completed his shopping.

Christmas morning at our house was one of the best ever. The kids are at the perfect age.

Cara's new Cabbage Patch - Kennedy Harper. This is only baby sister she's getting!

DRUMS!

WHAT!!! Nick finally got his DS. He's only been begging for one for over a year now.
Go Santa!

Our last stop for the day was Big Dan & Big Mama's house.

Uncle Dan & Aunt Andrea with the boys (Cara is TERRIFIED of my brother and refuses to get near him)

Yes, that is underwear on his head. Very long, slightly twisted, and completely inappropriate story for the blog.

Hope everyone else had a great Christmas!

December 2011

2011-12-08T20:19:00.004-05:00

I know, I know, where are the Disney pictures? I'm sorry. I ended up with over 750 pictures and am still wading through them for our Shutterfly book. I'll post soon.

Until then... how about a look at some of our cute Christmas outfits.

Before Church

I love this one!

We bought this Candy Cane shirt in multiple sizes...

10 months

22 months

Age 2 1/2

Yep, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house!

Quick Update

2011-11-04T14:35:00.000-04:00

I know - I haven't posted in a really long time. I don't even have a Halloween picture to post because... we're leaving for DISNEY today!!!

Will post lots when we return!!!

Camp Bud Shield / Family Time

2011-10-17T06:42:00.000-04:00

Nick joined Scout Troop 322 at the Methodist Church in Conover in early September. He loves learning about what it means to be a scout. I love that it's teaching him community service and to be a good person. This past Saturday, Chris and Nick went to Camp Bud Shield for Field Day. Little scared about what Nick did (really a gun for a 6 year old?) but he had a terrific time.

Shooting BB Guns

Arts and Crafts

Troop 322 (well part of them)

Archery (guess who wants a bow and arrow for Christmas now)

Nick was so proud of his new pack shirt

Here's a random picture of the princess wearing her Dachshund dress

Cara & Mommy

Harrison's Lovely Smile (WTF)

All My Kiddos

NCHS Football / Tweetsie

2011-10-09T22:52:00.003-04:00

The boys went away camping again, so the girls decided to have some fun of our own. Lisa and I took the girls to dinner and their first Newton-Conover football game. It was homecoming - 18 years later for me! It was neat though because a lot of the seniors on the homecoming court were former students of mine. WOW, I'm getting old. Anyway, the girls had a blast and so did the moms :)

Future Red Devil

Lisa & Lauren

Cara & Mommy

Future Cheerleader?

On Saturday, Carrie and I took Cara & Chatham to Tweetsie since the weather was so nice. The leaves were beginning to change with autumn, so it was beautiful. Even though we didn't get to ride the big train, our two year olds had a great time.

Riding the horse of course, of course.

Hello Mr. Scarecrow!

View from the chairlift

While I missed the boys, it was really nice to have some mother / daughter time!

Hood Farm

2011-10-09T06:25:00.013-04:00

First United Methodist had their annual Fall Festival at Hood Farm. Luckily, the boys were back from camping just in time for a family outing. We skipped the hay ride this year, but did participate in some bouncing, face painting, and family fun. Our friends the Wade's and Donley's were there so of course the kids loved hanging out together.

Bouncing

Cheesing with Friends

Chatham getting his face painted

Hello Kitty

Showing Off Their Cheeks

Family Pic - 2 children

Family Pic - one child (Nick never would agree to one)

Mommy's Two Little Ones (although not so little anymore)

Zootastic October 2011

2011-10-02T21:44:00.018-04:00

Paul found this great place called Zootastic http://www.zootasticpark.com/ in Troutman so one Saturday, the Wade's, Donley's and Cadwallader's headed out for an adventure. Teachers were admitted free, and we had some free passes so 5 adults and 5 kids got in for $5.00. AWESOME!!! It was amazing. We took a tour where the children (and adults) were able to hear about and touch some exotic animals. Even I let a bird sit on my shoulder, and I am scared to death a bird is going to get caught in my hair and rip it out. This was definitely a trip we'll take again!

