(Disclaimer: Nolan and Griffin overall have a great relationship. They truly do love each other, enjoy each others company, miss each other when they are a part, and typically only have small squabbles here and there over toys and other minor things.)

This is what makes this story so much worse!

It was the Sunday before Nolan started Kindergarten. It was about 4:00 in the afternoon and the phone rang. I saw on Caller ID that it was Nolan’s new teacher. Upon answering she said the purpose of her call was to talk to Nolan and let him know she was excited about starting school tomorrow and to ask if he had any questions. She also wanted to see if James or I had any last minutes questions too. I explained to her that Nolan and James were at the movie. She said she would call back around dinner. She said she wanted to make sure she touched base with him. She and I spoke for several more minutes before hanging up.

I was extremely touched that Ms. Swiney was taking time out of her last day before school starts to call her TWENTY students. This goes above and beyond in my opinion and I was very impressed.

When Nolan got home I told him that his teacher would be calling him anytime now. He acknowledged he heard me and ran upstairs. He obviously was not nearly as impressed as I was. I reminded him to speak clearly, not mumble, and, you know, actually talk.

I started preparing for dinner in the kitchen. James was outside on the grill. Griffin made his way upstairs. I heard Griffin start to whine and fuss, but that happens. I admit I did not rush to get to the bottom of whatever was frustrating him. The fussing started to turn into screaming and crying. I was not going to be able to keep, um, ignoring it much longer.

At that moment the phone rang. Once again I saw on Caller ID it was Ms. Swiney. I grabbed the phone and dashed up the stairs (thinking in my head how nice it was that she actually called back, that she is taking additional time to make sure she talked to Nolan). When I got to the top of the stairs I answered the phone and then I saw the French doors to the playroom closed. Griffin was pounding on the doors, looking inside the playroom (that belongs to BOTH of the boys), watching Nolan play. He was ticked off and screaming by this point. Now if you have not heard Griffin scream before, it can be excruciating. It is the highest pitch shrill sound you have ever heard. James actually claims he is now partly deaf in his right ear because of Griffin. No joke!

Although Griffin was screaming I very politely said hello. She asked to speak to Nolan and I said I was getting him now. I opened the doors to the playroom and of course Griffin tried to bolt in. Nolan ran to the door screaming for him to stay out, that he was going to ruin everything he had built. Nolan was screaming and pleading for me to close the doors. Griffin was doing his super high pitch, nails on the chalkboard, scream as Nolan tried to slam the doors shut, and Ms. Swiney was overhearing it all. I sternly told Nolan that Ms. Swiney was on the phone and TO TAKE THE PHONE. Nolan screamed that he couldn’t take the call because then Griffin would come in and “mess everything up.” Griffin continued to scream, Nolan continued to NOT take the call (the SECOND call that Ms. Swiney had made to Nolan on. her. day. off!), and I continued to order him to take the phone now; that Ms. Swiney was waiting. I held out the phone, probably with a look that was lethal.

At that moment, James dashed up the stairs. He grabbed a super high pitched, nails on the chalkboard, screaming Griffin and ran into his bedroom and closed the door. Nolan instantly calmed down. I then put the phone to my ear and said in my sweetest possible voice, “Here is Nolan.”

Nolan could have cared less, but he grabbed the phone and said hello. He walked to the coach and sat down. He started talking about the movie he had just seen and I walked away. I went to check on Griffin and James. Griffin was still mad. I walked back to check on Nolan who continued to sort of chat for a few more minutes. He then handed me the phone.

In my once again sweetest possible voice I said, “I am so sorry for what just happened. Nolan did not want his younger brother to come into the playroom. He was building something and was afraid it would be destroyed. You just have to love sibling rivalry,” I said with a very nervous laugh. She sort of laughed back, but her tone was more like “OK you crazy family. So glad I have you all. year. long.” I probably apologized once again. I told her how much we appreciated the call (to which she was probably thinking what a waste of time that was) and I said goodbye in my once again sweetest possible voice.

