Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Happy 2nd Birthday, my sweet boy!

On June 16th, my son celebrated his 2nd birthday. When we found out that I was pregnant with a boy, we were very unsure about our feelings about that. We were so used to having girls. We knew girls. And we so loved them. So to throw a boy in the middle of all that was uncharted territory for us. I have to tell you...everyone was completely right. Having a boy is so much different than having a girl. He has so much energy. Everything is revolved around balls and trucks. He LOVES to wrestle and will throw himself on you if you're on the floor. He NEVER walks - it's always a dead run! And playing in the potty is one of his favorite things to do! Dirt is his best friend and he will do things that totally gross me out! But...he's my son! My snuggle-bug, loving, falls asleep on mama boy! And I love him for everything his is now and for everything he will be. God knew that we needed a boy among all the girls. And I'm so thankful for him!

Cole the day after he was born!

Happy Birthday, Cole! We never buy donuts, however, the girls were gone to VBS at their grandma's church on Cole's birthday. So, we needed a little something to celebrate. This was supposed to look like a catepillar, however, the frosting melted, shifted and looked like this by the time he sat to eat it. Oh well...he didn't mind!


Oh yum!


We celebrated his birthday with cake and ice cream two days later. We went out together to pick out his cake and this is what he chose - a hot wheels cake. Hmmmm...go figure!



You can't go through a birthday without presents. He was spoiled this year. He received a Chuck dump truck and bath toys from Papa and Mimi.



Some tractors and books from grandpa and grandma.

And a Mater (Cars tow truck) lawn mower that blows bubbles from dad and mom.



This kid is a GREAT kid! I couldn't imagine life without all the chaos and love that he adds to our family! I love you, Cole! Happy Birthday!!!

Winters/Rader Family Vacation - Gatlinburg, TN - May 2011 (Part 2)

I apologize in advance for these pictures being totally out of order. I wasn't paying attention when I uploaded them so it's not going to flow the greatest. Anyway, on to finish the rest of our vacation!

Picture taken in the park of our entire family except my sister-in-law.

We went to the Wonderworks Museum (HIGHLY RECOMMEND) on our last day in Gatlinburg. Lily really, REALLY wanted to do the rock climbing wall. I didn't think she'd make it all the way up to the top -- TWICE!





My dad plays guitar and the kids LOVE it when he brings it with him on vacation. They love to sing with Papa!

My nephew, Luke, and me.

My brother, Dan.
The Wonderworks Museum had this really cool ropes course. So, the men decided to try it out. I didn't realize (until after I got on and then immediately got off) how far off the ground this is. And you're only held on by a harness. Oh, by the way, everything moves!

My brother, Brett.

My dad. He was a pro at this!

Marc

They also had what are called 360* bikes. Marc and Brett went on this ride. Needless to say, I will never go on them. They do exactly what their name says - goes in a 360* circle.

My sweet little Eva. She loves to pose!

Almost all of the grandkids.

On the way back from the park.

All of the grandkids ready to go for a walk.

Aunt Missy and Cole.

The Smokey Mts.

Towards the end of the week, my nephew really liked feeding Eva.

Cole doing what he does best - climbing!

Run Cole, Run!

Most of the cousins.

The reason they call it the Smokey Mtns.

We had such a GREAT time together as a family. We're looking forward to making an annual trip down here. God has blessed me with an amazing family. Looking forward to next year's vacation together!