Harris, Nick, Cara, Lauren, & Chatham

Pretty bird

See - PROOF - I am letting a bird sit on me

Notice how involved the dads are!

This is one of my favorite pictures of them!

Boys' Camping Trip

2011-09-25T21:28:00.004-04:00

Chris and Phillip Martin took the boys (all the boys - Nick, Harris, & Benjamin) camping for the first time. Unfortunately, Chris gave the camera to Harris who is FOUR and a crappy photographer so the pictures are limited. I have a few good ones. Harrison did awesome for his first time.

Nick & Ben

Harris (pretty sure a kid took this one)

Phillip

Beautiful view from the mountain top

Cara and I had a blast while they were gone. Can't wait till they go again!

Harrison's B-day Celebration

2011-09-20T21:27:00.001-04:00

We went to Jason's Deli (Harris's choice) to celebrate his turning FOUR!!! As always, there were smiles and tears as well as some cake smashing. Here are the highlights!

Happy Birthday Dear Harrison!

Harris refused to blow out his candle, so Cara did it for him.

FIRE!

All smiles from Nick - notice his tongue sticking through his TWO missing teeth.

Wink, Wink

Here are the smiles...

Now the tears...

This was about the time we decided to call it a night!

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet Harrison!

Harris Turns FOUR!!!

2011-09-19T17:56:00.001-04:00

On September 19, 2007, Harrison Elijah Cadwallader entered the world 5 days early weighing 9.0 lbs and 21 1/4 inches long. He was the sweetest little boy and still is.

On the way to the hospital to be induced.

One Day Old

Age One

Age Two

Age Three

Age 4

Double Birthday Bash

2011-09-10T23:05:00.028-04:00

We celebrated Nick's 6th and Harrison's 4th birthdays this past weekend by the pool. The weather was perfect! My girlfriends and I were talking about how nice it is to have our children at an age where they can play and we can just sit, watch, and chat. It's been a long, very long time coming. Here are some of my favorite pictures!

Here's Carrie 21 weeks pregnant with Harper Annabeth the weekend before at our pre-party!

You'd think the birthday boys would look happier. Nick has the scowl perfected though.

The princess is cheesing though!

Anna Barrett

Paul

Amanda caught herself a Harrison

Yummy cupcakes - thanks Paul!

Hannah Grace and AJ

Cara and Mary Grace excused themselves for some girl time.

Harris thought it was so funny to get Big Mama wet!

So many kids in the hot tub.

Cara had some snuggle time with her Uncle Paul.

This is my FAVORITE picture of the boys. They're both so excited to celebrate!

My niece Macyn LOVED the cupcakes. She used her coin to scrape the icing off.

Hannah Grace

Lauren

Cheese!

Big Dan

Chris just couldn't be nice to his sister, Jan, but I snapped a picture anyway.

Happy, happy birthday to my wonderful boys!!!!

New Beds

2011-09-04T22:38:00.000-04:00

For Nick's birthday, we bought him some big boy furniture which included twin on full bunk beds. He loves being a big kid. Since we were making changes, we decided to go ahead and convert Cara's toddler bed to a double bed. Now we have 3 BIG KIDS in the house. Have I mentioned that Cara stopped wearing diapers on Aug. 3? We are officially out of diapers too!

Exciting Happenings!

2011-09-01T22:23:00.001-04:00

Amanda and I took the girls to lunch before we had to go back to school. They had so much fun. They also watched the annual Old Soldier's Reunion Parade together.

A few days after Nick turned 6, he lost his first tooth. Unfortunately, Chris threw it away but the tooth fairy still found our house.

Harrison moved to the 4 year old room at Abernethy on Aug. 22.

Cara moved to the 3 year old room that same day.

Nick started 1st Grade with Ms. McCormick at South Newton!

Here are just a few cute pics!

Lauren and Cara in matching swimsuits

Cara with PIGGIES!

