One of our favorite places to go is Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Both Keith and I have been going to Gatlinburg since we were babies. We usually try to go a couple of times a year, but usually only in the colder months...anywhere from late October through February/March. Both Makenna and Noah made their first trips to Gatlinburg as infants. They have gotten so they love it and we enjoy getting to spend family time together. These are photos from our most recent weekend trip.
Here are a few of our favorite things about Gatlinburg:
Pancakes at the Pancake Pantry
Rocky Road and Candy Apples from Old Smoky Candy Kitchen
Donuts at the Donut Friar
Supper at Calhoun's
The smells of homemade candy and wood burning fireplaces in the crisp air.
Bundling up in coats and mittens and walking downtown at night.
So, this year, after much begging, we decided to let Makenna have her own Christmas tree in her room. We went to Wal-Mart, picked out the tree she wanted and brought it home and got it set up. Makenna and I then headed to Garden Ridge for decorations. Her room is decorated with butterflies, so that is how she decided to decorate her tree. Everything has to be matchy-matchy. I do have to confess that she gets it honest because I'm the same way. Anyway, a few days later I went to put away a few things in her room and noticed something quite puzzling about her tree. It looked like it had shed all over her room. Now, this is, of course, a fake tree. I know they can shed a bit, but never would I have thought something like this. Makenna just happened to be spending the night at Nana's house that night, so she wasn't home for me to ask her what happened. While vacuuming for what seemed like an eternity, it finally hit me...Makenna has been practicing with the scissors in her kindergarten class. Her teacher even sent a pair of safety scissors home with her one day so that we could practice at home. This is when I realized that she had gotten a hold of her scissors and proceeded to trim the tree...literally! The next day I asked her about it and of course, she did not want me to know what she had done. Finally, Nana advised that Makenna had told her that she needed to fix her tree because it was too fluffy/fuzzy!! Ah, the mind of a six year old!!
Noah was actually born a few days before Thanksgiving and we were able to bring him home the day before. When it gets to be this time of year, I feel like it was only the previous Thanksgiving we brought him home. Then I look at him and he's running around the house, going to pre-school and even as of this week, going to the "big boy potty". It just doesn't seem like three years have passed.
Noah, you have got to be the sweetest little boy on the planet. You just love to give hugs and kisses. You are also probably one of the most polite little boys ever! How this happened living in our house? Who knows? It is one of the things I love most about you. Hearing you say "please" and "thank you, mama" are just some of the best parts of my day. You are certainly a Mama's Boy and no matter what they say, there's nothing wrong with that!! You do, however, have your times when you want to be "Daddy's Little Man" and that is something Daddy will always treasure.
As time goes on, Mommy and Daddy hope that you never doubt how much we love you and we will always be here for you. I love you, Bugaboo!!
My parents used to do this to my sister and I when we were kids (our birthdays are only four days apart) and we hated it. Now that I have kids with birthdays close together, I totally understand why they did it. It is way easier!!! I figure Kirstin and I turned out okay, so it can't be too bad on their emotional wellbeing!
A few weekends ago, we had Makenna's 6th birthday together with Noah's 3rd birthday party together. We usually just invite family and have something small at the house. This year, though, Makenna did invite her best friend, Alanna. We had a great time.
Today Makenna turns 6 years old. It is so hard to believe that she is this age. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we were bringing her home from the hospital.
Makenna, you are growing so fast and we can hardly believe it. You are turning in to quite the little lady. However, you do have your moments when you can get an attitude and you seem to love to pick on your little brother. I guess that all comes with being a kid.
Right now, you are all about Littlest Pet Shop and your Build a Bears. I think we've turned you into a little fashion plate as well. The girls in The Children's Place just love for you to come in and see them and they enjoy seeing all of the outfits on you. You really like putting your outfits together too. I hate to think of what it will be like in another few years.
We hope that you had a great 6th birthday. Mommy and Daddy love you with all of our hearts. Now, if we can just figure out a way to keep you from turning 7!!
Last week, Makenna's kindergarten class took their field trip to Nivens Apple Farm. Because Keith was off work, he and I decided that we would go with her. We had fun riding on the hay ride and going to pick apples. If you ask Makenna, the best part is when Daddy knocked a tree down! Yes, you read that right...Keith actually knocked an apple tree down. Because it is somewhat late in the season, all of the good apples seemed to be in the top of the tree. So, being the good Daddy that he is, he decided to pull on one of the branches and lower it so the class could pick the apples. Little did he know that the tree was rotten in the trunk and he pulled half of that tree right down on top of himself. The kids, however, thought this was the greatest thing and jumped on that tree to get the apples just as fast as they could.
After the apple picking, the children were each allowed to pick out a baby pumpkin. Because Keith and I paid admission to the hay ride and apple picking, we also got to pick out a baby pumpkin. Translated, that means that Makenna went home with three baby pumpkins all to herself.
