Squeezing it all in

I felt like today we were just trying to squeeze it all in.  I needed to pack our closets..I needed to take a load to Gigi and Papa's...and my kids needed to see their friends before we moved.  Somehow we managed to get it all done.  I loaded down the car with all my pantry and freezer foods and most of the girls clothes this morning.  We did a pit-stop at Chick-fil-a with some of Harper's school friends (Henry and Parker) for lunch and a play-date, and then were on to drop off the load at Gigi and Papa's. I got the girls closet mostly organized and got the food put away.  Next up it was back home to do a few things and then to dinner with Handley's best friend from school, Grace. Handley had a special "friends forever" necklace she had gotten for her birthday and wanted to give the other half to Grace.  These two girls have such a sweet friendship and although they will be in different schools next year we will definitely keep them in touch and plan special play-dates so they can keep their friendship.

If you are wondering why we are eating all of our meals out, it's because we have very little food at our house and our fridge was disconnected this evening to prepare for the move/storage. 

Our big move with furniture is later this week, but I'm trying to get all of the kids' stuff set up and ready for them.  It's just crazy though because every time I turn around there is MORE stuff that needs to be taken. Tomorrow will be the rest of the girls' clothes, their jewelry boxes, bows and hair accessories, purses they insisted on having, shoes, bathroom stuff for all the kids, Hudson's clothes and all my refrigerator food.  It's never ending.  I think the hardest thing about this move is that our things are going to so many different places...some to Gigi and Papa's, some to storage and some to the new house. I know that this is all going to be worth it in the end though and I am so excited about the potential of our new house, but I will be happy if we never, ever, ever move again!

12 hours and still going strong...

Today was day 2 of moving.  We used the trailer and our cars to move boxes and some of the smaller things to storage.  We got started early and finished up late.  The kids we pretty good all day and kept busy playing with what toys were left and "helping" as much as they could.  After three trips over there we were all exhausted.  The most fun the kids had was playing with one of the carts at the storage place. We only had one little mishap with it running away downhill with Handley on it.   This picture is of them, 12 hours into our moving day, and still going strong.

Last night our next door neighbors had us over for dinner to say goodbye.  The kids had a blast and Hudson was most impressed with Calvin's "choo-choo" collection.  He just about turned down a cupcake for playing with the trains.  They have been fantastic neighbors and their kids and ours have shared many, many memories together. Harper and Calvin were born on the same day, so they will always have a special friendship.  There won't be anymore last minute bike parties or hunting for worms in their flower beds after dinner like they have grown used to doing, but we will definitely still keep in touch and be back to visit.

Later that night and just before the kids' bedtimes they all hopped on Robby's back for a horse ride.  They are so lucky to have such a fun daddy!

And, I just have to say a huge THANK YOU to my best friend.  Not only did she come bring me more boxes yesterday that she had been collecting, but she also stayed and helped me pack! THANK YOU JEN!!! :-)

First Grade Official

This morning we took a break from packing so I could register Handley at her new school!  She was so excited about seeing the school and I was so excited to finally have this marked off the to-do list.  A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders and a big worry of mine resolved.  The whole reason we are moving is because of schools so having this be official made my day!

We took Harper and Hudson to Gigi's house to stay so Handley and I could have some one-on-one time.  After registration we went out to lunch and then by the storage place to reserve our unit.  It was a fun afternoon together and I'm happy I got to hang out with just my oldest girl.  It doesn't happen often enough.

This evening we went to a farewell dinner with a few of my sweet, sweet friends who are also my neighbors.  These girls are what make me love my neighborhood so much.  Their kids are some of my kids' best friends and they have all grown up together.   It makes me so sad to think that we won't be able to make our last minute plans to play outside together or meet at the neighborhood playground at a moments notice.  However, we are going to still make plenty of plans to see each other and let the kids play...it will just have to be done with a little more advance notice.  The good news is I made it from our current neighborhood to our new house yesterday in Atlanta rush hour traffic in only 30 minutes, so on a good day with little or no traffic it's only about 20 minutes away.