Nick fast asleep on Chris's lap at church.

Parties

2011-08-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

It seems like everyone we know has a birthday in August. Benjamin, all three Wades, and of course Nicholas and Chris!

Party #1 - Lauren Turns 4!!! - Celebrated at FUMC

Happy Birthday Lauren!

Paul - whatcha doing?

Party #2 - Ben turns 7!!! - Celebrated at Pin Station

Someone slid and fell on the slick lane.

What Mom, can't you see I'm busy?

Fine, now leave me alone!

Winking!

Mary Grace and Cara searching for the bowling ball.

Party #3 - The Wade's - Paul, Lisa, & Lauren - Celebrated at Dos Amigos with the Donley's

Party # 5 - (Yes I'm skipping #4 and giving Nick his own post) Chris's Birthday at Chick Fil A & home

Chris even got a dinosaur cake!

Nick Turns 6 Years Old!!!

2011-08-22T22:05:00.011-04:00

To celebrate Nick turning 6, Big Mama took the boys to see The Smurfs then met us for dinner at Jason's Deli. As always, my brother Dan helped make the night more exciting than it needed to be. First there was cake smashing, then there was crying. All in all though, it was a great time!

Evil Uncle Dan Plotting...

SMASH!

More smashing!

Crying - the icing burned his eyes

Smiling, but look at the rash the icing left!

Tweetsie with Big Mama

2011-08-07T20:53:00.000-04:00

Big Mama made her annual trip with us to Tweetsie. As always, it was an adventure. Between the rain and Nick's lovely disposition (ie - he was being an ass), it got a little stressful at times.

Nick refused to get dressed that morning, so Chris put him in the car in his undies. About half way up the mountain, he decided he WAS going to get dressed because, "Tweetsie won't let me in with my butt showing."

Notice the crossed arms and the scowl.

Still scowling...

Finally a smile!

Nevin Park

2011-08-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

Way back in August, we went with the Donley's to Nevin Park. The kiddos had such a great time running around in the splash park while the adult sat back and relaxed. Here are our highlights.

Someone was very upset when we had to come home.

Nick's Mountain Trip

2011-08-03T11:36:00.001-04:00

Nick went away last weekend with my brother, Dan and my sister in law Andrea to to the mountains. This was his first trip away without us. He was so excited to be the big kid and do something fun with his aunt and uncle.

Nick and Uncle Dan. Notice they are both wearing their lighted head gear so they can maneuver in the dark.

Playing horseshoes

Finally winding down after the first night.

Nick LOVED playing in the river with Rocky.

He climbed a few trees.

Good thing Aunt Andrea was there to help him.

Looks like Nick and the dogs enjoyed their time in the water.

Everyone tired out and ready to rest.

Thanks again Uncle Dan and Aunt Andrea! I know Nick hopes to hang out with you guys again soon!

VBS - Shake it Up!

2011-08-03T11:23:00.002-04:00

The day I got home from my beach trip was the first day of Vacation Bible School at church. This year's theme was Shake it Up! I loved helping out this year! Instead of teaching in one classroom, I got to go into all the 2-4 year old classes and help out. Since I have a 2 and 3 year old, I got to watch Cara and Harris! I think Cara loved Bible School the most. Her favorite part was definitely singing and dancing with Scraps the Raccoon every day.

FUMC transformed into the Shake it Up Cafe for the week

Cara and Chatham making crafts

Bible School Day #2 - The kiddos dressed in their shirts ready to go!

And this is how they normally are!

Cara making her prayer box

Chef Carrington

Hanging out with Aunt Lisa

Carrie & Me

Nick with Chef Basil

Cara & Chatham "shaking it up"

Harris and Ms. Pam

Stringing his beads

Great job Harrison!

Cheesing with Aunt Carrie

Big Kids

Little Kids - Oh yes, there were 32 children from ages 2-4 years. Pretty impressive!

Here are Cara and Chatham Shaking it Up! Sorry the video quality is really crappy, but look at Cara shakin'her booty!