The kids then enjoyed a Chick-Fil-A lunch and then it was time to do some good ol' fashion runnin' around. Unfortunately, it was the hottest day of the week (upper 80's) and the kids were really feeling the heat. After what was supposed to be a quick trip through the Corn Maze, it was back to school. According to Ms. Hull, about 10 children in her class fell asleep on the way back to school. Of course, Makenna was one of them!
Thank you, Makenna, for having Mommy and Daddy join you on the field trip. We had a great time!
Okay...so, I was tagged by MB to create my own Top 20 list. This was a lot harder than you would think. I'm sure there are some other things that would probably fit better on this list, but I just can't seem to think. Well, here goes...
1. Disney World
2. Girl's Day...this is where Makenna and I spend the day shopping.
3. Date night at the Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant. Yum!
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks
5. Friends on DVD (We have every season and I just watch them over and over...)
6. Noah's brown eyes...I finally got one who looks like me!!
7. Gatlinburg...but only in the Fall or Winter when it's chilly or just downright cold.
8. Christmas morning...especially now that I have little ones.
9. Artwork the kids bring home from school...I keep just about everything. Can we say pack rat?!?
10. Decorating and then redecorating every room in my house.
11. The smell of burning leaves on a crisp Autumn day.
12. Mommy time when the kids are both at school...even though it's just a couple of hours.
13. Holiday TV Classics i.e. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Merry Christmas Charlie Brown, Rudolph, Frosty...I still have vivid memories of sitting in my den and watching these as a kid. Now, I get to watch them with my children.
14. My Dansko clogs...only the most comfortable shoes EVER!!!
15. Greyhounds (the dogs, not the bus!!)
16. The "matter of fact" way Makenna explains things, complete with hand gestures.
17. Hearing..."Mommy, I love you" out of the blue.
18. My Blackberry...yes, I'm hooked.
19. Cooking or baking with Makenna...I think she just may be the next Rachael Ray!!!
20. Noah's ever expanding vocabulary, even though he leaves letters out of certain words. i.e. pop tart sounds more like "ah art", pop corn become "ah orn". He can even say his sister's name, but it's more like "Ma-enna".
Keith finally arrived home safe and sound from Germany on Saturday evening.
The children were so excited on Saturday morning when they realized this was the day Daddy comes home. Makenna asked me probably 100 times when it was time to go pick up Daddy. He was supposed to arrive around 5:00 p.m. that day. As time got closer, I continued checking his flight on my Blackberry to make sure it would arrive on time. When we arrived at the airport, the board indicated it would be a little later than I had anticipated. I tried to keep the kids busy. They enjoyed running around outside in the courtyard. We even ended up having supper at the airport counter service area. The kids thought it so much fun sitting up at the counter. All during this time, though, Keith's flight was being delayed more and more. Finally, I took the kids and went to Starbucks for a treat and to kill time. On our way back, Makenna spotted Keith's plane in the air making it's approach for landing. Daddy was home at last. They ran to him as fast as they could when they saw him.
Keith, we're glad that you had a good trip, but are even happier that you are now at home with us where you belong.
Well, it's been one week since Keith left on his business trip to Germany. Now, we only have one week left to go. I have to say, the week went by pretty quickly. We are much busier now that both kids go to school (even though Noah only goes twice a week). We also still have gymnastics once a week, so there has been plenty to do. We've also been painting and redecorating Makenna's room, so that has taken up some time. (More on that to come.)
We've been doing fairly well. The kids, I think, have been doing much better than mommy. They tend to get too busy trying to kill each other. At least that's what it sounds like from the playroom down the hall. I guess I should clarify that...they absolutely love each other to pieces and love to pick on each other that much more. They end up getting pretty rough with each other, but the one thing I hear over top of all of that is both of them laughing to their heart's content.
I try not to let them know how sad I get sometimes. I did have a rather rough morning today, though. I am fairly used to taking care of the children by myself through the week because Keith works on the night shift still, but I got up this morning and just felt kind of lost. Saturdays are the days we get to see the most of each other and I just didn't feel like I knew what to do with myself. At one point Noah found me in the bathroom crying and he just looked up at me and said, "don't worry mommy, don't worry mommy". It was so sweet and I was able to get myself together.
We're back to school on Monday and through our daily routines, I'm sure the week will fly by just like the last. Makenna made a calendar that she put on the refrigerator and each night before she goes to bed, she marks off the day and counts how many are left until we pick up Daddy.
Keith, we love you and miss you and can't wait to see you on Saturday.
September 11, 2001, is one of those day that I will always remeber exactly where I was and what I was doing when the history of our great country was scarred with such a terrible act of violence. I was working at my last law office job when a co-worker came into my office and announced that someone had just flown an airplane into the World Trade Center. I remember thinking that it was probably just small private plane that had lost control or had mechanical issues. Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined what We as a nation were in the midst of experiencing.
I am so thankful to be an American and so proud of how our country pulled together in the aftermath of such a great tragedy.
