Swimming classes!

Today was Drew's first PRESCHOOL swim lesson (no parent in the water with him) and it was Emma's very first time. Here's Drew waiting on the stairs for his turn. He said they called the bubble on his back a "backpack."

I think he had fun! =)

Kick, kick, kick!

"Walking" down the side of the pool.

Emma was NOT too sure about swimming! There were a couple unhappy participants that scared her too. She had lots of frowney faces at the beginning of class and clung onto me for dear life!

She started to warm up a little and splashed. But when I held her away from me, she'd get mad at me!

She had such a tight grip on my arm! But she was pretty good at the kicking!

But by the end of class, she was relaxed and enjoying herself! yay!

Shades and Jumpshot

The kids are ready for the beach!! They've both got their new shades and Emma loves her sun hat!

Chad has taught Drew proper form for a jumpshot, and he has been practicing ALL the time! He's gaining consistency and is learning how to aim - he usually makes one every 3 to 4 attempts. Not too bad for a three year old! The best part...he's totally coachable! He'll listen and try to make corrections - it's so fun to watch! Chad is one proud dad!!

...now if I can just get Emma cartwheeling soon... haha

Indiana trip and Emma walking again

The kids and I visited Indiana for a long weekend. My sister and her kids were on spring break, so it worked out pefectly. My parents came to visit us for a day (evening!) and then drove me and the kids to Indiana on Wednesday. On Thursday we all went to the zoo. I was so mad at myself - I took this ONE picture at the zoo...and my batteries died! I had two sets of backups...in my suitcase at my parents' house! Argh! Oh well - I got this cute picture of Parker, Will and Drew trying to pet a shark. I took a ton of pictures with my mom's camera, so I'll have to get those from them sometime. The boys had a blast running around the zoo together. And we were all pretty surprised at how much Emma LOVED all the animals and didn't miss a thing. She'd wave and say "wow!" at every animal.

I LOVE this picture of Drew! It's so hard to get him to smile normally!

Emma really enjoyed exploring outside - especially the bridge! (of course I was hovering over her like a mommy hellicopter b/c she has no fear of crawling right off the edge!)

Nothing like a little duet bright and early in the morning!

Emma terrorized the poor OLD cat! She would speed-crawl as soon as she saw him, waving and saying her version of "kitty!"

The three boys (Parker, Will and Drew) played some baseball with my brother Ben and my dad. Here's Drew - eyes on the ball!

And here's one of Drew's decent hits. Parker's bat was a little too big for Drew. Parker could hit it really hard! Will liked to pitch it
The three boys STILL fit in the wagon...barely!! I'll have to dig up the picture from a year or two ago of the three of them in this same wagon.

My dad gave us some rides in the big wagon too! Emma was in a serious mood and just sat there - at least she wasn't scared at all!

I can't figure out what we're pointing out! haha Drew's too busy watching the tractor wheels.

My mom made a cake (I guess it's sort of an early birthday cake for Lyndsey who'll be 13 on April 15th and Emma who'll be 1 on April 16th). Emma wasn't sure about it at first, but once we stuck some in her mouth, she got a little more daring!

Today, after we got home from the Y, we decided to eat lunch outside and enjoy our 80 degree day! Here's the cheeseballs on the back deck!

Emma scrunches her nose up and does a silly grin - and I finally got a picture of it! Her little personality is growing every day and she is becoming more and more SILLY! She thinks her brother is hilarious!

Drew's enjoying our warm spring day!

And another cute picture!

In Indiana, Emma didn't walk too much - it was new territory and she explored ALL OVER on her hands and knees. But ever since we got home, we'll look over and see her wobbling around - practicing on her own. Here she is with Drew's balloon walking around today.

Emma's walking!!

She still mostly crawls, but she did this several times today!!

playing outside & Sofia's party

Not a lot going on...just some awesome weather! When I went to the DMV last week to get an expired license renewed (OOPS!), Chad took the kids to a pond and went for a walk. Drew told me all about the green goose poo! And here's another picture Chad took - he and Drew rode the Merry Go Round while Emma and I were shopping at Concord Mills Mall.


Today it got up to 75 degrees! Here's Emma trying to decide which leaf to eat. I loved her skinny jeans with these shoes!

Drew took a break from helping Chad with yardwork to play with Emma.

Closeup!

Playing with a stick!

Looking sleepy...

Cheese!

Filling the birdfeeder.

peek!

The whole fam!

Last weekend we went to Sofia's birthday party. The kids had a blast! Here's Emma in the pit.

I couldn't get ANY pictures of Drew - he was ALL OVER the place!! Here he is on the tumble track.

Emma's ready for some grips and chalk!

She kept falling down the slant mat.

Emma's fashion show

This warm weather is getting us excited for spring, summer, beach vacations and ...swimsuits!! (on the kids at least!) Emma has two swimsuits that fit her now (and several for next year already). Her little body has been hidden in big winter clothes - these little swimsuits looked so cute. I think she'll be ready for her swim class that starts in a few weeks!

Look at the hair hanging over her ear! haha

And her hair in the back - it's been growing a lot lately!

Striking a pose! She's ready to hit the runway!

Here she is in action, playing in her room.

Emma was sitting on my lap and then Charlie came and sat on both of us. Little did he know, he was gonna get a big bear hug! I'm just glad the camera was within arm's reach and he let her hug him for awhile.

so sweet!

Last Friday Drew and Chad went to a Bobcats game! Drew had so much fun! It was a 7pm game and lasted until past 9:30, but they stayed the whole time. Then that Saturday I hosted a Scentsy party, and Chad took the kids to the park - Drew got to fly a kite for the first time! So, Drew had a great weekend! But then this week he got the flu! =( He was coughing and sneezing, but we thought it was just from helping Chad out in the yard all day on Sunday. Then on Tuesday he said his belly hurt and the fever started. Wednesday I took him to the doctor, and it was confirmed - it was the flu. And the doctor said he looked amazingly well for someone with the flu. By Thursday afternoon, there was no more fever! He's been getting sick so much lately that I was afraid the flu would drag out forever, but I think he's almost recovered!

Yesterday was an exciting day - Drew actually ate half a soynut butter and jelly sandwich!! On bread!! The kid has freaked out and has never eaten bread. I was so proud of him! We have recently added macaroni (with dairy free butter), creamed corn, sweet potatoes, soynut butter and jelly sandwiches, crescent rolls, and hotdogs to this amazingly picky eaters diet. With this kid...this is a huge deal! Last week we went to the allergist. We learned that Drew is still definitely allergic to milk, eggs and peanuts. But Dr. Norris also educated us on the development of food allergies and the likelihood that he will still outgrow this. They just did the prick test on his back, and he reacted to those allergens right away. He such a big boy and wasn't bothered by the test at all (the dr. prepared me for a meltdown and said that almost all little boys Drew's age cry and get really scared).

I haven't been the best at getting the camera out lately - I'll do better these next couple weeks!