Girls' Beach Trip

2011-08-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

About 2 weeks ago, I went to Myrtle Beach with a few of my college sorority sisters. It's the first time since getting married almost 8 years ago that I've gone on vacation without either Chris or the children. It was so nice to be able to hang out with some of my favorite people from college that I don't ever get to see because of life keeping us busy. While we didn't party like we did at WCU, it was still an awesome time!

Here are Amy, me, Claudia, and Shana before our Mystery Dinner Theater

Hanging out inside

Shana is training for a triathalon, so we got to go on the inner-coaster waterway so she could practice.

Amy and Shana braved the water

What a view!

We also got to hang out on this boat for a relaxing day!

So what went on while I was away?

Some sundae eating

A little of this!

Harrison playing with his drinking cups.

And Nick passed out at school sound asleep. Really? He couldn't do this while I'm in town?

I can't wait till next year's trip! I realized how much I need time away from my family and everyday life.

My best intentions...

2011-07-19T21:27:00.003-04:00

Last time I blogged about Nick "chair rolling" down the driveway. Not wanting to be left out, Harris had to try it too. He was hilarious!

Of course I decided it looked like fun and thought I'd give it a try. Harris & Cara jumped on my lap and away we rolled. The first several times went great. Apparently though, the chair had enough of my big ass and decided to break part way down the drive. Harris escaped unharmed but poor Cara fell smack on her face on the pavement. Immediately a HUGE knot forms on her head. As tears are rolling down her cheeks she turns to me and asks why I crashed her. I felt horrible. We put some ice on her head and before long she's giving me her silly grins again. I guess chairs really are just for sitting.

Starting down the drive...

Rolling

and either tipping

or stopping

Meanwhile, Nick is pouting in the grass.

Before the drama

"Mom, what did you do to my face?"

"It's not so bad now."

Oh yes, she smacked her face good. I feel soooo bad. I won't be getting the mother of the year award.

But in the end, icee pops make everything all better.

Girls Day at Tweetsie

2011-07-14T14:41:00.001-04:00

Amanda and I have been friends since 6th grade (that's almost 25 years). We use to love taking our boys to do things when they were younger, so Tuesday, we decided to have a girls only day and took our daughters to Tweetsie. When I picked them up, Hannah Grace was sporting a pink cowboy hat and gun. Of course Cara wanted one too, so first stop is the General Store for a pink hat and pink gun with holster. Hannah had to have the holster too. So the girls were finally all decked out in their cowgirl gear and ready for a good time.

Cara didn't like the loud train noises

Yee Haw!

The utter look of joy on their faces is priceless!

Waiting patiently for the Mouse Train

This trip (actually for the first time ever) we were able to sit and watch Hopper and Porter perform. They boys would NEVER have sat down for that long and watched.

Definitely not as cute as the little girls

Boating

Flying

Sliding

Chair lifting

Carouseling

More flying

Ferris Wheeling

Playing in the Indian Tepee

Giddup Horsie

Mommies and their girls

I am going to get you with my shiny pink gun!

Hopefully not a preview of things to come...

Last stop was the stage coach

What an amazing day we had! We've decided that there truly IS a difference between boys and girls. This day was so easy, and no one had to be chased or fussed at for being wild and not listening. What a difference! I can't wait to have more girl days in the future!!!

2011-07-14T14:08:00.003-04:00

July has been jam packed with excitement! A few weeks ago, we visited with our cousins at Price Park. Here are a few more pictures.

My cousin Meredith and her daughter Casidy

Hanging out in the creek

Being shy (and also getting dirt and sand ALL OVER her face)

Cara just fell in love with her Aunt Bethy!

Nick has been attending summer camp at Abernethy. Each week, they go to the park and swimming. They also have one other trip - last week it was skating. I LOVE SKATING (I still have my old skates from 7th grade with silver sparkly shoestrings) so I tagged along. Nick was really starting to get the hang of it toward the end.

