In the Land of Boys

Big Boys at the Beach

2010-08-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

Jack is a sand kid and Adam is a water one.

New Place to Bounce

2010-08-12T20:20:00.000-04:00

We were very excited when a bounce place opened up a lot closer to us!

School Shopping

2010-08-07T20:18:00.001-04:00

Toy Story MANIA

2010-08-06T20:15:00.000-04:00

Mason LOVES all things Toy Story, especially Buzz Lightyear. Everytime he sees Buzz, he yells for him- which means he does it all the time, thanks to Toy Story 3- Buzz is everywhere! He also likes to yell "to infinity and beyond!" Though, it's also where he learned the phrase "You want a piece of me?"

Playing Daddy

2010-08-02T20:13:00.000-04:00

Summer Playdate

2010-07-30T20:08:00.001-04:00

Once again, we went back to the bounce place. They had a summer playdate, with bouncing and crafts. The boys had fun, but it was way too crowded!

Haircut

2010-07-24T20:06:00.000-04:00

At the Pool

2010-07-23T20:03:00.006-04:00

It was a HOT summer, so we spent quite a bit of time at the pool.

Mason was able to stand all the way out to the rope. Just barely, but he could. Made it a lot easier to have three kids at the pool!

My Builder

2010-07-22T20:00:00.000-04:00

Rest-time Hijinks

2010-07-22T19:57:00.000-04:00

Bathtime

2010-07-20T19:55:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

2010-07-18T19:52:00.000-04:00

Mommy and Daddy went to an amusement park and then out to dinner to celebrate.

Last Day of Swim Lessons

2010-07-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

The boys came a long way in just one week! Hopefully, next summer, all three boys can take lessons for a few weeks.

Swim Lessons

2010-07-12T19:44:00.000-04:00

Today was the first day of a week of swim lessons for Jackie and Adam. They did pretty well!

Luckily, Mason could splash in the baby pool during the lessons because he really wanted to go in!

Sprinkler and Popscicles

2010-07-06T19:42:00.001-04:00

Too hot for much of anything else!

At the Park

2010-07-05T19:39:00.000-04:00

Independence Day

2010-07-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

I didn't have my camera on the fourth. We went to a picnic at Ray and Jen's. The boys love running around with their kids and their dog.

We saw the fireworks from the parking lot next to the park where they were shooting them off so that we didn't have to deal with the crazy crowds.

Beach Day

2010-07-03T19:33:00.001-04:00

Binky Smiles

2010-06-25T19:31:00.000-04:00

Vacation Bible School

2010-06-25T19:28:00.001-04:00

The boys spent the week at Vacation Bible School at our church. There were over 200 preschoolers! Which is why you can't really see them in these pics. Jackie is in white in the top one. Him, you can see. Adam is in the bottom one, right behind where the leader has her hand up, in a brown and white shirt....oh well, they had a really good time, even though they ended up in the same group!

Worn Out

2010-06-22T19:25:00.000-04:00

Jackie and Adam had Vacation Bible School at our church this week. It wore them out!

Summer Reading Kick-off

2010-06-12T19:22:00.005-04:00

The library had a festival to kick-off their summer reading program. It was so hot that the only thing they really cared about was the snow cones.

Backyard Camping

2010-06-11T21:17:00.000-04:00

Daddy put the tent up in the backyard. Mommy had to help a little bit because it's a big tent! The boys played in it for a while. Daddy and the big boys were going to sleep in it...and then Daddy and Jack...and then everyone decided to sleep inside instead!

Bouncing Again!

2010-06-10T18:30:00.008-04:00

Back to the bouncing place!

Mason is not afraid of anything and can keep up with the big kids.

Even Grandma was sliding!

One of the girls who works there taught the boys to climb up on this part and try to knock each other off...because they so needed to know that.

Jackie's Preschool Graduation

2010-05-28T20:09:00.007-04:00

Jackie graduated from preschool today. The ceremony was at the train depot- perfect for what my boys called "the train school."

First, the kids sang some cute songs.

Then, they went to change into their caps and gown while we watched a slide show. I never thought I would tear up at a preschool graduation and then they had to set the slide show to "Let Them Be Little."

The proud graduate, on his way to get his diploma from Miss Mary Beth.

Next stop: Kindergarten!

Adam and Mason were there, too. Adam got to see Miss Michelle again. Grandma was there to help with Mason. Daddy had to work, but saw all the pics and video- which is now trapped on my broken flip video camera.

