Counting down

Nathan's been in this stage where he asks us and tells us how much he misses us. We could have been separated for 1-2 hours (at church) and he'll tell us that he misses us. Although it can be heart rending (and sweet too) to hear this from him, it was a reminder that we needed to have some time together as a family. Thankfully, a break is coming up so we started making a plan.

Coundowns have been popular so this time the boys both worked at moving the numbers starting from 12. 

What is going on here?!

Nathan's acting silly and Zach is way too interested in food. WAIT. These are typical reactions for the boys! No Facebook-perfect picture here today!

We're headed to visit 'cousants' in Michigan since we didn't get to go at Christmas. A new house is finished with a new puppy to meet. It'll be a great couple of days!
Another surprise is up our sleeves and we hope the weather will cooperate.

More Bouncy Fun

Nathan was excited to be able to jump and play to his heart's content. The bonus was a friend from daycare was there with her dad and brother. We played with them throughout the time and then ate lunch with them too. It was a great time.

It was a memorable time! I'm sure we'll go again.

Bouncy House Fun

Nathan has been asking for weeks and weeks and weeks about going back to the bouncy house (we went last year at Christmas time). So I had told him we'd go. Zach was able to do a few more things and enjoyed it a bit more than the last time. Unfortunately, they didn't have much for little kids to do so I had to either carry him or he sat out.

 He made it! Nathan jumped from ball to ball to ball and then to the end where it was a slide without falling off. It was awesome.

"No, don't tip me, Daddy!"

"Okay, but it was funny!"

Train Fun

We went to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to check out the fabulous Christmas display and to see if we could take a ride on the Christmas Express. They had a great time on the train!

 Afterwards, they did an ice skating show that we got to watch for free. It was a cheap and exciting day out. 

Aren't they just the cutest?!

Carpenter Brothers

Part of the fun in visiting Michigan was with Travis' house. The family is working diligently to build the house starting from grading the land to digging the basement and now doing the framing. We got to get in the way and provide extra distractions.

 Uncle Tod helped Nathan and Zach make their mark on the house.

Although it had rained for a good part of the day, the late afternoon and evening were dry and didn't get impacted by the storms.

Stop on Our Trip

On our way to Michigan, we took a slight detour and stopped in Louisville at a farm that allowed you to touch and feed animals. We missed the feeding time, but we got to see a few animals.

 Nathan was in his element with the horses!

 Zachy wasn't so sure. This was about as close as he'd get to them.

 No, no, no, Daddy! Keep me away.

Look at those cows!

Playing at the Park

We decided to try a different park so that Bentley could join us. The boys had an awesome time and I think Brianna did too!

(Photo credits to Michelle!)

Changing the Channel

Today was a day with lots and lots of walking (in fact, I hit my highest total - almost 15,000 steps!). We went to the park in the morning so Brianna could run, then we spent most of the day at the Opry Mills mall. We found a few deals and checked out stores that we normally don't get to shop at.

This is a trick that Zach does often as he imitates Barry. It's pretty cute. We tried for a while to let him have his own 'mote (as Nathan calls it), but he got wise quick that it didn't do anything.

(Photo Credit - Michelle)

Sunday Shenanigans

 Posing with Aunt Chelle on 2nd Avenue

 Posing with a big cowboy boot on Broadway

 Taking in some live music per Uncle Tod's request

 Here are the guys -- they took turns singing and it was pretty good.

The Nashville skyline -- the distinctive AT&T building on the left.

It was a very full afternoon and lots of walking, but neat to see the various things downtown.

Fun times with Family

November 13-14, 2016

We had some fun times hanging out with our Michigan family.

We got in lots of hugs and laughs. It was a great time.

 Zachy & Uncle Tod

 Nathan and Jessica

 Playing with Bentley

Nathan loved playing with Bentley & Aunt Chelle!

Throwback Thursday

November 10-11-12, 2016

BEFORE the WEDDING

We got up extra early Thursday morning for our lo-o-o-o-ong trip to Michigan. Poor Zachy had a tough time and the last hour was pretty bad. We were very glad to make it to Uncle Tod & Aunt Michelle's.

We were glad to relax Friday morning and go get Nathan's suit fixed up as it was a tad big and the tailor tried her best to get it hemmed and ready to go. Then we hung out at the house before it was time for the rehearsal.

 We had some time to play before the rehearsal in the little courtyard.

Then, it was time to practice...

The sanctuary has changed quite a bit from our wedding almost 13 years ago.

 Zachy found the steps and I couldn't keep him away.

Saturday came and we had to get handsome.

"Are you sure you don't want to hold me?" 

 Mr. Studmuffin, at your service! 

Nathan was super handsome in his suit and had so many questions about what was going on. He was going to carry their childhood Bibles that had been stacked together and tied with ribbon.

Flashback Friday

It's the end of our trip to Sioux Falls!

 5/27/16 Last hugs with the cousins

 5/28/16 Visit to Lincoln, Nebraska and grandparents' gravestone

 5/29/16 Stop at Land Between the Lakes, skipping rocks

 5/29 Nathan insisted on wearing his pjs the last day travelling home

 Putting our toes in the water

We managed one last smile... It was a looooong trip home!