First Week of Summer

Our first official week of summer was a success!!! We kicked it off with a little Mexican goodness to celebrate Aunt Haley's 23rd birthday.

We put the birthday girl and Robert to work with a couple of little projects in our backyard.  My kids thought it was pretty awesome to get to "help" with the power tools!

Sprinkler time is a must to beat the heat of a MS summer....(it's still May...we are going to fry later on this summer!)

We wore our stars and stripes in honor of Memorial Day.  So very thankful for the sacrifices of so many heroes who have protected our freedom.

We spent our Memorial Day morning at my parents playing in the water.  Needless to say, the kids took amazing naps!!!!!

Last night, we went to play with the Evans crew.  We had such a nice time playing outside, grilling out, and just enjoying fellowship with sweet friends.

Last night was also a "Match Night" for our adoption agency.  We did not receive a file this month.  They will match again at the end of June.  Our family wants our little girl home so badly, and we are trusting the Lord for His perfect timing.  I am trying to be patient, but it is tough!!!!  It's a good thing we are staying so busy around here and I don't have too much time to sit and throw a pity party!!!

My Little Fireman

As I have said before, Walker is OBSESSED with all things fire truck.  So, while we were in Columbus, Nana arranged for a little party for Walker at the fire station.  We had such a fun time and the firemen were so sweet to my kids.  

 The kids got to climb all over the fire truck and do the lights and siren.

 Our friends the Skaggs brought their kids to play too.  Jones was so cute in all the fire fighter gear.  Right after I snapped this picture, that sweet little dude fell over.  Bless it.

 This little guy was in heaven.

 The Cookie Mama made some precious cookies for us to share with all the firemen.  They were so funny sitting around the table with a 2 year old eating cookies and ice cream and drinking apple juice together.  While everyone was eating, they got a call and had to head out for an emergency.  The kids thought it was pretty awesome to get to see them run out and leave in such a hurry.

 Thank you to Nana and Pop for arranging for such a special and fun afternoon for my fire truck loving little guy.  (He was far too interested in the fire truck to take a picture!)

On our way home from church yesterday, we happened to pull up next to a fire truck on Main Street.  The firemen in the truck recognized our car, rolled down their windows and started screaming "WALKER!!!!!! WALKER!!!!!" and honking their horns at us.  It was pretty precious and the kids just laughed and laughed.  Thankful for their service and thankful for their willingness to make my little guy's dreams come true!!!

Hello Summer!

Summer is officially here at the Nelson house.  Walker finished Mother's Day Out on Wednesday.  I CAN NOT BELIEVE how much older he looks in this picture.  So big!

Ella Kate and I had a special morning together while Walker was in school.  I think she really enjoyed getting to be an only child for a few minutes even though she talked about Walker the whole morning that she was away from him.  They are such sweet buddies.

We went to Columbus for a few days and one of the items on our to do list included EK's kindergarten shots.  We talked and talked and talked about the shots before hand in hopes of preparing her as much as possible.  After all the horror stories, I was scared of how these would go.  EK suggested dressing as Doc McStuffins for her appointment because she thought it would help her be extra brave.  Our friend Emily Hayes is in the Child Life Masters program at State, so we asked her to come along to the appointment and do her magic while the dirty work was being done.  Let me just tell you, EK ROCKED those shots.  She did not shed a tear and honestly, I could not imagine any child doing any better.  She was awesome.  So thankful for "family" to help us through a not so fun appointment.  Blessed to have Dr. Pam and Emily!!!!!!

The weather was a bit too cold to swim, but that didn't stop these two from playing in the little pool anyway.

We were able to go to Starkville and play with the Gordon's as well.  The kids played outside for a long time and then we ordered some delicious Stomboli's for dinner.  The kids all got along incredibly well and were content to play while the grown ups got to talk.  It was really a beautiful thing!!!!

5 kids....5 smiles.....no bribery......a modern miracle indeed!!!

