Thomas is THREE!

 

 

Thomas is three or "FREE" as he calls it!  He has turned into such a big boy and is full of energy.  He is either stopped or running, there is no in between.  He loves running around the backyard, swinging, playing in the sand and hitting his baseball.  

He is becoming very independent and dresses himself before he leaves his room in the morning, puts his own shoes on and buckles himself in the car.  He also loves to come down and get breakfast ready and even pours his own cereal ... we are working on pouring milk.  I hope this independence will serve him well at preschool next year.  At the doctor he weighed 33 pounds (55%) and was 39 inches tall (85%) so he is definitely long and lean.  He has a pretty good appetite but still doesn't like meat.  


His smile can melt your heart and it lights up his whole face.  I can only hope his exuberance for life continues!

Oak Island

We headed to the beach for a short 3 day vacation.  The weather started out a bit cool but warmed up by the middle of the first day.  We enjoyed our time and the kids really had fun on the beach.  They played so well together and had so much fun that it was hard to leave. 

Thomas teaching Sam how to dig

Crabbing at night was not successful

Don't know who showed her how to pose like that???

Hope she holds his hand forever

The pattern of shells they made on the back porch

 

Heading for the ocean

Aniela trying to coax Thomas towards the ocean.

TAX DAY!!!

FINALLY OVER!!

Easter

After our baskets, we headed to church for a wonderful service with some great music.  Then we had our traditional lunch at the Arwoods.  Lots of friends, family, another egg hunt and beautiful weather made for a great day.

Our Annual picture in front of the Arwoods bushes

The best I could get of all 3

Aniela and Mamaw

Checking to make sure it was one he wanted

Sammy found the one he wanted

Easter Morning

We woke up to find the Easter bunny had visited our house!  The kids were excited to find all the hidden eggs and open their baskets.  Aniela was quick to find the eggs but was nice enough to make sure Thomas got his share.  They each got new flashlights which was the hit of the day.

Craning to find every last egg

Excited

Sammy raced after them as fast as he could!

Sammy's favorite was the peeps ... just like his mommy

Egg Dying

We dyed our eggs the night before Easter.  The kids had a good time mixing the colors and seeing what the got.  They were even more excited that they got to eat them!

Strawberry Picking

Suzy and I took the kids strawberry picking, yes strawberry picking!  Our local farm already had a good crop of organic berries ready for picking.  It was a bit cold when we got there but warmed up after awhile.  

Finding the right berry!

Grace helping Thomas pick the berries 

(she forgot her jacket so she is wearing Sammy's shopping cart cover :)

 The berry picking crew!

 Sweet

NC Zoo

Kim and I decided to take the kids to the zoo during Spring Break.  It was a beautiful day, not too hot with a great breeze.  It was however, very packed since it was Spring Break week.  After taking 5 hours to go through Africa, we decided to call it a day. 

Doesn't look it but they all had a good time

 

Giraffes

Zebras (not bad for an iPhone picture)!

Elephant

The one kind of animal we know Aniela is not afraid to pet :)

Easter Egg Hunt

On Sunday afternoon, our church had their Easter Egg Hunt. It was beautiful weather and the kids had a blast.  They have been practicing finding eggs for a couple of weeks now.

Thomas checking the egg to make sure it was something he wanted.

Aniela being quite serious about her egg hunting.

Stone and Aniela were a good team!

Excited about their treats!

Saturday

A near perfect day spent at Durant Nature park ...

 

...Then we ended the night making smores at the Arwood's fire pit and swinging on their hammock.

 

Warm Weather

All of this warm weather has playing outside every afternoon!  Sam didn't like his first feel of grass.  He opted to stay put on the blanket. 

Getting so tall!

Sand and goldfish ... nothing better!

 Lunch in the fort

Still on the blanket ....

Checking out his reflection

Mom's 65th Birthday

My parents were here for a visit and we were able to celebrate my mom's 65th Birthday! The kids were over the moon to see them and Uncle Mike!  Here are some pictures from their visit.

Grandma and the Polish Mermaid

Mom & Dad

(the best looking 65 year old!)

 Grandma, Pop and the NC grandchildren

 Mom, Dad, Theresa, Mike and me

Thomas warmed up to mom once she brought out the rice pudding :) He even gave many hugs and kisses over their visit.

Pop and Sammy