Camping 2013

This past weekend, we went camping at Falling Waters in Chipley.  We decided at the last minute to leave Izzy with Nana and Papa since she has been a little under the weather and she isn't walking yet.  Sister would have eaten all the dirt and whatever else she could have found all.weekend.long!  Maybe next year Izzy!
The boys were so excited!  This was our second attempt at camping and as you can tell... I have not mastered the art of packing for a weekend away to camp.

I pretty much packed everything minus our kitchen sink (which was full of dishes when we left). 
We realized as our weekend got a little closer that the weather might not be the best (rainy everyday) but we just had to go with it.  At least this year, we wouldn't freeze to death. 
We arrived at the campsite and the boys took off running.  Ryan and I got the tent set up in record time.  He is becoming a natural with tents and campfires. 

After we unpacked, we headed to my Uncle's house to pick up some firewood and again... the boys took off running.  I don't think we would ever see them if we lived out in the country with a lot of land.  These kids love to run and play outside!
After the firewood, we had to head to Walmart to pick up a few things that we forgot.  Yes, can you believe it?!?  I still forgot some stuff.  So you can only imagine what our car looked like coming home.
That night, we built a fire and ate hot dogs and smores.  Yum!  Thanks to Pinterest, we used Peeps with our smores and they were delicious.
We were the talk of the campsite and all of our neighbor campers were jealous of the firewood that we had.   Your jealous too aren't you?? 

So relaxing!!

We sat around the fire for a few hours just talking with the boys.  It was great to spend some one on one time with them and just catch up.  Sometimes life is so hectic and it is nice to slow down for a bit and just sit.

Cheese

Our other entertainment for the night was our camera. The boys love taking pictures right now as long as they can pick their pose.  Whatever works because I know it won't be long before they won't stand still for a picture.

The next morning the boys got up early and went fishing with Daddy.  I got to sleep for a few extra hours so everyone was happy!
Afterwards, we went on a little hike to see the Falling waters and sink holes and then we headed to Marianna to take a tour of the Florida Caverns.  I think I was about Ethan's age the last time I visited the Caverns. 

 

We headed back to our campsite afterwards to relax since it started raining while we were in the Caverns.
This is what happens when the boys are cooped up in a tent with nothing else to do... silly pictures!

Where did Daddy's head go??

Ryan's birthday was on Sunday so his special gift from us was a shower.  I think he was the happiest man alive after a warm shower and his own comfortable bed.
We know Izzy was spoiled and had a great weekend with Nana and Papa but we definitely missed her.  I don't know that I will be ready to leave her again anytime soon.
We had a great weekend and special memories were definitely made. The boys lasted a whole day and a half without fighting which is a record for them these days. Progress!!
  

Just a little pampering...

Saturday, the kids and I went to Papa's shop so I could get a much needed haircut.  Don't worry, the kids got a little pampering as well. 

Aiden got a shampoo and then sat under the dryer.  Don't all boys dry their hair this way?!?

Ethan's turn...

Izzy's turn... Sister didn't care too much for her shampoo but she will learn to love it.  

After their shampoo and dry, they decided they wanted to slicked back look. 

 This was Aiden's response to learning that his hair will stay like this until he washes it again...

 After all that, they both decided to get their hair cut short.   Mommy was happy!  Doesn't he look handsome??

Side Note:
The boys recently had a book fair at their school.  They decided to spend their money on a "Gross" book that came with their very own glow in the dark snot.  (Notice the fake snot).  So... thank you book fair, I now get to spend my days listening to gross questions/answers while my boys walk around with glow in the dark snot.  I might have to attend the next book fair to approve their purchases.

Cleaning...

A Mother's work is never done.  Especially when you have one of these around your house...

Everything I clean up- she destroys.  It was cute the first couple of times but not so much anymore.  She is going to have to learn how to start matching socks and help a Mama out.

Opening day

Saturday was the official start of our baseball season and games.  Practice has been happening for a few weeks now but Saturday was the kickoff.  The past few years, we have spent the entire day at the ball park and we are all burnt and worn out (well... at least I am).  So this year, I purposely didn't buy lunches with every intention of not staying all day but that didn't happen.  So Ryan had to run out and grab lunch for us.  It was cheaper but poor planning.
We arrived at 8am for the parade (I realized at the end that I was probably the only Team Mom that didn't walk in the parade- Oops!) and left after Aiden's game at around 3:45 .  We were in a hurry to get to the parade so we left all the bags and stroller in the car.  After a few trips to the car (parked far away from the park) to get bags and stroller we realized this again was not smart.  Mommy and Daddy's brain were not quite working that early in the morning. 
After spending all day at the fields, we all ended up with weird sunburns because it was overcast and I wasn't thinking.  When will I learn?!?  Even Izzy's cheeks got too much sun.

Yep... bad Mommy!

Ethan is in kid pitch so this is a learning experience. 

Izzy is the official cheerleader.  She does great and just goes with the flow.  Being a part of this family means Sister gets dragged everywhere.

