Nana's Visit

The past week went by so quickly, but we were blessed with two very special visitors; Nana and her friend Vicky.  The kids were overjoyed to have company and loved all the extra attention.  Grace didn't waste any time getting some snuggles in. 

And Gunner was busy exploring all the new toys Nana brought and the toys she didn't know she brought (like her shoes).

Our days were jammed packed with fun and thankfully the kids were happy to oblige.  The weather didn't completely cooperate, but we made the best of it.  And the temperature was perfect, even if it was a little gloomy.  The first day we went shopping for the kids and they were spoiled rotten (new trains for Gunner, new babies for Grace, and we even got some recordable books for Nate to read before he deploys).  We decided that since Nate is going to be gone for Grace's birthday next month, we would do a mock birthday party while Nana was visiting so daddy and Nana could both sing and watch her open presents.  So Monday night we had yummy birthday cake after dinner.

Grace dove right in.

By the time we finished cake and bath, the kids were exhausted, so we decided to wait on presents until the morning.  But the kids enjoyed it just as much the next morning.  Gunner even helped Grace open after awhile. 

Then it was off for another fully loaded day.  We went to Swansboro to see the little shops and have lunch down by the water. It was dizzling but luckily there was a cover overhead. 

Then we headed down to Emerald Isle to take in the beach and pier.  The pier was damaged from the hurricane, but not completely so we were still able to see it.  The beach was pretty empty because of the mist, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

Vicky was able to snap a great group shot (at least with two kids, it's a great shot). :)  We then headed to the aquarium and finally for some delicious dinner.  By then, the kids were zonked so we headed home.  Wednesday Nate had to work all day, but we headed to Hammock State Beach without him.  We took the boat out to Bear Island and enjoyed the gorgeous day. 

We picked up shells, went in the water, and then headed back to the boat.  We were blessed with a dolphin show as the boat returned to the park (although I didn't get any pictures).  It was spectacular though.  We enjoyed Nana being here so much, and her visit flew by.  We are so glad she was able to come stay with us for a few days (and Vicky)! 

I had one more picture, that doesn't fit in the blog, but I'm going to slip it in anyway.  Yesterday we went to Wilmington to go to Costco and Nate felt like Superdad....

I do realize Gunner has his finger so far up his nose it's kind of funny, but that goes back to my point of trying to get a good picture with two kids. :)  He is such a great daddy!

Parks and Recreation

The last week has been filled with fun trips to the park and Kids Day and a nice run.  Our weather finally broke (at least the last few days) so that has made being outside so much more enjoyable.  The kids have had alot of fun at the parks and watching Grace try to do more is always exciting.  Here she is trying to follow Gunner up the tube.

Up the stairs like a pro.

And you just can't go to the park without hitting up the swings.

Sand is also a must.  The other day I forgot our sand toys so I had to improvise.  I had some empty "puff" containers and a measuring cup in the car, but the kids didn't mind. 

On Wednesday morning we try to make story hour (which Grace LOVES).  It's more like singing and dancing hour with one story.  But it's perfect for their age. 

I even caught a picture of Gunner.  Can you guess the song?

His favorite "Wheels On The Bus."  This is the part where mommy on the bus says "shhh, shhh, shhh".  One day I had to run to the store, but I've learned that if Gunner rides the horse first (or who who as he refers to it as), then the trip is much more enjoyable. 

On our way home from said trip to the store, we had to take a potty break (of course Gunner has to go as soon as we leave the store).  So we ran into Burger King and seen I had to unload both kids anyways, we turned it into an ice cream stop as well.  Watching the kids share a sundae was well worth the potty stop. 

I am always astonished at the mess the kids can make as soon as you turn your back for two seconds.  The other night Gunner had grabbed a container of puffs and before you new it they were laughing hysterically (which can only mean trouble).  Of course, they had reason to be so happy, look at the mess they created in 2.3 seconds.

Oh well, whatever keeps them happy.  :)  On Saturday we had a busy day which included a family fun run and a trip to Emerald Isle for "Kids Day."  So we loaded up the double bob and had tons of fun.  Unfortunately, I only have one picture.