Adam and Miss Michelle

2010-05-27T15:05:00.000-04:00

Adam's class had an end-of-the-year party at a classmate's house. He LOVED his teacher, Miss Michelle. He would hug her, kiss her, play with her hair, and say "I love you, My Shell." And she loved him back. She actually got teary-eyed when I told her that Adam wouldn't be back in her class next year. I wish he could, but it's too long of a drive since we moved off the beach.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Mason!

2010-05-24T20:02:00.000-04:00

Children's Museum

2010-05-24T19:34:00.000-04:00

The boys, Grandma, and I took a drive down to the Children's Museum. In part to celebrate Mason's 2nd birthday and in part because we had been wanting to check it out.

There was a lot ot do there and we definitely need to go back!

Shrek Party

2010-05-22T20:24:00.000-04:00

We got to host a House Party for Shrek/McDonalds. We were sent all sorts of Shrek goodies and McD's cards. Invited some friends over and had fun!

A River Otter

2010-05-20T14:19:00.001-04:00

I thought he was a sea lion, but Adam corrected me.

Strawberry Picking

2010-05-18T14:10:00.001-04:00

The boys had a field trip to go pick strawberries today. I wasn't sure how it would work out because if you looked in one direction, it was fine:

Look in the other and:

But, the boys still had fun, even though they did get a little wet. They had learned how to pick strawberries in their classes and were telling me "twist and pull."

They got a good amount!

And each picked out a flower to take to Grandma. Mason stayed with her during the field trip.

Sprinkler Fun

2010-05-15T20:04:00.001-04:00

Bouncing and Climbing

2010-05-13T18:59:00.004-04:00

We went to a Bouncy Place with Grammy and Papa.

Yes, Jackie made it to the top of that wall.

Grammy and Papa Visit

2010-05-12T19:54:00.002-04:00

The lizard that Grammy caught.
I threw out that container.
I don't think it's possible to wash it well enough that I would want to ever use it again.

Field Trip to the Aquarium

2010-05-10T19:18:00.000-04:00

Jackie and Adam's preschool had a field trip to the Aquarium.

Adam wanted to pet the alligator. Mason did, too, though I don't have any pics of him doing it because I had to keep him from grabbing the alligator instead of just petting it.

Jackie wanted nothing to do with touching it. Or even having it near him.

We've been to the aquarium before, but this was the first time that we went outside, on the nature trails.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:41:00.001-04:00

We went out to lunch with Grandma.

Pic of Mommy with her boys: Fail #1

Then we went to the park.

Back home...and then Pic of Mommy with her boys FAIL #2

And...as good as it's going to get:

But, that was exhausting!

Adam's Birthday

2010-05-07T21:17:00.004-04:00

Our Adam is FOUR! He wanted to go play at a playground and have a Bolt cake.

At the New House

2010-05-06T21:11:00.000-04:00

Adam at School

2010-05-06T21:08:00.000-04:00

Art Projects

2010-04-30T21:00:00.001-04:00

Adam's Frog

Jackie's Handprint Butterfly

Adam's Footprint Butterfly

What all three boys made for Grammy and Grandma for Mother's Day:

Last Days at the Beach House

2010-04-29T20:48:00.000-04:00

How we are going to miss having this as our backyard!

Full Moon

2010-04-28T23:32:00.000-04:00

The view from our deck.

Ice Cream

2010-04-20T20:26:00.003-04:00

Mason MAN!

2010-04-18T20:24:00.000-04:00

Our little cutie was in a baby photo contest with this picture. He made it to the semi-finals and then the finals, but didn't win. That's just wrong.

Happy Birthday, Dr Seuss!

2010-04-12T20:20:00.001-04:00

Park Day

2010-04-07T20:15:00.000-04:00

Mason can definitely keep up with the big boys now!

Zoo Trip

2010-04-06T20:04:00.008-04:00

Jville has a "zoo." Who knew? Nothing like Pittsburgh's, but the boys got to see some animals up close.

Easter on the Beach

2010-04-04T21:12:00.000-04:00

After the egg hunt, we went out on the beach to fly the boys' kite. It took a whole bunch of tries to get it right. We started thinking we had an attack dragon kite.

But, eventually, it was flying high.

After that, the boys took showers in the outside shower and we had a picnic dinner before bedtime.

Egg Hunt

2010-04-04T21:05:00.001-04:00

The Easter Bunny waited until the afternoon to hide the boys' eggs in the yard, so that the ground was dry.

Pic taken at Jackie's request:

Easter Lunch

2010-04-04T20:43:00.000-04:00

After church, we met Grandma and Uncle Chris for lunch.

It was a gorgeous day!

Then, we headed home to have an egg hunt.

Easter Morning

2010-04-04T20:17:00.000-04:00

The boys checked out their loot from the Easter Bunny.

Adam had Cars-themed stuff, of course.

