Happy 33rd Birthday, Baby!

November 3rd marked a special day...Rhonald's 33rd birthday.  And, in our house, we love us some birthdays!  Our gift to him this year was a bit different - we sent him on a fishing trip to Colorado with my brother for the weekend.  It was supposed to be this awe inspiring and amazing trip...turned out it was 20 degrees and a blizzard.  But my hard core husband and brother braved the cold and tried to fish as much as they could.  And Rhonald was promised a "re do" trip in the Spring.  Anyway, his birthday was very laid back....just the kind of day he loves.  We kicked it off with a yummy breakfast, balloons, a gift from the kids and homemade cards from all.  We simply hung out all day!  The craziest part for us was that we went to 2 restaurants that day.  Rhonald's favorite Chinese place for lunch and Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner.  Our kids, who rarely eat out due to little bit's age, did AMAZING!  We could not have been prouder.  They did so well that strangers were talking to them...you know strangers only talk to kids in restaurants when they are well behaved.  After we got home from dinner we enjoyed a wonderful homemade birthday cake (my first layer cake, thank you very much) and ice cream.  It was a great day!  Rhonald and I have both decided that there is something to a "homemade birthday"-in our case cake and cards.  Doesn't it just mean so much to know people spent time on your big day?!  Although the kids and I sent him off to have fun (and we had a fun time too) we are so glad he is back!!!!  Happy Birthday, Baby!

Technology 101

I remember the summer before 3rd grade my parents got a VCR.  We just stared at it not knowing what to do with it.  I remember when my dad bought a brown Buick that had reclining seats and Mark and I played with them for hours (while listening to a Michael Jackson tape I might add).  I remember our first microwave that was as big as a TV.  And our TV that was as big as a house.  And now, as I sit here and remember those oldies but goodies, my almost 13 month old daughter is playing on my Iphone.  Seriously.  Lily Kate has a favorite app.  It is called Peekaboo Barn (Cole loved it too).  Whenever she is able to snatch my phone she does so with delight!  She will quickly realize she can't get the thing on and crawl with it over to me, grab my hand, put the phone in it and grunt.  When I turn it on and select her app she happily crawls away and sits and plays her game like a grown up.  Oh my word - how times have changed!

Go Hogs!

Gettin' ready to watch the game in style!  Woo Pig!  Beat South Carolina!!!

Cole's Fish

A trip to the cabin would not be complete without a little fishing.  Cole and Rhonald and Paw Paw headed into Searcy to fish at a friend's pond (a friend who stocks his pond so it is nice for Cole).  Cole loves that time with his Daddy and his Paw Paw so much and was so proud to come home and tell Lily, Grandma and I all about the "huge" fish he caught.  Rhonald said he was jumping up and down with excitement at the site of it!  Oh sweet Cole....you make us smile everyday!  Way to go big boy!



A Weekend At The Cabin

Back in September we made a trip to Pangburn to visit with Rhonald's parents.  We always enjoy going there because it is so different than where we live...we love the country life!  The weather was crazy - raining then sunny over and over every day.  We got outside to play and explore every chance we got.  Cole loves to walk through the woods and look for new things.  Paw Paw and Grandma surprised Cole with a baseball bat and ball this trip which turned out to be very fun.  Cole and Paw Paw practiced baseball quite a bit and Cole was even able to hit the ball a few times!  Once Lily Kate goes to bed we always enjoy a nice big campfire and every one's favorite...S'Mores!  Cole will finally eat his with chocolate and agrees with me that they are divine!  It is so nice to hang out around the campfire and totally relax.  We had a great time and we always appreciate our time there!!!  There really is nothing like a few days in the country.

Trick Or Treat

Holidays are getting more and more fun as our kids get older and we are LOVING it!  Halloween was a busy day for us this year.  Cole had a party at school and was totally pooped when he got home.  After a quick nap we were all rushing to get dressed and head over to Rhonald's office to show off the kids and their costumes.  I was so bummed that Rhonald had to work on Halloween this year but hey-that is just part of it.  Cole loved wearing his Batman costume (even though it was a tad small) but Lily took a little time to fall in love with hers.  I did not do a traditional costume for her this year because I thought she would be miserable.  I just made a cute Halloween inspired tu tu and off we went.  Once we were out and about she chilled out and actually enjoyed her night very much.  She loved watching the kids running every which way and all of the smiles and laughter.  Sweet Cole was so excited to show his costume off at Rhonald's clinic and did such a great job that one other the other Dr's let Rhonald off early so that he could enjoy the night with us!  We had 2 happy kids and a very happy mama after that!  Since I thought I would be parenting solo I planned things a bit differently this year.  We went over to Emily and Jim's for pizza and cupcakes before we ventured out trick or treating with them.  We are friends with just about all of the kids (and parents) in their neighborhood so it was awesome to be able to share the night with them.  Ben and Cole were both Batman this year....as was Mr. Jim.  That was a big hit with Ben and Cole for sure!!!  It was such a blast walking around their neighborhood with friends, laughing at our sweet kids as they ran like maniacs from house to house laughing!  We did make them stop for a few pictures here and there but other than that they just simply had fun.  Holiday (aka Strawberry Shortcake) was the funniest...she would scream "I'm Strawberry Shortcake" as she ran up to the various houses!  She was hilarious.  I loved Halloween as a kid.  My BFF, Melissa, and I would trick or treat together and I have so many wonderful memories from that.  But I have to admit....watching my kids and their friends enjoying it was much more fun!  Oh my heart is full with love for all of these kiddos...

Wordless Wednesday

 The Before

The After