First 2nd Birthday

We were in KC just a few days before Sutton's actual birthday, so we thought it was the perfect excuse to get everyone together. The best, most laid-back party ever!

The best part: Sutton was surrounded by so many people who love him. As I'm writing this out, I am reminded that almost every person at the party was there at the hospital to see him after he was born. Loved from the very beginning...all of 2 years ago!

Party entertainment: the pond/fountain in Uncle D and Aunt Kassa's backyard.

Enjoying a gift from Mrs. Melissa and Mr. Joe.

Enjoying the cookie cake.

Make New Friends, but Keep the Old

Natalie and Isabel are going to be the type of friends who don't skip a beat when they're back together after weeks/months apart. They had SO much fun together and I don't think they fought even once!

Playing in Uncle D's "pool."

"Happy Birthday to Sutton"

We had a little get together while we were in KC to start the celebration of Sutton's 2nd birthday. You may notice, he had a little help from the wind with blowing out his candles, but he didn't seem to mind.

He claps after prayers and birthday songs. Guess he's happy he gets to eat.

Take Me Out to the Crowd

Natalie loves watching Clint play ball. So glad he had a game during our visit.

Taking a break from the game to play on whoever's cell phone she confiscated.

Quite the chauffeur service. You can't believe the looks I got while Jennie parked the car and I walked through the airport with 7 kids.

The Kids

If you were to scroll back through this blog, you'd see photos of the Chappell kids throughout many posts. Natalie has been practically raised by them. She adores them. Hands down, the hardest part about moving for her has been missing her kids. Just visiting them certainly wasn't enough, but it sure was fun.

Sutton, helping Sierra with a school project.

Gettin clean in Aunt Jennie's new sink.

We moved to NC and a week later, the Chappells moved to KS. I keep telling myself it wouldn't have been the same anyways...right?

Puppy Chow

Dining with the Chappells is always exciting. Even Jack gets involved in the meals, especially when Sutton is around.

Juicy, squirty corn-on-the-cob. Yuuummm.

If you don't squint, it'll get you in the eye. Trust us. :)

Experiencing McCallum Hospitality!

We hate that we've moved away from our great friends, the McCallums. But it sure is fun to visit and spend all day everyday with them while we're there!

This is one of the things I miss most about KC...good friends, just hangin around enjoying each other's company.

Conversations with Mr. Joe...always interesting.

And having Pops and Mimi there for our stay was just a big ole bonus!

The boys, actually playing together now.

The Race Is On

Silly Slug

During one of our many outdoor evening adventures (the weather has been phenomenal), Natalie found a slug slowly making its way up the side of Grandaddy's shop. She thought she wanted to hold it. She DID touch it, but decided "it didn't want to be held."

She is so pensive sometimes. I just love that cute little thoughtful face.

Baby of the Family

Sutton is quickly catching Natalie in size and I have all ideas that by next summer they will look like twins. But so far, no matter how big he seems to get, he's still just a little guy at heart. So lovable and sweet...especially to his Mommy.

Mother's Day Tea

Natalie's preschool had a tea party for mommies and their kiddos. It was such a sweet little tea.

Her class.

First Few

Over the last 2.5 months we've been busy moving to NC, finding and buying a home, then preparing that home to live in. Hopefully, by the end of this week we'll be moving in for good! For now, here are a couple of pictures of our new digs.

First meal.

Sutton's first photo by his new house. So exciting to think of the many more to come.

Kiddos playing in their new back yard.

One of my favorite quirky features: a wine cork backsplash on the underside of the bar. Crafty, clever and useful.

Sutton helping with all the work.

Chillin

This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

I would just like to point out a couple things I love about the photograph above. I know I am a sentimental fool, but I can't help myself. Kylee in Natalie's jeans that are too small, yet fit just right. She had to change out of her dirty ball clothes cause she came straight over from a tee ball game. I love that she went straight back to Natalie's room and they found some clothes for her together. Girls. Natalie wearing her apron after cooking us a delightful imaginary dessert outside. Nat's cute little sandals on the wrong feet, again. Kylee's sweet strand of pearls. And the footstool they strategically placed on the couch so they could be perfectly positioned for the movie and optimal relaxation. I adore these 2 children. And the 3rd, more manly one on the other couch in the picture below. God has really blessed us with these great new friends for Natalie and for the great old friends for Mommy and Daddy, to whom these children belong.

Bookworm

Sutton is "reading." He still doesn't have a ton of words we can understand, but he's talking a lot more these days. Just happy to hear his little voice. He sings and reads with such inflection and determination. I fondly remember when Natalie started "reading" books and it's just as fun or maybe even more so with him. He is growing WAY too fast.

I just love how toddlers find the smallest spaces to hide out in. Our new house has the most fun little closet/hideout attached to the playroom. I know for a fact that I am WAY more excited about it than the kids are. The funny thing is that when 2 of my childhood friends came to look at the house, the both, on separate visits, expressed how much we would've loved that little space as kids. Can't hardly wait for the house to be ready so I can start posting some pics of our new digs!