Nashville

We loved every minute that my sister Emily was here! 

(Thank you Ryan!  Best Christmas present EVER and it wasn't even mine. :)

I asked Emily what she wanted to do when she came and she said, "Just chill."  So we did that a lot and kept the week pretty low key.  Which worked out well, since both of my boys got pretty sick the day after she got here.  Kamden had a double ear infection and slept for about two hours the night she came.

We kind of laugh about it, but when Zenock gets sick he becomes a seriously sweet/calm/obedient child.  The day he got really sick we had gone shopping and I told Emily I knew something was wrong with him, because he only asked for one thing and threw ONE tantrum the entire day!  I love my Zenock and he is a good sweet boy, but he is no where near calm and peaceful... although, I think he has gotten lots better in the last year.

We did lots of shopping while Emily was here... it's kind of our thing. :)  We also had lots of good sister time, talks, good cries, and ate plenty of cookie dough and ice cream.  She is so much fun and we think so much alike.  I am excited to see what her future holds.  

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A couple of weeks before Emily came I was checking my e-mail and had gotten my monthly newsletter from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.  I had already checked to see who was playing when she was here... they didn't have anyone listed who I even knew, so we were still planning on a day in Nashville, but were going to skip the Opry.  It just so happened that they announced Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley to perform for the exact day we were going to be in Nashville.  The decision to go was a no brainer.

Oh my goodness... Carrie is kind of another one of our sister things.  We (and my Mom) watched every episode the season she won and bawled like babies when she did win.  We kind of think of her as a sister, if only she knew about it...  AND, well, Brad Paisley has always been my favorite.  I kind of love his wife too.  It was all too good to be true... I called up the Opry and got tickets as soon as they opened for the day.

Did I mention we are an hour and a half from Nashville.

Kind of crazy to think this was our first trip... The Washington DC us would have been there at least 10 times already.  Owning your own home and actually having responsibilities to do on the weekend kind of puts a stop to your fun sight seeing adventures. 

It also hasn't been too long since they reopened everything from the 2010 Spring floods, which put the Opry under TEN feet of water.  The mall just reopened in March.

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We had heard lots of good things about the Rainforest Cafe at the Opry Mills mall, so we decided to not rush the morning and get to Nashville in time for lunch.  We knew the day would be long.  Our concert didn't start until seven (when my kids normally go to bed).

The Rainforest Cafe was seriously awesome!  We had to wait an hour and a half for a table, which was ok since the cafe was in the mall and we could just walk around and wait for them to text us when our table was ready.  The cafe has all sorts of big/huge moving animals, trees, aquariums and the ceiling is covered with jungle looking stuff (like the picture below).  Every fifteen minutes the animals start to move and make noise and every 30 minutes (all while you eat) there is a rain/thunder storm and the lights go on and off, etc.  My boys loved it!

We loved the $14.00 dessert JC decided to buy us... It was huge, fed all of us, and was worth every penny.  It is called the Volcano. :)  I wanted to take more pictures, but it was a little awkward taking pictures of the scenery with strangers eating at their table right next to it.

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After we stuffed ourselves with lunch, we walked over the the Gaylord Opryland Hotel.  (Everything was right next to each other within walking distance.)  In the center of the hotel is an enormous atrium and gardens to walk through.  There are three levels of walkways, a riverboat tour, and tons of little shops and restaurants to browse through... all in the hotel.  When we walked in Zenock told us it was the best surprise/present ever... It must have been, because I have never seen him smile so much for pictures.  It was gorgeous and pretty awesome.

Next was our concert at the Grand Ole Opry. :)

I'm sure some are thinking, "They took their kids to a concert?"  BUT, I assure you it was very kid friendly.  It was a fairly small venue and everyone stayed seated.  There were a lot of older/grandparent couples who were there and told us afterwards how well behaved our children were.  I laughed... "My kids?!"  They were still recovering from being sick. :)

Kamden was hilarious when the concert started, he was SO excited.  He stood up on our laps and clapped and yelled, "Yeah!" for most of the evening.

We were nine rows back from the stage... awesome seats. :)  Scotty Mcreery (American Idol winner) sang a couple of songs.  I honestly can't stand the kid, but I admit he has a good voice.

Enjoying the show... At about eight my boys started their nightly routine of hugging, laughing, and wrestling with each other.  They were so funny.

Emily and I were so excited to see Carrie and even Zenock cheered with us when she came out.  I opted against posting the picture Emily took of me possibly crying... I admit it... It is so sad.  I totally blame it on the pregnant hormones.  I cry over everything these days.  You also know you have good seats when you can see the performers legs and think... Good heck, I need to start jogging - as soon as I have this baby.  Carrie is so little, has awesome legs, (I say that in an I need to get in shape, I have a husband and am married kind of way), she is also really darn pretty.

Zenock is a fan forever. :)  He gets excited now when she comes on the radio or when they mention her name.

Mr Brad Paisley. :)  At the end Carrie came out and did a duet with Brad.  I would post video, but pretty sure I read something about that being illegal and I kind of need to stay out of jail and set an example for my three sons.  

Some of the other performers were Kristen Kelly and Love and Theft.  (Check out Kristen's song "Ex Old Man" and Love and Theft's song "Angel Eyes"... They are on my ipod playlist favorites.  They were JC's favorite of the night.)  Both of which are new up and coming country artists with songs on the billboard charts.  We really liked them.  It was such a fun concert.  

We loved everything about Nashville!  So fun to share it with Emily. :)

Preschool Graduation

Zenock graduated from preschool on May 10th.

