Pre-Halloween Fun (sort of)

We have had quite a weekend - and not in the best way.  It started last week when the kids got their vaccines on Wednesday morning.  Kate did fantastic!  She for 4 shots (two in each arm) and didn't even flinch or shed one tear.  She watched the nurse do the entire thing.  One tough girl!  Mason had the flu mist sprayed up his nose and he screamed the entire time.  So dramatic. On Thursday, I was home with both kids.  Mason had thrown up that morning and Kate was running a fever.  It was a long day for all of us.  By the time the weekend rolled around, I thought everyone was on the mend.  We got out Saturday morning so the kids could get haircuts (getting ready for family pictures!), we went to the Seven Hills Halloween party at the Threadgill's, ran home for naps, and then got dressed for the Good Samaritan Trunk or Treat event that afternoon.  On the way home from GSA, Mason started throwing up over and over.  Poor fellow.  Then on Sunday after church, Kate started throwing up and finally stopped in the middle of the night.  Gigi and Camden have also been sick this weekend with the same bug - I hope the rest of us don't get it and everyone is well for Halloween!

Kate was devastated that she wasn't able to go to Trunk or Treat at Timberlane last night, but I told her we still had a couple more Halloween events to go to once she is all better.  Despite the miserable weekend, I'm glad we were able to squeeze in a little bit of fun!

 At the Seven Hills Party.  Who doesn't love candy and balloon animals?

 Ready to Trunk or Treat at GSA!

 My FSU cheerleader and football player.  

Kate was upset with me that she didn't get to wear her "real" Halloween costume.  We are saving that for this week's events!

 Hanging out on the fire truck at GSA.

Despite our effort to have fun, this picture sums up our weekend:

My First Pumpkin Carving

Since Justin is in a sling, I carried the responsibility to carve our family pumpkin this year.  I honestly didn't realize it was going to be as difficult as it was.  Whew!  The hardest part was cutting the top off and after that, the rest seemed to go fairly quickly.  Justin was concerned I was going to cut myself, but I managed to get that pumpkin carved and looking good in no time! 

 My two helpers. 

They happened to wear their Halloween shirts to school so they were dressed perfectly for the occasion!

 Before

After.  

 I felt like super mom tonight. Sounds silly, but it's true.  I am so proud of myself! 

Not too bad!

Happy 2nd Birthday Mason!

On Sunday, Mason turned two!  Our families ate lunch together at TGI Fridays to celebrate Mason's big day.  

 I think Mason enjoyed his time in the spotlight.  He smiled while we sang Happy Birthday, he blew out his candles like a pro, handed them to me, and then dug into his cupcake.

 So much cupcake, so little time.

"Are you done taking my picture yet?"

After lunch, Kate went home with my parents to spend some quality time with them that afternoon and with Nanny the next day (there was no VPK).  After the birthday boy woke up from his nap, we took him outside to play with his new toys - all by himself.  That might be the best birthday gift he received this year!   It was the best afternoon - there was no whining, no shouting and I enjoyed sweet snuggles with my little man.  I wish every day could be like that.

 Daddy teaching Mason how to hit the baseball off the tee.  It takes a pro to teach with only one hand.

 Action shot!

 He's a natural.

 After playing baseball, it was time to mow the grass (very serious business).

These past two years have gone by way too fast!

At school this past week, Mason was the "Star Student".  He got to bring in his favorite book to have read in class (Little Blue Truck and Elmo), hold the flag during morning chapel and display pictures up on the bulletin board.  His teacher commented she was surprised I wasn't crying (apparently a lot of moms cry) - ?  

His teacher snapped a picture of us together in front of the Star Student Board.  Go Mason!

 After the birthday party on Saturday, I thought to change Mason into his "two" shirt and a take a couple pictures.  I'm so glad I did because these turned out to be two of my favorite pictures from the weekend:

 Handsome boy! 

Can he get any cuter?!

Happy 2nd Birthday Mase!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jordan!

I want to wish Uncle Jordan a Happy Birthday too!  On Saturday, he turned 29 and since there was so much going on this past weekend, we all met at BJ's for lunch on Friday to celebrate.  I think that restaurant has turned into our go-to place for lunch celebrations.

 On Sunday, I snapped a quick picture of the birthday boy, Aunt Katie and Camden:

Happy Birthday Uncle Jordan!

Mason's 2nd Birthday Party!

Today, we celebrated Mason's 2nd birthday at Tom Brown Park with a FSU themed party.  We had so much fun!  Kate had a FSU themed 2nd birthday and since there's a huge game tonight (FSU #2 vs. Notre Dame #5), it was easy to decide on another FSU themed party.  I owe a special thank you to my dad who got out to the park early this morning to reserve our pavilion - thank you Granddaddy!

How cute is this?!

I wasn't able to get pictures of all Mason's friends that were able to come to the party, but I got a few!

 Camden 

 Big sister!

 Kate and Izzy

 Landon

 Kendal

 All the big sisters (Peyton, Kendal, Izzy, Audrey and Kate)

 Mr. Raymond helped the kids pile onto the see-saw 

left to right: Kendal, Sawyer, Izzy, Levi, Kate and Audrey

 Miller 

 Kaz and Kendal

Maddox, Miller and Maclain

 Brent

After the kids played hard on the playground, we took a break to sing Happy Birthday to Mason, eat cookie cake and open presents.

 I was so excited about Mason's cookie cake - it turned out great!

 At least he's not crying this year! He was trying hard not to smile while everyone sang.

 Blowing out the candles!

 Love that red icing on his face.  I think he liked his cookie!

 Kate was gracious enough to help Mason open his gifts. :)

 Sweet card from Audrey and Sawyer.

 Another card from the Mundies - so cute!

 Boys and their toys.  

Mason LOVED this firetruck.  It was the first thing he opened and he was content for it to be his last.  He cried until Papa got it out of the box. I know he's two because he kept shouting "mine" if anyone tried to play with it.

Mesmerized.

Mason is going to love playing with all his goodies for the next year!

  We love our little Seminole! Happy Birthday Mason!!  

(and Go Noles!)