Last weekend, we had our annual Sunday School party at our house. The kids outnumbered the adults again, and they sure did have fun!

Big cheeses from Cara & Chatham

How many kids can fit in a hot tub?

Go Chatham!

The kids took a break to pick some blueberries too.

Harrison LOVES his Daddy. He wants to be everywhere Chris is and even wants to dress like him. Aren't they adorable?

When I was growing up, we had this enormous slide in our backyard that my dad made. DR and I absolutely loved to put some wax paper on it and slide down as lightening speed. When Chris and I bought this house, DR was nice enough to give it to us. It was such a pain to bring over since it was supersized. For years now it has been sitting collecting dirt and grim until... Chris finally cleaned it. Plus also, I wouldn't let Nick use it because it was so high up. Nick is almost 6 now so we let him go down it. I was disappointed he didn't go down faster. Harris climbed to the top (cause he wants to do whatever big bro does but refused to slide down and had to be rescued by Chris).

And to top off all of our adventures, Nick took my old office chair and skated down the driveway. Three acres of land, a pool, swing set, and basketball goal and my kid takes my office chair for a ride. Well, that's Nick for you!

Of course it falls over on him. What an imagination!

July 4, 2011

2011-07-05T15:16:00.001-04:00

We had lots of fun celebrating the 4th of July this year!

Unfortunately, someone got a black eye before the holiday.

We enjoyed dressing up in our red, white, and blue!

Harris and Cara look so much alike in this picture.

On Sunday, we began our celebrations with a cookout at Price Park with my Aunt Bethy and Uncle Tom. My cousin Meredith, her husband Chris, and their daughter Casidy joined us too. The kids had a blast chasing each other around and playing in the creek. (More pictures of this to come.)

Uncle Tom had some great fun with NIck.

Harris too!

Cara played shy.

Casidy and Nick had the best time playing tag.

Cara got lots of snuggles from Aunt Bethy.

All the cousins hanging out.

Finally, we headed out to my parents lake house for our annual July 4th cookout and fireworks with the Donley's. Unfortunately, there was a huge storm which cut into our jet skiing fun, but at least we got to see the fireworks!

Chatham and Cara attempting to hug with their life jackets on.

SEE no evil, HEAR no evil, SPEAK no evil, and SMELL no evil!

Big Dan's Mini Me with the sweat band.

The lake was beautiful as the sun set on the water.

Harris thought he was superman and kept opening his lifevest.

Happy Independence Day!

The kiddos dressed up for Abernethy's Annual Parade on Tuesday.

Dora & Diego at Tweetsie

2011-06-27T15:18:00.001-04:00

I hate crowds. The older I get the more I hate them. Usually we try to avoid "special" events at large venues because there will be lots of people there. So as much as I dislike being around lots of people, I do LOVE my children more. Dora and Diego came to Tweetsie this past weekend which normally means I avoid it like the plague, but my two youngest children adore Dora and Diego. So being the good Mommy that I am, we headed up the mountain to Tweetsie so Harris and Cara could see them. We waited 15 minutes for them to appear on stage, and I even sat on the floor so they could get closer. I did NOT wait in line for 20 minutes for the meet and greet though. I do have my limits. It really wasn't so bad; plus Cara and Harris were awestruck by the giant plush characters. Chris and I had some other descriptions about them, but they aren't really words I use on the blog. Afterwards we rode the rides of course.

Waiting for Dora & Diego

Still waiting...

It's Dora & Diego!

DORA

DIEGO

Awestruck

We didn't get to ride the train this time. It was leaving the station each time.

We rode the Mouse Train though which was almost as exciting.

"I see you Mommy!"

Woo Hoo

This was Chris's 4th ride in a row on the scrambler. Lucky guy!

Harris got a quarter out of his bank before we left so he could get bubble gum. I think he was more excited about that than anything.

It was a rare day, Nick actually smiled for the camera.

Cara is always full of smiles.

