Nightmares

The past two out of three nights, we've had a nighttime visitor in our bed because of nightmares.  Poor Carter was shaking like a leaf because he had a dream about Batman and the Joker in a fight.  Then on the other hand, there is Ava.  Her bad dream?  Someone took her hat.

I just have to laugh at this, because really the scariest thing her little head could dream up was someone took her hat?  That is just so Ava.

By the way, she loves the Minnie Mouse hat that you got for her, and she wears it quite frequently.

Christmas Card Worthy?

Camo Bo and his Grandkids

It's no secret that Carter is very interested in hunting.  So over Thanksgiving while we were visiting Bo and Grandma's house we took a little hike out to the tree stand.  Everyone wanted a chance to get into the tree stand, so here are the pictures.

Daddy helping the littlest over the bumpy ground.  

And yes, Carter was wearing his camo vest, hat and made sure to pack his nerf blaster.  I think it is hilarious that when we went to leave Bo mentioned that there might be snow on the ground the next time we visited.  Carter said "But I don't have any white camo!"  I guess you'll have to ask for some for your birthday {Santa is already done with your gifts!}   

Date Night and other photos from this week

Recently Mike and I have started date nights with the kids.  Each week on a rotating basis a kid/adult goes out alone.  Usually these are errands we already have to run, but we add in a little special treat.  On this night I got to take Carter out and we stopped at a book store to browse and I treated him to a hot chocolate.  I have found this little bit of one on one time to be really valuable.  Carter talked my ear off on this night, and I got to hear so many little stories that I miss on a regular basis trying to juggle all three.

Every night we check on the kiddos before we go to bed, and we've jokingly said to each other many times that Ava looks like she was in the middle of playing and just passes out.  I can't believe that she is sleeping like this!  Her arm is bent back behind her, touching the pillow behind her.  Looks painful!

These three love to paint.  I love to watch them paint.

Thanksgiving

We are so wonderfully blessed and we are so thankful for each and every one. Of course three wonderful children top my list, but I'm so thankful for my husband, extended family, and each and every new friend we've made in our new home.  It was about a year ago that we found out about this new opportunity for Mike in Akron, Ohio.  I have to say that this move has also been a blessing.  We no longer have to make the five hour trek to visit grandparents.  Although we still have to drive three hours to see my family, for some reason three hours just doesn't feel quite as arduous as five.


We had a relaxing, delicious holiday spent at the Grandparent's house.  Of course we were visited by Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Jason for part of the day.  {Yet another blessing, a new baby cousin in the new year!

Oh this baby, he really has my heart.  We had to laugh because after devouring a piece of pumpkin pie he leaned back in his chair and started patting his belly.  Too much food!

Thanksgiving dip in the hot tub?  Yes, please!

Thanksgiving pinata

Or as Ava called it Piana {rhymes with Tiana, Like from the princess and the frog.}

A little help might have been needed

The kids loved playing with the slinky's from the pinata.

Ava and Doc had a great time playing peekabo with the cat Hobo, at Grandma and Bo's front window.

Although I wish we could have seen Meme and Grandpap Bob for Thanksgiving too, I'm so grateful for Dad's new knee.  After he heals, he'll be running marathons with Patrick, right Dad?  

Oh yes we did!

Snack Time

Five is Fantastic

Carter, you are becoming so helpful.  Not toddler helpful, where it is one step forward to three steps back, but genuinely helpful.  Today you helped me rake leaves and pick weeds in the backyard.  I was shocked to see you focusing on this task for at least half an hour.  You filled an entire bag of leaves by yourself!

Three is Terrific

Ava, it is so fun to watch you relate to all the wonderful females in your life.  Whether it is Meme, Grandma or Aunt Tiff, you flock to the females in your life and follow them around like a little lost puppy.  You are very blessed to have such wonderful role models.

{Almost} Two is Awesome {but exhausting}

Dawson it is awesome watching your little personality budding.  By watching closely I'm starting to see that many times you are the little instigator.  I watched Carter coloring contently and you walked up and grabbed his picture and crumpled it up into a ball.  What am I going to do with you?