Our Trip to Destin

A few months ago my mom asked if we could come to Destin with them over Mother's Day weekend. I knew Creed wouldn't be able to manage the time off work, but I also knew I really wanted to take the boys. Thankfully, my wonderfully amazing sister (Also known as Aunt of the Year at this point!) volunteered to ride with us and help out along the way. 

 So, last Saturday morning we left home about 4:40 am and started on our journey. Caleb knew about the no talking/movies/games/snacks until 7 am, and thankfully both boys fell back asleep right around 6 am or a little after. While they only slept an hour, they both woke up happy and were excited to see Nashville as we passed by. 

At that point Luke started eating and Caleb started playing games. At the Alabama state line we made our first bathroom stop and the boys got to open their first present that I had wrapped for him. (I went to Wal Mart and Dollar Tree and wrapped both of them three presents- they were SO excited and it kept them busy.)

Caleb's Clone Trooper

and Luke's school bus

We made another stop for gas, got the boys dressed, and let out some big cheers when we hit Birmingham, our half way point. Our last stop was in Greenville, Alabama and we let the boys play for a half an hour in the McDonalds play place. We then picked up lunch and hit the road again. Caleb played more games and Luke read books, played with diggers, and ate more snacks. 

At this point, exhaustion set in...

 but both of the boys continued to just play and eat, and neither fell asleep for an afternoon nap. However, there wasn't a single tear shed, whine heard, or complaint made from either of them. Pretty awesome, if you ask me!

After 10 hours and 20 minutes, we arrived to this...

TOTALLY worth the drive!!! We had so, so, so much fun for the time we where there and I am so glad that we decided to make the trip. LOTS more pictures to come!

*****

Some funny things to remember...

At 5:30 am, when it was dark and quiet in the car, Caleb asked "What's a banjo?" I explained it was similar to a guitar with strings, but smaller. He was satisfied with that. 

At 6:00 am, with it was still dark and quiet in the car, Caleb said, "Hey Paige, we both have brothers named Luke!"

After crossing the Alabama state line Paige said that she saw a dead armadillo on the side of the road. I quickly made fun of her and pointed out that there was no way there were armadillos in northern Alabama and I was just sure it was a opossum. About two miles later I saw the next dead armadillo on the side of the road. According to google, it was an armadillo. Who knew?!

Recent "Treat" Sightings

**In bed**

**Playing in the living room**

**At the breakfast table**

Luke's Treat

The boys have a Melissa and Doug wooden sushi set that they play with in their kitchen all the time. The set came with a little wooden piece of wasabi. About two weeks ago Luke decided that piece of wasabi looked  like a treat, so that's what he calls it- his "teat." Apparently he really took a liking to his treat because it's like his new security blanket- he takes it everywhere. Treat goes to WalMart ("MalMart"), Kroger, on bike rides, and everywhere else in between. At home he carries it around with him, preferably in his pocket. Lately he's even been sleeping with it. 

Silly, silly boy and his treat

Yummy!

Wednesdays are usually "breakfast for dinner" nights, as Caleb and Luke L-O-V-E eating pancakes and bacon for dinner. (Who wouldn't?!!) A few weeks ago I decided to skip the mess of cooking and cleaning, and let Waffle House make dinner. Both boys ate like little piggies and Luke loved watching all the cars and trucks drive down the road.

Both Caleb and Luke's favorite snack, by far, is popcorn. We've gotten in the habit of having a popcorn snack after bath a few evenings each week. Now when I say bath time, Luke responds with "Pop? Pop?" 

The first snow cone of summer!!!!

A Spring Project

When Papa Joe passed away, some friends gave us a Knock Out rose bush that we planted next to our garage/driveway. Every year it turns into the most beautiful bush, and everyone jokes that I have some rose bush green thumb. (The trick- don't do anything to it- ha!) 

This spring I decided to extend the flower bed down the side of the house and plant a row of Knock Outs. Being completely honest- taking up all that sod was, physically, the hardest thing I have ever done. (And I realize that I am no marathon runner, but still...) 

After the sod was up, the boys and I went to Lowes and picked out four new bushes. We also got 20 bags of mulch- don't ask me why I decided to plant the bushes AND mulch in the same day. 

The finished product! I am SO happy with the way it looks and can't wait for them to all bloom!

The other highlight of the day- not losing either of the boys while working on these projects. Next spring, I'll make sure I have help...or a babysitter. 

"Bump Ball"

I remember clearly being a kid and doing "bump ball" with my dad and Papa. It's something that all of the kids in our family take part in, and it's super fun! Luke got the hang of it quick this trip and showed off his bravery. What you can't hear is him counting...one. two, three, and then PeePaw throws him up in the air and catches him. They probably did it at least 20 times! 

The Track with Friends

Last Thursday we were able to spend the afternoon at Churchill Downs with our friends, the Whitworths and Dursts. We had so much fun watching the races, making bets, and just hanging out WITHOUT kids- something that we don't do enough! ;) It was a great day!!!

We Love Bike Riding

Caleb and Luke would spend all day outside if we would let them, and probably their very favorite thing to do is to ride their bikes. 

Caleb got a bike for his 3rd birthday and still loves it. Last Christmas Santa brought Luke a balance bike...It's like a regular bike except it doesn't have pedals. The idea is that he will learn to ride it while having to balance it, and will be able to skip the training wheels phase next summer. Luke actually practiced riding his balance bike around the house all winter (it took him a long time to get the hang of it) and now is an old pro. 

Heading out

He loves it! He actually rode it all the way to Grandma's house last week! Those little legs had to be tired after the trip.

Waterfront Park

Early last week we went downtown to eat at Tumbleweed on the River for Aunt Paige's birthday. While waiting for our table, the boys had a blast running around the nearby park.

We sat outside right by the water, so the boys loved watching the boats go by. They also spent plenty of time throwing chips into the water for the ducks to eat. We really need to remember to go down there more often!

Happy Birthday,

 Paige!

Whew...

We've been pretty busy over the past week, and it seems as though the next few weeks we are going to be even busier! PeePaw came in town last Wednesday, and just headed back today. Grandma Beth spent time in Lexington with her parents, but was able to come in for the weekend. We also went to the track, had some friends over for a little Derby party, and played a lot. 

Here are a few pictures from early last week...

Caleb did awesome at the dentist and wanted to show off his sparkling teeth.

Luke and his buddy Colin took their first Jeep ride. I love that Luke thought it would be appropriate to keep his helmet on. :)

Hopefully I'll get caught up with pictures soon...