Newton Fest 2009

Saturday brought the annual Newton Fest in downtown Newton. My friend Brooke and Billy Mac joined us for a day of excitement.

Here they are looking at the animals.

Nick riding on the horse. He had a great time! According to Chris, he passed the horse test - his eyes didn't swell shut as soon as he touched one.

Harris enjoyed it too.

The camel insisted that Nick feed him by sticking his big head out at him.

What you don't see is that as soon as he finished, his thumb went straight back in his mouth. YUCK!!!

Cara decided she'd just chill out in her stroller.

Nick really enjoyed climbing up and sliding down the huge inflatable slide. Harris wasn't quite big enough.

Chris helped Harris jump until he could it by himself. (Secretly, I think Chris enjoyed it.)

Whee!

Nick's friend Zach joined us, and the three boys tried to go head first. They all ended up in a big pile at the bottom.

Hello Harris!

Nick had to take a break to eat some fish.

While we waited on our table at lunch, the boys compared scrapes and bruises.

Choo choo!

After our fun day out, we came home to nap and swim. Cara was not happy...

until she got in the water.

Nick kissin' on his sister.

Next weekend, we're taking the boys to the zoo in Columbia. It should be an adventure!

Chuck E. Cheese / Mother's Day / Swimming

Cara at 13 weeks

Harris has always been a HUGE thumb sucker. I think he started the day he was born. Nick loved his pacifier. Cara has been trying for a few weeks to get her thumb. Looks like she's finally gotten it.

Chris and I took Nick to Chuck E. Cheese on Friday to celebrate end of a pretty good week at school for him. He had a blast (we did too).

My what big eyes you have...

Because Cara is so tiny, she's gotten really good at standing up. We thought she might enjoy the view from her brothers' old exersaucer. She loves to stand up and see what's going on around her. She can even move some of the noise makers.

Harris chillin' in his ball cap.

This is the only picture of Harris since he's decided he doesn't want to pose for me. It just isn't worth the battle.

I would have never guessed that last year on Mother's Day how my life would change once more. Without realizing it at the time, our daughter's life would begin on Mother's Day 2008. That was the best gift my husband could ever give me.


Mommy and Carrington before church

Don't ask, this is his new "cheese".


Nick's been begging for us to open the pool for the summer. It's been too rainy though, but we finally gave in and opened the hot tub on Sunday. Miss Cara got to swim for the first time. Girl bathing suits are so stinking cute!

Cara's found her tongue which she is constantly sticking out. What a goober!

She loved being in the water. She just looked around at her brothers and cooed.

I love being a mom. It's a much harder job than teaching 45 fourth graders though.

Things I love about being a mom:

-endless hugs

-wet kisses

-being able to make a boo boo better with just a kiss

-celebrating the "firsts" in life - rolling over, sitting, standing, walking, talking, day of school, etc.

-seeing yourself in your children in their actions and mannerisms (the good and the bad)

-teaching and watching the result

-having an excuse to make cupcakes and eat ice cream

-not feeling guilty about buying cute clothes

-and having someone who loves you unconditionally

Thank you to my husband Chris and my beautiful children, Nicholas, Harrison, and Carrington for making this Mother's Day extra special!

Fun with the Grandparents / 3 Months Old / Mother's Day Banquet

I've really been trying to give Nick some extra attention lately, so he and Maddie went bowling one day after school last week. Fun times for both kids.

Friday night, Nana and Pepaw came over to celebrate Pepaw's birthday. The kids had a great time playing with them in the yard. I think Pepaw might spoil this little girl just a bit.

Nick had to show off his climbing skills.

Watch out, here I come!

Higher Pepaw!!!

Harris just wanted to sleep.

So did his sister.

Our Saturday morning was suppose to start with a visit to the Claremont Cafe (one of Nick's favorite places), but it was really crowded. We ended up at the Claremont Fire Department for a pancake breakfast instead. The boys got to see the trucks and as luck would have it, the firemen were called to a fire while we were there so we got to see them in action.

Bless my parents for taking Nick on Saturday night, so we could spend some time with our youngest two. They're all doubled up and ready for a walk.

Cara is 3 months old!!! It's hard to imagine our lives before her. I have been blessed with a sweet child who sleeps like a dream.

My friend Shannon thinks she looks just like Nick. I'm not sure though; I can see both of the boys when I look at her.

Here's Nick at 3 months.

Harris at 3 months.

Our annual Mother's Day Banquet at church was Sunday night. As always, I made Chris take pictures. Harris was NOT in the mood, so there aren't as many with him - unless he was screaming or chewing his hand.

My mom and my babies -although, Nick and Harris aren't really babies anymore :(

Notice that Harris has his entire hand stuffed in his mouth. He even has scabs where he's been biting so hard. I have to say being a good mom is the most difficult and amazing thing in my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.