Sunny Days

Our weekend was spent trying to soak up as much sunshine as possible. Oh, how I hope this beautiful weather means that spring is finally here! (I'm an optimistic Texan)

High five!

Nate's collection of rocks and acorns (rock hunting is a frequent park activity)...

We also got to enjoy the sunshine with our friends at sweet Addison's second birthday party...

We hope yours was a sunny weekend, too (in every way possible)!

Painting

Car Cart

Dear Walmart,
Just wanted to show you how blissfully peaceful a trip to the grocery store is when there is a race car shopping cart to drive. Please, please jump on the bandwagon! I will quickly be broke if forced to shop at the stores that currently offer this magnificent form of toddler entertainment.

Sincerely yours,
Nate's Mommy

I think this expression means "Mommy, I am utterly and completely embarrassed that you are taking my picture in the grocery store. The line has officially been crossed."

"I am now ignoring you."

DECADE

No, this is not what some of you may think. I will warn you ahead of time it is not about the star of the blog (Nate) but about something that happened a decade ago that led to the great things in my life (most of which are written about here on a near daily basis).

Ten years ago today Carrie and I had our first date. Sure, things started long before that with boy meets girl, boy likes girl and all of girl's friends know (which leads to an incredibly awkward and embarrassing moment at Sarah's birthday), but that is getting too far off course. I mean, we've known each other since "No Fear" and "Billabong" t-shirts were standard issue in the halls of intermediate school. Boy asked girl to the prom by the lake with a guitar and a TERRIBLY written song, and somehow she said yes. Through years of distance during college and working in separate countries in the summer, they managed to make it through together to the other side. Then, on a cool October night, boy asked girl to be his bride. They were blessed with an amazing child and continue to live each day more in love than the day before.

Carrie, I love you more than any words could describe, and I thank God for each and every of the 3,650 days I have shared with you. You taught me how to smile, and every day you give me the reasons to. I love you.

Because I am ridiculous, and I love my son

(and he loves Thomas)

Below are the remains of Nathan's well-loved Thomas catalog. The pages are tattered not because of rough handling, but because I don't think freebie booklets are made to withstand dozens of daily readings. Even in its sad state, Nate continues pouring over the remaining pages and making up stories to accompany the pictures. The Thomas people must know that children enjoy these things because they only include them in large, pricey sets.


Thankfully, someone else out there knows that kiddos like them, too — and they sell them for less than a dollar on Amazon. Upon making this glorious discovery I decided we would finally get Nathan a new catalog, but it would need a little reinforcement to survive the daily love.

Behold the indestructible (if not slightly ridiculous) Thomas catalog...


You should have seen the folks at Staples when I brought it in to be laminated (I'm pretty sure they had a good laugh when I left the store). If they could just see the joy this silly book brings my little guy, though, they might not think me quite so crazy.

It's True

(Nate's shirt, that is)

I'm pretty sure it's hereditary.

Dear Sunshine,

We've missed you. Thank you for returning so we could have fun at the park this afternoon. Stick around a while, okay?

Your pal,
Nathan

(playing in the dirt)

Really? In Texas?

Crazy Snow

We had the most incredible snowfall today. Nathan stayed home from school and Jason took the day off from work so we could enjoy the day together (and enjoy it we did!)...

(trying to catch a snowflake on his tongue)


The snow in our front yard was 8" deep this afternoon
(and has continued falling steadily since then)...

"Sledding" down the driveway proved to be one of the highlights of the day...

Nate loved his first cup of hot (okay, lukewarm) cocoa...