To all of those who lost loved ones, you are in our thoughts and prayers. To all of our troops serving both here and abroad, THANK YOU just doesn't seem adequate. May God continue to bless and keep safe our great Nation.
Keith has been with BMW for about 12 1/2 years now and a few years ago actually got a promotion. He got off the assembly line and now manages a section of the line with about 40 or so associates reporting directly to him. A few months ago he was informed that he would have the opportunity to go to Germany for a few weeks to be able to work in some of the other plants. Well, this morning the children and I put him on an airplane and as of this minute he is somewhere out there headed to Munich. He will be gone for two whole weeks. Noah is still too young to really understand, but Makenna was so broken-hearted this morning that her Daddy was leaving. Up until today, she really has been more worried about what presents he was going to bring back. The reality, however, set in as we kissed good-bye at the gate.
Keith, we are all very proud that you were given this opportunity and hope that you have a great trip. Stay safe and hurry home. We all love you to pieces and miss you terribly.
Today marked your first day of Pre-School. You began K-2 at Simpsonville First Baptist CDC today (the same school Sissy went to last year). You are in Miss Melissa's class (when you say it, it just comes out "Missa")and you will be going on Tuesday and Friday mornings this year.
We were so excited when a spot opened up for you to be able to attend. We thought you needed to be around some other kids your age for a bit, especially since you spend just about every waking minute with Mommy. (You're a bit of a Mama's boy.) Daddy and I took you and dropped you off and it was a litte bitter sweet. Of course, you cried when we had to leave, but I doubt that it lasted too long. I think after you get used to it, you will be just fine.
Have a great year in K-2 and we hope that you have tons of fun and learn all sorts of great things.
Makenna...my baby girl...yesterday was your very first day of Kindergarten at Mauldin Elementary School. I can't believe this time has come so quickly. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that you were just a little thing, and now you're off to "big girl school." You didn't seem very nervous,which is just like you. You tend to be somewhat of a social butterfly and make friends very quickly. You were such a big girl yesterday morning...you got up all by yourself when your "Bob clock" rang, you got yourself dressed and even fixed your own breakfast (pop tarts, of course). We all climbed in the car and were off to school. Daddy even stayed up yesterday morning so that he could be a part of your big day. We arrived at your classroom and you quickly put your backpack and school supplies in your cubby. Then we headed off to another classroom where you have to wait for your teachers (Ms. Hull and Mrs. Floyd) to get you and your other classmates. We were able to stick around until it was time for school to start. You went into your classroom and sat down at your desk. After a few minutes, it was time for us to go. I'm sure you know that Mommy cried when we had to leave you. (You think it's funny that Mommy cries over everything.) Daddy just stood in the hallway watching you in your room. When I asked him if he was ready to go, even he was a little teary-eyed.
Baby girl, we are so excited that you are starting this new phase in your journey through life. We hope that you have a fantastic year in Kindergarten with Ms. Hull and Mrs. Floyd. Have fun and remember that Mommy and Daddy love you more than life itself.
Now, it's Noah's turn. Unfortunately, this is not going to be quite as long as Makenna's trip reports. Alright, Noah...here goes.
We headed to Disney in October of 2007. You were just a few weeks shy of your second birthday. Sissy had been at that age, so we figured you would be okay, too. Boy, were we wrong. The trip started off pretty good. We drove up to Charlotte to meet Aunt Kirstin. The trip was a surprise to the both of you. Sissy didn't know we were going and it didn't really matter to you, you didn't quite know what was going on anyway. The flight down was fairly uneventful, thanks to the portable DVD player. It was all so new to you, that you were pretty much just taking in all of the sights and sounds. Like I said, you hadn't turned 2 yet, so we didn't need an airplane ticket. You just sat in Daddy's lap the whole way. Once arriving at the airport, we caught the Magical Express and we were on our way.
We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside again. This was the second time for me, Daddy and Sissy, but your first. We also met up with Nana and Poppi. Like many other trips (and probably more to come) it was a family affair.
I don't remember too much about each specific day. After about day 1, it all started to run together. It was October, so we thought the weather would be pretty good. Well, it turned out to be 90-95 degrees the whole trip. I know I was uncomfortable, so I can't imagine how you felt. It pretty much went downhill from here.
You were so excited to see the characters and I couldn't wait to get some great pictures. I remember taking you to where Woody was signing autographs (your absolute favorite at this time) and you practically came unglued. You couldn't stop yelling "Woody", "Woody". It was so cute. However, the waiting in line to meet the characters is something you wanted nothing to do with. In fact, you really didn't want to stand in line for anything. This was a huge challenge. I felt so sorry for you that you were so upset. You would just cry and cry and cry and then by the time it was your turn, you wouldn't take your picture. This is why we don't have quite as many pictures of you during your first trip and the ones we do have are mostly family pictures so someone could hold you.
