Fickle Pickle and Baby River

Woohoo!  We finally got to meet baby River!   It was a fun afternoon at Fickle Pickle.  Olivia, Trenton and Bennett explored and played for 2 1/2 hrs.  I think they thought we were never going to leave and then Heather and I got to talk.  

 Three kids enjoying their enormous M&M cookies!

 The boys were beyond themselves to see and hold baby River.

What a precious sight!  And he's so good!  I was in heaven holding this little boys for hours!  :)

Tidbits on the Boys

Our newest favorite is coming home after early service church and making a brunch then eating it together on the screened in porch.  The weather has certainly enticed us to go this route.  It's so relaxing and good family time.  With baseball taking up so much of our time, it tends to work out perfectly with naps and practice, too.  

The boys help make the pancake batter for brunch today.  Then, Trenton becomes my extra special helper and sets the table.  He loves bringing all the things out and setting the table up....I hope this lasts long!  Haha!

 Sitting around ready to eat on such a nice morning.

 The boys ventured to the corner of the deck to play in the sandbox.  Seems like it had been awhile since we played in it.  Boys had a good time.

Bennett.......love his blonde surfer look and peter pan/john john outfits.  Not much longer of this baby stage so I milk it for all it is worth!  It's especially difficult since he's potty trained.  I feel like his is losing his baby-ness.  :(  He is Mr. Independent.  He'll tell you to leave a stall in the restroom then stuggle pulling up his pants because he doesn't want any assistance (all while you are watching him through the crack) but he's certainly persistent and bound and determined to do it all by himself.  He's 2 going on 5.  Consequently, he is extremely proud once he does.  He'll pat to himself and shout, "ME!" He says 3-4 word sentences, knows his colors, can find the letter B anywhere, and is so observant.  "Momma" has recently changed to "Mommy" and he's loud and clear when he wants me.  He has a vibrant imagination and prefers to hang with older kids.  He is still our fabulous little eater, chowing down on just about anything, and follows in my condiment food steps.  He is a backseat driver constantly saying, "Green, go now." and gets super excited if any dog is in eyesight.  Although slightly reserved, he is comfortable without me if the setting is right.  He fully embraces the nursery at church and enjoys our sitter, Ms. Buckler.  He can manage with less sleep, yet still clings to his 3 hr afternoon nap.  We won't be dropping that anytime soon thankfully!  He's easy to bed at night, especially with routine of rocking, praying, talking.  Lay the child down awake and he's good for the 10-11 hr night.  He often calls out at night and you go in to find him curled up in a ball outside of the blanket.  You cover the cold child up and he's good to go.  He sleeps later than Trenton now and will cuddle with you briefly when he wakes.  Then, he is full steam.  He loves stuffed animals, swords, hats, books, balls.....sounds pretty much like any boy.  He is oh so thoughtful.  Bennett will never get something without getting another for his brother.  He climbs in the car all on his own and wants you to buckle Trenton in first before he sits in his carseat.  Bolt is currently his favorite movie and Curious George is his favorite show.....followed by Super Why and Paw Patrol.  He's lovable and just a joy!

Trenton......love his fratastic shag.  He's full of words (which he always has been) but on a whole other level.  He can talk to you about anything and is growing up too, too fast!  He'll surprise you with his vocabulary and knowledge.  He picks up on things fast, but becomes frustrated easily displaying a piece of his perfectionist personality.  He loves to help and shows he is the first born quite well with his commands.  He still cannot go without naps, that is, unless you are able to put him to bed by 6 (impossible!)  He'll nap 2-3 hrs with his brother, still allowing a wonderful midday break for you.  Unfortunately, he lays him bed hrs after bed time talking/singing to himself.  Lights are out, but he's wide awake.  I'm sure we'll lose the naps this year, but because he's such an early riser, we just aren't there yet.  He eats tons of fruit (at least 5 different ones a day!) but is pickier with types of things (ex mac and cheese, pasta, pizza)  He's slowly becoming self sufficient and can get particular snacks all by himself.  He is encouraged to dress himself and just needs help identifying which foot for shoes.  He loves to copy his name if the letters are visible and is a confident drawer.  He puts his energy to good use in the classroom and is a on task, participating, team player in the classroom.  Trenton comes home with lots of positive comments.  He enjoys games, real ones or completely created by himself.  He flocks to older kids, oblivious to the age difference, which is odd since he has a younger brother.  At the same time, he is nurturing and gentle with younger kids/babies.  He is on the go, full speed a lot.  He'll settle down only to watch a show before bed or with snacks.  He agrees with Bennett on Curious George but will encourage other movies like Despicable Me 2 or another common kids' film.  He has learned the task of manipulating situations with Bennett and can work out a trade to his benefit.  I'm not complaining because it is smart and both kids are happy.  He so sweet and still publicly a hugger and kisser.   He'll climb on your lap or grab your hand randomly.   I treasure these moments!

North Georgia State Fair

We went to North Georgia State Fair with Granna and Opa while Daddy caught up on work at home.  It was quite the people watching place.  We all had a great time and got a little taste of what Disney will be like.    

Trenton was a trooper taking his brother on the baby rides.  From dragons to Nemo, Bennett was smiling all the time.

Trenton was super excited to ride the roller coaster.  The first picture just doesn't show it.  

  Trenton and I rode the sky buckets from one end of the fair to the other.  We could see it all!

