Everyone Needs Support

Some of my council of moms. They are such a blessing in my life.

Yesterday we had our homeschool co-op summer pool party and the families that were able to make it had so much fun.  The moms dragged chairs to the edge of the pool to watch the kids and just talked and enjoyed each other.  

As I looked around at these women I was struck at what an amazing resource I have in these women.  We support and love each other.  We bring meals when we are sick or just had a baby.  We give advice and share our experiences.  We throw baby showers and babysit. 

If you don't have your circle reach out. 

Talk to that woman at the park.

Give a hand to that mom at the store.

I bet you she would love to have the support as much as you do. 

A Good Reminder

Last night a drunk driver hit a power pole and knocked out the electricity to half the county.  14,000 people were out of power!  It only last about 2 hours, but the sun was going down and after we pulled out the oil lamps and flashlights for each person I was amazed looking around and seeing how many completely dark houses there were around me.

It was a good reminder of what you need for an emergency - like I shouldn't have been putting batteries in flashlights in the dark.  Preparation is key! 

I spent much of the blackout using my phone and checking what was going on. My friends and I got very silly as the time wore on, but having that connection was reassuring. 

I definitely have some things to think about for any next time we might have!

Sleep, Blessed Sleep

Last night Declan slept from 10pm until 5:30am in his crib! 

::happy dance::

This is the first time he has slept more then 3-4 hours at a time!

Let's pray this is the beginning of a trend!

WNC Nature Center

My husband was able able to take an unexpected day off and we decided to take advantage of it!  We headed to Asheville to the WNC Nature Center and we loved it!  The price was very reasonable and we spent over 3 hours wandering around looking at the animals and playing in the play areas.  Our favorites were the river otters, the racoon that walked only a few inches away from us and the bears! 

Snakes!

Claire

Looking for creatures

Being spiders

 

Chandler

Claire was helping us navigate with the map.

Right there.  That is Fiona wrapped up in a nut shell.

Declan just did not want his picture taken!

My family.

The river otters were such hams.  The kids loved them!

One of the little play areas.  What a good idea!

 I highly recommend the WNC Nature Center if you are near Asheville.  Everything was well done, fun and educational. 

My Heroes

Summer Yoga!

Claire and Chandler have been really enjoying the summer kid's yoga class that our local yoga studio has been holding.  It's once a week downtown and the big kids enjoy the class (Chandler says it makes him "feel brave") and the littles and I walk around downtown. 

Chandler in class

Claire and friend

Fiona at the little waterfall in the clock tower square.

Hanging out in the kid's section of the bookstore.

I need that chair!  :)

Big Pool!

We finally made it to the big pool!  Such a fun time - even though I was nervous with my fearless 2 year old and carrying Declan all over the pool after her! 

My water babies!

Toddlers Will Be The Death of Me

I walked outside for 2 minutes.

I came in to find Declan in Claire's crayons and Fiona MIA.

After searching the house for her I finally found her hiding in the basement with stolen cookies!

These people ...

Declan's Independence Day

Declan crawled to a toy this morning! There was much rejoicing and excitement from his siblings. I think that was better to him then actually getting the toy.  He was able to crawl on the carpet, I haven't seen him attempt on the hardwood floor yet! Happy Independence Day everyone!

He's HOW old?

Seriously - how is Declan already 11 months old? He is our serious guy who usually only smiles for Mama, Daddy or one of his silly siblings. He can get back to sitting from his belly if he is on carpet and I'm pretty sure he has mastered teleporting, because every time I turn around he is somewhere other then where I left him but I have yet to see him actually crawl or scoot with purpose. He's a sneaky guy!