It seemed as though you were the happiest when it was time to eat. We took you and Sissy to Chef Mickey's and to the Crystal Palace to eat with Pooh and the gang. These times were great and you were so happy. These are some of the best pictures we have. You loved the characters for the most part as long as it was someone like Mickey or Pooh. The princesses, however, you didn't want much to do with. I found that very strange because most kids your age would do just the opposite.
We did attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but we as a whole didn't enjoy this too much. We were not able to put your whole costume on (a pirate) becuase it was still so hot. The trick or treating was okay, but the parade was a truly different story. I say, if they are going to call it the Not So Scary Halloween Party, they should take some of the scary stuff out of the parade. (This is a whole other can of worms that I will not open here).
During the whole trip, Daddy and I basically had to take turns with you staying back at the resort because you just weren't having any fun in the parks. The pool was a true lifesaver and I think you could have spent the entire week there.
It is so true that not all kids are alike. You and Sissy were so different at the same age. I am sure that our next trip will be so great and cannot wait until that time comes.
Okay, Makenna, this one's for you... (it may get a little long)
Thanks to Nana and Poppi (actually more Nana than Poppi), Daddy and I were able to take you all by yourself to Disney the first week of December in 2006. You had just turned four years old. This was also your first time on an airplane. Mommy was a little nervous about how you would do, but you breezed right through it and now you love to fly.
We arrived at Disney's All Star Movies Resort, which you picked out, on Saturday evening. We checked in and our rooom was located in the "Mighty Ducks" section of the resort. You were a little disappointed because we had requested the Toy Story section, but there was a cheerleading and football competition that week and they took up most of that area. You quickly got over it and once we got settled, we headed over to Magic Kingdom for supper. You hadn't been to Disney since you were two, so it was if you were seeing some of it for the first time all over again. We so loved Cinderella Castle as it was all lit up and had dancing snowflakes on it. You couldn't stop watching it as we ate outside of Cosmic Ray's. After doing a few rides, we were wandering around in the back of the park just as the fireworks were beginning. Daddy went to the bathroom and almost as soon as he left, the most wonderful thing happened. Tinkerbell flew out of Cinderella Castle right over your head. You could hardly contain yourself. This has to be my most favorite trip to Disney so far and I have so many wonderful memories of that trip that I couldn't possibly write them all down here. I'll do my best to hit the highlights.
Christmas at Disney has become our most favorite time of the year to go. Disney by itself is so wonderful, but add some Christmas decorations and music, and the whole place transforms into this spectacular Christmas wonderland. The weather that week was interesting, to say the least. We started out the week in the 80's and ended up in the 50's (and windy) by Friday. For the most part, the weather was great. It was so nice to be able to wear jeans to Disney.
One of our favorite things to do was to collect autographs, which you were not able to do on your first trip. Our first night, we bought you an autograph book and pen and you carried that thing everywhere. We had so much fun going from one meet and greet to the next. The crowds were pretty light so you got to have a lot of interaction with the characters. I think one of your favorites was in the Judge's Tent where you were finally able to meet a few of the princesses. Your daddy would want me to mention that I just happened to forget the memory card for the camera at Crystal Palace, where we had breakfast, and he had to go back and get it. He ended up missing you meet the princesses. The picture of you and Snow White is one of my most favorite pictures.
We also went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which you absolutely loved. We arrived at the Magic Kingdom around 5:00 and had supper before the party started. We were able to see the show at the Galaxy Theater and the show in front of Cinderella Castle. The free cookies and hot chocolate were great too. We staked out a spot for the fireworks, which you just happened to develop a fondness for. I thought it was so cute how you were sitting in your buggy watching the fireworks and "conducting" the music with your hands. That is a vision of you I will never forget.
After the fireworks, we made our way down to Main Street and quickly grabbed a spot for the parade. We had a little time before it started, so you and I went shopping in the Emporium. While in the Emporium, you were chosen to round up Santa's "reindeer." Several of the Cast Members in the store were wearing reindeer ears and you had go to through the store and round them up. Afterwards, you were presented with a certifcate and everyone thanked you.
Probably my most favorite memory of that trip is while we were waiting for the parade. Earlier in the week, you and I had purchased Christmas "Minnie Ears" to wear during the trip. Before the parade started, a Cast Member directing foot traffic on Main Street and interacting with the crowd, decided to have a little fun. He stole your Minnie ears right off your head and took off running. Without skipping a beat, you got up and started chasing him up and down the street. After a minute or two, he decided to be smart and got down on his knees to run around. At that very moment, you jumped on his back, tackled him to the ground and took your ears back. The whole crowd waiting for the parade cheered and clapped for you. It was the funniest thing, but you know what was bad? Daddy and I watched the whole thing and didn't even think to video tape it...Daddy even had the camera right in his hand. I wish I could go back and do that all over again.
You were also able to visit Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your princess makeover. Your "Fairy Godmother in Training" put on your makeup, painted your nails and did your hair. They gave you hair extensions and it was so funny, because you didn't look anything like the same kid that we brought with us. You had so much fun with those hair extensions. I think you flung your hair more than Mommy!
