David & Deck

After two months of rest since completing the screened porch, David is motivated to get started on the deck. He accomplished quite a bit this past weekend with cleaning out the sods and putting in four posts, secured with concrete. 20 more posts to go. It doesn't look like he did much from the picture, however I can tell you he is making great progress. We spend almost all of our meals and play time in the porch. It is such a wonderful place for the many memories to come. While David is focused on the deck for the next couple of months, I am having to pick up some outdoor chores such as mowing the grass. Coming from a family who has always hired someone to mow, this was quite a fun first-time experience. I would not mind doing it again, as long as David doesn't mind the missed spots. To keep the kids at bay, I put them in the fort and they have fun directing me where I need to go.

Forrest Logan

Forrest. 

This boy makes me happy everyday. I know he will live up to his name and be strong and tall and important to the earth. Terrible twos? Not for him. Each night, he signs I LOVE YOU when we say our nighty night ritual, with his little pinky finger trying to stay straight. I just melt over how cute he is. It is bittersweet to see him growing up into boyhood, as his baby smell and looks are quickly fading away. I still remember the baby smell and I treasure it very closely to my heart. In all, Forrest is happy as anyone can be. I am so blessed that I get to be your mommy, Forrest.

The Younger Days

The kids find it hilarious seeing pictures of their Mommy doing fun stuff like they are really "into" nowadays. I know I was a very happy child, and I also know my children are happy. I look forward to another 32 years of my life, and to be able to share it with my David is like icing on the cake.

Bye bye 31. Hello 32!

What a fun birthday I had! My sweet David let me sleep in a bit later than usual. When I woke up, the kids came upstairs with little surprises - my favorite candy box, birthday cards the kids made, and flowers. Summer, being the birthday coordinator days in advance, was so happy to be part of this day. She started to sing "Happy Birthday to you" days before the official day, so cute. Being it a beautiful day, we could not resist a trip to the pool. There, Forrest swam all by himself for the first time without his bubble. Wow. David gave me the best gift I could ever ask for - a homemade dinner while I sat and read a magazine - pure delight. He went shopping, cooked, set the table, entertained the kids, and did (most!) of the dishes. It was so nice to relax. My David baked a coconut cake with vanilla icing, topped with my favorite flowers. It was the best - a perfect ending to a wonderful birthday.

Sibling Love

I feel this picture captures the true love they have for each other. When Forrest doesn't see his big sister, he asks, "Where's Summa" until he sees her. Forrest loves to do whatever Summer does and Summer is patient to let him. They look after each other every minute and I am truly thankful for those two who love each other so much.

Miss Leigh

Miss Leigh is truly a special person. She became the nanny for our children this summer so that I could teach classes at UNCW. Summer and Forrest absolutely adore her from head to toe. Every time I mention her name, their eyes lit up brightly. They did everything together from swimming at her pool to frequent trips to the campus library. This morning, Forrest signed "Leigh... moving... Cago" as they say for "Chicago". Leigh is going to Chicago further her study on ASL. I could see how much they already miss Leigh. Thank you, Leigh, for making our summer so awesome.

Beach Days

do not disappoint.

Camping

While we were eating dinner Saturday, Summer asked, "Can we sleep in the tent tonight, please?" David was happy to oblige. After getting the kids ready for bed, they trucked down their blankets, pillows, loveys, and books from their rooms to the screened porch where the tent is set up. The kids could not contain their excitement for camping out.

Trying to go to sleep... Forrest had a hard time adjusting. After an hour of struggling, I moved him to his bed where he went right to sleep within minutes. Summer, a true trooper, slept all night. David stayed in the porch with Summer while I slept in the house to keep an eye on Forrest.

The next morning... Forrest and I woke up to this sweet sight. Summer loved it and asked to do it again. She said she heard a lot of bullfrogs all night, which she found it amusing. I am sure we are in for many more nights of camping.

Forrest & The Scooter

This boy knows how to ride his scooter. Quite well. His crocs are brimming to the edges of falling apart from scooting his little scooter. He has his wheelbarrow in tow, filled with his toys such as Tonka trucks and Summer's pink barbie bike. It was a beautiful day when we went out for our walk. Summer was riding her bike in a straight line with cautious, while Forrest loved to scoot onto and down neighbors' driveways like a rollercoaster. Forrest, I'm on... for the search for some new shoes that will withstand the scooting for many days to come. I love you, my sweet scooter.

The Gymnasts

Do they get any cuter than this little one? Forrest adores his sister and would do whatever she does. Ever the optimist, Summer puts on her leotard every day in hopes that I would take her to a ballet class like Angelina on "Angelina Ballerina". When Forrest sees her in her leotard, he has to be in one too. I adore this little boy. Every little thing about him. He is our funny child and I love that about him... loves to make us laugh. The other day I was teaching him how to sign "I" when reviewing ABC's and he just laughed his head off (thinking that hand sign was a pretty hilarious sight) and then all of us laughed too. Silly, loud and HAPPY. I love, love, love YOU, Forrest.