We went to a local pizza place that was having a kids night complete with face painting and an interactive musician.  It was so much fun!

We finished up the night with frozen yogurt.  The kids all laughed, played and enjoyed their candy toppings while the moms made plans to get us all back together soon.

Love all of these sweet kiddos! 

Cute boys! 

My poor kids have been bored out of their mind this week.  We are usually on the go, go, go so being stuck at home while I pack is driving them a little bit stir crazy.  They did find some funny dress-up things though and one day I came across a bunch of coins stuck in one of our closets.  I called for them all to bring their piggy banks and they spent at least 1/2 an hour filling them up with the coins.  That let me get the master bathroom packed with no interruptions! Ever since then Hudson has been asking for "more money" because he had so much fun.

The good news is, I've only got a few more rooms to go and then we will be all packed up.

One down, One to go...

Today we closed on our new house!  We're excited, but it just doesn't seem real yet.  I think it's probably because we aren't moving there right away and the house in it's current state is nothing like it will be when we do move in.  I know there is going to be a long road ahead.  Still, I'm thrilled with the fact we have this part behind us. We close on our the sell of our house next week.  One down, one to go!

Just call us the Clampetts

Today was day 1 of moving.  I'm shocked at how much we got done and how very bare bones our house looks and feels right now. I haven't touched the upstairs, but that is on my to-do list for this week.

Robby bought a trailer yesterday knowing that we will be doing a lot of moving over the next few months and would definitely get our use out of it.  Today we made two trips with the trailer and our cars to Gigi and Papa's house.  Besides our clothes, we are pretty much moved in over there.  Today, in addition to all the loading and unloading we did, I got their playroom area set up so they aren't going to miss a beat in the toy/playing department.

I'm sure we were quite a sight to be seen heading down the interstate with our trailer loaded down, but we didn't want the kids to feel like all of their things were taken away.  We hope this move will be as seamless as possible for them and making the kids feel comfortable is my number one goal (not that they are going to have any trouble because they think moving in with Gigi and Papa is the best news ever!).  While Robby is remembering the important things we might need during the building of our house, I'm planning ahead for things like their trick-or-treat bags, various Fall/Winter holiday books I like to read them, Christmas stockings and even our Elf on the Shelf.

Pool Party turned House Party

We spent most of the day indoors getting things packed and ready for our move. We've made a lot of progress and have most of the first floor in boxes everywhere.  While we were indoors it was hot and sunny.  Just as we get our bathing suits on and start getting everything ready for Hudson's pool party this afternoon it starts to thunder. I hope for the best and go on with our plans.  As we get to the pool in one direction it starts thundering and lightening in the distance and in the other direction it is clear skies. I decided to hold up and wait before getting everything set up and its a good thing we did because the storm moved right over us and we took cover under the deck and in the bathrooms.

Sad Mickey :-(  There was no saving the balloons from the downpour. 

When it finally let up a little about 45 minutes later we loaded up, headed home and told anyone who was still interested to come to our bare house instead.  He could have cared less and was so happy with his cupcake and friends! 

Robby was traveling for work last week so we waited and let Hudson open all of his presents last night when he could be here to see.  He had more fun opening than seeing what was actually in the gifts.  He likes them all now though because if anyone else tries to touch it he runs over to grab a hold of it.

Yesterday was also a first for Hudson.  I took the kids to the movies and it was Hudson's first movie theater experience.  He loves to watch TV and movies at home so I figure he would like it.  He sat so still the entire time, ate his popcorn and as soon as it was over was asking for more.  While I can't believe that my baby is two now, I am happy that I'm able to do fun things with all three kids like go to the movies and actually have everyone enjoy it!

UNDER CONTRACT!!!

This is what packing for an 1 1/2 hours looks like with 3 kids.  Only 5 boxes.  The good news is that every single thing in those boxes was very fragile and had to be wrapped, so considering that I think I did OK.  I did leave out one wine glass because I know I will need it.  We are finally UNDER CONTRACT and have to be completely out in two weeks.  Just for my memory down the road, we ended up getting two offers while we were at the beach and one of them worked out and now (after inspections and appraisals) everything is official!  I know the stress will hit me, but we are just so excited!  Although it took a while and felt like it would never happen, looking back the timing is just perfect.