It's Tilt a Whirl time. I lucked out and didn't have to ride this trip.

I actually let Cara ride the scary ride she fell off of last year. Notice she's in the plane rather than the copter though.

Our adventure ended a little early when it started POURING down rain. Oh well, I'm sure we'll be back again real soon.

Basketball & Friends

2011-06-27T15:18:00.000-04:00

Nick has been begging for a basketball goal for a really long time. We told him to call up his Big Dan and ask him for one. The conversation went like this. Nick said, "Big Dan, will you please buy me a basketball goal? I really want to be able to play." Big Dan replied, "Of course I will Nicholas, what kind do you want?" Nick, "A big one!" Three weeks later, Chris drove home with the one Big Dan ordered for his first grandson. Too bad that never worked on me. We're still trying to decide where to put it. Maybe Big Dan will buy us a basketball court too!

Gee Chris, why are you trying to pull the pole apart that you just put together? Oh, you put it in the wrong way. So tell me again... you're hooking one end to the tractor and the other end to your truck to pop it apart? Well, at least it worked.

Not the greatest picture but man that kid has been having a blast. THANKS BIG DAN!!!

Look who has piggies for water day at school!

On Friday, my college friend/sorority sister and her sweet family came to visit. It had been almost a year and a half since we'd gotten together. Her boys Cody and Zachary are 4 and 1. Our kids had so much fun swimming together.

Cody

What a great catch!

Little Zachary

The princess drying off in the sun.

I miss you friend!

A beautiful end to a fabulous day!

Nick's Field Day, Terrific Kid, & Last Day of Kindergarten

2011-06-12T18:09:00.004-04:00

Nick had his very first field day on June 6. It was a hot, hot day.

Good thing he was able to compete in the water race.

Next came tee ball.

Egg & spoon race

Baton Relay Race (his personal favorite)

Go Nick, Go!

Getting ready for Tug of War

Pull, Pull

I love this! He looks so happy.

Nick hanging with a few of his classmates after winning 1st place in field day.

Most of you know we've had kind of a rough year with Nick. With a lot of patience from his wonderful kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Johnson, Nick received his 1st Terrific Kid award. We are so proud of him. (However, we will NOT be putting our Terrific Kid bumper sticker on the van.)

He was happy but did NOT want his picture taken.

Nick's last day as a Kindergartner

Nick with Mrs. Johnson - again with the not wanting his picture taken.

WOW - Now he's a BIG first grader!

It's SUMMER - Pool & Lake Fun

2011-06-12T18:09:00.003-04:00

You know it's the beginning of summer when it's finally warm enough to open the pool and head out to the lake.

Harris checking out the hot tub before the big pool was opened.

Cara thought she liked it...

and then she got in.

We celebrated Memorial Day weekend by heading out to the lake for some boating, jet skiing, tubing, and fishing!

Cara fishing for the first time - nothing was caught though.

Nick enjoyed some tubing.

My little Memorial Day cutie pie!

We continued our celebration with our annual pool opening party with the Donley's and Wade's (minus Paul).

Too Cool

Chatham jumped of the diving board for the first time.

We also celebrated Carrie's birthday!

Chatham LOVED his Mommy's birthday cake!

All quiet on the Caddy front - everyone's mouth was full.

More Pool, a Party, and Playing in the Sunshine June 2011

2011-06-12T18:09:00.001-04:00

The hot weather has been wonderful. The kids have really enjoyed playing outside (and us too).

Nick giving Cara a lift before school.

Nick had his first sleep over a couple weekends ago. His friend Noah from his kindergarten class came over to swim and spend the night. The boys had a blast!

Cara was a big girl and jumped off the diving board. Harris stood by to make sure she did okay.

The kids also helped Mary Grace celebrate her third birthday. Happy Birthday!

Later, some of our oldest friends the Moose's and the Lindsay's came over to hang out.

I love this picture. It's so peaceful.

Cara cheesing before church. Hannah REFUSED to get her pic taken with Cara.

