A Day in the Sun

I'm not real sure how Blan is going to manage without having Parker around next year when they're no longer in school together. There is little that makes him happier than spending time with his best friend. How it blesses my heart to watch them laugh and play! Thank you, God for our friends.

Happy 90th Birthday, Mema!!

Mema's entire family recently gathered at her home church to celebrate her 90 wonderful years. We had a covered dish lunch afterward (why don't we do that every Sunday - talk about good eating!) It was a really nice chance to catch up with family not often seen. I am so thankful to celebrate another birthday milestone with my precious Mema. She is my last living grandmother and an absolute treasure. Here's to her 95th in 2013!

The last time we had a big birthday party for Mema my cousin, Allison and I were VERY pregnant with our boys (Julian is 11 days older than Blan). Here they are together five years later.

WaCkY tAcKy DaY

The year is quickly coming to a close and I can't help but think of how our little guy has changed since August. He is having a wonderful year and I can feel all too soon the kindergarten crunch.

Here is a shot of Blan, Parker and Ms. Risa on Wacky Tacky Day. He loved it!

Our Visit to the Catawba Valley Ranch

We had noticed for some time that Blan was developing quite a gap between his two front teeth. When we began to see white beneath his gum we knew it was time for an x-ray. Turns out the child has an extra tooth (my grandmother says this is a sign he will have great wealth!). The tooth must come out.

Blan has actually been excited about the removal of the tooth - he gets tired of explaining to people the gap is NOT a result of a lost tooth, but an extra tooth growing there. He was quite disappointed, however, that the surgery was scheduled at Catawba Valley Hospital on the same day as his preschool field trip to the Lazy 5 Ranch. Dr. Richardson, his wonderful oral surgeon, consoled Blan by telling him he was in for a REAL treat for he was making a special trip to the Catawba Valley Ranch. Dr. Richardson even promised to wear his special cowboy boots for the visit.

I am so thankful to say that all went well with the surgery and the "fang" is safely removed and now in the hands of the very generous tooth fairy. Blan did beautifully with anesthesia, surgery and recovery. While we don't hope to make any more trips to the Catawba Valley Ranch, it was a surprisingly pleasant experience that we will not forget.

Happy Birthday Emma!!!

My dear college friend, Holly and my goddaughter, Emma paid us a much anticipated visit on Emma's birthday. The weather was beautiful and we all enjoyed playing outside. Blan was so thrilled to have his first overnight guest in his room that he had trouble keeping his head on his pillow - it was so much more interesting to just sit up and watch exhausted Emma sleep. Holly and I celebrated with lots of catching up and laughing, topped off with observing an exciting, late night, six car police chase through our neighborhood (a real hoot that Aaron had to remind us was really not that funny - "now get inside!"). We all enjoyed chocolate chip pancakes for birthday breakfast. It was a glorious time! Y'all come back soon!

It's been awhile.

To say we've been busy would be quite the understatement. I am already starting to look forward to the slower pace of summer. The latest remodeling project seems to be nearing the light at the end of a longer than expected tunnel. We hope to have it completed by April 1. So, we are looking forward to having some serious visitors soon!

Here are a few highlights from the last couple of months...

We joined Uncle Josh and Aunt Steele for a trip to The Greatest Show on Earth.

We all had a ball!

In awe.....

Blan made a very special Valentine's cake at school. It was quite tasty!

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day party at school. Nothing says love like getting your four year old all jacked up on pink cupcakes and lemonade.

Blan and his very best pal, Parker, taking a turn at the three legged race. It was actually pretty impressive!

We love some Seuss around here - we read it everyday. Blan dressed up as Yertle the Turtle for Dr. Seuss Day at school.

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

This morning we awoke to about 3 inches of snow. I heard Blan get up, walk out of his room and gasp as he saw the view outside the window.

"SNOW! Momma, get up and put on your snow suit! Let's go outside!

But, first I need some hot chocolate."

We enjoyed a good snowball fight (even though every time Blan bent down to pick up snow he fell over from his excessive padding), some fun, high speed sledding (thanks again for the great sled, Grammie and Pop) and some snowman building.

Blan's first snowman is named "Conductor" - because he is a train driving snowman.

Of course.