Family/Maternity Pictures!!

On September 13th, we had our family pictures taken.  The pictures were family, maternity, and Carter's 2 year pictures all wrapped up in one.  The weather was a little sketchy with rain, but we hung out under a tree and snapped some great pictures until the rain subsided.

I would highly recommend Sherry, who owns Metropolitan Picture Company.  I met Sherry when she came in as a patient and I was lucky to be the one to have her on my schedule.  Sherry did an amazing job at capturing all of our individual personalities!

Sherry took a ton of pictures, but here are a few of my absolute favorites.  Bill and I have the copyrights to these photos, so feel free to download and print them!

Nolan's Transportation Parade

Nolan took part in his school's transportation parade on October 2nd.  Each student was asked to make a wearable vehicle for the parade.  Nolan chose to make Thomas the train.  I logged onto Pinterest and found a great tutorial on how to make Thomas the train!  After a stop at Diebergs, Home Depot, and Office Depot, Thomas was ready to be made.

Nolan and I did most of the cutting and planning, while Bill took care of the painting and assembling.  Carter was there for emotional support and laughs!!  The boxes ended up being a little big, but Poot was happy with the end result!

Since I had delivered baby Blake the day before I was stuck in the hospital, while Bill and Grandma Donna took Nolan to his parade at school.  Nolan had a conductor hat from his birthday, so I asked Bill to make sure he wore it for the parade.  Bill was great while I was in the hospital making sure everything was completed for the parade! 

Bill said the kids all had a blast and Nolan did a great job!  After awhile of walking around, Nolan went up to Bill and said, "I'm out of water!"  Nolan was tired of walking and carrying the train!! Haha  I may be a little biased, but I think Nolan was the cutest conductor in the parade.

Bill took a video of Nolan during the parade too.  What a great daddy!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Carter Lynn!!

Carter officially turned 2 on September 19, but I wanted to wait until his well visit today to post.  Carter is developing on track if not a little ahead of the game!  Carter measured 34 1/2 inches tall, which places him in the 50th percentile for his age.  Carter weighed in at 27 pounds, which places him in the 40th percentile for his age.  Dr. Hulsen is very happy with where Carter is standing with his measurements, as well as developmentally.  

Carter has such a great imagination and loves to play pretend.  Carter loves to have books read to him as well.  Along with being imaginative Carter is also a destructive, rough little boy!  He has really mastered his balance bike he received for his birthday.  Tonight he was riding it over the mulch mounds and picking his feet up to cruise around the patio!

Carter brings so much laughter and joy to our family!  No matter how serious the situation can be, Carter always finds a way to lighten the mood and make everyone laugh!  I love you baby boy.  Happy 2nd birthday to my handsome dimpled little man.

One last hoorah as a family of FOUR!

Since yesterday was such a beautiful day, Bill and I decided to take the boys to the zoo.   I wanted to spend some time with the boys before the new baby arrives as well.  Carter and Nolan had a blast.  We bought the Safari Passes and spent 4.5 hours at the zoo!! It was a long day, but it was worth it.  Carter loves the animals and Nolan enjoyed the train and food!

Carter wanted to walk like his big brother, so I said only if you hold Nolan's hand.  Nolan stuck his hand out and Carter grabbed on!  This picture melts my heart.  The boys have been playing really well together and Nolan is such a sweetheart towards Carter.  Carter idolizes his big brother for sure!!

The 4D simulator was included with the Safari Pass.  I was hesitant because I know Nolan, who is a lot like me, and I didn't think he would like it.  I wanted Nolan to experience it for himself to make his own decisions though.  The smile in the picture below didn't last but 2 minutes into the ride.  Bill had to have the lady turn the motion off of his and Carter's seat and they still had to get up in the middle of the ride and take Carter out.  As soon as Bill left, Nolan started to freak out.  I was battling nausea, trying to calm down Nolan, and motion to the lady to turn our seats off.  SHE NEVER DID!!  Let's just say I will trust my instinct in the future and not torture my children. lol

Bill and I had a great time with the boys!  I think the boys had a great time as well.  They definitely were able to run all their energy out.  We didn't even make it onto the interstate before they were both fast asleep in their carseats.  Love my family!!