Mason, who is quite the little man this Easter, had Spiderman.

Jackie had Toy Story.

Adam's feet just grew again. We had a hard time finding dress shoes that were in stock in his size, so he got a pair of Easter Chucks.

Off to church...

The Water is Warm

2010-04-03T20:04:00.000-04:00

Or at least warm enough for the boys!

At the DInner Table

2010-04-02T20:01:00.000-04:00

With the warm weather, we've been eating outside a lot.

Preschool Easter Party

2010-04-01T13:51:00.000-04:00

Jack and Adam had their Easter Party for preschool this morning. They made candy bunny necklaces and bunny cookies. They had lunch and then an egg hunt.

Adam with the 2s class and the 3s class. They had their egg hunt out back, while the 4s had theirs up front.

Showing off their loot!

Beach Babies

2010-03-31T16:47:00.000-04:00

Mason and Adam are convinced they are fish. Jackie likes the water, but likes the sand better.

Easter Bunny

2010-03-30T13:44:00.000-04:00

Gorgeous Beach Weather

2010-03-21T23:01:00.000-04:00

A Sweet Moment

2010-03-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

They probably beat each other up shortly after this was taken.

First Dip of Spring

2010-03-19T23:56:00.000-04:00

Adam and Mommy, testing out the temp of the ocean.

Still cold, but not as that bad....the tourists are swimming.

The boys are so happy to be able to play outside.

St. Patrick's Day Festival

2010-03-13T23:51:00.003-05:00

Of course our town has a huge St. Patrick's Day Festival.

Gee, I wonder why.....

It was a gorgeous day. The boys could have easily been in short sleeves. This is our idea of March weather.

Cookies With Kindergarten

2010-03-10T23:45:00.001-05:00

Jack and I went to the school where he will go to kindergarten in the fall. They had a snack for the kids, gave the parents info about the school, and took us for a tour.

I can't believe it's almost time for him to go to kindergarten!
Kindergarten is full day down here, btw.

7 Years Together

2010-03-08T23:48:00.000-05:00

The Cold Doesn't Last Here

2010-02-18T23:42:00.000-05:00

Lounging

2010-02-17T23:40:00.000-05:00

Playing Together

2010-02-16T23:38:00.000-05:00

They started out thinking they could eat these cookies, but ended up liking the game anyway.

Snow on the Beach

2010-02-13T23:22:00.002-05:00

Jackie and Adam took advantage of the snow, since we knew it would be short-lived.

Lots of people came down to build snowmen on the beach. Seashells for eyes and buttons.

Though, they did get tired of it.

One day was good enough!

I've never seen so many snowmen, ever. I guess because everyone here knows that the snow won't last, they rush out to build them.

All the snow was gone by Monday.

Freak Snowstorm

2010-02-13T23:17:00.001-05:00

It started snowing Friday night.

We quickly went from this:

to this:

to this in the morning!

Valentine's Party Prayer

2010-02-11T23:15:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T23:08:00.000-05:00

Jackie and Adam had a party at their preschool today for Valentine's. I helped out while Mason spent the morning with Grandma. He begged for a balloon; those dimples and that smile are pretty hard for a Grandma to resist! Jackie was not thrilled at me taking his picture.

Haircuts

2010-02-09T23:05:00.001-05:00

The boys were overdue for haircuts, since the last time they were cut was by Aunt Leslie!

Jackie sat in the chair and gabbed away.

Mason sat in Grandma's lap when it was his turn.

Adam had a lot of hair, so we bribed him with cookies for the long haircut.

Snowmen

2010-01-24T23:01:00.000-05:00

Adam's snowmen

20 Months Old

2010-01-24T21:54:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh, Sleep

2010-01-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

When Adam is tired, he can fall asleep anywhere.

But, Mommy...

2010-01-21T21:38:00.000-05:00

...my underpants ARE on!

Deserted Beach

2010-01-20T21:30:00.000-05:00

Another gorgeous day...

and no one else on the beach but us!

Big Mas

2010-01-18T21:25:00.000-05:00

He's such a big boy now!

All 3 Together

2010-01-18T21:20:00.000-05:00

The best I can do for now, of a pic of all 3 boys together.

At the Aquarium

2010-01-18T20:47:00.004-05:00

We went to the aquarium down the road from us today. We went super early because it was free admission day due to the holiday and we wanted to beat the crowds.

The boys really liked the frogs and the turtles,

as well as the sea otters.

Looking at a turtle shell. Adam kept looking in the tank to see if he could find the turtle that was missing its shell.

The boys had fun at the aquarium.

Adam and Mommy

2010-01-16T20:41:00.000-05:00

Taken by Jackie.

