Playing Trains

Nathan always comes up with some story for his trains to experience. It's a combination of shows - Chuggington (he mentions chuggers) and Thomas. Tonight he added in the crane and has a story about the bridge going out. Enjoy the creativity!

Playing at the Park

We went to the park today as there was a community yard sale, but it wasn't very successful for us. The boys were excited to play since we don't get to this park as often.

Look at this big boy! He climbed up all on his own and then proceeded to slide back down on his butt.

 The boys all cute with their hats on! It was a hot day (highs were into the low 90s today).

One last slide nd remembering that about a month earlier they went down it with Brianna.

Chicks & Ducklings

We've been trying for a couple weeks to get out to the local Tractor Supply Company to see the chicks and ducklings, but hadn't made it. We decided to surprise the boys and take them after daycare on Thursday. They weren't quite sure at first, but after walking around a couple times, they got excited about it.

Nathan's favorite was the ducklings. A lady purchased 4 while we were there and let us touch one. It was great!

Reading with Zach

Our normal routine for the last several months is after Zach's bath and getting pjs on, we go out to the living room and read books. He usually checks in on Barry & Nathan in the bathroom and then comes back to get me and bring me out to the living room. He will come and pull my leg (it's quite cute!).

 Our first silly attempt at a selfie

 His favorite book at the moment is the Little Blue Truck.

Poor thing fell again on Sunday and got the lovely mark on his head.

40 Days of Kindness

One of our pastors preached a sermon on the eve of the Lenten period on observing 40 Days of Kindness. He encouraged the congregation to identify people who they could show kindness to and each day leading up to Easter, be kind. We made a list of all the people who we could be kind to and then looked for ways to do that. We made cards, made homemade goodies, gave little trinkets, and many other things to reach our goal of touching 40 people's lives.

Nathan's contribution was several children in his class. We made special cards in order to accomplish this. After we made the 5 or 6 cards, I realized it would be difficult to give out in his class because the others would be left out. So, we undertook an even bigger project to make a card for each one. We didn't make it before the Easter deadline for these ones though and brought the cards today.

I really had no intention of posting about this experience except that tonight Nathan's teacher sent the pictures below to me. She said this made such an impact on the kids. They surrounded Nathan and gave him a big hug and kept telling him that he was the best friend ever. Who knew such a little thing would make a difference?

Now that I think back on it, we did have several people respond strongly to us that they couldn't believe we singled them out. I guess random acts of kindness really do make an impact. Who could you impact today?

Nathan Day

I don't think I posted this one last week amidst all the Easter pictures. We got home from church and Nathan had received a plastic cup, soil, and seeds. We had no idea what type of seeds they were, but figured what could it hurt to try.

Within 2-3 days, there was already green sprouting.

 By Sunday (one week later), you can see 3 sprouts!

We showed it to Nathan's teacher and she told us that the seeds were sunflowers and we'd probably need to replant soon. We'll see how it goes!

This picture is due to Nathan's fabulous teacher. He did so well with his sight words that she gave him a paw print! HURRAY! :) We've been practicing and it's paying off.

Still Celebrating

We missed out on a family picture during the day yesterday, so we snuck one in this morning before heading on to church.

Lots of stripes going on in this picture! :)

Daddy's Birthday

It's Daddy's birthday and what else should you do but go to Chuckie E's (as Nathan calls it)!

We had leftover points from Nathan's birthday and figured that should be sufficient for a good time. In fact, we were the first ones in and even though we played for over an hour, we still had points leftover. Next time, right?!

Ride 'em, Cowboys!

Kicking the soccer ball

The boys did the cup of hot chocolate ride several times because it was so fun!

We all wore Tigers shirts to celebrate our special guy. It was great fun!

Hug Between Brothers

Zachy couldn't resist giving out hugs this morning. [Obviously he was more awake this morning!] Aren't these two so fun?! Nathan has been doing so great helping and playing with Zach. As well, Zach has been sharing and playing with Nathan. Can we expect this to last?

Two for Tuesday

April 16, 2017

Nathan - 5 years

Zach - 21 months

** Sad day... I didn't take a picture in 2016. :(

I'm so bummed.

April 24, 2015

May 4, 2014

May 2, 2013

Nathan - 15 months old

Easter Follow-Up

 Nathan got seeds and the items to plant from church on Sunday. We planted within minutes of being home.

 The wind was blowing...

 Funny shots

 What is this all about, Nathan?!

Easter Fun

The day started with Easter baskets and showing off our fun clothes.

 Isn't this fun? A grocery cart!

 Here, you can see it better in this shot (even though Zachy's eyes are closed).

 Nathan was excited for his Lofty (from Bob the Builder).

 First shot

Many, many shots later - last shot

We need to figure out how to do this without someone's help because, boy, is it difficult.

Egg Hunt

I was on the fence about whether an egg hunt would be a good choice (last year was a fiasco because there were so many people and Nathan got freaked out). But, we couldn't find a lot of information about this one which in my mind meant there wouldn't be a lot of people there. This proved to be true and I think made it a better experience for the boys. Zachy got right into it and found lots of eggs.

Even Nathan did awesome and won some super prizes because they eggs he picked up were special ones.

Then we came home and did our own hunt. Zach loved it!

I let Nathan put eggs out so Zach felt like he needed to carry both baskets as he hunted.

 Nathan has an interesting technique with setting out eggs... He likes to do a huge pile -- like you've hit the jackpot. Personally, I think he gets tired of putting them out and gives up!

It was a fun time!

Many Faces of Zachy

 What?! You're taking my picture?

 Ha ha ha! You're taking my picture!!!

 Seriously. Why are you taking my picture?

Ohhhh! I can do this!

What's going on with Brother? :)

Dinner Fun

Due to a variety of circumstances, I picked up the boys and then we had to meet Barry in Mount Juliet. Since we were there, we decided to eat at Salsarito's. Nathan has decided a cheese quesadilla and queso is pretty high on the list for dinner options. Tonight was Kid's Night so not only was his meal free (woo hoo!) but Anthony the Balloon Kid was making balloon creatures. Nathan decided on a dog. Anthony did an awesome job!

Zeke has a color with his name on it!