And that friends was our first one on one interaction with Nolan’s teacher.

I could have just DIED. I still want to curl up in a ball and put the covers over my head. MORTIFIED is an understatement. James did not make me feel any better. When I tried to minimize my role in the craziness, desperation, frustration, and utter panic I was feeling outwardly, while Ms. Swiney waited so patiently, James assured me that, NOPE, I was acting almost as poorly as the boys. Thanks for making me feel even WORSE James! James probably got one of my lethal looks in that moment.

Oh I forgot to mention that the week before school started, Nolan, Griffin, and I had to drop off final paperwork at his school. Several staff members were working that day. When Griffin tried to walk behind the secretary’s desk, I quickly redirected him back out to the waiting area. He threw himself on the floor and had a good ole fashioned temper tantrum with his super high pitch, nails on the chalkboard, scream. It was fantastic let me tell you.

I thought about the “phone call incident” all night. I was so embarrassed. I vowed I would spend the rest of this year to trying to prove to Ms. Swiney that we are the “perfect” family.

So here we are. Tomorrow Griffin and I are going to have lunch with Nolan for the first time. So help me if both of my boys do not exhibit their most perfect behavior, well I am just not sure I can survive it.

We may just have to move.

(The picture at the beginning of the post was taken while he was talking to his teacher. See how happy he looks? NOT. See the cars lined up on the back of the couch? That was what was SO important that he did not want Griffin to mess it up. Big sigh!)

In Nolan’s take home folder today was the “interest form” (or what I really mean is application) to be the Room Mom. Yep! An application. I had mentioned in the post, Meet the Teacher Night, that about half the mothers of children in Nolan’s class wanted to be the room mom. I knew there had to be some sort of process to determine who is awarded the coveted title, but I guess I never really thought it through in its entirety.

I am sure the teacher has some sort of say. I don’t really blame her though. Who wants a crazy mom in her classroom all the time? And what is sad is after the “incident” on Sunday when Ms Swiney called to talk to Nolan, I may have totally convinced her I am that crazy mom. (Post coming soon.)

So on the interest form, I have to admit I have no previous experience as a room mom, but does co-organizing the Valentine’s Day Party last year count? I am not artistic. I am not creative. Party planning completely stresses me out, but “Pick Me! Pick Me!”

Apparently I am a glutton for punishment because I am going to fill out the application, I mean interest form, and then NOT hold my breath.

Now it truly is a coincidence that Nolan’s teacher will be receiving a nice “thanks for a great first week of school” gift. (Before you are impressed and think I am on the ball, about half the kids in the school brought their teacher a “first day of school” gift. I am already falling behind folks. So much for keeping up with The Joneses.) I will admit that I hope this thoughtful gift could possibly help my case. Yep, I am resorting to bribery. I am really sinking low and it is just the first week of school.

At the bottom of the “interest form” it states that room mom winners (they did not really say winners) will be announced by September 10^th. Stay tuned for the blog post “Woe is me. I am not the Room Mom.”

“When you’re feeling nervous in your tummy and there is a jitter,

Think of your new teacher and sprinkle some glitter.

You will find a brand new feeling when you are done.

Ant then you are ready for exciting learning and fun!

Mom and Dad might need some glitter for they are nervous too.

I have a secret between me and you. Your teacher at this moment is sprinkling some jitter glitter too!

Now we are all sparkling and ready for the year to begin.

This glitter is filled with love from your teacher, your new friend!”

(Attached to the poem was a baggie filled with colored glitter)

How cute is this idea? Have I mentioned how much we LOVE our teacher! Not only did she call on Sunday (Oh and boy do I have an upcoming blog post about THAT), she also sent a postcard today in the mail. And it is only Wednesday. She is making her class feel so welcome!   

Can you tell Nolan being in Kindergarten is going to create all kinds of blog fodder? I hope I have enough time to keep up!

makes you stronger and apparently Kindergarten did not kill me (since I am alive to write about it) so I must be stronger too! Hallelujah!

