Father's Day

We were looking for something to do on Father's Day that we hadn't done before and we found it...and I think we can safely say we marked it off the list.  We ended up taking the kids up to Dahlonega to the North Georgia 'Zoo'.  It was a hot day but the kids had fun feeding the animals.

After a couple of hours feeding goats and chasing ducks, we started our journey home...but first, the Premium Outlets beckoned us in.  And, being the generous wife that I am, I managed to purchase myself a few things on Father's Day!  (oops)  Then we had a charming meal at Ruby Tuesdays before getting back on the road.

These boys are so lucky to have such a loving and hands-on father in their lives....I know I am lucky to have him!  

And now, for some catch up...

After Nate's birthday, Aunt Abby and Uncle Jeff came in town to play for a few days.  It is always a fun challenge to find something that will be entertaining for them to do as well as the little kids while they are here...we don't always succeed...they have seen Tangled and Cars 2 in the theater with us and I have promised no more Pixar when they come in town!  (Even though they did come when Madagascar 3 opened...and Matthew was singing "I like to move it move it" daily as a subtle reminder...)

So, we went to a Braves game...which was quite the adventure.  (FYI - MARTA is not the best way to get there, even during rush hour).  Nate ate a giant slice of pizza and, what he swears is, his first cotton candy.

And we went to the Fernbank to see "The Scoop on Poop" exhibit (yes, it is really about poop) and see the Polar Bear IMAX movie.

And before they left town for their real vacation at the beach, we celebrated Mom's birthday with dinner at Rice and cake and homemade ice cream at home.  Now that Nate is a big kid, he actually got to go out to dinner with the grown ups while Matthew stayed home with a sitter...and he was perfectly behaved (with the help of a little phone time).

It was so great having them here...can't wait until we get the chance to get out to CO to see them!

And then, after they left, we went to see Madagascar... :)

Nate is 5!

Wow, that's hard to believe....but my little kid is now a Big Boy.  I think 5 is going to be a good year.

He has been saying for months that he wanted to stay 4 forever, he didn't want to be 5.  As much as I felt the same way, I was a little concerned about why he felt that way.  But I realized it was because we read a book about being 5 and I guess it sounded like a lot of pressure (big school, behaving properly, etc) so he didn't want any party of it.  But something changed in him because he is very excited to be 5 and "big" now.  He even said tonight "I think I am going to like being 5".

He woke up this morning and came to our room, excited about his big day.  He said "I don't look any different?"

So we started the day with our traditional birthday hat and pancake breakfast.

Then the nanny took them to Monkey Joe's (Nate's choice) to play for a few hours.

For dinner we went to our Mexican restaurant...our waitress picked up on the fact it was his birthday so she brought him a piece of cake.  Matthew basically climbed over the table to get to it...Nate took a few bites and, since we had already talked about Menchie's for a birthday treat, he decided to save room for what he really wanted.

So, next stop Menchies!  He basically gets a little bit of yogurt and loads his cup with gummy worms, cookie dough balls, and sprinkles...since it was his birthday I let him choose.  Little brother likes it as well - can you tell?

Have I ever mentioned how much love these kids??

Then it was time to come home to open presents from mom and dad.

Nate at 5 is such a great kid (we always seem to derail around the half birthday but hopefully this will last!).  He listens, he helps when I ask him to (sometimes he even does things without me asking and reminding), he is more patient...he is really a good kid.  Here are his favorite things (from his mouth):

Favorite Color - Red
Favorite Toy - Remote Control Lightening McQueen & his LeapPad
Favorite Food - Pizza
Favorite TV Show - Bubble Guppies
Favorite Movie - Puss in Boots
Favorite Lunch - Cheese Sandwich with Mayonnaise
Favorite Snack - Goldfish
Favorite Animal - Dog
Favorite Book - The Lorax
Favorite Thing to do Outside - Play Soccer
Favorite Holiday - Easter
Favorite Thing to Take to Bed - Stuffed Animals
Favorite Breakfast - Pop Tart and Toaster Strudel
Favorite Restaurant - McDonalds
What do you want to be when you grow up - Astronaut