A visit to South Carolina

On February 14th, we drove to South Carolina to wish Nana a happy birthday. It was great to see her. She was super surprised. We took her some valentines day cupcakes and flowers that the boys picked out. We stayed just under two hours and then it was off to visit Uncle Billy and Aunt Brenda. Happy Birthday Nana!


It has been a long while since we have seen or spent time with the Sanfords. Uncle Billy and Aunt Brenda had not yet met Aidan. We were excited to take the boys over and stop by. They graciously hosted us for dinner - Dukes BBQ and TCBY ice cream pie! Delish! We were hoping to see everyone...including Derek's cousins...but many of the family was sick with a stomach bug. But Tracey, Scottie and Hunter all stopped by to say hello. The boys loved hanging out with their second cousin Hunter who they chased around the house calling him "Russell." At one point Hunter told everyone that he was a wrestler for his school, I think Hatcher heard that part and processed that Hunter's name was in fact now Russell. It was hilarious. Even after we corrected Hatcher and Aidan...they continued to chase and yell at "Russell." When the sun went down -it was time to get back in the car and drive the 3 1/2 hours home. Although long - it was a good day and we spent great time catching up with family.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love is in the air...or is that snow? I think a bit of both depending on where you live! I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day. It seems to be a bigger holiday each year...but what a wonderful thing to celebrate...those who you love and hold dear to your heart. My heart is full - bursting in fact - with love for my family. I enjoy the time I spend with my boys every single day. And to have my best friend by my side every step of the way makes it that much better. Derek is an amazing father and husband and I look forward to our many years together watching our children grow and further enrich our lives. I am a very lucky lady...I have an amazing partner in life and two beautiful children who remind me each day that our lives are such a precious gift. Hope you all have a wonderful and special day with your loved ones!




I almost forgot...here are some of the photos from our school's Valentine's Day party. I started in Hatcher's class and ended up missing most of Aidan's party. But both boys had great fun. They both made Derek and I these wonderful cards in their classrooms - they both have such great teachers.

Bring on the snow...if only for 24 hours!

It has melted almost as fast as it fell...but boy was it beautiful. And so much fun to play in! It wasn't too cold - if you were properly bundled up - to get outside and just have fun...and that is exactly what we all did! Our unofficial ruler measurement from our back deck patio table showed close to 4 inches! The snow started falling here yesterday around 1:30 pm and continued for 9 or so hours straight. We went to the boys valentines day party at school around 3:15 as the school decided to close early. So after a rushed party, we raced home to play in the snow. Everyone was outside from 4 until it was dark...around 6:15. The whole time we were outside - the snow was falling. It was a heavy, wet snow that was perfect for building snowman.

Finishing Aidan's Big Boy Room, riding scooters and more

Derek and I finally made time to work on finishing Aidan's Big boy room. We had set up his bed and pulled out the bedding, but hadn't removed all the remaining baby decor. We still have a few minor things to do (change the basket liners and choose a curtain)...but it is nearly complete. He loves it! Although I didn't get a picture of it, we do have it on video - Aidan was skipping around in circles yelling "look at my room, look at my room, my new room, my new room"! We are a house divided on the curtains - vertical vs horizontal stripes. Hatcher and I love the horizontal and Aidan and Derek love the vertical. What is your vote?




Grandma and Grandpa Tom got the boys these laptop dry eraser boards...and they just love them. The only downside is that the markers are of the permanent variety...so we have to be present during use...but with Hatcher learning to write letters and his first name - these lap tablets are a hit. We often find the boys like this working on some "art" = as Aidan calls it!


Hatcher got the spiderman scooter for his birthday and since Derek and I had also purchased one, we opted to return the boring one we got and get one for Aidan. Hatcher was so excited that they could ride them together. Aidan really has the hang of it - of course his has three wheels. Hatcher has gotten better and better on his...although mostly fron practicing in the house.



Neil and Ramona hosted the Super Bowl gathering again this year. It started out with Neil and Don hosting as roommates and the tradition has continued for nearly 10 years. It was great to see everyone. I didn't get too many pictures - guess the margaritas were distracting me! But - this was my favorite. Neil and Ramona turned their dining room into a play room for the kids. So - with the DVDs on and toys everywhere - you would often find the kids in there. It should be noted that this is only half of the munchkin crowd...these are the three eldest of the group...Hatcher, James, Audrey and Aidan.

Happy Birthday Hatcher...You are officially 4 years old!

What a precious gift...a picture from the day we welcomed Hatcher to the world.



Hatcher's first celebration was at school. The boys and I made 24 cupcakes that I sent to school with them for an afternoon snack/celebration. Hatcher asked me if I was going to go and decorate his classroom and bring party favors. I told him I would see what I could do. So at the last minute on Friday afternoon, I took some personal time from work, drove to party city to get the party supplies and favors for both the school shin-dig as well as for his big planned party. I got to his school around 3 pm and he was super excited. He was just begining to hand out the cupcakes to his classmates...so I went down the hall and got Aidan and we had a mini birthday party for Hatcher. Afterwards the boys and I were off to pull together all the other essentials we needed for his big party at Monkey Joe's.





The morning of Hatcher's birthday and before the party, we all came down to the keeping room and let Hatcher open our presents to him as well as the presents that had come in the mail. We had even saved up his cards. Such a good big brother, he let Aidan help him open everything.







Finally it was time for the big hoorah! We had coordinated a party at Monkey Joe's, one of those indoor "bounce house" facilities. We figured it would be perfect being that it has been so cold in Atlanta lately and rainy...just as it was this very day - cold and rainy. But, I guess everyone else had the same idea. We were one of 30, yes that is right, THIRTY parties that day. We arrived around 10:30 so we could set up before the 11 party. Well, apparently during the busiest season, you don't get your actually party room until 1 hour AFTER your party starts. So everyone puts their gifts, coats, shoes, etc on a cart until the room is ready. There were already several parties going on when we arrived. The kids had a blast - none of them had any clue there was even an issue. I think most of the guests were okay as well - until the kids started asking for water (of course from running around for an HOUR!) but we hadn't yet set up. You get the picture...I was frustrated to say the least...but really trying to hold it together. I think I did a fair job...HA - fair at best. I didn't loose my temper - I just stopped talking. HA...but Hatcher had a great time. He loved playing with his friends.












All in all there were 11 kids there: Hatcher and Aidan, Haley and Tomy Smith, Owen Albert, Maddox Bayer, Sophia Estes and her cousin Berta, Madison and Carter Riley, Houston, and Ava Mei McMahon. All the kids had a blast. Sophia is still too little to get involved...but it was great to have them there with us to celebrate. When we finally did get the room, folks just migrated in. We had pizza, apple juice and soda for everyone. Then the big Spiderman cake. Hatcher had an absolute blast - which is what it is all about. I know it was stressful for me since I was reluctantly not in control of most of the party...and add to that the chaos of the environment in general...whew. That said, I can't believe my little man is 4. I just can't believe how fast he has grown. He is such a joy - such a love. I think he touches most of the people he meets. I am so super proud to be his mother.