Later, we headed to South Side park for some Sunday School fun and fellowship.

My cool kid Harris in his princess gold sparkly glasses, pink beads, and Spiderman hat. What a fashion diva!

Cara & Hannah swinging

Harris too

She looks elated. I love it!

Do NOT take my picture Mom! Oh well, I got 2 out of 3 of my kids.

1st Grade Zoo Trip

2011-06-12T18:08:00.002-04:00

C. Buff and I took 42 first graders to the North Carolina Zoo back in May. We had tons of volunteers so our small group of five was able to see absolutely everything there was to see. Here are some highlights!

Slip N Slide, Snakes, & Bugs - May 2011

2011-06-12T18:08:00.000-04:00

It's been way too long since I posted. I guess the end of school just snuck up on me, and I got busy. Hang on, there are lots of pictures coming.

Nick had his first field trip at South Newton. He went to the Science Center.

It was such a H-O-T day we pulled out the Slip N Slide since the pool wasn't open. They had a great time!

Cara

Nick taking a drink

My boys

Oops

Crash!

My sweet, sweet little Harrison

What - all three Caddy's in one pic?

Big Boy Nick

Cleaning up after some serious fun

We really enjoyed being outside. I guess some other creatures did too. The kiddos found a snake skin at my parents lake house. YUCKO! Glad the snake wasn't still attached to it.

Our first grade got some lovely Bess Beetles to observe in science. Harris went with me one Saturday to check on them. He insisted on holding one.

The kids have also been helping Daddy outside - ie - climbing the ladders.

Nick riding his big wheel

Cara & Mommy (look at her cute pigtails!)

Do you hear what I hear?

2011-05-11T11:03:00.001-04:00

Do you hear what I hear? Yep, it's the Old Tweetsie Railroad chugging into the station for 2011. The kids were so excited to make their first of many trips to Tweetsie this year. Nick is finally tall enough to ride the "big kid' rides. Of course that means that Chris or I are going to have to suck it up and ride too. My stomach just isn't the same since I got old. Two times on the Tilt a Whirl and then the Tornado, and I was ready to hurl (Toph too). Sad, sad, and pathetic losers we are now. Here are a few pics from our trip!

On the Road Again, Can't Wait to Get on the Road Again! (-Willie Nelson)

Go Horsie!

Lauren & Harris rode together

Lisa with the kids

The cowboys were excellent as always.

I love this of Harris & Lauren looking at me from the chair lift.

Cara & Harris took a break from the rides to slide.

Wheeeee!

How many people can you fit in a mouse train car? The answer is 5 Cadwallader's, 2 Wade's, and 3 Donley's for a total of 5 adults and 5 children or 10 total people.

Cara insisted on riding with Uncle Devo on the Mouse Train.

Cara and Chatham loved riding the planes.

Harris too!

Don't forget about the boats

Lauren was Pouty McPouty Pants

Chatham wasn't into the merry go round, but enjoyed a ride with his mommy.

Now to the BIG rides. Just the right height!

Chris, Carrie and I opted to ride the Tornado with Nick. He loved it. Chris and I, not so much.

Chris and Devin manned up and rode the Free Fall too. Look at Nick's face. Priceless!

I'm sure their conversation went something like this... "What the hell were we thinking?" "Yeah, we're too old for this!"

The girls and Harris were NOT happy they couldn't ride too.

Finally, Nick rode the Round Up. It was his favorite. NO ONE would ride it with him since we were all feeling a bit nauseous by this point. At least he had fun!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T06:03:00.006-04:00

Okay - just a few words... Best Dad Ever!

Moving into May

2011-05-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's already May! Where has time gone? In 26 1/2 more days Nick will be a rising 1st grader. We've really enjoyed the time outside playing.

My parents took the boys to a "circus" at HMS (Hickory Motor Speedway) to see the animals and clowns.

Cheese Mommy!

I love this picture even though she's mad at me for taking her picture.

