Nate is 4!

There is so much to catch up on from the last month but I will start with the most recent - and most important - Nate's 4th Birthday Party was this weekend!

He has moved in to a full obsession with Lightning McQueen so "Cars" was the theme.  This was his first "Big Boy Party" meaning he picked out what he wanted - the theme, invites, the bounce house, even the guest list.  This party was all about him.  (And some free advertising for Disney/Cars 2)

 

Warming up the bounce house before his guests arrive

Matthew can walk!  (That is another post....)

Taking his new Big Wheel for a spin

I think Matthew might have logged the most time in the bounce house...and possibly had the most fun in it

I couldn't get the kids to stop playing to come in for cupcakes so I had to bring it out to them

So much fun new Cars stuff...so excited!

And a fun ending to his big day...playing with Uncle Larry's Harley!  He thought he was too cool.  When he saw this picture he said "what's that on my head?"

It was a fun day...lots more pictures in the album!  Now, I am retiring from party throwing for the remainder of 2011! :)  Happy Birthday to my Big Boy!

My Beautiful Mother's Day

My boys made my Mother's Day very special this year...it started with waffles and coffee and cards in bed....then they led me out to the backyard see my gift - a bird bath.  I thought it was really thoughtful because Michael saw how intently I was keeping an eye on our baby birds (who learned how to fly away on Mother's Day!  I am a little sad but happy that all four made it) and Nate keeps our bird feeder filled...so it was a lovely addition to our budding bird sanctuary.  I love it! :)

We then packed up the truck and drove in to the city where we met both of our moms for a picnic in Piedmont Park and then spent the afternoon at the Botanical Gardens - two of my favorite places in town. I really had a wonderful day with everyone and am so appreciative to Michael for making it a special day.  It was another 300 picture day so here are a few highlights....

Nate and Fred played frisbee with Alie's hat

Nate wouldn't stop playing to take a pic with me so this is me trying to sneak in to a shot with him :)

We arrived at the Children's Section...Matthew is looking at the water area excitedly and Nate is wondering how he can play without getting too wet and messy.  Very telling of their differing personalities.

So Matthew played and got soaked...and had a blast..

While Nate chose to stay dry and dip his toes in a calmer fountain.

Naked ice cream eating while his wet clothes dried

Butterfly chasing

A picture with one of my kids!  He doesn't look happy to be in the pic either though...

Playing with a ladybug

Practicing our walking...I thought maybe he would do it for Mother's Day...

Going....

Going...

Gone.

It was a long - but fun - day so this was our last attempt of a Mother's Day pic. At least the boys look cute...even if Matthew is itching to just get in bed already!

I love my boys and am so blessed to be their mother.  And I love both of our mothers and am so grateful to have them so close by.  Happy Mothers Day!!

*Flower photos were courtesy of my very talented hubby :)

How Nate Sees Me...

I just got home from a Mother's Day Tea at Nate's school.  The reality of the morning is that I couldn't get both boys out of the house on time (it is hard to convince them to get ready faster - I think that makes a 3 yr old move slower - and get to school 30 mins earlier!) so by the time we showed up 15 mins late I was too frazzled to sit and sip tea and enjoy the food.  And I also forgot my camera.  And Matthew wasn't very happy just sitting in his stroller...or being held.  (Nate's teacher actually told me to "take a deep breath" as soon as I walked in the door...guess my "play it cool" act wasn't working.) 

Besides the craziness of getting there...the actual time in the class with Nate was really sweet.  The teachers read what the kids said about us and we had to guess who said what.  I admit, I didn't guess Nate's...even when he mentioned his name in one of the questions I thought it was the other Nathan in the class.  Here is what Nate says about me (the RED text are his words):

My Mom has Blue eyes and Brown hair.
My Mom weighs 4 lbs and is 2 ft tall.
My Mom is 4 yrs old.  (I really thought he would say 16 for this one because he always talks about how you have to be 16 to drive a car.)
My Mom is prettiest when she does her toenails.
My Mom likes to work. (??)
My Mom likes me to help her be good.
When I am nice she loves me.
I like it best when my mom cooks noodles.
I don't like it when she cooks Brussel Sprouts, they are icky.
My mom thinks I am Nathan, just Nathan.
I love my mom because she makes dreams come true.

I have no idea where that last answer came from but I'll take it!!