Disney created a great thing called Photo Pass which allowed us to get all sorts of photos taken of us together as a family on top of all of the pictures and video that me and Daddy took. I have added several here for you to remember. We had so much fun and I so wish I could go back and do it all over again. Thank you so much for helping to give me these memories that I will cherish forever.
We are serious Disney people. Keith and I have been on several trips, both as a couple and together with my parents. It is hard to describe the feeling you get when you enter the Magic Kingdom through the tunnel under the railroad station and there at the end of Main Street USA stands Cinderella Castle. It takes my breath away every single time. This time, however, was even more magical then I could have ever imagined. Because I've been visiting WDW since I was a kid, I am pretty familiar with the place. In fact, I don't even need a park map when visiting. This was different. Seeing Disney World through the eyes of a child, especially your child, is something so magical, I can't even put it into words.
Makenna had just turned two years old in the fall of 2004. Keith and I packed up the car, strapped Makenna in her car seat, met up with my parents, picked up my sister, and away we go. This was a total family affair. We drove part way and stopped at a hotel right at the Georgia/Florida line, and then resumed the final 2 1/2 hours the next morning. This was my first time staying at a Walt Disney World property and I was psyched. We chose Port Orleans Riverside, and I am so glad we did. The property is absolutely beautiful...reminiscent of the Gone With The Wind era complete with Antebellum-style buildings where the hotel rooms were. Staying on property is also something we will do from now on. The sheer convenience of having a food court at the hotel and the bus transportation to all of the theme parks makes it worth while. Also, the weather this time of year (mid-November) was perfect. We couldn't have asked for better. I think it may have only rained one time and that happened to be during time that we were watching a show. We were able to visit Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom a number of times during our week visit.
Makenna only had maybe one or two major meltdowns. Other than that, she was absolutely perfect. The first full day of touring, we purchased small Mickey and Minnie figurines that she carried with her during the entire trip. This worked out so great, becuase it kept her occupied in lines and during break times. These two figurines are sitting on a shelf in her room to this day. We also rented a buggy instead of taking our stroller. They are made such that she could get in and out at her leisure, whether she wanted to walk or ride.
We had no trouble with her while waiting in lines. During this time of year, lines are generally not very long, so that was a definite plus. I do have to mention, though, that Makenna's favorite ride was not in an actual park. It tickles me so much that her favorite ride was the bus to and from the hotel. The child was up at 6:00 every morning wanting to know when we were going to get on the bus.
As far as rides in the parks, she loved everything she was big enough to ride, which was just about everything. Dumbo was her very favorite and she even got Nana to ride it with her. I have to say, that was no small feat on Makenna's part.
She was so great with the characters and I so enjoyed watching her watch the characters, the shows, the parades, everything. There was more than one occasion I would find myself tearing up just watching the pure joy and excitement on her face. To her, the characters, especially the princesses, were the real deal. It just doesn't get any better than that.
One morning, Keith and I decided to take Makenna to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort for their breakfast buffet. During breakfast, Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale and Pluto would all come around to visit each table. Makenna was absolutely beside herself and I didn't think we were going to be able to contain her excitement. I really do not know who had more fun during that meal, Makenna or Keith and I watching her. What was so great about Makenna is that she knew to wait her turn. During breakfast, when the characters would reach the table beside us, she knew to wait until they were done. That doesn't mean she wasn't jumping up and down like a crazy child, but at least she wasn't cutting in on other's time.
All in all, this was a great trip. I actually kept a journal during our trip and I wrote down everything that happened almost minute to minute, but I didn't feel as though I needed to rehash that here. A lot of people think others are crazy for taking a child that young because they won't remember it. I don't feel like that matters. We have tons of pictures that she can look back on for years to come and I have memories of her that will stay with me forever.
Anyone who knows us knows that we are true Disney fanatics. We would probably visit Disney World every year, even more than once a year if we could. Because of this, I have decided to recap our recent trips. This is purely for the benefit of the children so that they can look back and remember all of the Disney magic that they have and will experience throughout their lives. So, bear with me...the next few posts will be all Disney-related.
Well, it has finally happened. Our Makenna has now declared what she is going to be when she grows up. Ready...wait for it..."cake maker."
Yes, it is true. Last night Makenna announced to me that she wants to be a cake maker when she grows up and that she wants to be on the cake maker shows on TV. You're probably wondering how in the world she came up with this. Well, I guess it all really started when she was about three years old. This is when she really started to want to help out in the kitchen. We would let her do a few things here and there, but the whole cake thing really began to manifest itself when she saw a picture of a Strawberry Shortcake birthday cake in a magazine. She let me know in no uncertain terms that she wanted that cake for her 3rd birthday. Now, this was no ordinary Wal-Mart sheet cake, mind you. This was one of those fancy three tier, stacked, covered in fondant and all sorts of decoration type cake. Well, not wanting to dissapoint, I decided, with the help of Nana, of course, that we would attempt to make this cake. How hard could it be, right? I had all of the instructions in the back of the magazine and bought all of the tools necessary. Little did I know what I was getting into. I thought this cake was literally going to drive me crazy, but hey, it was for my little girl. It took almost three days to make the silly thing and we were even putting the last touches on it as people were coming in for her party. Nana and I have made a pact to never let her forget that cake.
