Pickin' Tators

My parents live in the country. Heading to their house sometimes feels like visiting another country. Time literally slows down, cell phone reception is spotty, you pass Zonkeys and other strange animals along your drive, but most importantly you get to relax and just enjoy being. So it's not wonder, I love taking our kids back home. This last trip was in part to celebrate a wedding and a bridal shower, but there is always time for new adventures. This time, ours included harvesting red potatoes. Some neighbors had planted 4 rows of potatoes and had offered to share their harvest with us, all we had to do was pick 'em. So we did. Mason and Reagan were super excited to use little shovels and my dad came through with the "pink" shovel Reagan requested (it was red, but close enough in her eyes!) As much as I love living in a larger city, going "home" reminds me of the perks of small towns. You don't just "know" your neighbors, they become an extension of your family; you watch out for each other, share with each other, and help each other out. I hope our trips back home instill those values into M&R.

Reagan digging in!

Mason finding his first potato.

Helping Grandpa finish our row. 

Mason showing off a very small potato he found.

Reagan showing off the exact same potato as brother- 

already she wants to do everything he does. 

Mason using the shovel to carry the potatoes. 

Grandpa helping Reagan get one of the last potatoes of the day. 

 

Thanks Mr. and Mrs. T for sharing your harvest with us!

Swim School

For the past two months, twice a week, Mason has been going to swim "school" at the Y. He has gained so much confidence in the water and now that our neighborhood pool is open, he is having a blast swimming with his puddle jumper.
I didn't take pictures of his first swim lesson because I didn't want to make him more nervous- so on his last day, I brought Steve (to help watch Reagan) so I could snap a few pics. Once school starts back up in the fall, I think we will take back up lesson, so he can work some more on strokes and swimming without a puddle jumper or floaties. But for now, we are just enjoying the water!

Getting ready to head in.  He loves to wear his goggles. 

practicing his kicks.

Mason and his teacher, Ms. Victoria. 

His favorite part of swim school...jumping in!

And so began, his love affair of WATER!

Last day of School

I can't believe it's here. The last day of school. I feel like I blinked and it was over, but I think that's how things are. Life goes by so fast and this is my reminder to stop and enjoy every.minute.of.it. Before I know it he'll be headed to Kindergarten, high school, college. So between now and then- kiddos- you're all mine. And I promise to not take this time for granted.

 Mason on the his last day 3 yr old preschool.

Reagan on Mason's last day of preschool.

They are really into brother sister pictures these days.

And just for fun......

Mason's first day of 3 year old preschool. LOOK at how light his hair was!

Reagan. Seriously? Slow down sweet girl. you're growing up too fast.

At least they are looking in the same direction!

Imagination Movers

Sometimes an idea falls into your lap and sometimes groupon drops a great deal in your inbox. Either way, the Marlowe's had an amazing Sunday! The Imagination Movers were in Knoxville today and we decided it was time to head downtown and see our first LIVE performance. To be honest, we didn't know what to expect- we don't regularly watch the imagination movers and Mason and Reagan are sometimes slow to warm up to "new things." We bought our tickets on Friday and were sure to catch a few extra episodes of the Movers before the show today. WOW. What an amazing day! The kids loved it. Mason and Reagan danced, sang and played along. Mason even high fived Smitty and Rich. He was so excited and the look on his face the entire time was priceless. I wouldn't have changed anything about the day. It was perfect.  We will definitely be back to the Tennessee Theatre for more performances!

Getting ready to head into the show.

Some shots of the Movers and The Rock-o-Matic. (look at how close we were to Smitty!)

Look at that face! Utter happiness. Love it.

So many of my smiles begin with these two. And all we saw today was smiles.

I have to say- the Imagination Mover's Rock-O-Matic tour was really really good. I was surprised how many adult songs they incorporated into their show. It was fun to get to sing along to songs from my pre-child days! great show, guys!

Rainy Monday

It feels like we have been back in Seattle the last two days. It rained non stop. By Monday, Reagan was ready to get out of the house, so we put on the rain gear and headed out. But not before she got her picture taken. I have to say she is becoming the little ham in front of the camera!

This is my absolute favorite picture of Reagan and Bailey. Bailey is always trying to kiss Reagan and she typically runs away, I think she finally gave in and enjoyed some puppy love!

Eye Walk for Kathy

For the second year in a row, our family participated in the Nashville VisionWalk. We had another successful year, raising $2,500 from the help and support of 38 donors. The weather held out and the drizzle we got right before the walk started kept the morning nice and cool.

Grandma's girls showing their stuff!

Getting ready to walk for Grandma Kathy!

Reagan was intent on making a face like Maggie!

The reasons we walk! We love you mom and dad.

I think Reagan had the best seat in the house!

Eye Walk for Kathy 2012

Even the wagon was pimped out for the walk.

Until next year!

 

Reagan turns 2

I know I shared the details of Reagan's Minnie Party but I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from the big day. We had 21 kiddos at our house. WOW. It was busy, and wild, but lots of fun. The weather was great and overall I think everyone had a good time.

 I couldn't narrow down all the pictures so I made a collage of Reagan throughout the party. She pretty much smiled the entire day. I think she somehow knew it was all about her!

 
Like I said, there were A LOT of kiddos at the party. here's a snap shot of Reagan and her friends.

Reagan and Mason with all their grandparents.

And great grandparents.

Uncle Bryan and Reagan taking a little rest after the party ended.

 (I think he was sleeping and she was watching a show)

Can she really be 2? I can't believe it.

Reagan, here is a little of what you have been up to:

You talk all the time. I don't like to brag but girl, you are smart! You can count to 10 in spanish and english. You can also identify at least 10 letters 100% of the time. And you talk in 3-4 word sentences. 

You also know the names of your friends and their moms. (I think that's pretty good) 

You sleep from 7 pm to 6:30 am and you take one nap (sometimes) during the day for about 1 1/2-2 hours.

You are getting better about mommy leaving you with other people, but everytime I come back you run to me and say "I missed you, mommy."

You are a great eater- corn on the cob is still your favorite hands down.

You love to read and do puzzles. I think you would do them all day if we could. You have also become quite the dancer- anytime music is on you shake what you got! You constantly mess with your hair and pull rubber bands, clips, anything out. 

I think we are getting really close to potty training- you know exactly when you go #2 and let me know.

You love your big brother and want to do everything he does. You love playing tea party.