This is Aiden's first year in machine pitch.  So far, he is having a little trouble with his timing but hopefully he will figure it out soon.  He is our lefty so we have some high expectations for him with baseball.  No pressure or anything Aiden!

Oh, and did you catch on that I am Team Mom for Ethan's team.  Yep... just add it to my list. 

The Seaside 1/2

Last Sunday, I ran/jogged/walked in my first 1/2 marathon.  Stephanie and I signed up in October fully expecting to be completely prepared to run and be in shape by March.  Well... sometimes life just doesn't slow down.

I was unprepared and nervous but I am so glad I did it.  There was no way I was willing to back out.  The last thing my son Ethan said to me was "Mommy, just don't quit".  It was now not just about me.  I had to prove to myself and to my kids that I could do this. 

I was able to run a lot more than I thought I would be able to.  I got some great pointers from some women that have run 1/2 marathons before and that really helped me out. 

I ran with a smile majority of the way.  I was so proud of myself.  I was doing it and I swear I heard the Rocky theme playing in the background a few times during the race.  It was like with each step, I gained a little bit more confidence.  I have been so down on myself lately because sometimes life just sucks but this is what I needed. 

Yeah, I scarfed that BBQ down within 2 minutes of sitting down.

It helped too that there were some of the best encourager's on the side of the road.  One lady looked at me as I ran past her and yelled "your daughter is so proud of you!"  She is??? I was a sappy mess.  She didn't know I needed to hear that just at that time.  Then, the next mile, I would get a text from Ryan and the kids saying how proud they were of me. 

Around mile 9-10, every muscle in my lower body began to hurt.  When I would try to run, my knees cried out and I knew I couldn't push my body much more.  I began walking and slowly, people began passing me up.  Once I saw the finish line, I knew I had to cross it running and I did- slowly.  I was sent a picture of me crossing the finish line and it isn't pretty so I will spare you.  These pictures are actually going to be placed on my mirror and possibly my fridge as motivation.  I haven't had a full body picture taken of me in years and now I know why.  It is time to work on me!

Today, I received the final time and believe me... it is quite laughable.  I didn't have high expectations for this race because like I said- I didn't prepare my body.  My main goals were to just finish and not be the last person to finish.  Both of those goals, I met.  So I am stoked! 

It is Thursday and I am finally able to get up and walk around without moaning.  I hurt from my toes to my abs.  Every muscle cried out in pain after this run.  But now... I am motivated to start preparing for my next race!

Party time-

You know when the house is a little too quiet and you should really start searching for your children.  Well, I was just enjoying the quiet a few minutes longer until... I heard two boys screaming my name.  

I run into the Izzy's room to find this... (and a big mess!)

Sister had pulled herself up to standing!!  We all three did the happy dance and almost scared her silly.  She hung on to her crib for dear life but she did it... and then she did it again and again!  Each time expecting the same reaction as the first so we gave it to her- the happy dance and lots of cheering. 
We have been waiting for this milestone a long time so I am still grinning ear to ear.  Izzy has worked hard for this moment and she deserves a party- and she got one last night! 

So proud of my big girl!!

Milestones...

I have been trying to write this post since Monday.  It is now Friday and I still can't seem to get it together.  I am having one of those times/seasons in my life where I am burning the wick at both ends.  It doesn't seem to be working out too well for me but that's life, right?!?  We just keep moving on looking for that light at the end of the tunnel. 
Monday, I stayed home for Izzy's physical therapy.  It has been a while since I have been to this therapy so I was happy to see her progress and talk to her therapist.  Ryan is always the one that stays for PT and he keeps me informed but it is different to actually get to see what she is doing. 

Eating a snack and watching some toons before Mrs T arrives.

Izzy started out on her exercise ball and her balance is amazing.  Then Mrs T brought out the piggy bank.  I learned that this is a new favorite toy of hers.  I made a mental note in the back of my mind.
Izzy sat on a small bench and reached for the coins and then put the coins in the piggy bank. 

Mrs T would give Izzy a little boost on her biscuits and then Sister was standing!

Mommy cried happy tears!! I have never seen her stand on her own. This is such a huge milestone that I have been waiting for. She still has a ways to go before she takes off but at least it is a start.

I asked if Izzy was on track to meet her goals for walking.  Mrs T said Izzy knows all the components for walking but again...we are talking about Izzy.  She knew all the components for sitting and it still took her 3 months to actually sit up by herself.  Sister is stubborn!  I am pretty sure it runs in our family so I can't really blame her. 

Look at her go!!  We are super proud of Izzy!

I am so ready for Izzy to walk.  Most parents regret that statement but she is getting heavy and working out unfortunately hasn't been on my agenda lately.  Sister is making me feel old by the end of the night.  My back aches and I have a knot under my shoulder blade because I insist on holding her on one specific side.  What is up with that?!?   

If Izzy starts walking by my secret goal- that I set in my mind- I will do flips and a major happy dance!  I am sure that will really make me feel old but it will be worth it.