Let it begin!

On Monday night we took Carter to his first soccer practice. I imagine with three boys this is the first of many, many practices that I will attend. :) When we first asked Carter if he would like to play soccer, he was VERY apprehensive and informed me that he would play when he turned 10. I signed him up anyway because I knew that he would be apprehensive and nervous whether he was 4 or 7 when we started him. I also thought it would be an easier adjustment when he was younger. I was prepared for tears and him clinging to my leg, but it couldn't have been more different. He got really excited about it over the weekend while he was at my parent's house. I guess they spent time talking about it with him and by the time I picked him up on Monday, he was very excited! We stopped on the way home and bought him shinguards, cleats, and a new ball.

Hanging out with his buddy, Jackson. The coach had them all go around and introduce themselves. Carter doesn't know anyone except Jackson.

Listening to directions from their coach.

Kicking the ball down the field.

Ready to score...

Score!

I had to throw in one of Seth. Here he is dressed up as a pirate (a daily occurance in our house). He did very good at Carter's practice. He also took a soccer ball and played in the grass while Carter was on the field.

Traveling!

This past weekend our family split up and went on two separate trips. Zach took the boys, along with his mom and dad, and went to Ohio to visit family and friends. I took off with the girls for a weekend in Gatlinburg. We all had a lot of fun!

Zach and the boys left on Thursday with his parents and started their long trip to Ohio. The boys did great in the car and loved being with their family. They spent the weekend with Zach's uncle, aunt, and 2 cousins. The boys were very well entertained and especially loved the two dogs they have in the house. That is the first thing Seth said when I walked in the door - "doggie." "No Mommy, two doggies!" They were able to visit with lots of family and friends while they were there. They all had a great time!

Carter enjoying a carousel ride with Grandma!

Seth cuddling with Daphne. He LOVED Daphne! He still talks about her.

Carter getting Daphne to do some tricks.

The boys loved playing on the piano. They would turn the pages of the songbook like they were actually playing the songs. :)

I left on Friday with 4 of my best friends from college. We always have so much fun together and never lack for things to talk about. It was a great weekend - full of shopping, talking, laughing, and eating! I love my time with them and it was refreshing to be away from my regular routine. I stole some pictures from Rebekah's blog since Zach had our camera. Thanks girls for a great weekend!

Amy and Rebekah in the car. We were ready to go!

Jennifer, Melissa, and me.

All five of us after dinner Friday night. We ate so many good, comfort-food meals! It was great!

The boys enjoying their suckers that I brought back for them. We were all very happy to be reunited on Sunday night! :) I loved my time away, but I was so happy to get back home and be with all my boys!

Playing outside the house!

We have done so many fun things over the last few weeks! The weather is crazy. One weekend we played in the snow and the next weekend we spent the morning at the zoo. We definitely have spring fever in this house and are so anxious for the weather to warm up (and stay warm) so we can get back outside. The boys and I have spent the majority of the last four days outside and have loved it!

I am attaching a lot of pictures. We took Carter bowling on his actual birthday. He has wanted to go for a long time. It was a lot of fun for both of the boys and Zach and I loved watching them. Carter cried when we had to leave. Seth has asked several times when we are going bowling again. Carter rolled his ball down on his own (with the bumpers on the side to avoid gutter balls) and it took a LONG time for his ball to get to the pins. One time it didn't even make it. :) Seth used a ramp that we sat his ball on and he pushed it down. A very fun night!

The Sunday after Carter's birthday we had an inch or two of snow. The boys were very upset that they couldn't go out right away (we had to get to church) but thankfully there was still snow in our front yard when we got home. The boys and Zach played outside, throwing snowballs, until they had to come in.

This past weekend the weather was amazing! We decided to take the boys to the zoo on Saturday morning. They loved it and it was nice to be outside together. Seth LOVED the giraffes and did not want to leave that exhibit. Carter loved collecting things as we walked (rocks, leaves, etc...) and was always searching for waterfalls. :)

I posted all our pictures on Facebook here. Hope you enjoy!