Daddy's trip to the zoo

This time, Brian was able to chaperone Charlie's field trip to the zoo. Even though we are in the middle of a heat wave, the kids had fun. Thank god for the misting stations! I heard that the baby Panda and the giraffes were the highlight of the trip.

Charlie's 5th birthday

No birthday in our house is ever celebrated with just one party. We like to make week long parties with different themes, etc. So we knew that with 5 being such a big milestone, we had to do it big. Charlie's actual birthday - the 12th - was on a Tuesday. I snuck around the night before applying balloons and posters to tomato stakes. The next morning, I woke up early and set them out in the yard. When he woke up, we told him to look outside and he was so impressed that the 'neighbors' decorated his yard. I get no credit but that's OK.

At school, he had a class party and brought jello to share with his friends. It was a big hit and Bennett was able to come to the big kid room and share with his brother. All of Charlie's classmates made him cards, and 2 girls in the class drew hearts on their cards but he insists he doesn't have a girlfriend.

For dinner, we had all of his favorites - watermelon, hot dog and pizza complete with a juice box. More parties and pictures to come.

Bowling Field Trip

Mommy got to accompany Charlie on his field trip to Midtown Bowl. Every Wednesday is a field trip day and they've had amazing adventures this summer. They've been to the zoo, the Coca-Cola Museum, Stone Mountain and more. This was a special trip since Mommy went too. Charlie loves to hang out with the older kids and teach Bennett new words. He even requested we listen to Lady GaGa last night.

Gymnastics Recital

All year, both boys have been taking gymnastics at school. We loaded up our cameras and video equipment and headed to the big end of year recital. The boys even had special gym shirts to wear. Unfortunately, I think Bennett had stage fright, because he didn't want to do much of the routine. He wanted to sit with his favorite teacher, Ms. Yolanda, and just watch his friends. Charlie did OK but we didn't witness any Olympic moments. All in all it was cute and the kids had fun. Maybe better video and pictures next year!

riding on the bus

With summer camp, comes field trips and riding on a school bus. Because Charlie is the youngest in the class, he has to wear a seat belt harness on the bus. Of course this is great news to Mom and Dad and as you can see, Charlie doesn't mind one bit. He is so excited.

Easter

We had a great time in Tallahassee this year. Nana took us to Wakulla Springs where we took a boat ride and got really close to a few alligators. We also went to an Easter brunch with the Easter Bunny. Charlie and Bennett wanted nothing to do with the giant bunny, but they were appreciative of the candy he left for them. Bennett did give him a high-five when we left and his photo made it onto the hotel website. Bennett is now famous in Tally.

Aunt Nat and Brad took the boys to see Hop. It's a cute movie and we found out that the real Easter Bunny's name is E.B.

Sarah doll makes a comeback!

When my sister and I were little, we received matching dolls as gifts. Somewhere along the way, they became known as Sarah dolls. Our good friends had the same dolls, so we all played with them together. They have seen better days. One is missing an arm and the other has sharpie "make-up" on her face. A while ago, we went to Nana's house and Bennett fell in love with his new Sarah doll. She has taken many trips with us and we always get looks. She is almost as big as Bennett and she wears 18 month sized clothes. It has been fun to see our childhood friend's kids playing with their Sarah dolls too.