I am almost a month late posting, but we did celebrate Nate turning 2 and had a wonderful time doing it! He is full of life, runs everywhere, kicks with great accuracy, loves to be with his brother, extremely independent, and still has the cutest dimples that melt my heart. He weighs 27.5 pounds and is 33.75 inches tall. He can count to 10, usually skipping a number or two along the way. He knows the names of colors, but doesn't always get it right. He is very precise in his coloring, showing much patience to get it just how he wants it. He still sleeps like a champ, takes an afternoon nap and sucks that thumb! He is showing very little interest in the potty, so we haven't pushed that yet.
We had a party on the patio for his birthday celebration. We had two fire pits going, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and enjoyed many laughs. It was perfect.
Ben and Nate began attending "school" in September. It is a once-a-week women's Bible study that has an incredible program for the children as well. Ben proudly walked in the first day without ever looking back and until recently Nate has cried every single time I drop him off. Both boys have the most amazing teachers. It brings such great joy to my heart to see how much these relative strangers love my babies. Nate's teacher especially, Miss Sandy, was so amazing as he cried each time I left him. She held him and loved on him until he quickly settled down. Last week and today he told her "no me cry" and he didn't!
Today the older kids had a program for us. I assumed Ben would be his shy, introverted self and wouldn't really participate. He tells me his verses at home, but has never sung any songs for me and refuses to even recite his verses for our friends. But, today he was a whole different child - the star of the show! I felt like my heart grew ten times while I watched him. He makes me proud for so many reasons, but today I was "that" mom with the really cute kid. Proud doesn't even begin to describe it. Maybe I'm gushing a bit much because he is my first born, but hey, he is my first born! And when I picked him up his teachers had the biggest smiles and were equally surprised at his performance.
His bff is Jackson, in the blue stripped shirt. He is also a missionary kid and the two of them are inseparable Generally, Jackson is very outgoing and he sings his songs for his mommy all the time. I was sitting next to Ryan, Jackson's parents and Grandma in the video and you hear us chatting through it a bit. It is quite long, but I know all the Grandma's will agree that it is well worth the watch. And sorry for it being so shaky - there was a lot of laughter!
This performance is dedicated to Grandpa Carter! Feel better soon. We love you.
And it wouldn't be right to leave the second born out. Here is some cuteness from him too. He is too little for the program, but if we do it again next year, he will be able to participate.
Tree is up! Complete with my Grandma's red bows from her tree. I LOVE them!
Best ornament Ryan ever bought for me - when we were pregnant with Ben.
Perfect ornament that I bought for Ryan!
The boys have a tree in their playroom.
Notice where all the ornaments ended up.
The candle holders were my Grandma's too. And I made my first Pinterest inspired pallet project.
Lights on the house this year!
If you want something done, do it yourself!
My daddy would be so proud - perfectly straight! Of course, it took me three trips up on the roof to get it right, but I wont make those same mistakes next year!
Anyone volunteering to come to Kansas after Christmas to take them down? I'm not looking forward to that.
We took a week off and went to Texas. We had a great time visiting at a supporting church (Ryan's home church) and seeing family! Here is our trip in pictures and video.
First to Magnolia to see Grammy, Papa, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Michael and Cousin Ella (7mon).
The boys LOVED playing with Ella.
Checking out Ella's play area in costume!
We went to the neighborhood Halloween party. Do you see Ben climbing that inflatable slide (half way up)? I couldn't believe he did it!
Cousin Ella's first Halloween.
We got to witness Ella's first time in a swing!
From there we went to my uncle's farm in Brenham for some family fun outdoors.
Ben and Cousin Abby on the 4-wheeler.
Pumpkin Sling-shotting from the Caboose.
It was a group effort.
My baby sister Trisha and her dog Amos and my mama.
My middle sister Candice.
Ryan always does the same pose. It drives Candice crazy.
The (grumpy, old) men.
Handsome boy.
All we heard from Nate all weekend was "More ride! More ride!"
Abby and Ben loved riding together.
Snack on the little bench.
The little kids and the big kids.
A video recap.
Working on his putting.
Carving our pumpkin.
Family photo.
My Granddad. I love that man!
Ben ran a fever one day. He needed lots of snuggles with Daddy.
Grandma watching Nate chase after Crawford.
Nate found a huge grasshopper.
Ben and Daddy fishing.
Sweet boy.
Next we went through Tyler to visit Ryan's Grandpa James. It was so great to see him! We also were able to see his Aunt Lois and Uncle Dan that were there too.
From there we went to Dallas for the night. We had a whole 16 hours with our dear friends. They have 4 year old and 2 year old girls and we have 3 year old and 1 year old boys. They were kind enough to take us trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. It only took one house and Ben got the hang of it. Ben and Hayden ran from house to house and Lauren and Nate wore out about half way through.
Our little fairy, motorcycle, 50s girl and Bob the Builder.