We love our weather

2010-01-16T20:26:00.001-05:00

It was a beautful day, so the big boys wanted to play out on the beach.

It was so warm that they were able to take off their jackets.

Making "sand angels."

Jackie's Snack Day

2010-01-14T22:46:00.002-05:00

Today was Jackie's snack day at school. He helped me make cookies shaped like the letter N, the letter of the week. He wanted me to come in for snack time to see his class. He loves his teacher, Miss Mary Beth.

He had no desire to leave Miss Mary Beth's class and go to kindergarten next year. But, we talked about how after after kindergarten, he'd get to go on to older grades and then eventually college. From our visit to my alma mater this fall for homecoming, his response to going to college was "And then I get to drink SODA? And eat brownies?" He was excited enough about those things to say that it's okay to go on to kindergarten, if he gets to have those things in college.

All Stars

2010-01-08T22:39:00.001-05:00

We went to a gym today for a playgroup. The boys got to jump around on a big trampoline, run around, and dance around the gym.

Adam's Hair

2010-01-07T15:47:00.000-05:00

He really is going to need a haircut soon! Uh-oh!

Silly Boy

2010-01-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

Reading Time

2010-01-02T13:42:00.000-05:00

Mason's Recliner

2009-12-31T13:39:00.000-05:00

Nice to meet you

2009-12-27T22:09:00.000-05:00

Adam and I went down to the beach after church this afternoon.

There was a group of kids there, playing.

Adam walked right up to them, stuck out his hand and shook all of the kids' hands, introducing himself as Adam and then saying "Nice to meet you."

It was so sweet!

Don't they all look like they were in the water in that top pic? They weren't, though.

And the sky behind Adam in the bottom pic- it's so gorgeous here.

Off to Church

2009-12-27T09:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

2009-12-26T21:29:00.000-05:00

We met Grandma Helen and Uncle Chris for lunch to celebrate her birthday.

Aunt Janice and her family drove up from SC to surprise Grandma.

Happy birthday, Grandma!

Christmas

2009-12-25T22:37:00.001-05:00

The boys snuck upstairs like little ninjas to get to their Christmas presents.

Luckily, they were so excited by their gigantic sand shovels that they didn't tear into the presents until Mommy, Daddy, and Mason got upstairs.

They tore into their gifts from Santa, Grammy, Papa, Uncle Aaron, and Miss Lindsay.

They played for a while before Grandma and Uncle Chris came over.

And then round 2 of present-opening began!

The boys stayed in their pajamas all day. We had Christmas dinner at our house.

It was a very merry Christmas.

We Caught Santa!

2009-12-24T23:03:00.000-05:00

Ready for Santa!

2009-12-24T19:08:00.000-05:00

Cookies set out(Santa's Whiskers this year)

and the boys sprinkled their Reindeer Food out in the backyard.

In Front of the Tree

2009-12-24T18:40:00.000-05:00

Our attempts to get pics of the boys in front of the tree on Christmas Eve.

Adam's face in this pic pretty much says it all.

Elf Pajamas

2009-12-24T18:12:00.000-05:00

The Christmas Elf rang our doorbell, dropped off the pjs, and ran.

I think that the magic sleepy dust was defective this year, because the boys did not want to go to bed, at all.

Paper was flying as they tore into their gifts.

Little Helper

2009-12-24T14:05:00.001-05:00

Jackie helped me make a pumpkin cream pie and a pecan pie for Chrismas. He liked his new apron- it's covered in cars. He thinks he needs a chef hat,too.

Painting Ornaments

2009-12-23T20:24:00.000-05:00

The boys made almost all the ornaments on our tree this year, either at preschool or at home.

Mason as the only child

2009-12-22T22:05:00.001-05:00

Mason went with Mommy and Daddy to Wilmington to go shopping while Jackie and Adam stayed with Grandma. Mason loved being the only child for the day.

Clubhouse

2009-12-21T17:01:00.000-05:00

December Weather

2009-12-21T13:56:00.001-05:00

Gotta love December in North Carolina.

Jackie made a huge volcano in the sand...

and Mason came along and dove on top of it and rolled down the sides until it was destroyed.

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-19T17:54:00.002-05:00

We went to a breakfast with Santa this morning.

Mason was okay when Santa was walking around talking to the kids.

But, he really wasn't too sure about sitting in his lap. No tears....

but he did squirm his way right out of Santa's lap pretty quickly.

Jackie and Adam wanted to go together.

For the record: Jackie has requested a "real" camera and Mickey Mouse Choo-choo express. That's it- though he wants us to be sure that his choo-choo express has passengers and extra cars. Adam wants sand toys- lots of sand toys.