I guess the cake interest has just really grown from there. She and I have started a ritual where we will sit down together and watch the Food Network Challenges on the Food Network. This is where the "cake maker on TV" thing came from. In fact, last night, we watched as four cake designers designed cakes inspired by the Cirque de Soliel "La Nouba" show at Walt Disney World. She watches these things and the look on her face is pure fascination. We've also seen the Disney Princess cakes, Disney Villians cakes and the Pixar cakes. She just loves it. If this is what she wants to do, I'm all for it. Do you know what those cakes cost nowadays?
Here are a few pictures of our chef in the making. Notice the attire.
As long as I can remember, my parents have been taking my sister and I down to Litchfield Beach for our summer vacation. Litchfield Beach is located on Pawley's Island, South Carolina and is about 20 or so miles south of Myrtle Beach. We always stay at the Litchfield Inn and I have so many good memories of that family time spent together. Now, that I have a family of my own, we have continued that tradition. Actually, Keith and I have been going just about every summer even before the kids arrived. We especially love this area becuase it is not overly crowded and the area is very family oriented. There aren't many crazy teenagers running around and it's just a nice quiet place to take a family with young children.
This year, we headed down for a four-night stay. Keith works for BMW and this year the powers that be decided to schedule a plant-wide shut down, so we decided to take advantage of the time he would have off anyway.
I have found that traveling with kids is a huge undertaking and no trip is ever the same. This year was no different. We begin about a week in advance buying groceries and all of the necessities. We like to eat our breakfast and lunch in our hotel room, and usually take things to make sandwhiches and things like that. We end up with this huge box of non-perishable items which usually ends up parked on the kitchen table until it is time to pack the car. Speaking of packing the car, that in itself requires some sort of degree, I'm convinced. This is definitely my area of expertise and I don't let Keith anywhere near the car while I'm trying to figure things out. I like to be able to pack the minivan so that we can still have two of the three seats in the way-back available for use as Makenna usually claims this as her little hideaway. I have noticed that she inherited some of her organizing traits from her momma. She has a precise place for all of her animals/dolls, activites and a stack of movies to play in the car. I then find the perfect location for the beach tent, chairs, all of the luggage, pool toys and floats and of course, the cooler. Keith seems to not be able to go very long without a soda, but it seems to get worse when taking trips in the car that will last anymore than 30 minutes.
The kids had so much fun this year as they are getting older and getting more and more comfortable in the water and on the beach. Makenna has always liked it. From the first time she set foot (or I should say knees as she was crawling at the time) in the sand, she has enjoyed every minute. Noah, on the other hand, has been a completely different story. For a boy, he certainly does not like to get too dirty, which I find a little odd. Anyway, once Noah figured out that the sand was not too big of a deal, he was pretty okay with the whole thing. The past two years, he wouldn't even walk in the sand, even with his shoes on. This year we actually got him to play in the water and dig in the sand and he had a blast. Makenna put her swimming lessons to good use and we just about couldn't keep her out of the water. She's become much more comfortable in the water and has even given up her swim belt for the most part. She learned to swim in the waves and her daddy even purchased a Hannah Montana boogie board, which she got pretty good at. The pool is always a big hit and we ended up going back and forth from the beach to the pool just about the whole day.
We did get to experience something very special during our trip this year. It turned out that Papa Mike and Mema Joyce would be vacationing in North Myrtle Beach at the same time. We were all able to get together a few times and have supper. Makenna was so excited to see her Mema and Papa at Myrtle Beach that she could hardly contain herself. Even more special, for Makenna, was that she was able to take Mema and Papa to Build a Bear so that they could watch her complete her most recent creation.
What a fun time. We can't wait to go back next year!!
Several weeks ago, Makenna experienced a right of passage that just about every girl goes through at some point in their lives. Right around the age of 5, she started talking about getting her ears pierced. I thought it was kind of cute and didn't really discourage her because I was hoping she would forget about it and move on. Boy was I wrong. Every time we passed the store in the mall, she would ask, "Can I get my ears pierced today?" I always tried to find an excuse as to why we could not do it that day. I would tell her that daddy wants to be here or maybe Nana would like to be with us...anything I could think of. As a mom and as well as the fact that she is only 5, I wasn't quite sure I was ready for it. We even went as far as telling her that it hurt. As far as she was concerned, this didn't matter. We kept telling her to wait a while...wait until she was bigger...wait until she turned 6...7...nothing seemed to work. At that point, I slowly began to prepare myself for the inevitable.
