Gymnastics

After attending a gymnastics birthday party for one of Mattie's little friends, I was convinced she needed to be involved in the sport.  She was fearless (and reckless) and was so enthusiastic about everything she did - bars, rings, beam, trampoline - everything.

I signed her up for the Tumbling Tots class which she attends on Saturdays for 45 minutes.  We went for our second time today and we both had a blast.  She is so excited now as Saturday approaches and it's a bonus that her best little buddy from school, Harper, also participates.

Here is our future Olympian (ha) in action...

Now I Know My ABCs

The Small Things

If we find something that makes the kids giggle - we will do it over and over and over and over again.  Who can resist seeing these sweet smiles?

Red Solo Cup

Channeling Toby Keith...

Mimic Me

We can say or do anything - Mattie will repeat.

Partners in Crime

We used to have quiet mornings.  Evan knew to come down quietly and play with his toys on our bedroom carpet until Mattie Jane decided to get up.  Now that Evan considers his sister his partner in crime, we awake to a little more excitement.

Also note Evan's "word for the day" - underwear.  I'm scared to know what other words he is teaching his sister.

Eat Up Girl

How much can this girl actually get in her mouth?  That is the question...at every meal.

Signing More

I've been very casually teaching Mattie Jane the sign for more during dinner.  It caught me by surprise this morning when I asked if she wanted more milk and, not only did she sign that she wanted more, but she also said "mo."  The learning capacity of children never ceases to amaze me.

God Bless America

In the spirit of Veteran's Day on 11-11-11, Evan wanted to display his national pride.

All About Me: Age 3

Siblings

Watching Evan and MJ play together brings so much joy to my heart.  Even witnessing Evan whacking MJ over the head with his cars sometimes brings a feeling of warmth.  I truly believe that those who grow up without a sibling miss out on something special.  I am so grateful my kids have each other.

A House Full of Memories

Since the passing of my brother two years ago, I have struggled to rid myself of feeling broken.  The ring that once represented my family lost a critical piece that doesn't allow it to come full circle any more.  There have been other resulting causes as well, but I know every member of my family feels the disconnection and deals with its effects every day.

The only escape I have from this heart breaking reality are my memories which primarily take place in my childhood home - the home where we all grew up together - the home where everything made sense and everything was good.  It was our safe haven then - and now it is my refuge.

I make a visit to McDeeds Creek Road almost every day.  I play football with my brothers in the backyard hoping to make a few good tackles.  We build huge forts in the woods and beg my parents to let us sleep there for the night.  We challenge each other to races in the swimming pool and play two-on-two basketball until it's time to come in for dinner.

My family sits down to eat at our table for six as my mom serves one of her delicious home cooked meals.  My brothers and I argue about something trivial as my dad threatens a consequence if we don't be quiet.  I hear my mom asking why we can't ever be nice to one another - and in my mind I laugh.

For almost 18 years I thought life was easy.  I thought life was about playing and fighting with my siblings.  I thought life was simple and good.  At McDeeds Creek Road life was all these things - that's why I make my frequent visits - because that is where our ring came full circle.

In remembrance...

What a Beautiful Day

My kids are most content outside so I am ecstatic that February has brought such beautiful weather - and today is no exception.  The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and we are literally soaking it all in.

Wonder Works Coming Soon

Wonder Works is hoping to open sometime in April and the media is knocking down the door for interviews.  Being in front of a camera is not always comfortable, especially one that is broadcasting live.  But once again my husband has proven me wrong - he actually can pull off a hard hat.

Amazing job, babe.  You're my celebrity.

Question: Where do the Tarheels Play Basketball?

That's my boy!

The Power of Underwear

Evan and I made a deal.

Pee pee in the potty = big boy underwear  (or as I remember them - underoos)
Pee pee in pants = baby underwear (aka diaper)

He totally went for it.  It's amazing the power character-themed anything has on children.  So to be able to wear "undawares just like dada" is even more spectacular with Lightening McQueen on them.  We'll see how far this little ploy can take us.  It's looking good so far.

 

Evan is so empowered by his underwear that he demanded music over cartoons this morning.  He wanted to shake what his mama daddy gave him instead.

Talk to Me

Smiley Face

And We're LIVE

Robert is a local celebrity - or so he thinks.  Ten seconds on live television can really pump up an ego  (Just kidding, babe).  With all jokes aside, Robert did a great interview for Wonder Works and really represented them well.  The TV network only showed a few seconds of his interview, but it was still fun to hear that familiar accent coming through the TV.

Four Little Fishies

The hotel pool was well utilized this afternoon.  Luckily I had four extra hands to catch, throw and guide the little fish we call Evan.  Amanda and Scott more than fulfilled their aunt and uncle duties and got a complete workout in the process.  And of course we got more than enough footage...

To complete the pool experience we also took some video footage to make sure we didn't miss any of the action: