The Big 1

Allie helped Hunter while opening presents. He got the hang of pulling off the paper, but then just wanted to put it in his mouth!

Hunter got more stacking rings. He loved these, until Sky ate them! So, now these new ones, stay up in his bedroom!

Hunter LOVES to hug! He hugs and snuggles with pillows, his Elmo and now his giant bear that Allie picked out for him. He was SO excited about this bear!

We celebrated Hunter's birthday by taking him (and Allie) to Chuck E Cheese! He enjoyed the rides, as did Allie.

Hunter Turns 1

June 17, 2011, Hunter turned one! His 1st year has gone by so fast. I love everyday that I get to be home with him. He's the sweetest baby boy.

Here are a few things Hunter loves: He has a lovey, which is a monkey. He likes to put the monkeys arm in his mouth and that is how he carries it around. He's recently learned that at nap time, if he drops Monkey to the floor while he's in his crib and then cries out, mommy comes back! He loves the remote control for the TV, and getting it when Allie is not looking. He plays with his sister all the time, and Allie loves him so much. He loves books. We read 3 to him every night, and he will just sit and listen. You can definitely tell his favorites already, b/c if he isn't interested, he will just close the book while you are reading. He can clap, loves when you sing to him, and gives out lots of sloppy kisses, which we all love.

Hunter is now on whole milk, but still drinks it in a bottle. He still eats a good amount of baby food. He also eats, pancakes, bananas, mac n' cheese, green beans, yogurt, applesauce, corn and his new love watermelon!!

His 1 year appt. is not for a few more weeks, so stats update to come later.

He took his 1st steps at his cousins Matilin's high school graduation party on June 4th. He walks more and more everyday. I know soon enough, he will be running! Today he climbed up the stairs on his own, with Brian behind him. That's another 1st!

He doesn't seem to have much stranger anxiety towards people, and will usually go to anyone, and is okay when I leave the room. No crying! (hope this keeps up!). He's an awesome sleeper. He takes 2 naps a day, which are usually about 2 hrs. each, then goes to bed at 7:30ish and we usually don't go in to get him until close to 7am in the morning. Did I mention, best baby!

Words can not really express the joy he brings to us. I thank God, that we have him and that Allie has a brother to grow up with.

Gymnastics is over...at least for now

Allie has just finished 6 months of gymnastics at The Little Gym. I am amazed at how much she learned over this time period. When she started in January, she could not even do a forward roll. Now she can do a forward roll, plus SO much more. At the end of the 20 weeks, the kids perform "The Big Show" for parents. Brian and I went and cheered her on! (and Hunter too of course!). She did tell me after gymnastics that now she was a little sad, because preschool, soccer and gymnastics were all over. I did remind her that now the pool is open and we have lots of fun summer activities to do!

Hunter trying to copy his big sister

Allie's class with their medals

Allie and her friend Ian. Allie and Ian were also in the same preschool class. It was so much fun watching the 2 of them together.

Last Day of Preschool

Allie is going to miss her Preschool days and her friends this summer. She has loved school, and I have to say I believe is very ready and very excited about Kindergarten. The last day of Preschool, family members get to come and watch the kids have fun playing outside games, have a picnic lunch and receive a certificate. Allie was excited we were there. She knew it was a big day and gave us extra special hugs. She really has grown up so fast, and I'm so excited for her to begin her next chapter in life when she heads off to Kindergarten in August. However, I won't be surprised if a few tears are shed by ME on that day.

Allie balancing a ball. There was a circle middle for the ball to rest in. One parent came up to Allie and told her she was the only child in the class that didn't drop the ball and wanted to congratulate her! Way to go Allie!

Hunter enjoying himself as always!

Allie's class 2010-2011

Back in her classroom with an ice pop to enjoy!

Allie with her teachers Mrs. Orson and Mrs. Hoellerer

Good bye Preschool...hello summer!

A BIG Memorial Day shopping spree!

Over Memorial Weekend there are always lots of deals. Brian and I have been thinking about when would be a good time for a new car....a mini van. Well, I have wanted the extra space for a while, but we didn't want the extra payment of a new car. However, we started car shopping. Now there's just something so nice about looking at a new car! We of course looked at a Honda mini van, since all I have ever had for myself is a Honda. But, then decided to branch out some and look at other dealerships. We went to Chrysler and really liked the Town and Country van. So...guess what? I got one! I love it, and have already carried Allie's friend home once, (something I could not do with both kids before in the car), and hauled large items, which I would have not been able to purchase had I had the Honda sedan. So, even though we now have a car payment, we got a great deal and this car will be with us for a long while.

The van comes with satellite radio, navigation, a rear camera when backing up, and even seat warmers for the front 2 seats! (just to name a few of the perks!)

Allie is really enjoying the 2 DVD players and TV's in the van. We have already taken a trip to Richmond and she got to try the TV out (with her own headphones!) As the kids get older they can even watch 2 TV's, with different programs with headphones!