Amelia's Backyard BBQ

So... this is a month late, I realize that, but we've been ... let's just say pretty busy. So I will try and catch you up with all that's been going on.

Last month, we celebrated Amelia's 4th birthday! (WOW) She wanted a "backyard bbq" and I tried to deliver. The party was scheduled just 2 days after my mom had foot surgery so we ended up having it at my parents house. I thought their big yard would lend itself well to a backyard party... and then it rained all day. So, inside we went. Here's a few pictures of the party...

Smores cupcakes on the "fire"

(it looked cooler in person)

Food table: there was pulled pork sliders, hot dogs, fruit. chips, salad on a stick, corn on the cob

blueberry lemonade and pie pops

about to blow out the candles

enjoying her marshmallow frosting

reading cards (what 4 year old does that?!?)

She was excited about the books she got.

sporting her new headband 

Mom and Dad decided to get her some fish... She was really excited. Not surprisingly, they didn't last long. Birthday present FAIL

Since it was raining, we played our yard games in the basement. We played a few games with most people, then the 3 kids did some bag races.

action shot

it was intense.

We had a fun night even with all the rain. Can't believe she's four.

One Year

Happy Birthday to our never holding still-never sleeping big boy, Jack Sterling! It's been quite a year but we both  made it out alive... which is more than I expected most of the time :).

 Nicknames: Skunky, Monkey, Snakes (don't ask...)

Favorite book: "How do dinosaurs say Goodnight." the only book he'll sit still for

Favorite Cartoon: "Super Why" He does like sportscenter too!

Favorite food: Pork products, frozen blueberries

Favorite toy: any ball

Favorite activity: bathtime with sis

Least favorite activity: getting dressed

He walks everywhere now. He will get into anything. He doesn't really have any words yet... but he gets his point across. He still loves to be around the action. His curly hair and dark brown eyes will melt your heart.

Love you, Jack and we are excited to watch you grow!!

Four

 Four years ago

 God gave us

 such a huge blessing

 and responsibility  

 She has changed us and challenged us

 and continues to captivate us

 We pray... today as always

 that she grow in wisdom and in grace.

 We love you, Amelia Anne. Happy 4th Birthday!

Fair Day

It has been our tradition to spend one evening at the fair, dinner and visiting the animals. We are usually a hot mess but have fun seeing all the animals.

Hot and sticky and ready to see some animals.

Cows, always a favorite

feeding the ducks

We love it when the horses are out of the stalls. 

and Jack LOVED the horses. This one loved him back.

  

Bunnies were also a hit

taking a break from the heat in the air conditioning before heading to the car. 

4th of July

We spent four days in Kentucky with some Humphrey family. Weather wasn't awesome but we had fun seeing people, hanging out, and eating! What are holidays for?

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Gator rides!

Sparklers!

Jack and Mom-Mom watching the sparkler fun

It wasn't the best day for swimming but we did ride around in the boat for awhile. 

taking it for a spin

  

Jack lounging with Uncle Michael (they are like the same person)

Our niece was also born over the weekend! Mae, your cousins are looking forward to wrestling with you!

It's been a busy couple of weeks and it was so nice to get away, even if quickly, to rest and enjoy some family. Thanks to MomMom and DadDad for EVERYTHING! 

Eleven

Our Big Boy is a month from ONE!

Hobbies:

Balls! He has many that he loves to throw and roll with Dad.

Wrestling- a favorite game is to climb and jump onto anything or anyone on the floor. 

Eating, eating, eating... the problem is finding stuff he can eat and then getting it to him fast enough.

New Things:

first steps- He can take a few before falling. It won't be long now.

He FINALLY slept through the night. It's clearly been a long time coming and I'm not sure I can bank on it tonight, but its a start.

He's quickly becoming a toddler. Looking forward to the big ONE!