Slammed Pack Friday

I had the most productive day ever.  By 9:30, I had completed more than most mom's can in a day, and somehow it wasn't hard.  We were up and out of the house by 6:30/45 driving to the dentist.  Our dentist is still across town but we love, love, love Dr. Howard and his staff, so we continue to attend A+ Pediatric Dentristy of Atlanta.  (Recommend it to anyone!!)  Our appointment was at 7:30.  I wanted it earlier enough so Trenton could still make preschool, and unfortunately, we drive with the traffic to the dentist's office.  We arrived happy and excited!  Not only did they see Trenton, but they offered to go ahead and do Bennett's so we don't have to come back for him cleaning/x-rays this summer.  Yippee!  We were on our way to preschool by 8:15 with two pearly white smiles.  It was also picture day so we dressed Trenton in the parking lot of church into his nice clothes (didn't want toothpaste on them from the dentist.)  The photographer was sweet and allowed us to have sibling pictures, so we were able to have them together before school even started.  Time now-8:50.  Preschool opened.  We walked T in and then stopped into Starbucks afterward.  Bennett and I took anticipated bringing Uncle Brad coffee, but he had a client waiting on him so the two of us went into the Marietta Square for breakfast and playtime.  Bennett loved having the train playground practically to himself.  We ate by the fountain, ran on the grass, and enjoyed this special time together.  By 10, we were out and driving to Kennesaw Mnt to hike the summit.  We figured on a nice day like this, there was no need in driving home then back to pick T up from preschool at noon when we could enjoy the great outdoors.  We met my friend JJ who was on maternity leave and loaded the kids up for the hike.  Then, (yes there is a then!) we picked Trenton up and went to Granna's office for lunch.  We bought take out sandwiches from Daily Bread and had a picnic at Lewis Park behind the hospital.  Finally, it was now 1:30 and the boys fell asleep for naps driving home.   

 Where is everyone?

 I have this whole place all to my self!

 Getting ready for our hike.  Bennett checked out the boom, boom cannon.

Two of us got exercise.  Two of us rested.  Great time on this beautiful day!

Neighborhood Boys

The boys have a best friend down the street, Chase.  It doesn't matter that he's 8, the boys adore him, and Chase is the sweetest to them.  He teaches Trenton sports, takes him on their trampoline, leads him down by the creek, passes down old toys.  He is just a good ol' kid.  Bennett has even added Chase to our blessing and prayers when we identify family members.  Since Chase is the youngest of 3 boys, it is his turn to act like a big brother his mom said.  I'm so glad the boys have him as a role model.  You can imagine the excitement of Trenton this day when we went on a walk and saw that Chase was wearing a Batman shirt, too. :) 

Dandelions

There is something about dandelions.  Every time my boys see them, they have to pick them.  They have a great time making wishes and blowing them.  Trenton is to the point that after a couple blows, he pulls the rest off with his hand and tells you it is easier that way.  Bennett could care less.  He is just anxious to pick them and practically jumps out of your arms (or stroller) at the sight.   

 

We have a gorgeous dogwood tree on the edge of our lawn.  It is in full bloom right now.  The boys like to hang items from it because they are not quite big enough to climb it yet, but they are able to barely reach the lowest limbs (Trenton at least.)  They definitely work in its flower canopy.  I had to take a picture of the brilliant blossom before they fall off!

At the Cult de Sac Party

Who said it would rain today?  We thought the storms our friends and family in Texas encountered yesterday were headed our way so we waited around the house today and played.  Little did we know, they'd pass us by completely.  It ended up being a cooler, nice day.  We had our friends the Schappelers over in the morning for waffles, then after naps played hard outside until the sun set.  We are an outdoor family, that's for sure!

Going for a ride together.

 They have the best time with each other and I know it'll only get better as they grow older!

 The sunset is beautiful from our house.  We can see it through the trees, especially since our house is on somewhat of a plateau.  We are above all our back neighbors so from the screened it porch it is even better through the trees.

