Sims' 3rd Birthday Party

We had Sims' big birthday bash this Sunday at Pullen Park.  When given a choice, he chose to have a party where he could ride the train and the carousel, and he was so excited about it.  He asked me a few times over the past month if I wanted to come to his birthday party.  Of course, I said, "Yes!"  This was the first party where we invited some of his friends from school, which made this even more special for him.

Since he loves, loves, loves trains, we went with that theme.  We had a picnic shelter, so we didn't go all out with decorations, but we did do a few things to jazz it up a bit.

Jason heard one of the kids exclaim, "I'm drinking train water!"  That definitely made those labels worth it.

Between the bubble machine and the train riding by, the kids had a blast.  They ran and chased the bubbles like crazy.  Then whenever the train came by, they ran to the fence to wave.

As soon as the train was gone, they were back in the bubbles. 

Photo of Isla by Papa Smith

Of course, no train party would be complete without a train ride.  After the ride, we ate pizza and brownies.

Then it poured down rain, but that didn't stop the party!  The kids loved it.  They were all soaking wet when they left.  I couldn't have planned a better activity for them.  I think all the children had a wonderful time at the party, and that makes me so happy!

I know this little birthday boy had a blast!

I love the seriousness on both of their faces as the train passed and the fact that sidewalk chalk is literally all over Isla.

Happy Birthday, Sims!

Happy birthday to my sweet, silly Sims!  I can't believe he is 3 years old today.

His birthday party was this Sunday, and I will return shortly with a ton of pictures.  If you were wondering why it's been so quiet on the ole blog lately, well, now you know why!

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day, thanks to my sweet guys.  Jason surprised me with a big breakfast, including made-from-scratch biscuits, before we headed to church.  We hadn't been to church in weeks, since we have either been out of town or had visitors every weekend since Easter.  It was so nice to get back to our routine and see some of our church friends.

In the afternoon, we did yard work, which I know might not sound like a great way to spend Mother's Day, but that's what I wanted to do.  I'm no gardener.  (You should see our yard and lack of grass, once again.)  But since we hadn't had a chance to weed and mulch parts of the yard, I knew that it better get done, or the weeds were going to take over.  The weather was wonderful, and we all enjoyed spending time outside.  Sims even helped a little and pointed out all the worms and bugs.  And the backyard looks some much more inviting.  It's amazing what some mulch can do!

Jason and Sims spoiled me rotten with flowers (hydrangeas - my favorite!), books and gift cards. (Yay! I have an excuse to buy some much needed clothes!)  They did this even though I told Jason I didn't need anything for Mother's Day.  One of the fantastic things about having a toddler is that I feel appreciated every day.  I certainly didn't feel the need to make a big deal about Mother's Day.  I know that will change in a few years, but for now, every day is kinda like Mother's Day in my house.  Yep, I'm pretty blessed.

Wells Fargo Championship

Last weekend we headed to Charlotte to visit Jason's family.  On Saturday, Jason and I had a date at the Wells Fargo Championship.  We look forward to this every year.  Jason's dad is a marshall, and it so nice that he lets us use his free tickets.

I can't really quantify why I love going so much.  I like golf, sure, but it's more than that.  Maybe it's all the famous players we get to see.  Maybe it's the beautiful scenery.  Maybe it's the people watching.  Maybe it's looking at all the houses along the course.  Maybe it's just being outside all day.  Maybe it's the fact that it's now a date day for Jason and me, where we can enjoy being together without worrying about Sims.  Maybe it's all of these things.  Well, anyway, I love it!

Day Trip to Jeff

On Sunday, we drove to Winston-Salem to see Jeff and his family one last time before they left.  We went to his parents' house, and it's always so nice to see them and Jeff's brother and sister, who happen to live nearby.  Sims got to play with the kids in their very large yard and relax inside in the air-conditioning.  It was fairly hot, but it was wonderful sitting outside in the shade and just being with friends.

I didn't take many pictures, but I got this one of Jeff and Alex (just for you, Mom.)

Sims loved playing with their real golf clubs.  The only ones we let him use at home are plastic ones.  Maybe it's time to get him some real "Sims-sized" clubs.  (Sims calls the small versions of things "Sims-sized.")

Remember when I suggested that we should all go on a joint family vacation, after we saw Jeff a week and half ago?  Well, it looks like we are all going to go the Bahamas!  Now that's a vacation!  White sand beaches and pina colada in hand....  I'm ready to pack my bags now.