As you can see, we've really cooled off (I had to dig out pants and sweaters for the kids).  Sunday was a busy day as well, after church we had a surprise birthday party for one of the guys from our Bible Study.  The kids had fun eating spaghetti and cake.  (Although I'm a terrible mom and didn't get any pictures).  Nana is here visiting the next few days so I figured I better empty the memory card so we can fill it up with pictures of her visit, so stay tuned for those.  :)

Sickness Slows Us Down

I’m going to apologize in advance that this blog won’t contain much because quite frankly, we had a l-o-n-g week due to sickness.  Grace is teething (one front tooth is through, the other is still working) and to top it off both kids ended up with bad colds.  Monday we took Gunner to the doctor because he was saying his “ear hurt” and turns out his left tube was clogged and infected.  We have to go to an ENT doctor as soon as the referral goes through.  But the kids are back to feeling better, which is such a relief.  Now, onto the pictures, which I’m sure is everyone’s favorite part.  J  Grace has become quite the climber.  She was “helping” me unload the dishwasher (I use the word “help” lightly because really she just throws the clean silverware on the floor) when I turned around and she had climbed on top to get a better look. 

Being sick, we spent a lot of last week at home, but the kids seemed to find ways to keep things exciting.  The next morning, when we were playing toys, Grace managed to climb into the toy box (although I must admit watching the whole process unfold was quite entertaining).

Of course, Gunner didn’t want to miss out on the action either, so he decided to try out the view from the toy box as well.

On Friday, we ventured out of the house (before mommy went stir crazy) and explored the aquarium again.  They have this cute projection screen type thing, that projects water and fish onto the ground, but when the kids play on it, it makes the fish swim away and it looks as if the water is moving.  Very cool!  I don’t have a picture of it, but Grace then tried to “lick” the water.  It was very cute. 

The best part of being home with the kids all day is to watch them play together.  They love to read books and catching a picture of them reading in their “underwear” was priceless.  J 

On Saturday Nate had duty so we ventured to a new park with a friend of ours.  They had a really cool dinosaur for Gunner to ride on.

And you think I would have been more careful with Grace due to the fact she was climbing all over the house, but before I realized, she was climbing up the stairs at the park.

I have to admit I was proud of her, but also a little frightened.  I joked with Nate that it’s going to be funny when we have to move Grace out of the crib before Gunner because she’s climbing out (although I hope that’s not truly the case).  So, it wasn’t a very eventful week, but at least I got a few pictures and the kids are finally feeling better. 

Daddy Time

The past week has been great, especially because Nate's been home more so the kids have had lots of "daddy time."  Plus, the weather has been FANTASTIC, so we've had lots of outside time as well.  We've been working with Grace to get her to start "walking" with a push toy, but she's doing much better.  And it's adorable to see Gunner cheering her on. 

Along with the great weather, we've had tons of time to play outside, which has been great for the kids.  Gunner has been practicing riding his bike (which he loves). 

He's gotten much better at peddling by himself, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for helping teach him. 

Nate is genius and put a tarp under the play set so we can have Grace play outside without worrying about her eating every piece of anything she can find.

She really had fun on the playset, especially with the little tunnel.

One day while Grace was napping and daddy was still at work, we broke out the paint and paintbrushes and Gunner made some beautiful new pictures for us. 

And yes, that's paint on his forehead.  :) On Friday Nate had a really short day, so the kids were able to play outside with daddy and all his fun tools while he fixed the sliding screen door. 

I wasn't able to get a video, but I did get a cute picture of Nate playing "peek a boo" around the corner with Grace.  It was adorable.  She was laughing hysterically. 



Daddy even takes us to do fun things, like get ice cream cones. 

And Little Miss Grace was enjoying her cone sans the ice cream.

We had a fantastic day yesterday.  We went to church and then lunch with friends and then family naptime (which is AMAZING).  After nap, we decided to tackle our jungle of a front flower bed.  Here's what we started with...

And while the kids played, we weeded, transported, and layed a brick border.  And.... voila! :)

The kids had a blast playing while we were working like dogs.  We moved the tarp and playset to the front, so it was like a whole new playset.  Plus, the dirt added extra fun.

Of course, we had to have a bath after all that fun and dirt.  Gunner was hilarious running around in his hooded towel after nap playing with daddy.  Although most of the pictures require some editing before I can post them, here's one G-rated cute one (thanks to daddy helping edit).

We've been making it a point to have Nate read bedtime story (when he's home) and Gunner looks forward to it.  It just melts my heart.

We still have two more days of Nate being home (love holiday weekends!) so hopefully next post will have lots of daddy pictures too.  :)  Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.  We miss you all!