We took the kids on a weekend trip to Gatlinburg and decided that if she really wanted to do it, she could do it in Gatlinburg. We went to the store and talked to the girl who was working about the cost and such. Now, when I got my ears pierced (I was 10, I think)I was able to have both ears pierced at the exact same time. I figured this would work out much better for Makenna as well. Since there was only one girl working in the store at the time, we decided to continue with our shopping instead. Later that afternoon, we went to another store, and they happened to have more than one girl working at the time. We were all set. It's now or never. Well, Makenna chickened out. I cannot express the relief I felt when she said, "I think I'll wait until I'm 7." Whew!!!
After returning home, that same night even, she then declared that she had changed her mind and that she wanted it done. We told her okay and that she had one more shot at it. If we got to the store and she decided against it, that would be it for a while and we would no longer be discussing it. Her mind was made up. The next morning, we set out for the mall. Makenna marched right into the store and announced to the clerk that she wanted her ears pierced. We signed the papers and Makenna picked out her earings. The rest of this story describes one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through in my life.
As I said before, we thought it would be much better for both ears to be done at the same time. However, only one person was working in the store at the time. She assured us that it would not be that big of a deal, and I reluctantly agreed. The time had come...
I do have to say that I am so grateful that Keith is the type of dad who wants to be involved in everything. He wouldn't have missed this for the world. The strange thing is that I have always been the one to hold the children at the doctor's office when it came time for drawing blood and shots, etc. I don't think Keith would survive something like that. For this, he was a rock. He sat down in the chair and held her in his lap. By this time, Noah was getting tired of being in his stroller, so I got him out to hold him while the deed was done. Right before the first earing, I just knew I had to leave the store. I hated feeling like this because ear piercing is something a mom is supposed to share with her daughter. I couldn't do it for the life of me. I kept trying to peek through the window to see how she was doing, but almost immediately had to turn away. Then...I heard it. Oh, the screams...!!! The first was over with, but there was still one to go. I went into the store to try to help console her. The poor thing...face so read from the crying. My heart was breaking. She was then determined she was finished and wasn't getting the other done. I had a feeling this would happen.
After several minutes of coaxing, hugging...anything we could think of, she was still satisfied with only one earing. We even bribed her with a Build A Bear when she was finished. Finally, Keith had to basically pick her up and wrap his arms and legs around her to hold her down so we could finish. Right as the clerk was getting ready, I bolted. Noah and I ended up across the hallway, all the way in the back of another store. The tears were just running down my face. I don't know who was crying harder. Then, I heard it again. The scream that came out of my daughter was the worst sound I had ever heard in my entire life. It was done.
Now, don't you know that about 10 minutes later, she was back to her old self. Now it's out of the way and she is so happy with her new earings.
In honor of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, I thought I would take the time to pay tribute to a future United States Olympian... Makenna began taking gymnastics about two years ago, when she was about 3 1/2, at Greenville Gymnastics. I've always lived near the gym and have passed by it thousands of times, but never really gave it any thought. Two summers ago, I was surfing the Internet one day trying to get some ideas for something that Makenna could get involved in for the summer and then it hit me...gymnastics. I checked out their website and was able to get Makenna into a trial class that afternoon. I figured this would be so perfect for her because she has always been such a ball of energy. She took part in the class that afternoon and we haven't looked back since. I signed her up for the rest of the summer on that very day and we've been taking lessons once a week since then.
We are very proud of her and she has progressed rather quickly. She is now in the Preschool Level 3/4 class and has her lessons in the "big gym" for one hour per week. She abolutely loves every second and her teachers have been so great with her. She especially loves Ms. Stacy and Ms. Bobbie. Every Tuesday, as soon as she is able, she puts on her leotard (she pronounces it leegatard) and not-so-patiently waits until the time arrives to leave for class.
We will allow her to continue lessons as long as she wants and who knows...maybe one day we will all be watching her receive her Gold Medal at the Olympics.
We have a member of our family who is obsessed with shoes. Now, even though I enjoy a great pair of shoes just as much as the next girl, I have to say, this person is not me. Surprise, surprise! Actually, the person in our family who is obsessed with shoes is...Noah!
Every morning, after breakfast, the first thing our little man wants to do is get dressed. As soon as he is dressed he begins to holler...my shoes!!! my shoes!!! Now, this is just not any old pair of shoes. He absolutely loves his Crocs. He refuses to wear anything but his Crocs. Also, if he's not wearing his Crocs, he's throwing them or waving them in the air. He rarely parts with his Crocs.
I thought this was something really cute about Noah that makes him the precious little boy that he is.
Makenna had the great privilege of attending K-4 at Simpsonville First Baptist CDC this past school year. I was somewhat on the fence about enrolling her in K-4 for two basic reasons...I didn't attend K-4 and I think I turned out okay...and, secondly, and most selfishly...I didn't want her to leave me. I knew once she started K-4, that was it. Her school career has now begun. As a stay-at-home mom, I was just so used to her being with me 24/7. But, then I thought, she would probably really enjoy it and there just happened to be one spot left open, so I jumped on it. I am so glad I did.
