Mini Me

Everyday Elijah looks more like his Daddy!

Rainy Day Saturday

While Hanna howled outside our doors yesterday, we were content to stay indoors and chill out. Carter and his Dad baked chocolate chip cookies. (for all of you wondering, yes, Brian is an awesome baker!) We were so happy to get rain since we really need it here in Pennsylvania. We didn't sustain much yard damage and were lucky to escape the most severe weather. Our neighbors in Allentown weren't so lucky and had a tornado touch down...YIKES!


Brian and Carter mix the batter.
On his own Carter gets ready to mix. Notice how happy he is to be left to his own devices!

Adding the best part...the chocolate chips.

Yummy......enjoying the end result!

For any of you who were in Hanna's path we hope you and your loved ones were able to stay safe and dry!

Little Monkey

When the opportunity presents itself Elijah will climb onto anything. He is becoming more brave with each climb he accomplishes. Of course, Carter eggs him on which makes it that much more fun!
I see you little man! Way to go Elijah!

Great Job Elijah!

Hooray for Elijah! He took two steps on his own today. He just let go of my hands and walked into my arms! I think we are on to something great!! P.S. Pressure is on now that I know you can do it, little dude!

First Week of School

Carter has ended his first week of pre-school and all went very well. Carter was very happy to see Mrs. McAtee and also his friends, Jacob, Maci and Shayna, from last year's class. There are a total of 14 in his class this year and he seems excited about his new friends as well.

This week's topic was 'Friends at School' and the whole week was about meeting new friends and teachers. The children also learned about the school they attend...i.e. the name of the school, location ect. The shape and color of the week were circle and red.

The difference between the Tot's class to Juniors is quite significant and every minute spent in the classroom is structured. Carter seems to thrive on structure so we should have a very productive, happy year.

Below is this week's artwork. The trees in the first picture are Carter's ever growing hands (love it!) and the bottom is Carter Bear with his best friend at school, Jacob Bear. Enjoy! I am hoping to stay on the ball and be able to do a school update every week so all of you can follow his progress.

Hip Hip Hooray...Carter had School Today!

Hooray! Today was Carter's first day of school. This year he is a 'junior' and has added a 1/2 to his class time.
Carter was thrilled to get the day started. He was so happy to see his old friends and Mrs. McAtee. He was also very excited to meet all of his new friends. Never shy, he walked right into the classroom and went to the carpet and sat down as instructed. When Brian and I left he was happily singing The Dukes of Hazzard theme song much to Mrs. McAtee's delight!

At pick up we learned that it was a fantastic first day and everyone did really well. Carter jabbered the whole way home about his friends. snack and the songs he sang! He, of course, is asking when he goes back!

Eli also enjoyed the start of the school year. He motored around the house playing with whatever he wanted to...laughing the whole time! If only Carter knew what toys Eli had his hands on!!

Labor Day Weekend

We had a wonderful holiday weekend. Not too much running around, just a lot of relaxing...especially for Brian who is finishing up a four day weekend!

We kicked back on Friday night with my mom and dad at the Toby Keith concert which was fantastic. If you enjoy Toby, catch his show, he doesn't disappoint. A big thank you to my parents for a the great birthday gift to both Brian and I, we had a blast!

On Saturday my cousin Courtney and her family came to Pennsylvania for a visit. I enjoyed school shopping with the girls but I am also thankful to have boys now having experienced shopping with two girls that are 11 and 13! The morning was fantastic since Brian stayed home with the boys and I could get out and have a little fun!

In the afternoon we headed to the campground to visit my aunt and uncle and have dinner. Both Carter and Elijah had a blast exploring and playing with their Rhode Island cousins and their cousin Kyle. This is the only travel we really did all weekend. Below are some photos of the kids enjoying camping.

Here are the toads that we found while taking a walk around the campground. Carter was so happy that we could reunite mommy and baby toad since we found them at different areas of the campground!
Carter, Katerina and Michele explore the almost dry creek bed. We need rain! This little creek was running strong on the 4th of July!

The kids had fun monkeying around the playground, especially Mikey!

Kyle and Carter work on excavating the campsite.Nanny and Pappy's pride and joy...all the great grand kids. It's very rare that they are all together.

It was great.....Katerina and Michele fought over who would take charge of Eli. I am thinking that they would make great mother's helpers next summer.

Eli had a blast and did alot of great moving around and exercising those little legs of his!Kyle demonstrates the laziest way possible to toast a marshmallow.

Brian teaches Carter how to toast the perfect marshmallow.

The reward....a delicious s'more.

We spent the Sunday and Monday just bumming around home and enjoying the beautiful weather. Carter also spent what was left of the weekend gearing up for school. Look out, Mrs, McAtee for a fun filled year!