We're still here...

We really are still here. A little under water at the moment, as in for the last month or so, but all the same. The pictures and adventures keep on coming, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to catch up with all of them. So here's what we've been up to lately, and until my children learn to solo blog, I make no promises on further updates. But here's to trying... 

To say we love having a library so close is an understatement! We love story time and a weekly new set of books! 

Our biggest boy is working so, so hard to learn his letters and how to write/read words. I love being right beside him while he does so. 

Last week, we were able to travel to Statesville to see the NC hot air balloon festival. Despite spending longer in traffic than we did in the actual festival, we all had a great time! 

And, as always, lots and lots of play time at home.

Sullivan at 12 months

It happened again. I blinked. Another baby turned another year older. If I can figure out a way to get it to slow down, I'll let everyone know. Birthdays are such sentimental, bittersweet milestones. I've heard it said that when it comes to motherhood the days are long but the years are short. Oh how true that is! I hope I'll always remember how sweet and squishy this littlest one is at 12 months! 

At 12 months: 

He weighs 21 lbs 5 oz and is 30 inches long. That puts him in the 96% for height and 55% for weight. At this age, he is our lowest weight and longest length baby. He still prefers only purées and isn't loving the texture of many foods. He appears to be lactose intolerant and is much happier on almond milk for now. He is crawling very fast and pulling up/cruising, but not walking yet. Still 1 tooth. Loves stroller walks, chasing his brother and sister, Lola, being outside, his blankie when falling asleep, his paci, throwing socks out of his crib and getting into anything and everything! 

At the Fair

Even as an adult, I still think the fair is every bit as magical and exciting as I did as a kid! Ok, so maybe it's a little dirtier than I once realized (side note: that moment when your children are licking cotton candy off of their fingers and you realize they haven't washed their hands after many rides and petting cows definitely questions your abilities as a mother. Oops. And gross.!) but still just as fun! (Side note 2: holy cow on prices of fair food! That corn dog, fries and lemonade rivals the price of a fancy dinner. Like Ruth's Chris fancy. Geez!) 

We were shocked at how brave Porter was with rides! He rode his first roller coaster. Twice! He rode the tilt a whirl (want to see how old you really are? Ride that thing!) and asked to ride again immediately! He was giddy! Savannah wasn't as big on the rides, but loved the shows. And the baby calves! Oh those baby calves. They were only hours old. (Side note 3: watch out mama cows, those babies will be 1 before you can blink! I speak from experience!) Sullivan did really well and loved looking around. He is such a curious little thing. If I had let him down to crawl around and put every last thing in his mouth, he would have been nothing shy of elated! He did get to try cotton candy. He wasn't a fan! Don't worry, we ate his. 

Until next year fair! You cost way too much, but we still love you! 

Playtime

I firmly believe in the power of play and letting kids be kids. I think it's the very best way for them to learn! Therefore, we take play very seriously around here ;) Having time together to play with toys and get fresh air outside makes for our favorite days! There will be plenty of time for serious...later!