Day trip to Morrow Mountain State Park

We packed up the car and drove to Morrow Mountain State Park in Albemarle, NC on Saturday morning to spend some time with our friends, the Mayers. Our intention was to take the children for a hike using our "kid-friendly" backpacks. Apparently a few too many months have passed since the time we took N hiking, and he's no longer friendly with the backpack ~ he had a major meltdown temper tantrum while riding on his dad's back!

We kept thinking it would be over soon enough and he'd start enjoying the hike, but that just didn't happen. Instead, we spent the morning playing beside the Yadkin River and then enjoyed a picnic lunch. Both children loved running around, looking at the water and playing in the sand, and we weren't nearly as tired as we thought we'd be when it was time to go home. As my friend B put it, flexibility is the name of the game these days!

The Secret is Out

N's going to be a big brother! I am almost 14 weeks pregnant and the baby is due October 30. Aside from being pretty tired by the time N's nap time rolls around, I feel wonderful. We heard the baby's heartbeat at my last doctor's appointment - what a precious joy! We are very excited and thankful that God is bringing another child into our family.

Everyone is telling N what a big change is coming his way, and they are certainly right. Here's proof that he is already learning how to share his mama! Can you believe all four children sat on my lap long enough for someone to get a picture?

Big Boy in Great Grandma's Big Chair

We visited my Grandma this morning. While it wasn't one of N's finest moments (he has been really clingy and whiny today and I'm not sure he's feeling 100%) it was still nice to spend time with Grandma. Here's a revealing yawn...


We are home now, and he's taking a nap - hopefully a lengthy one so he will be feeling better when he wakes up!

Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

My sisters and I met at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC yesterday. Since it wasn't very crowded, N was able to get out of his stroller to "explore" a little bit. Here are some shots from the day.

Getting started...


Everyone took a turn riding this elephant.


Lunch break for N!


We fed the hungry goats..


..and got a very close look at the giraffes.


N wasn't too interested in the penguins but he sure did like walking around the bird house!


Afterwards, we ate lunch at Groucho's. It is a Columbia original and has the best "grinder" subs I've ever tasted. N slept the whole way home - what a fun day with his aunts (and the other wild animals!) We love you, Auntie M and Auntie K.

Breakfast and a Baby Shower!

We started the day by meeting my friend E for breakfast. It was great to catch up with her. Sorry, no pictures - we were doing well to eat, talk, and keep N happy at the table! Here's my baby shower "helper" taking a load off. I think his favorite part was playing with the balloons.


My mom and I hosted a shower for my friend S, who is expecting her second child (a girl) in early May. I love walking through the journey of motherhood with S. We have become like family over the years, and I can't wait to meet this baby!

Of Rocking Chairs and Blocks...

N has discovered my childhood rocking chair. He loves to climb in, rock, climb out, and then start all over again. When we're in this room, we also wind up a few music boxes and listen to the melodies.



When G was a little boy, he could play with Legos for hours on end. Now one of his favorite pastimes is sharing that love for blocks with N. I love my building boys!