Nick is building a ramp for his cars.

Cara finally driving the princess car!

Poor Harrison! He tripped over the garden hose and slammed his face on the concrete.

Ready for church!

A Hunting We Will Go! (Easter Egg Hunting That Is)

2011-04-26T22:18:00.001-04:00

I think what I love most about Easter is knowing that I will have a week off work. I do miss the peace and quiet of my single days. But since those are long gone, I have other things which give me great joy - like Easter Egg Hunts!

Cara wearing her Easter Bunny Outfit

Sporting her Easter Bunny shirt

We had our annual Easter Egg hunt this past Saturday. Nick was only allowed to get 10 eggs because he's so good at finding them.

Cara & Chatham couldn't wait till it was their turn.

Found one!

All the kids smiling and hoping we'd hurry up and take the picture so they could find out what the eggs had inside.

Digging for candy!

Unfortunately, Nick had a bike wreck shortly after the egg hunt. Good thing he had lots of candy to help him feel better!

Chris made all the kids line up before we went to my parents' lake house on Sunday. Guess he wanted to go over some rules.

Time for more Easter Egg hunting

Big Dan gave Cara and Harris a ride in the Mule since they were so worn out from finding eggs.

Visit to the Fire Station 4-23-11

2011-04-26T21:50:00.001-04:00

All kids love fire trucks! We visited the Fire Station last weekend, and the kiddos loved it!

Cara & Chatham hanging out on the back of the EMS truck.

Nick checking out the inside of the firetruck.

OUT!!!

Harris was in awe the entire time.

Sporting his new fireman's hat.

I'm not sure whether they are modeling their hats or standing in line for their mug shots. Look at those faces!

Fireman Chris

What a fun time we had!

Cara's BIG GIRL Bed!!!

2011-04-26T21:41:00.000-04:00

I knew the time would come when my baby girl wouldn't be a baby anymore. This past weekend took us one step closer to this realization when we moved Cara from her crib to a toddler bed. She has always done great in her crib (unlike her brothers). Nick climbed out of his crib before he turned two leaving us no choice but to move him. Harris jumped up and down in his so hard we were afraid he would break the springs - again no choice. Cara has started using the potty more and more so we wanted her to be able to get in and out by herself so... she has a big girl bed. It's been almost a full week and she has done super. She doesn't get out like the boys did and wander all over the house. Even when she wakes up in the mornings, she waits until one of us comes in and gets her. My baby girl is growing up!

BEFORE

Toph taking down the front rail

Daddy's Little Helper

"Is this for me?"

Cara was so excited!

The three of them had a great time helping

"Let me do it Daddy!"

Reading My Little Pony while she waits

Almost ready!

Cara tried it out for us to make sure she liked it.

Apparently she does.

Chris had to talk to her about NOT jumping in her big girl bed. Wonder how long that will last!

Sound asleep. Good night Care Bear!

Princess Car, Outdoor Fun, & A Visit with Old Friends

2011-04-26T21:06:00.000-04:00

Harris has a Gator, Nick has a 4-Wheeler, so it only made sense for Cara to have a Princess Car! It's a very belated birthday present since it was too cold to go riding in February.

Cara was so excited to see the box!

Lauren came over to "help".

Chris said they were "helping" too much and sent them somewhere else to play.

Aunt Lisa & Cara

It may not have wheels, but they're ready to roll.

Unfortunately, it takes 14 hours for the battery to charge, so the kids jumped on the trampoline instead.

I love this picture of Lauren. She looks so pretty.

Miss Hollywood

Since the good old days at NCHS and even before that at NCMS (scary huh), Ashley, Amanda and I have been friends. Even through marriage and kids we always stay in touch when we're all in town together. We met up for breakfast about 2 weeks ago to catch up. I don't think we look to bad to be in our mid-30s.

Cara & Mommy

Harris & Mommy

You'd better be nice Miss Cara or Aunt Amanda will turn you into a frog.

Hannah and Cara - how sweet!