The home we are moving to is awesome location, in an excellent school district, and with a HUGE lot complete with a natural wooded area and a little creek running through the property.  We fell in love with it right away and pictured our kids playing and growing up there.  The current house is a small ranch and was built in the 1960's. It is lovely, but it won't work for our family of five.  SO, we are doing a major renovation on part of it, putting a large addition complete with a second story on on the other part, building new garages, etc.  It's going to be a major project, but it's always been my dream to build a home and make everything exactly how I want it and now I'm pretty much getting that chance.  We've been working with an architect for months on our floor plan and it is pretty much complete now.  We close on this house next week and then all the real fun begins.

Since there is no way we could live in this home while walls are being torn down and the roof is being taken off, Gigi and Papa have graciously invited us to stay with them temporarily.  Gigi has gone above and beyond to accommodate us by cleaning out closets, clearing kitchen drawers and making room for us and all of our things.  We will be moving clothes, toys and other essentials in with them and the rest will go into storage until our house is completed and move-in ready.  We are estimating the building will take 6-8 months.  I know these next few months are going to feel pretty hectic, but I know it will all be well worth it because this is the house we plan to stay in until all of our kids are done with school so essentially it will be our "forever" house.

When I wasn't packing, lining up our storage facility or having lunch with my BFF and our kids, we were at Hudson's 2 year check-up.  He has come a long way from screaming and kicking at the doctor's office.  Today he was such a ham, did everything she asked of him and loved being there.  Whether it was looking in his ears, measuring his head or getting his finger pricked, he kept saying "more" after each thing!  Ha!

Here are is 2 year old stats:

Weight - 28 lbs. (50th Percentile)
Height - 34 1/2 inches (50th Percentile)
Head Circumference - 19 1/4 inches (50th Percentile)

Happy Birthday Hudson!!!

Today my blue-eyed baby boy turned TWO!!!  I can't even believe that he isn't a baby any more.  I love, love, love my girls, but he is definitely the one that stole my heart.  I don't know if it is because he is the baby or the only boy, but he and I definitely have that special mother/son bond people talk about. 

 

We had a very full and exciting day planned.  This morning we met friends at the pool to swim and have a picnic lunch. I was a little unsure about the weather, but it turned out to be a hot and sunny day...just perfect for the pool.  Hudson absolutely loves swimming so it was a natural choice for an fun activity.  

A few friends had left when I took this picture.  Such a fun day though! 

When the big girls were trying to jump in a the same time he was right there with them and wanted to join in, too. 

After naps and a little rest time for everyone we got dressed and went to a local restaurant for kids night.  There was face painting, balloons, kid movies and lollipops.  Pretty much kid heaven. 

On our way home everyone stopped to try out a brand new cupcake place that recently opened.  The cupcakes were delicious and there were SO many choices.  As soon as the kids started eating they all got super hyper and were laughing and jumping and being so silly.  They all sang Happy Birthday to Hudson and he kept looking around to see what everyone was singing for.  

I think it is safe to say he had a fantastic 2nd birthday and we can't wait to celebrate a little more this weekend at his pool party! 

At two years old, he: 

• has a vocabulary that is getting larger by the day. He copies everything we say and really tries hard to communicate with words using short 2-3 word sentences.  
• keeps a running commentary all day long.  We like to joke that now he talks more than both girls combined. 
• is really attached to his paci and although it is supposed to stay in the bed (and I keep one in the car) he will often times sneak into his room to get it out and then just have a giant grin when we catch him with it.  He is good about putting it back though, when we are at home. 
• has a sweet tooth like no other and will fight tooth and nail with his stubborn ways to get it. 
• loves to run, jump, wrestle, tackle and play.  ALL BOY!!! 
• is usually sweet with his sisters and loves playing with them. 
• loves animals, but elephants are his favorite. Anytime he sees anything having to do with an elephant he gets so excited. 
• thinks it is funny to try on everyone's shoes. 
• loves to play catch and throw balls. He actually has a really good arm. 
• loves playing race cars, trucks, and trains.  
• is a very picky eater and refuses to try new things, but I know this will pass and eventually he will eat better like his older sisters.  
• still loves his mommy, but is becoming very comfortable with other adults and I can see his independence growing.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUDSON!!!  WE LOVE YOU!!! 

