Saturday Sing-A-Long

Ever since Abby learned this song on the first day of school, she has been singing it non-stop! I finally captured it on video. It's super cute, but please note that it's a l.i.t.t.l.e long b/c she decides to sing the song on repeat :)

Click here to view the video of Abby singing "Jesus Loves Me!"

Visitors

We had lots of visitors in town last week/weekend for Nate's big birthday celebration. My parents (Nanny & Poppy) arrived Wednesday late afternoon. We have been talking up Summer Snow for months, so finally after dinner, they got to experience it. And it did not disappoint!

 

 Thursday, we kept Nate out of school so we could all go to the pool! Abby's favorite part was acting like a dog (don't ask!) and playing fetch in the baby pool. Not kidding.

 And MY favorite part was watching N&P go down the waterslide (multiple times)! I'm not sure there's many grandparents that would want to do that. Can you see them climbing up the stairs!?

 Poor Poppy had to go down the slide 3 different times in order for me to get a good picture. I think he was worn out by the end!! We had a picnic lunch and then got ice cream before heading home for naps.

 After naps, I had a lot of "crafting" left to do for the party, so Nanny entertained the kids. I guess Abby was getting a little too talkative b/c I turned around and saw this....

 Nanny is nice (read: not stingy like me) and lets the kids watch movies on her Kindle. I think they watched "Despicable Me" 3-4 times over the weekend! (Little did they know that Nanny had to purchase it each time. Like I said, she's nicer that me.)

 On Friday, Nate had to go back to school, but we kept Abby out so she could have some special time with N&P at gymnastics. She showed off her skills and then we picked N up early from school for lunch at ....where else ?!.....McDonald's.

That afternoon, both of my sisters arrived around 4 pm. Not sure how they coordinated that, since Lora flew in from NC & then rented a car to drive from B'ham. And Bec (and Mike & Baby Anderson) were driving from TN. But it worked out perfectly!! And Abby couldn't wait to get her hands on Baby Anderson. To say she's obsessed is an understatement.

 She took the term "kissing cousins" to a whole new level! Poor Anderson, look how hard Abby is squeezing his cheeks!!

 Seriously, look at the death grip she has on him! She is so protective and just wants to love on him 24/7. She's such a little mommy already!

Even Uncle Greg got in on the lovin'

Bec & Mike stayed at a hotel Friday night, and lucky Aunt Lora got to sleep in Nate's room on his twin bed (Sorry L)! So that meant the kids got to have a sleepover in Abby's room. They were thrilled and Aunt Lora made sure they had a good storytime before going to bed.

 

 Saturday morning before Nate's birthday party, Aunt Lora decided she & Abby needed pedicures. She came prepared with Carolina blue nail polish, since blue is Abby's favorite color.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the party at the Playhouse was a blast. We were all a bit wiped out when we came home. So the kids took nap (as did most of husbands), while me, my sisters, and mom had some down time. And beer time :)

After naps, my patient son FINALLY got to open all of his presents!!! This was one of his faves - foam Hulk boxing gloves - that Greg picked out. They wrestle & box every night after dinner, so I guess Greg thought this would soften the blows, a little.

 

Abby hijacked one of Nate's new books, and immediately snuggled up next to Aunt Bebe for some storytime.

I was dying to get a "cousins" picture while Anderson was here (b/c I bought a super cute "cousins" frame at TJ Maxx, of course)! And this one turned out better than I could have imagined! Love these kiddos!

One of the presents I picked out for Nate was a set of legos. Just basic, old-school, use-your-imagination Legos. I was a complete Lego nerd as a kid, and I have a feeling Nate will be the same way. Here was his first creation!

After all the hubbies woke up, we headed out for a Mexican dinner. Please look at how much this girl adores her Daddy! 

Didn't plan this, but it's cute nevertheless. Twins!!!

Sister time! (Translation: Margarita Time!)

I think Anderson was eyeing my margarita here....

Abby loved singing "Jesus Loves Me" to Anderson all weekend long. Here she is, with song #1094.

Everyone left on Sunday and I had such a great time (but was also glad to have my house back)! Thank you everyone for taking the time to come; Nate appreciated it so much and so do I!!

Go, Go Power Rangers!!

We held Nate's birthday party at the Playhouse on Saturday, and it was our first time there. (Think: a McDonald's playground on steroids!) There was also a ball pit, bouncy house, and small playhouse for the babies. I was a little nervous about the location b/c it is a daycare during the week. But I ended up being really pleased with everything, (and was super happy to not be outside in the heat, like we've done in the past for most of Nate's parties).

Nate invited 12 of his "nearest and dearest friends," and at one point, a little boy came up to me and said "Miss Emily, whose party is this?" I told him it was Nate's and he replied "Who is Nate?" So yes, maybe I am guilty of inviting a few more of MY friends than just Nate's, oops!

When it was time for cupcakes, Nate was more excited about the Power Rangers ring topper than the actual cupcake!

Showing off their Samurai power rings!

I had waaaay too much fun making the goody bags. I filled them with all of Nate's "favorite things," including a Power Ranger book/tattoo/stickers/lego man, snacks & candy, and bubbles. I think they were a hit!

There were a lot of friends at the party, but also a lot of family. Mostly my crazy family. We are clearly ga-ga over birthdays and always have been. I love going "overboard" each year, though it may seem silly to some. That's just how I raised and I love continuing that tradition for my own kids. I want them to feel like the most important kid on the planet for their birthday, b/c that's how I felt as a kid!

Both of my sisters came into town for the weekend....one had to fly from NC, and one drove 5 hrs with a 6 week old. And then trusty old Nanny & Poppy (my parents) drove 9 hours just for Nate's party. I am touched that they came, and even more, never even considered NOT coming! :) Thank you to all of you for the help with party preparations and with stuff on the day of the party. Especially Bec for all the great pictures!

Nate told me it was his "best birthday ever" so I think that means he enjoyed his party. (I hope so b/c I was exhausted afterwards!) It's so worth it to see his little face light up though.

Happy 5th birthday, sweet boy!