Old Settlers

A last minute craving for Pronto Pubs and Lemon Shake-Ups drove us to go back home and celebrate at Old Settlers.  Bill and I loaded the boys up quickly and headed to the fire house, where James gave us VIP parking! Nolan went on a private tour of the fire house with James and Aunt KK, while Carter hung around meeting people from back home. I will say we received the good stuff at the parade since we had the kids with us!

The weather last night was the best weather I can ever remember having during Old Settlers,  usually it is either 100 plus degrees or pouring down rain.  I believe it was in the mid-80s and not humid at all!  It was Carter's first parade and he enjoyed it, but the noise from the marching bands and the firetrucks scared him a little.  Nolan enjoyed the firetrucks and the tractors the most. Oh, we can't forget the candy he collected during the parade either.  Lots and lots of tootsie rolls, which are my FAVORITE!

Once the parade started, Carter and Nolan were in full alert mode.  Nolan was shy at first and didn't want to grab any candy, but after the other kids around us started scrambling around picking up the treats Nolan warmed up and joined the fun.  I will say the circus animal costumes have greatly improved since I was a kid, but Nolan still did not want anything to do with the cheetah that came over for a picture with him.

The look of sheer terror on Carter's face as the marching band went past.

Boppy was in the parade!

The parade ended and it was time for Pronto Pups, Pork Patties, Lemon Shake-Ups and rides!!  My camera battery was too low for the flash to work, so I had to switch to my iPhone. Sorry the pictures are not the greatest quality.  Nolan had a blast sliding down the slide, riding the pony, roller coaster, and four wheelers!  I was so proud of Nolan doing all the rides by himself.  Nolan is a dare devil like Bill. When I was little I was too scared to do anything by myself, let alone ride rides!  Carter enjoyed riding in the stroller and people watching.  The bright lights fascinated Carter too.  He was in a great mood all evening.

A video of Nolan riding the pony and riding the roller coaster!

Both Nolan and Carter did great at Old Settlers, also Bill and I had a good time seeing our friends from home and catching up a little.  The boys were exhausted once we loaded them into their carseats.  Carter and Nolan fell asleep almost instantly once we started driving.

I believe this is one of my greatest Old Settlers I remember enjoying!

Carter is 10 Months Old!

Carter became 10 months old on July 19th at 10:48am!  I measured and weighed Carter at home since he doesn't have to go back to the pediatrician until he is ONE year old.  Carter weighed in at 21 pounds and measured 29 inches long.  I cannot believe how grown up Carter has become in the past month.  Since the weather is absolutely beautiful today, I took Carter outside for some 10 month pictures.

Carter is one busy little boy.  Carter is officially crawling , no more frogger, and pulling up on everything.  A few weeks ago we had to put a gate up on the steps because Carter can now crawl to the top of the stairs.  Carter has mastered walking in his walker too.

Carter loves playing with his big brother and helping me around the house.  Nolan is starting to "help" Carter play with toys and read him books.  I know this sounds nice, but it usually turns into a screaming match after about 20 minutes, because Carter won't sit still and pay attention to Nolan.  I remember the days I tried making Kelby listen to me.  All I can say is poor Carter. haha  Carter thinks yelling into the dryer is really funny and loves when I do laundry, so he can yell.

Carter had a busy month visiting family as well.  Bill and I took the boys back home a couple of weekends ago to see everyone.  Carter had some snuggle time with Great Grandma Beeler and play time with Great Uncle Joe.  Carter didn't like Joe's beard very much though. :)

Last but not least, we ended the day on the Kubota with Papa T.

Happy 10 months baby Carter!  You're a handsome and happy baby boy! I love you!

Bath Buddies

Now that Carter can hold is own against big brother Nolan, the boys have been taking baths at night together!  Nolan and Carter have a blast splashing around and seeing who can scream the loudest.  I wonder what the neighbors think when they hear all the commotion going on.  The boys have been taking baths together for a while now, but I haven't had the chance to take pictures of them.

Tonight Bill gave the boys a bath while I cleaned up from dinner.  Bill yelled downstairs to grab the camera and take some pics of the boys.  Daddy, always thinking of picture opportunities.  I think I'm wearing off a little bit on him.

Once the boys finished playing, we wrapped them up in their towels and got them ready for bed.  Nolan still wanted more pictures taken, so we posed them in their chairs!

These pictures will be great to bust out when they bring their girlfriends over!! :)

My Little Swimmers

Last week, Nolan and Carter participated in their first swim lessons!  Both of the boys did great.  I went along for the pictures and video footage, while Bill went in the pool with the boys.  Carter went first, and Nolan patiently waited his turn in the viewing room.  The pool was heated and salt water, so Carter had no objections to getting wet.

Bill said Carter was a little hesitant at first, but opened up once the group started to move around and sing songs.  Carter enjoyed splashing in the water and chasing after the balls in the pool.  Bill said the lessons were really neat and he has to practice up on his songs.  Next time I will take Carter, so I can have some fun too.

 Nolan patiently waiting for his lesson to start.

My little swimmer!

30 minutes seemed like forever, but it was finally Nolan's turn!  Nolan knew what to expect since he watched Carter.   Bill said at first Nolan kept saying, "daddy hold me," but once the other kiddos started flapping and kicking Nolan let go of Bill's neck and had a blast.  It was so fun watching Nolan have a good time.  This is the first real group we have joined with other kids Nolan's age. 

 Love these two!

The boys worked up an appetite for ice cream from all of the swimming.  Of course Nolan asked for chocolate ice cream with M&M's.  Baby Carter fell asleep on the way home. Both boys slept all night long!

Splashin' Sunday

All summer I've wanted to take the boys to the splash pad, but we've either been too busy or it's been too hot.  Today was the perfect day to go.  The Kellers came along too!  Everyone packed a lunch and we headed out.  The kids had a lot of fun and it was relaxing for the adults to a degree.

Nolan had a lot of fun playing in the water and Carter did good too.  I think the water was too chilly for Carter, but daddy would take him for a quick trip into the water to cool off.  Carter mostly hung out in his walker like a big boy, while Nolan and daddy ran all over the place.

 Bill and Nolan waiting for the big bucket of water to dump on their heads!

After a few hours of play time, the splash pad started to become the hot spot with tons of other kids.  We decided to load the kiddos up and head home.  The boys were exhausted from all the play time.  Nolan took a 3 hour nap!!