outings lately

By about 9:30 every morning we need to be heading somewhere. Or have someone coming to us. Or be able to play outside or have a special activity. Crawford gets restless like whoa, and I can't say I blame him. Thus, we do a lot every week. We try to plan play dates or outings for every single day, and though it is hard for me in this season with a newborn, it is worth it and will get easier (that's what I chant to myself the whole time we're out at least).

We go to the aquarium almost every week, play at parks (well we did until it got cold… boo), go the to gymnastic center on Fridays (when they have free open gym for preschoolers), and meet friends wherever they are going. We've also gone to the zoo, a UTC basketball game, the train table and playground at Hamilton Place and Northgate and walking on campus at UTC. Of course we have play group on Thursdays and MOPS every other Monday. The goal is FREE outings, and we do a pretty good job sticking to that. The zoo is half price the first Wednesday of the month so I'm only concerned about getting $4.50 worth of fun. I pay the meter to park at the aquarium, and we are milking our membership for all it is worth (which is a lot). All we're asking for for Christmas (from family) for the boys are memberships. I want to be out and about because I know how much happier we all are when we get out of the house. Crawford is challenging when we go out. He just wants to run away from me. And he's fast. I thought I would wear Lawson all the time, but I really can't wear him and bend down/chase/carry Crawford a lot. We broke down and got a double stroller, and I LOVE it. I just want to enjoy this season with these precious boys, and I think we're making lots of fun memories along the way.

wishful thinking

On this blustery winter day, I'm reminiscing to a pretty day just last week that we got to enjoy an afternoon outside. 

Oh, and I'm trying to blog every day this week. It comes in spurts, you know.

Halloween festivities

The week before Halloween our play group kiddos donned their costumes for a morning. Really, we just dressed them up to take this picture, and it was mayhem.

My little football.

David was really excited about carving pumpkins with Crawford this year. He bought four, which I thought was a tad ambitious… Though these pictures seem to depict otherwise, Crawford wasn't very interested. He definitely didn't want to touch the inside, and he was only mildly curious about what David was doing. Maybe next year!

The church in our neighborhood did a "Trunk or Treat" the Sunday before Halloween, and it was a good little outing for us. Crawford practiced using his manners by saying "please" and "thank you" to the people at each car, and he savored every bite of the (one) piece of candy he got to eat. 

 For the second year, we went to Laine and Jared's house to "trick or treat". We made it down one street and went to a dozen or so houses. Crawford just walked to the door, said "please" and tried to walk in every person's house. Especially if their tv was on. He mostly liked getting to walk in the street and not ride in the stroller.

quick trip to B'ham

Lawson and I went on our first overnight (he went to Atlanta with me and Ashley a few weeks ago for a baby shower one day) road trip this weekend. One of my college roommates, Jen, was getting married so it was a great opportunity to see lots of my college pals and to introduce them all to Lawson. He was a DREAM the entire time. When we got to town Saturday we did some shopping with Jamie. She is due TOMORROW, and I was so hoping she would go into labor while I was in town so I could meet that sweet Lambaby! It was special to spend time with her during these last few pre-baby days. Saturday night was dinner and shower for Jen's bachelorette party (Lawson's first and hopefully only event of the kind). It was a special night to love on Jen and shower her with gifts, advice, prayers and memories. Lawson and I stayed with the Hamiltons, and we got some great quality time with Kara and Benjamin. Sunday morning we sat in bed with our baby boys for several hours, and it was the most special time! I love sharing this season of life with some of my best friends (for TEN years now!!). I hung out with the girls while they got ready for a bit, then Lawson and I met up with Ashley and a friend who were house shopping in town for the day (for the friend, not Ash!). Jamie and I made it to the wedding on time (early, even! miracle of all miracles for me with baby) and enjoyed watching Jen and Andy tie the knot. The reception was a great chance for me to catch up with a handful of college buds, and it made me so glad I made the weekend trek. Driving home was no fun, but Lawson was PERFECT both ways. Seriously, I couldn't have asked for him to behave any better than he did! I missed my big boys at home, but I am so thankful I was able to be there for such a special weekend.

My shopping buddy

He is SO cute.

Dinner at El Barrio. I probably shouldn't have brought a [7 week old] baby. Oh well. Everyone was so sweet to him!

Kris with Benjamin, Jen with Lawson

These two! Holding hands! Not staged!

Sweet time together. Just like the old days… except with babies :). It's even more fun now!

He is just too much. I want to kiss those cheeks all day long.

Wedding time with the 40 week pregnant lady!

My date

She's next to get married! Can't wait for March!

Our little Currie Way fam. I have so much love for these friends!

While I was at the wedding, David was pushing C in the UTC SVO Veterans' Day 5K. And, he killed it! He ran it in 21:28! Go D!