Early Monday morning I awoke at 3:00, 4:00 and finally again when my alarm went off at 6:30. It was hectic from the moment James and I got up. Nolan did not want to get up. That was the first battle (and looks like it may be a daily struggle). And then it was getting breakfast ready, checking and rechecking the lunch box, backpack, school supplies, getting myself dressed, Nolan dressed and so on. Looking back it was probably for the best. I was busy and distracted, but my thoughts of the significance of the day were never far from me.

My mom came over to watch Griffin so James and I could take Nolan together, alone, and without the distraction of the little guy. We took a few obligatory “first day of school” pictures before we left. The first hour was almost a blur.

James followed in his own car so he could head to work straight afterwards. The two minute car ride with just Nolan and I was nice. We talked and chatted like any other day, but it was not any other day. My heart was pounding, I held back tears, and fought back thoughts of what was right around the corner.

I held Nolan’s hand into the school. It was nice. I was very aware the days of being able to hold his hand in public, much less at school, are numbered. I relished in the preciousness of that moment.

When we reached Nolan’s cubby I reminded him again where his snack was tucked inside his backpack. I held back tears, but felt more calm than I had anticipated. The school was abuzz. It was hectic, crowded, and filled with a lot activity. It was probably a good distraction. Once inside the classroom we were greeted by Ms. Swiney. Quick hugs, words of welcome and a picture before Nolan sat at his desk.

We were a little early with only a few other children already seated at their desks. Ms. Swiney told Nolan to start coloring anything he wanted on his piece of paper entitled “My First Day of Kindergarten.” He started drawing his family. We stayed for several more minutes. I knew the good-byes were imminent. I started to fear that the longer we lingered, the more anxious Nolan would become. We told him it was time for us to leave. A few tears welled up in Nolan’s eyes. I quickly told him to take a deep breath which he did. He wiped his eyes. I snuck a deep breath in too. We told him to have a great day, that we loved him, and would see him in a bit. Big hugs from both James and I and then with nothing else said, we left.

Against my better judgement I looked back as I left the classroom. His head was down as he worked on his picture. I felt very sad. That image will probably always be engraved in my memory.

James and I walked outside to say our good-byes. Tears filled my eyes, but I held it together. James asked if I was OK. I assured him I was. I walked back inside to the the “Cheers and Tears” breakfast. I ran into my next door neighbor right away. We both instantly teared up and talked about our sadness and other feelings (we are both therapists) and how the drop off went. We agreed we hated the whole thing. I stayed at the breakfast for a little bit greeting neighbors I recognized. Amazing how differently parents responded to the same experience.

I walked to my car alone. There was so much hustle and bustle just thirty minutes ago around the school, but now parents were only spotted here and there. It was painfully quiet and still. When I got inside my car I cried. I did not sob like I had always thought I would. James did not have to carry me out as I had predicted a year earlier. Surprisingly I held it together more than I thought. The drive home was short and once again quiet and so different from a short while ago. I went inside to greet my mom, Griffin, and share about the morning. We then went to breakfast. It was a good distraction. Sitting at home looking at framed baby pictures of Nolan around the house would not have been a good idea.

The day went by as “usual.” Normal house chores, taking care of Griffin and so on. The time went by fairly quickly. I wondered all day how it was going. Nolan was always on my mind. I prayed it was a good day for him.   

After surviving the almost HOUR in the carpool lane, I saw Nolan sitting outside with the other carpooling Kindergarteners. He smiled, waved, and raced to the car, backpack bouncing up and down on his back. I had waited all day to hear about his day. After hello I uttered what every parent was saying at that moment, “How was your day?” To which Nolan replied, “It was good.” And that was IT!!!! I do not know why I was surprised, but that was all I got for a good five to ten minutes before he threw me a few bones here and there.

