Aargh!

For our friend Isabel's 3rd birthday she had a Princess and Pirates party. It was fun to get the chance to dress up. Sutton was one tough pirate.

I LOVE this picture. He is just as sweet and cuddly and wonderful as he looks. I couldn't be more in love with this baby. The eyes and how they look at you full of love, the cheeks made perfect for kissing, the little nose, the lips...I'll stop now.

All the princesses fought over the gifts. Sutton just waited until the party was over and went right for the tissue paper. He's a smart little pirate.

"Cinderlelly"

I wish I would've taken a video of when I gave Natalie this dress today. She was so excited and told me it was beautiful. I helped her get it on, and as if it were scripted, she looked down at it, brushed the skirt out with her little hands, then looked up at me and smiled. She said, "I'm a princess." To which I replied, "Yes, you are."

Practicing her run, in case we're out past midnight.

Being carried. See, I'm not the only one responsible for making her rotten to the core.

The Princess and the Pirate

I don't recall Cinderella ever wearing a frown, but what do I know? Probably didn't like that pirate touching her gown.

The Pirates at the Party

They may be little but they're oh-so-scary.

Okay, maybe they're not so scary. This is the love Gabe gives Sutton every time he sees him now. They are the world's best little brothers.

I have a strong feeling next year at Isabel's party they may be a little more into pillaging the treasure of the princesses.

Princesses at the Party

I've decided I love the idea of a princess party. Pink everywhere. Girls in the beautiful twirly gowns they were born to wear. It just seems so innocent and wonderful.

One little Cinderella has lost her shoe. I guess that's par for a Cinderella. The prince has to have some way to find you, I suppose.

I am so sentimental. Our babysitter went to her senior prom tonight. All I could think of when I was looking at these pictures was how it will be a few quick blinks and I'll be snapping shots of these, or other little girlfriends with my baby and their prom dates. Time, please slow down. These days are just too precious.

An Excellent Adventure

After much research and the use of many strollers over the last 2 1/2 years, I am ready to make a professional statement. The Phil and Teds in-line stroller is the ONLY stroller a mother could EVER need. I am somewhat of a self-proclaimed stroller enthusiast,

so you can trust me. :)

Here's what you need to know about this totally excellent stroller:

It works for:

A new baby in an infant car seat (forget that huge 40 lb travel system you'll never use again)

A single stroller for everyday needs (saves you the $150 on the Maclaren I would've recommended prior to owning this stroller, although I still LOVE Maclarens)

A jogger for one kid up to 5 years old (saves you up to $300 for a good jogger)

A double stroller for an infant and toddler (it lays flat for the infant and the jumpseat sits on the front to make a pram-like space for the new baby and a fun front seat for the big sib)

A double for 2 toddlers (as seen above)

A double jogger for 2 toddlers (unless you're a super serious runner, then I'd recommend the Bob Revolution Double Jogger)

And it folds up so easily and is surprisingly compact (i.e. fits in the back of the Mini, even with the kids' car seats in there). I really can't say enough about this stroller. Makes me want to have another baby just to use the infant portion! :)

While it will feel like you're spending an arm ($450 for the stroller new) and a leg ($90 for the jumpseat to make it a double) at first, you will never need to make another stroller purchase for the life of your child/children. If only I'd known this when I started this circus nearly 3 years ago I wouldn't have the collection of strollers that exists in our garage. Lucky for me, I got this stroller for FREE because of my absolutely amazing husband. Someone was throwing it out on the curb when Nate stepped in and grabbed it up for us. After minimal cleaning it's like new. Like they say: "One man's trash, another man's treasure."

That's it for my review.

Who needs Consumer Reports when you've got Keeping up with the Cooks?!

Going to Granny's

just not today :(

This morning I was putting laundry away in our room, when Natalie came in asking for help to pull her pants on. She'd changed out of her jeans, into a pair of cutoff capris that we picked up one day in Wrightsville Beach last April because she'd fallen into the water and needed dry clothes. She rarely wore them last year because they were way too big. Apparently she still remembers where she got them though because she was wearing them on purpose. Or maybe she can read? They do say "Wrightsville Beach" across the butt. Classy huh? I went into her room to find her suitcase out and open on her floor. Packed with (as she listed to me), shoes, shorts, her swimmy suit and a sunhat. She explained that she was going to Granny's to the beach. I have to say the packing was pretty impressive. I think she learned it from some early morning tv with Special Agent Oso. I guess tv's not all bad. Luckily she didn't flip out when I told her we weren't going to Granny's today. Instead, we went to a park that has a sand volleyball court and had a "beach" day there. It was fun, but it wasn't the same. We may be over that stinky virus, but now we're all beachsick. Granny, we're heading your way ASAP so we can get over our illness. :)

Just Can't Get Enough

Every time she puts on these boots I want to run for my camera. So today I did. She must've known it was gonna thunderstorm that night.

Her new favorite toy: sticks.

Sutton, 10 months

Ready for bed, and maybe the major leagues.

Sideways smiles. He is one happy kid.

Loves his Daddy. Just like when Natalie was a baby, no one makes him smile quite like Daddy.

Easter Sunday

Sorry Rest-of-the-World, I have the 2 cutest children on the planet!

Natalie's Easter dress was made by Granny K in 1981. If I can find the picture of me in it, I'll be sure to post a comparison.

The best part of the dress is the little chick inside the peek-a-boo egg. Wasn't Granny so clever?

Two suckers from Pastor Matt. Apparently, on holidays one sucker just won't do.

Just a small portion of all the little Easter cuties from our church.

Easter Firsts

Sutton enjoyed the grass in his basket as well as the little nerf ball the Bunny brought him. And Natalie, well, she liked biting into a hollow choc choc bunny.

Passover and a Seder Meal

For our Maundy Thursday service this year at church we planned a traditional Jewish Seder meal to celebrate Passover. It was fun researching and learning about the traditions that Christ would have taken part in during The Last Supper. It was fun preparing far in advance for Easter and getting to celebrate for more than just one day.

Transforming the fellowship hall with twinkly lights was really fun. Thanks for all your help ladies!