Makenna is a little social butterfly and hit it off with all of her classmates from the very beginning. She met Alanna, now her best friend, at Open House and they have been like glue ever since. It also didn't take her long to come home and proclaim, "I have a boyfriend." To our surprise, it wasn't just one boyfriend, it was two boyfriends...twins Corey and Caleb. Her teachers were Mrs. Kim Gendreau and Mrs. Cheryl Inabinet, whom Makenna fell in love with immediately. We couldn't have asked for two more dedicated and loving people to be her first teachers.
The school year flew by and was filled with all sorts of fun things from Dad's night to numerous field trips and Mother's Day Brunch. I was also amazed at how much she learned in such a short time.
A few weeks ago, at the end of May, the school year culminated with her K-4 Graduation ceremony followed the next day by a play date at Pump It Up and then a pizza party in the classroom back at school. I found myself in tears more that week that I had in a long time. Even as I sit here typing this now, I find myself becoming a little teary-eyed remembering all of the fun things Makenna got to be a part of. Not only had Makenna become attached to her friends and teachers, but I think I did as well. I am so excited for Makenna to experience all of the things to come in "big girl kindergarten", but sad at the same time to leave behind all of those we had become so fond of over the last year.
Thank you so much to Mrs. Gendreau and Mrs. Cheryl and all of those at SFBCDC for making the beginning of Makenna's school career a time that she will remember for years to come.
Michael Noah- my second born- Mr. Not-So-Independent
Before Noah arrived, people would ask me how good of a baby Makenna was. "Great", I would say, and then they would grin. I would then be subjected to a lecture about how the first one is always the good one so you will want more. It's the second one that is trouble. I guess I'm one of the lucky moms that got to experience this theory first hand. Before I go any further, let me just say that no matter how trying he may be at times, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. Well, maybe that's not exactly true, especially when he is having one of his days where he cries nonstop and I can't figure out for the life of me what in the world he wants. Even so, I treasure my little boy and thank God that He brought Noah into our lives.
I really don't remember having too much trouble with Noah when he was an infant. Like Makenna, he was a pretty good baby. It didn't take long for him to begin sleeping through the night and he was always pretty laid back. He didn't accomplish those baby milestones quite as quickly as his big "Sissy"...he sat up at 6 months and wasn't crawling until late in his 7th month. Like Sissy, though, he was an early walker and could get around pretty good by somewhere between 10 and 11 months. Noah preferred having a paci, but giving it up wasn't too big of a deal. He wasn't quite 18 months and we didn't have to resort to all sorts of crazy methods to accomplish this goal. He gave up the bottle at around 10 months as well, but let me tell ya, this one can eat, and eat, and eat. I'm almost afraid to know what my grocery bill will like be when he reaches about 12 years old.
I guess the one thing that makes my two kids so different is their maturity level at different ages. At 2 1/2 we're are no where near being potty trained and he still doesn't talk too much. He does, however, have his own language and can tell you all about it, complete with over-the-top hand gestures, but we don't have a clue what he is talking about. He seems to know exactly what he is saying, so we just kind of nod along and say things like, "is that right?" and "tell me about it." He does have a few phrases that are easily understandable..."put me down" and "let me go". Most often these are directed at sister. Speaking of sister, when he sees her across the room, he will let everybody know that is his "Siiissssy!" He's even gotten to the point that you can actually ask him his name and he politely responds "Baby Noah."
One thing I have learned from my first child is to savour every moment I have with Noah at this age because it doesn't last long. So, here are a few of my favorite pics of "Baby Noah".
Makenna Grace- my first born- Ms. Independent. Makenna was such a good baby and she always seemed to be in a hurry to do things. She was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks, by 5 months she was sitting up, at 6 months she was crawling and somewhere between 9 and 10 months, she skipped the walking altogether and started running. By 2 1/2 she was completely potty trained and you could have a complete conversation with her and she wouldn't skip a beat. She's always seemed more mature for her age. These are just a few of the things that make Makenna who she is.
She hated baby food and would only eat a few different items. She completely gave up her bottle by 10 months and she never wanted a pacifier so I never had to try to think of clever ways to break her from that habit. We did, however, have to have a sippy cup of water or juice wherever she went. I think she could drink like a camel.
Makenna loved to sing and dance while watching The Wiggles on the Disney Channel and I used to love to be able to watch her do her thing while she wasn't looking. Because she was a little more mature, outings and vacations were usually such a breeze. Don't get me wrong, she did have her shining moments where she would show everyone in the mall just how much she could aggravate Mommy and her screaming fits were Oscar-worthy.
There are many times I wish I could go back and have just a day or two with Makenna the baby or Makenna the toddler again. As she gets older, it is becoming harder and harder to remember what it was like then. Since there is no way to go back in time, I thought I would post some of my most favorite pictures of Makenna when she was still a wee one.
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