Weekend away

This past weekend, Audrey, Declan and I drove to SC to visit Beth and her family. We left Ian with Mr. B, which made the trip a lot easier. We arrived Thursday night after a rather heinous drive: Declan cried most of the five hours because he was coming down with a cold. But the rest of the weekend was great. Friday we headed to the aquarium and stopped for some yummy cupcakes. Saturday we mainly hung out, which was blissful. Declan slept a lot, Audrey played with Claire, and I got lots of chat time with Beth. And good food. I am so lucky to have such chef friends! The drive home Sunday was seamless.

We saw this albino crocodile--amazing! Apparently they are super rare.This is currently Audrey's favorite outfit. She wears it about twice a week.

Kids love babies! I think this picture is so sweet. I LOVE Claire and Boston. They are super cute and sweet and smart and I feel like they are my family. Well they are. I claim them.

Boston posing.

Claire has a future in modeling. In the background: what Audrey wore most of the weekend, items she pilfered from Claire's closet and dress-up box.

Love this baby! Everyone should have a baby like Declan. He is so happy and his smile takes over his whole face. He definitely raises my self esteem because he lights up every time he sees me.

Train museum

Last week I took all three kids to a train museum about 30 minutes away. It went pretty well, considering I was by myself, but it would have been a lot more fun if we hadn't had Declan and if it had been about 20 degrees cooler. Oh well.

Took a ride on an old train. Kind of lame, even to the kids.

Toured old train cars--check out this sleeper!

Mail car.

Looking out from the caboose. There was so much more, but I ran out of time and patience. And infants are so needy...

Fourth of July weekend

Daredevil. No fear. Ian.We went to our friends in Tallahassee again for the Fourth, had a wonderful, delicious, relaxing, conversational time. With one change: Ian discovered the ledge above the pool and thought it was great jumping in. He doesn't mind being completely submerged, knowing that his water wings will bring him up. Crazy boy!

This is my best attempt at action shots, the first time he got up there. We were pretty surprised! Ian was only delighted and wanted to do it again.

The kids

Just some cute photos Rick took while he was here.

Backyard fun with Grandpa

Rick is so great with the kids and so fun and easy and helpful. Come back soon!!

Fernbank with Grandpa

We went to to Fernbank museum to see the Mythical Creatures exhibit, and found ourselves in the middle of Wizards and Wands weekend! It was a lot of fun.

I just have to say that Declan is a wonderful baby! Really easy most of the time and so sweet and smiley.

We are spoiled

And about a week or two later, Mr. B's dad showed up, to meet Declan, enjoy his grandkids, and help bless Declan in church.And some bonus sibling pictures. More Grandpa pictures to come!

More lovely visitors

Almost immediately after Laura left, my friend Beth and her two cuties came for a visit. It was high heaven for me having them here. The kids played so nicely together and I had a lot of great chats with Beth. She even cooked a yummy dinner for us one night. I love these people!

Preschool

This post is a bit late, but this picture is from Audrey's preschool end-of-the-year celebration. She went to First Baptist Church in Tucker preschool, three days a week from January to May 2011. Audrey loved every second of it and had great teachers: Miss Sharon and Miss Lauren.
And here's a bonus picture of Declan, at one month old--all my kids are so strong so young!

My sweet Audrey

Audrey is four and a half, and mostly a sweetie. Big helper to me and she's becoming so independent, using the bathroom by herself, doing small chores, dressing herself, brushing her teeth. We are definitely having some attitude and disrespect issues, but I think maybe she needs more positive attention. I will definitely get through to her how a person speaks to grown-ups. I hate rudeness, bad manners, and when kids have no respect for authority. I was a middle school teacher, don't forget. Anyway, I love my little girl and see her leaving babyhood and growing up.

Playing outside

Love our outside playtime!