Catcher for the Day

It is great how the coaches rotate the players through all the positions.  Today, Trenton was beyond thrilled to play catcher!  He loved dressing up in the gear and being right in the middle of the action.  It sure keeps you a bit more focused playing catcher.  :)

 Gearing up to head behind the plate as catcher!

 He was a fine little catcher and knew exactly what to do.

 We all love going to his games.  It always fun and a sight to see.  I wouldn't have wanted to miss this "dress up" game because he looked too dang cute!

 Bennett keeps himself occupied for most the time.

Hulk is all tied up!!!

 Always a time to play in the dirt!

Batter up! It was after this day that we bought him a new helmet.  It wouldn't stay in place and we had had it.  He was always having to hold on to it while running and then it would fall down randomly.

Still yet to hit coach pitch at this point.

 Go, go, go!!

 He is such a good listener and always points toward the next base.  He's definitely learning!

 Running to the next base.  Get it with a new helmet....haha!!!

 Loving every moment!

Trenton with his buddy Rylan.  They love snacks afterwards.

Bigger and Better Things

Bennett has moved on to bigger and better things!  He climbs on Trenton's 4 wheeler ready to take it for a spin.  When the battery is low, I feel most comfortable with it.  He sure is a daredevil who thinks he can do it all!

 Look at the mischievous grin!

Here I go!!!

Granna's Retirement

It's crazy to think the day is finally here.  Granna has retired!  We were happy to be able to celebrate this day with her.  Her office did a fabulous job recognizing her accomplishment.

 Bennett and Trenton brought her flowers.  (Lately, they bend for all pictures.  It's hilarious!)

 Surprising Granna during her luncheon.

 The last outing in the playroom.  They ran back and forth to it throughout the party.

 The ladies of the office.

 Granna cutting her cake.

 Opa, Jacquelyn and Brad were able to stop by with us.

 Janine, one of mom's good friends.

 The retirees waving good-bye.

 With my Momma

 Mom with Dr. Street and Dr. Cauthen

 Trenton wanted a picture with Granna

 I know they've both put in the hours!  My mom is thrilled to be joining my dad in the retirement world.

 Grandkids added excitement that day.  You can't go to a doctor's office without getting on the scale!

Newport Wedding

Let the wedding festivities begin!

 Bridesmaids Luncheon at the Chanler.

 It had gorgeous grounds!

 With beautiful gardens and views of the water.

 Who would have thought anyone would have worn the same dress!  The hotel bags were wonderfully used.

 Melanie and me arriving at the rehearsal sight....wedding was taking place on the grounds of Castle Hill Inn.

 The Newport Bridge was in the background.

 With my hubby!

Boarding the Adirondack II for the sunset cruise.

 The good ol' guys....Jimmy, Buzz and Kev

 And the ladies.....Cheryl, Mary, JJ, me and Melanie

 The house on the island.

 Sailing the bay.....the bridge is behind us but faint to see in the photo.

 Watching the sunset, then turning back towards Bowen's wharf.

 The harbor was full of boats!!

 Our fun wedding party group....well, the ones from UGA with Allison.

 JJ, Mary, and myself with the bride-to-be, Allison.

 After the cruise, we went the rooftop bar at the Vanderbilt Grace hotel for cocktails before the dinner inside the hotel.

 You had yet another gorgeous view of the Newport Bridge in the distance.  It was neat to see it at night, too.

 Beautifying at the salon.....

 Dressing at Castle Hill.  I loved the Mrs. Stoner hanger!!

 Wedding dress hanging and champagne popping!  Good times!

The dinner was set up under a tent on the lawn.  Another amazing lobster meal and fun dancing music.  The best was our group breaking out "I've Got Friends in Low Places" with the band....while still at the table.  That's what southern friends are for (lots of New Yorkers there b/c the couple lives in NYC!)

Allison was beyond gorgeous in her Oscar de la Renta dress!  Allison is a talented fashion designer.  She sewed the lace on her own veil!

 She has such an amazing family!  It was great to spend the week with them celebrating the couple!

 Our college group of gals....Cheryl, Tobin, me, Melanie, Mary, JJ, Grayson.....just missing Allison!

 Everything was elegantly planned and so fun for the out of town guests!  Allison and Matt are a charming couple!

 The unique exit were glowing tambourines.  

 We all had fun with them, especially Bryan (look in the background!)

 All of us took them home for the our kids.

 There was an after party at The Oyster Bar with trolley transportation provided.  Busbee was a fan!

 The following morning we had a brunch at the Atlantic Beach Club.  The events didn't stop......SO....MUCH.....FUN!

 We stayed down in Newport and did a couple mansion tours.  Jimmy and Kevin in front of The Breakers (Vanderbilt estate)

 Tickets for two mansions, even though there were nearly a dozen to see.

 On the balcony, pausing between the headphone tour.

Possibly the best picture of the weekend was Jimmy (with his mansion tour head phones on) watching the UGA game on his phone with Tobin in the background looking at The Breaker's architecture.  I have to give credit to Mary for capturing this moment and texting it out!!

 Our 2nd mansion choice was the Rosecliff Mansion where The Great Gatsby was filmed.

 Shopping in Newport briefly before meeting up for a final dinner with friends.

 By this point in the trip, I was missing the boys and anxious to see them tomorrow!

Thankfully, we were receiving pictures like this letting me know the boys were having a grand time with Granna and Opa!