6 Years and Counting

This past weekend marked the 6th year that our great friends from Florida came up to visit us for the summer.  A little history for those who don't know...when Robby and I lived in Florida for a few years Kathy and I were introduced when team-taught 1st grade together.  We became great friends, introduced our husbands who became great friends, were pregnant at the same time with our oldest girls and the rest is history.  Their family loves the lake and boating just as much as we do so we always have such a great time together.  This is the 6th year and counting that we have done this summer weekend together at the lake (except the summer I was pregnant with Hudson...that year they just came to our house in Atlanta).  They come visit us in the summer and we usually go visit them sometime during the school year.  I'm so thankful that we always make it a priority to get together a few times a year and stay in touch.  We always pick up right where we left off and so do the kids.

The girls patiently waiting for their friends to arrive on Thursday. 

This past weekend was no exception.  The four girls are all at an age where they can go off and play and keep themselves entertained so when we were at the house they preferred to be off playing American Girl Dolls, watching movies, and everything else they were up to.  All four of them had a sleepover in the same room and were all giggles all weekend.  They are all such sweet girls!  Hudson played well with them, too, when he wanted and when he wasn't begging for M&M's...his new favorite obsession.

The adults in the group had just as much fun.  Our friends, Bryce and Sarah who had recently moved to South Carolina, ended up coming and staying with us very last minute for the weekend, too.  I did not do a very good job of taking pictures because I was just way too preoccupied with laughing the weekend away.  We had SO much fun!

The weather was kind of iffy all weekend, but we didn't let that stop us.  If a shower popped up we popped into a covered dock to wait it out and the kids didn't mind because sometimes that meant ice cream treats for everyone!

On Saturday night we went out for a nicer dinner at a great restaurant that is on the water.  It's always fun to get dressed up and ride in the boat to dinner.

Robby got more wake-boarding and wake-surfing in this weekend than he has in a long time.  He and Corey both couldn't get enough and on the way back home from dinner our last night they decided to not let their clothes stop them.  We tied up two lines and they both rode at the same time - in their clothes!  The kids thought it was just hilarious and couldn't get over how crazy their daddies were.

Handley and Lilah watching their crazy daddies wake boarding.  

The weekend ended to fast and we are already looking forward to the next time we get to see the Mills. Love you all!!!

Babysitting Sophia

After having two mostly at home days catching up on things around the house after our vacation, the kids were super excited about the playdates planned for today.  This morning Handley's friend, Grace, came over to play for a little while, then we met our friends Avery and Morgan for lunch and next was time to head home for the big highlight of the day ... getting to babysit Sophia!  We got to watch her for a few hours this afternoon and the kids were all very excited to have her at our house.  They were all so attentive and she seemed to like all the attention and was all smiles, coos, and giggles.

As soon as she was ready for a nap the girls changed into their nightgowns and got ready to head down to their 3rd playdate of the day at Annabelle's house.  Yesterday at the pool all three girls had made plans to have a pajama playdate and that is exactly what they did.

While they were there Hudson and Sophia took naps and then got some good playtime in, too.  She was so sweet and I was kind of surprised by how well Hudson did with her.  We always joke that he is lucky he was the caboose in our family because he does not do well with having to share me.  Even if one of the girls is giving me a hug or wanting to sit in my lap he usually starts screaming and yelling, "Mommy!!!" When I hold Sophia he usually immediately starts chanting, "Hold you, hold you, hold you."  After the end of the time Sophia was with us he was really OK with it.  He did have to have his own blanket with toys spread out on the floor though. :-)  He cracks me up sometimes.