Vineyard Bound

I won't have the chance to post again for a few days..On Sunday we head out for a 6 week sabbatical on Martha's Vineyard. To say that we are excited is akin to saying "Christmas is another day of the year." A vast understatement. We are all in need of good family time and refreshment of our souls. I hope and pray that this is exactly what we'll enjoy. Once we get set up in our home away from home I will start posting lots of new memories. Until then....

"Such a handful!"

While Carver enjoys Vacation Bible School this week, Springer's been having fun
at Camp Samantha. Samantha, Dylan's older sister, offered to run a little morning camp for Springer and a few of her girl friends from school. Each morning Springer heads off for painting, dancing, music, and story time. Today they each painted a canvas and made cupcakes.

She is having a ball! Each day Sam (and her sweet friend Maria who helps)

sends home a note...here's a shot of Springer's note today.

Well as if I needed proof of the 'she is such a handful' statement...

This is what she did during rest time-in her defense she was being quiet. The lovely cream on her arms is a combination of Desitin and Mederma (grape scented scar cream). Lovely. Only half an hour later she was quiet again and I found her covering her hair with hair gel...this little girl gave me a run for my money today-four outfits later, a long, long soak in the tub and now she's sleeping soundly. Probably dreaming of ways to take me down tomorrow!

Sleeping Over

Tonight is Carver's first sleep-over at a friends. After having Dylan here earlier this month it was Carver's turn to stay at Dylan's tonight. Last week he literally talked himself into it; I heard him saying "OK, Carver: you can do this!" When I left him today he barely kissed me good-bye. As I backed out of the driveway though he came running out and said "I don't think I want to do this." I reminded him of all the fun things he was looking forwarded to (including 'sugar cereal'-a special treat that Carver knows they'll have for breakfast!) and he quickly smiled and took off running again. They should be in bed by now so I'm assuming all is well. It's mighty quiet around here though; I've missed my little fella this evening.

Update: The boys had a great time-were asleep by 9 and actually stayed asleep until close to 8 (unlike our last sleepover!). No tears just smiling faces this morning...good times.

Sweet Princess

Feisty as they come, but a sweetness that can melt my heart.

A week's worth of memories

After 8 days away from home (and from Daddy) we are now back. The children spent the first part of our time away at Uncle Micah and Aunt Tricia's while I enjoyed a weekend with my college girls. I don't know who enjoyed their time more-me or them! Although I don't have any shots of their time in Atlanta, I've certainly heard all about the fun they had-

thank you again, M & T! saying good-bye to Sara James-never easy to do

Visiting Pops at his office-the 'spinning chair' and 'crackers'
are among the favorites there. Although nothing tops Pops himself!
He is truly adored by these two.

Lunch at Dinglewood with Lieutenant, a local celebrity...what a treat!

A stop by our Alma Mater

Coloring at Granny's with their second cousins, Madison and Isabella.

A day out with Nana and Uncle Nate at Monkey Joe's...
they had a blast. Thank you, Nana!

Springer had no fear climbing the largest thing they had-Carver tried to go behind her, but didn't catch up with her in time. He very sweetly asked the boys who were to 'watch my sister; she's little so please catch her if she falls!" Good thing for them, she made it!

No trip home is complete with a visit to the museum.

A big thanks to all who made our trip so much fun. We miss you already!

Georgia, Sweet Georgia

The kids and I are off to Georgia for a week. I have my annual college girls weekend

and Micah and Tricia are graciously keeping Carver and Springer.

After that we're heading to Columbus to visit family.

Lots of pictures and memories to share when we return.

1:34 PM-The Day After

At 11 o'clock last night they were fast asleep-when I went upstairs at 10:30 they were not. Being that Carver still sleeps about 12 hours a night I assumed a late wake-up was in order. Imagine my surprise when I heard voices in Carver's room and looked at the clock-it was 5:15 in the morning! After a couple of trips to remind them that it was still sleeping time I went back to sleep-they did not. At 7 they came downstairs and returned to the movie that wasn't finished last night. How tired must they be?!

When Springer went down for her nap I put Carver down as well -although he assured me he was not tired. He was asleep before I could finish our song.

Clearly not tired!

What a fun night-the lack of sleep will take care of itself.

Sweet memories were made, great fun was had and that's what matters!

Carver's First Sleep-Over

After lots of talk about it the first sleep-over has officially taken (or rather is taking) place! Dylan came over this afternoon for their first ever (together or otherwise) sleep-over. Following a trip to the playground, dinner at our favorite pizza spot, ice cream cones, lots of playing and a movie they are now tucked in to their coordinating sleeping bags and are resting well. Carver clearly didn't fully get what a sleepover was when he asked, "Mama, can we get Dylan in time for us to play a little before bed?" I think he just imagined us picking Dylan up at bed time and that being it! He was thrilled to learn that an afternoon of playing and even breakfast would be included. Here's to a good night's sleep-and Daddy's delicious pancakes in the morning.

Not to be excluded!

Movie time...because clearly they aren't tired!

Even Superheroes need their sleep!