Fun in the Sun

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Avery and Sterling spent Friday and Saturday night with Gaga and Pa. Saturday they headed to the Family Reunion and had so much fun "camping out".

Juan and I stayed in on Friday night, ordered take out Chinese, and watched "The Reader". Saturday I got to sleep a little later than usual. Thank you Ian! Juan went to work, but then later Ian and I met up with him and had dinner out. It's definitely different just having one "little one" to take care of, so I did enjoy the break from all the chaos. We were going to head to the family reunion on Saturday, but decided it would be just as easy to head out early on Sunday morning, instead of packing all the stuff. I'm not so sure about that now--we spent almost 7 hours on the road (going and coming) all in one day.

We did enjoy the reunion. We saw lots of family and enjoyed great food. I brought the camera, but never took it out of the car. I haven't quite figured out how to hold a baby and take pictures. Then, Avery and Sterling came back home with us on Sunday evening, even though they didn't want to leave. They were both soooo tired, they fell right to sleep before we even made it to the highway.

Monday morning, the kids and I headed to Walmart and purchased a "pool" and Slip 'n Slide. They had so much fun playing in the backyard most of the day. Even Ian and I got in the pool. I'm not sure he knew what it was all about. It was a great day to play in the water--it sure was HOT.

Happy 4 Months!

Little Ian is 4 Months old today! Gosh--time flies! He is such a little smiley man.
IAN LOVES. . .
To sit upright (If I lay him back on pillows, he tries so hard to sit up. It's hilarious.)
His Bumbo
His big brother, Sterling & big sister, Avery (He loves to watch or look at them. They can always make him smile and laugh.)
To stand and bounce/kick on mommy's lap
To drool (He might have some teeth soon.)
His blue blanket lovie

MISC. THINGS ABOUT IAN
Wearing 6-12 months in clothes
Size 3 diapers
Might be a thumb sucker

Show Us Where You Live Fridays - Dining Room

It's that time again. I didn't get to participate last week because we no longer have a guest bedroom. Here is my dining room.






I painted and decorated this room myself. The back wall is done with black grosgrain ribbon and upholstery tacks. The window treatment is just black cloth napkins that I folded over, sewed a tassel on, and stamped the fleur-de-lis. Everyone always comments on the room because it's one of the first rooms you see when you walk in the front door. I've had the room like this for almost 5 years now and I'm still happy with it. I was originally going to go around the entire room, but thought it might be too busy if I did. Any thoughts on that? I still have lots of ribbon!



I would like new furniture (table & china hutch)--maybe someday. I have been shopping recently for a sideboard in black, but can't seem to find exactly what I want. The china hutch and guest chairs are from our old dining room set that we got when we were married 12 years ago. The little sideboard is an old antique of my Mom's. I really need something bigger to display all my decorative items. And, there are so many fleur-de-lis things now.

We do have this nice butler's pantry that goes between the kitchen and dining room. It is great for serving from during parties.





And, here's a picture of our china and crystal. Sadly, they don't get used that often.

Mr. Gardener Part 2

For the last few months, Sterling has been going around making various objects (toy bat, wrapping paper roll at Christmas, paper towel roll, & even a jump rope that he wrapped around his back and waist) into leaf blowers. We finally decided to look into a toy blower. Well, of course they make them. So, I headed to the toy store and also found a toy "weeweeder" (as Sterling calls it). Of course, I just had to get both. Like we REALLY need another noisy toy. What was I thinking? Maybe these should stay in the garage. But, Sterling is so happy with his new equipment. Check him out!



HIS POOR BACK!

pIcTuReS!

WARNING: This is a picture filled post for Gaga!

Ian really wants to blow bubbles, too!












OOOH, WHAT ARE THOSE? I WISH I COULD GRAB THOSE LITTLE THINGS!


JUST RELAXING

Interview with Sterling

I did a little experiment with Sterling. I wanted to see what his answers would be. He's only 3 1/2. Some of his answers aren't too far off (well not the age ?).

How old is your mommy?

4

How tall is your mommy?

THIS BIG

(motioned with his hand)
What is her favorite thing to watch on TV?

DANCE SHOWS

(he last saw me watching "Dancing with the Stars"
What does your mommy do when you're not around?

WORK ON THE COMPUTER

What is your mommy really good at?

SUPER MARIO BROS.

What does your mommy do for her job?

THE BUSINESS

What is your mommy 's favorite food?

BEANS

If your mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?

MISS SPIDER

What do you and your mommy do together?

PLAY GAMES

How do you know your mommy loves you?

YOU GIVE ME KISSES

Where is your mommy 's favorite place to go?

CHICK-FIL-A

Show Us Where You Live Friday

I have been enjoying looking at all the living rooms on Kelly's Korner blog, so I thought, why not? Here is my living room.




I love these guest chairs. I had to wait over 4 months to get them (they were on back order), but they were worth the wait!!


I missed last week, and since this is all one big open room, here are some shots of my kitchen.



Breakfast Room


I love this storage bench I got last year. I'm not wild about the baskets. I'm still looking for better ones. But, this is great for all the kid's shoes. And, someday I want to make a cushion for the top.



And, of course, I had to throw in a picture of my little man in his new high chair. He's not ready for solids yet, but he can at least join us at the table.

Mother's Day Tea

The teachers at Avery's school hosted a very nice Mother's Day Tea this morning. It was such a treat. Avery greeted me with a beautiful red rose. I was also treated to a manicure (given by Avery at Avery's Awesome Beauty Salon), complete with a hand massage, lotion, and 3 of my nails were painted (we ran out of time).



The class also sang a cute song, and we ate yummy blueberry muffins and lemonade.

I also received this video card from Avery. The sound might be kind of low. It was such a sweet surprise.

Big Boy

My little baby is growing up! He's now over 3 months old. He's a very happy little/big guy these days. He's also a little chunky monkey weighing in at over 16 pounds!

Mr. Gardener

Not too much to say about this. . .Look what I found Sterling doing to my fake topiary!