On Sunday, some of my favorite friends and I had the privilege of hosting a Sip and See for sweet Tollie and baby Zeke.  It was so nice to get to visit and of course get some snuggles in with the angel baby.  We have all prayed and prayed for him and could not be more excited for the Nail family.

 We had a great first week of summer and a fabulous weekend in the Golden Triangle!

Green Frog Farewell

Yesterday was Ella Kate's last official day of K-4 at The Weekday Preschool.  She has had a fabulous year and made some sweet friends.  (EK was sick on the first day with hand, foot and mouth and I didn't even know it.  I should have know by those sick looking eyes.  Poor thing!)

Today, the Green Frog class had their end of the year party.  A giant jump house, CFA nuggets, and a pinata made for a great morning with friends!

 Mrs. Loretta and Mrs. Prather were so sweet to EK this year.  So thankful for these precious ladies who love my baby!!!

 Look out Kindergarten!!! Ella Kate is headed your way!!!!!!!

Mother's Day 2014

I am so thankful that these 2 little monkeys call me mama.  

 I am also so thankful to call this one my mama.  I honestly don't know what I would do without her.  She goes above and beyond for our family and is so supportive and so giving.  She's my best friend.

 She's a pretty amazing Kay Kay too!!! 5 minutes after this picture was taken, MANY tears were shed in the backseat because those little angels wanted to go home with Kay Kay to live.  Way to make me feel loved guys.

I just have to show off the precious painting that J had done for me!!!  Our amazingly talented friend Lissa painted a portrait of EK a couple of years ago and I am thrilled to have this one of my little man to hang up as well.  LOVE!!!!!!

We are all pretty excited to head to Columbus in a few days to see another special lady!!! We are so lucky to have such incredible families! Get ready Nana!!! We will be there soon!!!!!

A Day in the Life of the Birthday boy

Today has been all about celebrating Walker's 2nd birthday.  It's so hard to believe that he has grown from that tiny little baby into a wild and crazy toddler! He is so funny and sweet and it is so amazing to get to watch him learn and explore. So, here is a little recap of the day's activities that were all about Walker.

I asked Walker what he wanted for breakfast.  He answered with "MM's." So, he ate M&M's and thought it was awesome.

EK was at school, so I asked him what he wanted to do.  "Pay outside."  Yes sir. We filled up the new water table that Kay Kay and G gave him for his bday and he played and played all morning.

Walker LOVES fire trucks.  The obsession is pretty unhealthy.  On our way to get EK, we drove by the station near our house and parked at the Walgreens across the street to watch the "Nee Naw" sit inside the garage for about 15 minutes.  He loved it.  

After swimming lessons, we met Mom, Dad, and Haley at Newk's.  My children would eat Newk's for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

 Jordan and Ross sent Walker this Rody.  I have never seen such but my kids think it is the coolest thing ever.  It is kind of like a bouncy ball that you jump on, but it's a donkey with a little seat so you don't fall over all the time.  Does that even make sense?  Remember Walker's love for the donkey at the Easter Egg Hunt?  Yeah, the love has continued for Don the Donkey.  Thanks Jo and Ross!!!!

 And seriously! How cute is this bulldog painting??? Haley's school features local artists and their work each month and she found this painting in one of the shows.  I hope Walker doesn't mind if I steal it for another spot in the house!!!!!!

 Mom brought some cupcakes and candles and we sang to the Little Man.

 This kid LOVES sweets of any kind.  He would seriously do without other food if he could have cake and chocolate!

 How old are you Bubba? "Toooooooooooooooooooo"

Walker Brooks Nelson, you are loved deeply.  We are so very thankful for you.  Your infectious laugh and sweet smile melt my heart.  You can get away with murder with your little dimples.  You love to be held and I love to hold you.  You don't go anywhere without your milk, your blanket, and your sister.  You think she is the best thing ever and you copy everything she does.  You get so proud when you tee tee in the potty and as soon as school is out, we will be full blown potty training because you keep telling me you are ready.  Your vocabulary has exploded and the things you say are so funny.  Being outside makes you happy and so do airplanes and fire trucks. You are truly a blessing to our family and we love you to the moon and back!!!!!