memorial day weekend

For Memorial Day we decided to take a little road trip (our first as a family of four) to Little Rock to visit our sweet friend Paige, who was visiting from Seattle. I know Little Rock isn't your typical tourist destination but we had an amazing trip. It was about a 9 hour drive so we drove 3 the first night, stopped in Nashville to spend the night at my sisters and then drove the remaining 6 the next day. On the way back we drove 3 to Hernando, MS to visit Steve's college roomie, Crile, spent the night in MS and then drove the remaining 6 back. The whole trip went great- especially the car rides which I was worried about. It was also great to catch up with old friends. I love when you can pick up where you left off.

Here are some highlights from Mason:
Mason- "Daddy, where we going?
Daddy- "Little Rock."
M- "Little Rock scares me. Let's go to Big Rock."
D- "Little Rock is not scary and where is Big Rock?"

Mason on the hotel
Mason- "Mommy where we staying?"
Me- "a hotel"
Mason- (he sees the hotel) "Oooohhh, a big house. I like the big house."

He also mastered the eta-vator (elevator) and fran-po-leen (trampoline)
Reagan experienced some firsts on this trip as well. her first night in a hotel. her first time in a pool. her first time facing forward in the car.

Mason and Reagan snuggling in the hotel.

Mason working on his airplane.

Mason checking out his final product.

Will and Mason showing off their planes and certificates.

Will and Mason on a playground.

Mason and Dad riding the fire truck.

Reagan sporting my shades at the pool.

Reagan and Dad hanging out in the pool.

Mason enjoying the water.

Mason, Cameron, and Wesley riding in the jeep.

Mason and Wesley in the trampoline.

It was a great trip and I look forward to our next road trip!

FireStation 41

Today our playgroup went to the local fire station for a tour. Here are some of the highlights!








Mason was very excited to see the trucks and tour the fire station. He didn't want to sit in the truck but was interested in the hoses and tools that the fireman showed us.
I think this will be a tour every year! I love Reagan sporting the flower headband and fire hat. She is very stylish.

The Unpretty Side of Parenting

This post is mainly for me. But I thought I would share because I think we all may have these moments from time to time. Becoming a mom has been the biggest blessing I could ever be given. I love my kiddos, I love the ways in which they teach me new things, I love that I get court side seats to see every new discovery- the first steps, the first words, everything. I get to witness it all. I also am very blessed that I get to be a stay at home mom. I am very thankful to have these early years with my kids. But you know, I sometimes miss being able to "leave work" after 5pm. It seems lately I have become a jungle gym- I am crawled on, scrunched, pulled, and tugged. Today, unfortunately I had enough and I have to admit I lost it.

I think it's okay to say that. Mason was continually testing his boundaries and in the words of C. Dortch, "tonight, we had a come to Jesus meeting." And afterward, the guilt sunk in. You all know the guilt- the dready mommy guilt. For some reason women feel like we have to be perfect. As mothers, we try to keep everything in order, know everything, plan everything, take care of every little detail and when we fall short of our expectations, we beat ourselves up. And I started to do that tonight, but then I began to think.

I'm not perfect. I am and will forever be an imperfect being. And I am okay with that, because all I can give is my all. And some days my all may be better than others. And today was one of those days. I know that without a doubt my kids know I love them and if I can teach them that it's okay to have an off day, then they will be better beings for it as well.

So I let go of the guilt. And I moved on. just like Mason did. Tonight, when I laid him down to go to bed, he asked me to "snunnle him" (his word for snuggle) and after I put my arm around him, he threw his around me and said "I love you, mommy." Totally unprompted. So I guess when you let go of your own feelings of inadequacy, you find the pretty side of the unpretty side of parenting.

I can't leave you without pictures of my sweet loves.

The Pool is OPEN

Of course it is the kiddie pool in our backyard, but it is 80 degrees so Mason, Reagan, and I busted it out Tuesday afternoon. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

I loved the ruffle bottom on her bum.

Welcome Summer 2011- can't wait to see what adventures you hold!

Bumbleride Express

On Monday we had a play date with our friends, Amy and Mya at the mall. We rode the train, played in the play area, and ate lunch. Now that Reagan is moving- pictures are getting a bit more difficult- ALL she wants to do is move. Of course, Mason was distracted by the train.

I let him choose which car we rode in. He chose the blue one.

Mya rode in the red caboose. She is the sweetest little girl!

Reagan stood in the car the entire ride. She was really excited and loved watching all the stores go by. I think she was window shopping!

The train MADE Mason's day. It was all the talked about. Totally worth every penny.

Mother's Day

Saturday we went to Chattanooga to celebrate Mother's Day with Steve's mom and grandma. We had a great lunch and then headed to the park for some playtime with the kiddos.

On Sunday, it was just us. And I got to spend the day doing what I wanted, so I mowed the lawn. I love to mow- I know my neighbors think I am crazy but it is a stress reliever for me. So I mowed. Then we headed out for lunch and came home to set up the water table and spend the afternoon hanging with our kiddos. Perfect. Day.

Early Mother's Day Gift

It has been quite the week already. Reagan had her one year shots on Monday and had a rash by Tuesday. Yesterday she started cutting a tooth and today we spent quite a bit of time at the Drivers License office. So to say I am ready for the weekend and Mother's Day is an understatement. I knew Mason was making something at MDO for Mother's Day (it was on the calendar). They started working on it Tuesday and when I picked him up that day I jokingly asked him what it was and he said "I can't tell you mommy." Honestly, I forgot about it until we walked into his classroom this afternoon to pick him up and he said, "Mommy, look at the flowers for you."
My entire week just changed. My spirits were uplifted and I was reminded to let go of the little things and remember that I wouldn't be a mom if it weren't for my two sweet kiddos.
I couldn't ask for anything more.

Wordless Wednesday- tunnel edition