 We are climbers.  Our favorite ride is to the end of our cult de sac where we hop off our riding toys and climb the magnola tree.

 Bennett really wanted to do it.  Look at that stare.  Momma helped him climb his 1st tree. 

 And boy was he happy!  (Don't worry, I held on to him!)

Morgan Falls After Errands

We have been very lucky!  Spring is in full force and we are taking advantage.  Today, we ran errands preparing for Bennett's birthday party (not until the end of May but Mommy is a planner!), picked up our Easter pictures from Belle Choses, and stopped by Morgan Falls Overlook Park since we were already in Sandy Springs.  They boys love that playground and we don't venture that way nearly enough.

 Bennett was excited to see the "wa-wa" (water).

Trenton was excited to climb the net.  Such different stages in life right now.  We brought our parachute man and he was a huge hit from the tall playground.  Trenton would drop him from the top and Bennett would catch him below (or at least attempt!)

This is crazy....two random playground pictures and Trenton and Bennett have the same expression.  I'm noticing that a lot more lately.  Bennett certainly looks up to his brother, and because of that Trenton and I are daily having discussions about how he is teaching B how to behave and what to do.  Sometimes T likes that leadership opportunity and other times he wants B to stop watching.  I explained that that is not an option, so make good, safe choices.  Haha! 

 Row, row, row your boat!  Bennett enjoyed rocking the boat.

 Look at all those kids stuck in the web!  Meanwhile, Bennett and I stuck to swinging.  He is more into swinging than T was at this age.  However, T does really enjoy swinging now at the age of 4. 

Boys at the Botanical Gardens

We took advantage of another nice day and went to the Botanical Gardens with the Spivas.  The older two boys were ran around while the younger two tried to follow.  They mostly gave up and became preoccupied with something else in the area.  After the gardens, we ate a picnic lunch in Piedmont Park and saw the blimp flying over the Atlanta skyline.  The boys tried to chase it and we then had to chase them to get them to turn around.  Another great day with friends!

 Hudson 5, Trenton 4, Bennett 1, Grant 2

 The boys really have fun together.

You rarely catch Bennett with such a stern look.  Maybe he was wondering where his egg was?  Here it is! 

How big is Bennett?  So big!!!  He turned 22 months today.  His 2nd birthday is quickly approaching.

 Momma loves her day trips with her boys!  We enjoy being on the go in the mornings, home for naps, then spending the afternoons playing around our house.

Bennett blowing kissing and acting silly.  He moves less than his older brother so I'm able to get more pics of him today with the gorgeous tulips! 

 Or he gets distracted with the activities throughout the gardens. 

They loved the overhead waterfall.  One area had a small drip.  Let's just say Trenton was mighty wet when we continued our walk.  Good thing it was 80 today!

It's a Zoo Today!

We're back at the zoo, and literally, today is a zoo here.  I've never seen it so crowded.   The morning was slammed with field trips from counties not on spring break and the afternoon was crammed with people enjoying the beautiful day.  At least we had two sets of eyes for the 4 kids since the Motils went with us.  It always works out perfect on our zoo days.  We leave and the boys fall asleep.  I am very blessed by the fact that the boys stay asleep once we are home and nap another couple of hours.  Thank goodness for my good nappers! 

 We did the zoo backwards today (from our normal route) while waiting for the Motils for arrive.  The boys thoroughly enjoyed the hour play on the playground.  We usually hit it when we are tired or skip it all together because we have to get home for naps.  Not today!

 Then we did the train.  We were the caboose this time and the kids liked that.

  Momma with her boys.

 After naps, we went to Ms. Katie's house and walked to Fickle Pickle for kids night.  We loved the patio area and gorgeous evening.  It was fun under the evening sun!   Trenton was super excited to get to hold Baby Grant!  Thanks Ms. Katie for letting him love on your sweet baby boy!