Mini Vaca

Summer is going by way too fast, but who am I kidding? I LOVE fall and can't wait for it to get here!  We went away with the husband's family for a little get away this past weekend.  Every January his family goes to Massanutten to go skiing (and I haven't since my little fall-off-the-ski-lift-incident....oh yes I did!).  In the summer they go for a week and do lots of other fun stuff like go-carts, swimming, horseback riding,etc.  We tagged along for the weekend and Sam had lots of fun!  But that sure is a lot of packing when you have babies just for the weekend- whew!  Here are a few pics of the weekend! 

We tried to take a few family photos, but is sure is hard to get 7 kiddos to look at the camera!  It was fun trying out my new lens, but I gotta get used to it!

Aren't those some cute little nieces?

Could you just squeeze him?!

We went to Luray Caverns on the way there and Gabe just hung out in his carrier and stroller checking out everything and then fell asleep on me bc it was cool and dark down there.

Pretty cool stuff...

Sam was done by the time we took this, can you tell? 

A ground hog came right up to our porch- maybe bc we were feeding him/her pretzels.  The wildlife was neat and the animals get so close to you.  However, I would NOT like to see a bear. :)

Mimi doing her morning bible story.  I like how Sam is really paying attention...

A little male bonding

7 months

I sure need to catch up on my blogging!  Gabe turned 7 months on the 7th, must be his special month!  He took his shots like a champ, just a little hollering and weighted 18lbs. :) He is really becoming his own little person.  It is neat to see the similarities between him and when Sam was that age, but they are also totally different too!  Gabe is very laid back too, loves to eat, hot tempered when mad, and pretty much goes with the flow much like Sam did.  On the other hand, he does things that Sam didn't at this age- he will look at the tv, observe people's faces more, cry when I leave the room (trouble!) and he has a little tiny laugh and you have to work hard to get it.  I am so thankful that both my boys have been very chill- for sure got that from Jarrett, and they are happy 99% of the day, not demanding.  BUT maybe sweet little cubby Gabe could be better about sleeping ALL night?  Please???

Dear Gabe,

How about we stop growing, I love having a baby in the house!  And let's try sleeping all night.  I know you miss us at night, but we will be there in the morning to get you, don't worry little guy!  Short and sweet.

Love,
Mama

Trying to escape the bumbo

Love this little guys eyes- which ALWAYS watch me!

and he loves his food!

Relaxin' in the pool

My sweet little boy!

3

Sam turned 3 on the 29th- how can that be?  He was so excited for his baseball party!  I had a goal to keep his birthday party under $100.  Each year, I have tried to scale back a little because he really could care less if it has a theme (that is more for me!) I got all the decorations at the $1 store and was proud of how it came out! We did a hotdog bar and I attempted to make cupcakes that looked like baseballs.  Overall, it was a fun party and the little guy had a great time!  For his actual bday, Jarrett took off from work and we went bowling for the first time and he took a train ride with my dad.  He was SO excited to say the least about it.  What a fun day!

Decorating his bday cupcake

New train!

Some green crocs!

Waiting on the train

Dear Sam,

How can you be 3 already?  I don't know where time goes!  I am so proud to be your mama!  Even though we have some rough days learning right from wrong and making sure that you keep your heart right about things. You are such an amazing little guy.  You are always happy and willing to try things which will be a great thing in life- as long as you know how to say "no" too!  When you wake up you get yourself dressed and yell "where are we going today?" You are an on- the- go boy!  You are potty trained, you do almost everything for yourself- so we might learn how to cook and do laundry soon!  I love how independent you are.  You are such a good big brother to Gabe, loving on him and protecting him.  You are learning to tell knock-knock jokes so next we will have to learn some pirate jokes too!  Right now your favorite color is pink, but around daddy you will say orange.  You love to eat a CiCi's and Taco Bell- you try just about anything to eat.  I am so glad God gave me an easy going kid who eats whatever, sleeps great, is friendly, and loves to wear ties!  I can't wait to see what the next year holds for you, I love how excited you are for each day.  You are such an amazing little guy!  

Happy 3rd birthday!

Love,

Mama