We started preschool with eight little boys and one girl... and ended with just five little boys.  Now that all the prep work on my part is over and I've put in my last day, I can say I really enjoyed being there with Zenock and watching him learn and socialize.  I think it is so important for a parent to be involved with their child's school.  I've learned so much from just watching Zenock interact with his teacher and friends.  

Home school is huge here in Alabama and it seems like everywhere I go there is another conversation about home school.  I have a lot of respect for Moms who do home school and put that much time in with their child... I won't go into it more, because I definitely have my opinions about home school and others have their opinions about public school.  Pros and cons to both sides. :)  BUT, back to preschool, I've learned that my little Zenock is a very social person.  He loves friends, learns from friends, and can make friends wherever he goes.  He needs them in his life.  Socialization helps him to learn.  I also know that he does not like when I teach him things.  He does so much better when someone else teaches him.  Tonight we laid in bed for twenty minutes and went over sight words... 

Oh my goodness, we would never make it through a day of home school! :)  

I love my little Zenock and I have enjoyed the past two years, but I am so excited to see all that he is going to learn and enjoy while going to Kindergarten next year.  I really think he is going to thrive in the environment.

We let the kids play a little bit before the ceremonies started.  I love the games and imaginations of these little boys.  It is hilarious to watch.  One of their favorite games to play is "Tornadoes."  The tornado comes and you have to try and escape it or it kills you and you have to be brought back to life... yes, really.  That's the imagination you get when you live in Alabama!

Kamden loves preschool too.  He hated the days when it wasn't my turn to stay.  It was always fun to go after and sit and watch the boys play and let Kamden play also.  As soon as he could walk, he staked his claim on a little red car.  It was pretty much his the rest of the year and the boys were well aware of it.

He has grown so much this year.  Last year he couldn't even stand up and sing... this year he belted out his songs.  I love his hands in his pockets.  Normally, I would dress my child up a bit more for an occasion such as this, but both of my boys weren't feeling well and we decided comfy was best.

Kamden is big into prayers right now and thought it was prayer time.

Zenock and Miss Jessica.  We just LOVE, love, LOVE her!  She is awesome and we wish we could give back to her what she has done for us and Zenock. :)

Yeah for Graduation!!!

More play time.  In reality, this is really how I think they were both feeling...

It was so fun to have Aunt Emily part of graduation.  It made things extra special for Zenock.

Preschool Graduation... May 10th, 2012

Possibly my favorite picture ever of these two...

We are so proud of you Zennie Bug. :)  You are going to be great in Kindergarten!  Love YOU!

May

Time for another little catch up.  Seriously... time goes by so fast!  I'm pretty sure I begin three fourth's of my blogging that way, but really... how do people who blog/craft blog/etc everyday get everything done???  I would love to know the answer to that one!  Trying to keep up with my two boys, making time for them and a husband, staying on top of house cleaning, errand running, church assignments, etc.  I feel like I'm sometimes sinking in a hole.  :)  Apparently, I like it that way, because I decided about five months ago to add a newborn into all of this in a few more months.  Crazy as it seems, I'm looking forward to making myself slow down and sit in a rocking chair for most of the day.  The average size of a family in Alabama is two kids and usually 5-10 years between each kid.  I can't even tell you the looks I get as I walk through the store while pushing/carrying/scolding two little boys and me with a belly.  Sigh... :)

Here is a little bit of craziness from the month of May...

I don't know how in the world we collected so many stuffed animals, but we have a lot!  I even gave half of them away and we still have a tote full plus some.  My boys love to play with them and always end up with a new favorite for a day after we get them out.

They are building a new house behind us and poured the foundation a few weeks ago.  Kamden loves big trucks and sat and stared out the window for a good hour watching.  I love the last picture above with Zenock sneaking a smile in the picture...

The other day after t-ball we asked Zenock to go change his clothes.  After about a half hour he called JC and I both into his room to see something.  He had lined up all of his cars and my favorite part is Buzz and Woody (notice Buzz's arm around Woody).  Sometimes, I really wish I could get into the head of my kids and know what they are thinking. :)

 

Aunt Emily came to visit and has already left us.  We had lots of fun while she was here.  More on that later.

Party of FIVE...

That is what life will be at our house in only a few short months...

We are excited to announce Baby number THREE is on his way.

And, yes, I just said "his."

It is a good thing I invested and spent money on good/high quality clothes for Zenock.  They will definitely be well worn and used.  It now looks like I need to save and invest even more money for future baseball uniforms, grocery bills, teen years, and looking way too forward into the future MISSIONS.  The thought of THREE BOYS still leaves me in shock.  I can't even imagine what my house will be like when I have an 18, 15, and 13 year old... ALL BOYS. :)

To be honest.... I'm looking forward to it!  I have loved being the Mom of little boys.  Our little Zenock was a bit upset at first... he really wants a sister.  We'll see... I might be done in after this one. :)

I love that so far I'm following in my Mother's footsteps... (and multiple cousins).  She had three boys and then three girls.  I was the fourth, the first of the girls.  My Doctor (whose name is Karen) and both of her nurses whom I adore all have three boys.  (We are forming a club.) They tell me I need a fourth... I just remind them I need to get my third sweet/healthy baby boy here first.  

I am completely happy and content with three boys.  

When I hit my 2nd month mark, I had a feeling and was pretty sure it was going to be a boy... I've been hoping for a boy since.  I also think Heavenly Father secretly likes the games we play trying to think up a boy name.  Girl name... no problem.  That was decided in 8th grade.  Boy name - last minute decision.

I am looking forward to lots of ball games, wrestling, and teasing at my house.  Boys are so much fun. :)

(JC- We need a bigger house...)

We are so excited to have this little boy join our family!

Due October 5th.

(Fall babies are my favorite... you can snuggle up with them inside all winter long!)