Thursday, April 12, 2012

Easter 2012

Our Easter celebrations began with a field trip to Highland Gardens with Max's preschool.  His buddy Christian got to ride in our car and kept me on my toes the entire morning.  Let's just say the kids were less than impressed with learning about perennials, annuals, and deciduous trees.  It was sort of a snooze fest.
Even though Max was a little bored he managed to pay attention and answer all Miss Molly's questions.  After lunch we had an Easter egg hunt which instantly made the field trip fun.

Max and I always have such a good time together on the field trips.  Too bad I was chasing Christian around the greenhouse most of the time. 
The next day we colored eggs.  The kids were pumped!  They have been asking for weeks.  It was a little tricky juggling coloring eggs and a 7 month old baby.

Good thing I have Hank and Max to take over.


Sam was just wondering when he could eat again.

The kids spent over an hour carefully placing stickers and drawing designs on the eggs.  They turned out really cute.  I gave up full control to them which they loved.

On Saturday the kids woke up excited for more Easter celebrations.  We went to 5 mile pass with Randy's family to eat hot dogs and roll eggs.
It was a bit chilly for Sam but he didn't seem too bothered by it. Grandpa Stan got a kick out of him.
His Harley Davidson gear instantly made him look like a tough guy.
Everyone had to have their time with Sam.
Me and Sam
Grandma Griffin
Grandpa Griff
 Lennon and Sam are becoming best of friends. 

Speaking of best friends, these three are pretty tight as well.  

And then there is Mino-man, friends with babies and big boys alike.  I'm sure he did something productive with that rock.

Max really got into all the Easter festivities this year.  Rolling his eggs down the side of the mountain was a highlight.

Hank preferred to throw his eggs as far as he could.

Randy is always willing to demonstrated the proper rolling technique.  After our fun in the dirt we came home, showered off and I prepared a delicious Easter dinner for Randy's family.  I must have been too busy cooking because I have no pictures to prove the dinner really happened. 
Hank and Max went to bed early so the Easter bunny could come.  Hank was a little nervous about the thought of a giant bunny hopping through our house.  I told him not to think about it too hard.

The next morning the boys discovered a series of clues leading them to various prizes throughout the house.





  The Easter bunny left them "socker boppers" and it took about 3 minutes before blood was shed.


Sam seemed pretty unaffected by the mayhem.  He was too busy with his new sippy cups.


The Easter bunny also left Max and Hank some adorable Shawn White gear. 
Our next adventure was at my mom and dad's house.  After lunch we headed down to the pond for another egg hunt.





Sam was perfectly content in the shade with an empty egg and comfy blanket.

Max and Isabel

Hank and Dan played football.

Sam with his lady friends.

Some mother son bonding with...

Sarah and Jack.

and Hank and Annie
More egg rolling/chucking

Isabel and Hank
My parents back yard is an absolute haven for boys.  They have unlimited rocks to throw, a pond to fish in,  4-wheelers, dirt, and an open field perfect for any sporting event.  The weather was gorgeous.  It was a perfectly relaxing afternoon.  Sam ended the day with a luxurious bath.

I'm thinking he might be a little big for that sink!

Friday, April 6, 2012

7 months

Another month passed already?  I can't believe it.  I didn't think it was possible for Sam to get more adorable but somehow he has done just that!  Feast your eyes upon my precious Sammy-Boy.

 He thinks riding in the shopping cart like a big boy is the coolest thing ever.  It's getting more and more difficult to lug his infant carrier around.  This kid is solid.

 He even got a pair of big boy jammies.  There is just something about a crisp new set of pj's.  It makes me so happy.  He is becoming more mobile.  He sits up unassisted now and rolls everywhere.  I've noticed him scooting around too!  His teeth have yet to come in but that doesn't stop him from eating everything I offer.  He doesn't get nearly as excited about his bottle as he used to.  
It's probably due to my amazing discovery....


This baby food is genius, seriously I can't get enough and neither can Sam.  The combination of fruits and vegetables are delicious.  You just screw on a little spoon to the end of the pouch and voila...dinner is served.
 
The following pictures capture his personality perfectly.




 Extreme close-up
 This expression is one of his favorites.  Max and Hank found this picture on my phone and couldn't control their giggles.
   He really is as happy, content and full of smiles as the pictures show.  I can't imagine our family without our Sam Randall.  Ooooo I love you buddy, so so much. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Tucker is Here!

I have a new nephew and my kids have a new cousin. We couldn't be more thrilled!  We are so excited to have Tucker in our family.  He is adorable.
 
Max LOVES babies.  It really brings out the sweetest side of him.
 
If you need a genuine smile from Max, put a darling baby near him.
Max was so excited to hear his cousins name just happens to be his favorite wonder pet, Tuck.

Hank also enjoys holding a newborn.  He ran home from the bus stop the day Tucker was born, ready to head to the hospital to meet him.

Randy and Tucker also had some quality bonding time.


I can't believe the infusion of new life that has entered our family this past year.  I have two new nephews, a niece and a darling baby of my own.  We are so blessed to have them all here and healthy. 
 I can't believe Sarah and I don't have a picture of Sam and Tucker together.  Maybe it's best to keep them separated for a bit since Sam could eat him for a mid-morning snack!  He looks gigantic in comparison.

Sam had the privilege of a Grandpa Sherm rocking session.  I'm so jealous.  If only he could hold me like that.
This post was supposed to be entirely dedicated to Tucker but I have to acknowledge this lovely lady's recent birthday.
 My beautiful, amazing, mother had a birthday on Sunday and I love her so very much.  I can't imagine my life without her.  I am so lucky to have her darling little mug around me so often.

These kids are pretty lucky to call her their grandma. 
Happy Birthday Mom!