My Girl

Springer: I love you, Mama.

Me: I love you as big as the moon.

Springer (with a perplexed expression): The moon's not vewy big!

Me: I love you as big as the OCEAN!

Springer (giggling): Now DAT's what you're 'sposed to say!

Carver starts Kindergarten

Yesterday my friend Betsy said, "you know, it's almost too much anticipation; we just need to start school!" She was right; the build up was getting us all in a frenzy. So today, with much excitement and a tad of nervousness Carver began kindergarten. G and I enjoyed complete peace as we walked him into school. This has been a long process of prayer and waiting and to finally be there, at the school we most desired, almost felt surreal. Blessed and thankful have been my overwhelming emotions today. To sum up Carver's day (in his own words): "Terrific." "I love it." "I can't wait to go back tomorrow."

I could not get a serious face out of this child today.
walking in with Daddy; tomorrow the carpool line begins and he's on his own!

in the courtyard before going in his class-could he smile any bigger?!

finding his name

His sweet friend Matthew (his mom is my friend Betsy)...Betsy and I met when we were both pregnant with our boys and they have been pals ever since. They were thrilled to be in class together-and so were we!

My last glance back from the courtyard.

Together Again

After eight weeks a part these boys were thrilled to be back together again! A sleepover was the perfect way to start their week-thankfully they did indeed sleep!

Last shots of the week...

Ralph and Lola captured some really cute shots this week...here's another little glimpse of our time with them. We miss y'all already!

Spray ground with Tutu

Springer enjoyed joining in on Tutu's morning exercises.

The Hiatt's are known for an uncanny knack to pick up anything with their toes-it appears that Springer is no exception. That would be a mirror she's holding between hers!

dinner in Charleston, SC

Bowling Bash

We wrapped up almost two week's of celebrations with Carver's party at the bowling alley. He and his pals had a wonderful time and were great about cheering one another on to victory. The bigger boys (G and his dad) weren't to be left out of the action and were cheered on as well! We ended the celebration with a bowling ball cake (Carver's request-who does he think I am?!) and ice cream. A great day! Carver celebrates an 'almost strike.'
Springer cheers her ball on down the lane...

Jack M. reacts to his STRIKE!

Daddy and Springer perfect the roll.

Making a wish!

Charleston, SC

Kane & Carver fire on Ft. Sumpter

Waiting for dinner at Fleet Landing

At the end of last week our dear friend (and G's colleague) Howard lost his mother. We made a bittersweet trip to Charleston this week to attend her funeral. With Kane and Tutu in town from Hawaii it seemed only right for us to make a little trip out of it and show them the beautiful city that the Brown's call home. We all enjoyed a lovely evening stroll along The Battery and a delicious dinner at Fleet Landing. While we attended the funeral the following day Dad and Lola took the children to the Aquarium.

3 YEARS OLD!

Our little girl turned three today! These three years have been some of the sweetest, most challenging, energy-filled, fun, tiring, lovely, precious years of my life. Miss Springer is unlike any other-all cuddles and kisses one minute and crazy wild-eyed chaos the next. She's full of laughter, amazingly imaginative friends, contradictions, opinions, thoughts, questions and energy (that's a reoccurring word, isn't it?)...just when we think we have a handle on her, she switches lanes and is off and running in the other direction (sometimes quite literally). She makes me smile and laugh daily-and brings me to tears at moments as well. I recently read a wonderful book about raising and loving 'strong willed children'; the author said, "These children will change the world, because there's no way the world's going to change them." I have no doubt that the next 3 years and the next and the next will be utterly delightful and full of new adventures-for each of us!

Springer inspects her gift from Carver-her first My Little Pony-a huge hit!

The nursery set is a great addition to her doll house.

An early morning hug with Kane and Tutu.

and more snuggles with Kane.

All dressed up and ready for her party!

Mae and Springer wait for the party to get started.

Springer's party was held at a 'paint your own pottery' studio...the girls loved painting heart shaped boxes, plates, ice cream sundae dishes and ballet slippers. Carver picked out a very cool skate board. I think everyone had a terrific time.

Making a wish...

Taking a break from all of the new toys to read with Tutu.

After picking out her birthday gift from Kane and Tutu Springer could not wait to try it out...we had to pull her off her new big girl bike when it was time to head to bed. Here's to tomorrow!

6 YEARS OLD!

It seems impossible that my little boy could be six years old today-two hands...how did that happen? As cliche as it may be, the past six years have gone so quickly. Some one said that during these early years the days are long while the years are fast. I couldn't agree more. Albeit some long days it's been such a delight to watch him grow and learn. To go from scooting around on his belly to riding his big boy bike. To go from eating books to reading them. To go from scribbles to art shows. To go from watching The Wiggles to heading to kindergarten.

I love the way his brain works, how he remembers details in such a unique way, his curiosity, his love of people, his sensitivity to others (most days!), his care for his family and friends and his energy. While he is certainly not perfect (if you don't believe me, ask his sister!) he is ours and he is one of the deepest joys of my heart. Happy, happy birthday little man. We love you dearly.

Birthday party at Nonna's house

Making a wish

Springer loved the huge Tinkerbell coloring book from Aunt Paola.

Maggie, Springer, Carver, Molly & Jack

Pensacola, FL

After a quick two days at home we headed south to Pensacola to visit G's mom, sister and family. We all enjoyed catching up and the children adored their time with the cousins. Molly, Maggie and Jack (we missed seeing Josh!) were wonderfully hospitable and sweetly allowed Springer to tag along. Besides the a trip to the beach we were even able to head over to Mobile's Explorium...fantastic fun!

Carver and Maggie at the frog exhibit

This aquarium was shaped like a doughnut; the children could climb inside the hole and look at all the frogs and fish surrounding them-a big hit!

How far can you jump?

Catching 'fish' at the Wharf and....

Jack and Springer trying to catch real fish at the ocean.

great pals