here's to you, step 2

in a world full of short lived toys and video games,

i feel the need to give a shout out to step 2

for making this toy that has provided hours of fun...

the kind of fun that keeps you outdoors,

getting a little dirty and laughing hysterically

 learning to take turns...

and when it's okay to push your brother or sister... 

 learning to do your part to keep the fun going...

and that sometimes it's okay to fall down... 

  we got our beloved step 2 roller coaster from some friends

that outgrew it just before griffin turned two...

five years later it is still one of our most loved toys,

and even a favorite at griffin's party full of seven year old boys.

so, here's to you, step 2.  five years and counting...

unplugged 2010...

the boys just had fall break,

so i planned a mystery getaway...

even michael didn't know we were going

anywhere until the night before!

when we left the next day i drove and

listened to all four of them try to guess where we were going.

it was all kinds of fun for me...

 we arrived at beautiful lake guntersville state park

and everyone was so excited we hopped out of the van

and immediately took some pictures :)

as we drove into the park we were greeted by mr. buck... 

and we were blessed to see this sweet fawn with her mommy!

 

 my goal was for the five of us to

spend some time away together with no distractions.

actually even get a little bored...

we stayed in what i will call a "rustic" cabin

that met all of our needs...

we did a little hiking...

practiced skipping rocks... 

 went for a ride in the kayak... 

 made a new friend the kids called "nutty"

 made some yummy smores...

got a little messy... 

rode our bikes and scooters...

 experienced elation on a nearby merry go round...

and best of all enjoyed our uninterrupted time together...

our sweet weekend was fun and relaxing,

but we didn't have time to get bored...

i'll have to save that goal for unplugged 2011.

big girl stuff and a porky-potty...

We moved our big girl to a big girl bed!

She has been loving it...and I love watching her sleep peacefully.

We also went for a big girl haircut...

first one since she was 14 months old!

  

She liked making faces in the mirror!

on a completely different note,

one day last week the big boys were playing outside

when they came running in and said,

"mommy!  we built a porky-potty!!!!"

they led me outside where i found this:

apparently we've spent too much time at the ballpark.

more specifically the porta-potty at the ballpark.

i really never thought i'd have my very own in my backyard.

He is home!  I am beyond thrilled to introduce my new nephew!

He is precious and happy and I fell in love with him instantly!

My three pumpkins COULD NOT WAIT to meet their new cousin!

We brought him some goodies...

Notice how many hands are in his face...

can you say overstimulation? 

he was really good with the puzzle!

griffin brought him one of his favorite trucks

and drew a picture of him (with a sunflower) on their driveway.

he was so sweet to him!

benjamin with his mommy!

he is already attached to nanette and can say "mama"

benjamin and his baba (Chinese for daddy)

he loves balls!

michael already got him to say "uncle O!"

i just want to shout praise to the Lord for this precious life

and for allowing us the opportunity to love him! 

i feel so grateful! 

i didn't want to overwhelm him too much

with my big camera in his face,

but i'll be back soon with more!