An Early Birthday

Our sweet Josiah turns 4 in a month, but since we'll be on the move (we're literally "moving" for a month in between houses), we had his birthday party early with his Raleigh friends. This past Saturday we gathered at a very (appropriately) muddy park for a Monster Truck Birthday Party! Everyone left filthy, but happy, and he thought it was the best birthday ever.

An excited birthday boy, ready to play.

(Yes, I chopped off all my hair...and I've been super-prego at 2 of his 4 birthday parties! This ratio will be decreasing...)

I swear these boys would dig for hours anywhere...

Swinging over giant mud puddles

Our Monster Truck Cake...both Josiah & Cooper helped me decorate it. Gotta love a cake that is supposed to look like a messy mud puddle!

A happy boy!

Blowing out the candles

And needing some help...

Who knew the best part of the cake would be licking off the trucks & cars?!? Good thing there were just the right number for the kiddos at the party!

Alright, that's enough pictures for now...more to come later!

Easter

As you know, there are quite a few things going on at Casa de Wood these days...we are up to our ears in boxes, house projects, daily good-byes, and trying to have some "normal" things like playdates and dinner! I'm taking a break from packing to post some pictures from Easter. We're only a few weeks late, right?!?

We actually had Easter baskets this year (I completely neglected them last year). Of course, we waited to unveil them until dinner time, but at least they got them! Andy didn't get a basket, just a pile of goodies :)

I was silly enough to think I could get a picture of the boys before church...they would not stand together ANYWHERE, so here's what I got.

We found Daddy at church and at least got one of the 3 of them!

(I have no idea why Cooper's finger is in his ear, but they're at least all somewhat looking at the camera)

Walking to the car after church

It was a laid-back, stress-free Easter. We were able to actually worship and savor the day, instead of worrying about feeding 15 people or missing naps or traveling. We had a yummy dinner from the grill with great friends and are so thankful for the Lord and this day!

30 is the new 20

30!!

I guess I'm supposed to really be a grown-up now! I had a fun birthday this past Tuesday...a special breakfast, Starbucks, flowers, and dinner out with my 3 boys! We went to an outdoor mall near us since it was a beautiful day. I took the opportunity to attempt some pictures with the boys, as I realized I have no pictures of them with me since last summer. I thought there should be proof that I actually am in their life :)

Here's to a new decade!

Opening Day!

Andy & I both love baseball. Yesterday was the 2011 Season Opening Day! And - a major bonus - our beloved St. Louis Cardinals were on TV! We decided to start a tradition, hoping to pass on our love of the sport to the boys. Andy took the afternoon off & we all watched the game. The boys wore baseball shirts, we had ballpark food for snack (soft pretzels) and dinner (pizza - I just couldn't bring myself to do hot dogs), practiced throwing & catching, and had a great afternoon!

This makes my heart happy

YAY for new traditions!

Early Morning Cardio

GRANDPARENT WARNING: This may seem dangerous, but they were supervised, I promise :)

These pictures were taken about a week ago, but I'm just now getting around to posting them. We have allowed the boys to jump on Josiah's double bed - no other beds - and they have a blast! This particular morning they jumped forever and got some serious air. In matching monster truck pajamas, of course.

YAY for bouncing boys! Plus a great way to get some exercise on a cold morning.

Think PINK!

Yes, family & friends, tis true. We had our ultrasound on Monday and Baby Wood #3 is a GIRL! Andy & I were a little bit shocked. We knew it was possible for us to have a daughter, but we didn't really think we ever would! It's taken a few days to settle in, but I think we're getting used to the idea. She is healthy and growing like she should.

One funny story - she was curled up in a ball during the ultrasound. So...we got some great shots of her bottom and the back of her head, but that was about it. The ultrasound tech was able to see her heart, brain, feet, etc. but we never saw her face! After pushing all over my stomach and shaking me around in an attempt to get this baby girl to stretch out, the tech finally said, "well she is just going to do what she wants to do and not what we want her to...might have a stubborn girl on your hands". Without pausing for a second, my sweet husband pipes up, "oh, we don't know anyone else like that...wonder where she got that from". I have no idea to whom he is referring :)

Needless to say we are praying for a sweet, laid-back little one. She will have to be tough to hang with her big brothers, but maybe will offer some balance. I did check out the clearance rack at Target yesterday and picked up a few little girl items. Sorry Auntie AK and Baby Anna, none of them are pink! I figure we have plenty of that coming our way...

Bet you wish...

YOUR dinner was this much fun!

Our little monkey, in every imaginable sense of the word. We laughed so much at dinner tonight...it was truly fun.