Nursery

Our "baby" is no longer passed off between mom and dad during the last two hours of church. She gets to be with her big brother in nursery now. Can I just say how crazy it is not to have a child to take care of throughout the three hours of church. Because Landon and Katelyn are 18 months apart we've ALWAYS had a baby tagging along with us...but not anymore!

Staring up at the Nursery leader.

Daddy picking up BOTH kiddos. The nursery leader says that Landon watches out for his "Sissy" and makes sure none of the big kids take her toys away.

She sure is happy now that she gets to play with kids, toys, color, and eat! YAY for nursery.

Zoo trip

Taking advantage of one of the last remaining Saturdays before our move to the apartments in town (and packing up box after box) we decided to take the kiddos to the Zoo. Katelyn was overjoyed that she didn't have to ride in a stroller. She got to wear the monkey backpack with the leash for us to hold on to just in case it got very crowded (which at times it sure did depending on what exhibit you went into).

We love the Nashville Zoo, our only complaint would be that you have to walk a lot from animal to animal--but I guess that is good for the animals because they get more space to roam.

Katelyn walked the entire time, all except for the steepest hill. I'm glad we have a Zoo Pass.

Landon loved it even though he looks serious, and Katelyn, well she only spent a few seconds up there and then spent the rest of the ride crying in my lap.

A quick hug in front of the monkey exhibit.

Alligators. She thought they were the coolest things.

And a $9, one minute ride on a tiny train--not worth the money! But Landon said he liked it.

I'm sure we'll go couple more times this summer--but we'll have to make sure it's not too hot when we go. Tennessee summers are so yucky so you end up spending most of your day inside.

And they danced...

These two are constantly digging into the "storage area" which happens to be the playpen to get the big toys we put away. The swimming floaties seem to be a favorite of theirs and I walked in on Katelyn twirling away in hers like a little ballerina.

A one, two, three...one, two three...

Landon was a bit more haphazard in his dancing rendition. He kept saying, "Boogie, Woogie." I guess I can accredit that to the Wiggles music DVD we have :)

*Note: You might be wondering why Landon is always running around just in his underwear. Well, he kicks of his pants when he uses the potty and doesn't put them back on. That's why.

Mother's Day

I was spoiled on Mother's Day. Ben really made sure to pamper me and get the kids involved. It was one of the most enjoyable days I have had in a long time. Thanks, Ben. I couldn't pass up the above photo because just look at the cheezer Landon is pulling. So sweet.

I am blessed to be a mother to my two children. Raising them may be the hardest thing I ever do but it brings so much fulfillment and joy into my life I wouldn't have it any other way. Thankfully I have the world's most amazing husband to be the father of my children so that makes this journey of motherhood even more wonderful. I want to thank my own mother for being such a great example to me. I may not be as good (or any where near) a homemaker as she is but I do strive to walk in her mothering footsteps. I am also so grateful to my dear mother-in-law, Bonnie, for raising a little boy into the great man that he is today. Happy Mother's Day.

FIVE YEARS

FIVE YEARS! Yep, it's been that long already! Time really does fly when you are busy enjoying life. We have had some ups and downs but really we've been so blessed because of the "easy ride" our marriage has been thus far! It's great that our anniversary falls on a holiday (May 5) because while everyone else is celebrating Cinco de Mayo we're celebrating our marriage--so I kind of feel like we're sharing our own little secret that day :) Hugs and Kisses, and here's to an eternity to go.

We got a babysitter and were able to go shopping and out to eat. We LOVE Red Robin and haven't been there in so long that a cheeseburger was just calling our name. Delicious.

It was a wonderful evening where just the two of us got to reminisce about where we've been and think about where our future will take us.

Cooped up fun

There hasn't been too much excitement around here the past couple of weeks because of the stomach flu and colds, but here are a few pics to show how these kiddos entertain themselves when cooped up for long periods of time.

Watching daddy mow the lawn. We have two big windows, one in the front room and one in the back room so they run from one to the other and wave to their dad every time he passes the window. Well, at least for the first 10 minute or so--come on, we've got two acres so they can't stand there forever:)

Their version of going for a stroll in the stroller.

I'm teaching Katelyn all her body parts and Landon doesn't want to be left out. He always tries to point to his first:) Don't my kids have cute bellies?!

*(for those wondering: Katelyn found this old binky she never used in the toys and she was so happy about it I let her keep it for a few minutes before telling her "No, you're a big girl now").

Ode to Yinzie

Aunt Lindsie came for Landon's birthday and he was very happy to have her attention for the few days she was here. For the longest time he would get mad if we called her Aunt Lindsie and he would say, "No, just Lindsie (although he said Yinzie). " I think she's his favorite pal, even though he wasn't too keen on sharing his potty/bathroom with her since he fell in the toilet when his mommy forgot to check and see if the potty chair was in place.

Landon tagging a ride on his Yinzie.

She entertained the kiddos with her fun little laptop camera.

She even helped them make frosting art--Katelyn just ate it, let's be honest.

Every time Landon walks in the guest room he tells us he wants Yinzie to sleep in that bed, and you know he likes her a ton because he even offered to let her use his potty again :)

Love ya, Linds.

p.s. to the aunts and uncles in Idaho--you're gonna have to spoil them rotten when we come to visit in June if you want to be among his "favorite pals." I know you can do it!