Over the rest of the evening James and I learned from Nolan that liked his teacher, that he played with the neighbor boy from down the street at recess, that is “girlfriend” from next door did not get to play on the playground, but played at a field instead (?), that he did not get to work on the computers and was really disappointed about it, that he played dress up in the Home Living Center by putting on a black coat, that they spent most of the day talking about “bad choice rules like not throwing wood chips on the playground, not hitting each other, and being nice,” and that parts of the day were boring. He reiterated that he did not need a review of the rules since he already knew them. So typical of Nolan! And of course the question of all questions was asked, “Nolan are you ready to go back tomorrow?” to which he answered “yes!” To me that was a success and a huge relief (although I knew he would have a good day. It was the first day after all)!

By the end of the day I was emotionally drained, exhausted, overwhelmed, happy, and relieved I had survived the day. I handled myself better than I had expected. It was still really hard. I was very, very sad, and still am, but I am hopeful about what is to come. And that feels good.

*HERE* are a few pictures from the morning!

The first time I had one was my first night, alone in my dorm room at Texas Tech. The second time was the morning of my state-licensing exam to become a therapist. The third, panic attack that is, just might be tomorrow morning; the day Nolan starts Kindergarten.

Now I now I just wrote about feeling excited about Nolan’s Kindergarten teacher, his elementary school, families we have already met and so on, but still. He is still my baby, but I guess not really anymore. There is something so “grown up” about starting elementary school. Being gone five days a week for seven hours a day. That is a lot of time away. Starting Kindergarten feels like a little bit of a child’s innocence is gone. It is a whole new world, hopefully mostly wonderful, but I am not naïve.

I cannot imagine how I would be feeling if I did not love his teacher and school. Those anxieties and fears have been put to rest, but tomorrow begins a new chapter in all our lives, most importantly Nolan’s life, and it is one I just wish could be postponed a little longer. But that is not the case. I have to let go tomorrow morning. I have to let go and it makes my stomach turn and tears fill my eyes.

So many wonderful things are going to happen for Nolan in school. A whole new world is going to open up for him. So many new and different ways to learn and grow will occur. New friendships, experiences, and opportunities will present themselves. I know all of this. I tell myself he is ready and it is time, but I still can have a little pity party for myself right?

I picture Nolan walking into the gym each morning at drop off. A room filled with kids waiting to line up to head to their classrooms. Where will Nolan go? Will he feel lost? Will he wander around looking for a familiar face? Will he feel sad if he does not feel connected to someone in that gym each morning?

What about at lunch? Where will he sit? What if he needs help with something in his lunchbox? What if Nolan does not have anyone to sit with?

These are the kinds of things I think about and feel helpless. He has to figure these things out on his own or ask for help. Help that I am sure will always be there, but still. As a mom these are the things that keep me up at night.

Oh to be a fly on the wall. I know it would be reassuring for me. Nolan will be fine. He will be FINE. I tell myself this over and over again.   He is not the only Kindergartner. I am NOT the only parent feeling this way. I met one struggling mother after another at Meet the Teacher Night. I know I am not alone. The PTA hosts a “Cheers and Tears” (emphasis on the tears word I have heard) breakfast for Kindergarten families immediately after drop off tomorrow morning for heaven’s sake! I am not alone!

Nolan has been really excited about starting Kindergarten, but today he told me he was nervous. When I asked why he said it was because he does not what to expect. I thought to myself, I feel the same way.

I will be counting the hours until pick up time (which is a whole other concern since I am terribly confused how carpool works). I cannot wait to hear about Nolan’s first day. I bet it will be fabulous. He has such a great teacher. She will make sure it is fun, exciting, and action packed. Just the way Nolan likes it.

As for me, I will probably not sleep a wink tonight. I will put on my brave and excited face and cheer for Nolan all the way up until we part ways at his desk. I will walk about of the classroom and then maybe have that third panic attack, but then I will be OK.

Onward we go when we don’t have a choice.

I am a “glass is half empty” kind of girl. I always have been, probably always will be. So when I heard at the Kindergarten playgroup on Wednesday that a seventh teacher was added to the Kindergarten staff due to the number of enrollees, that this teacher was transferring from another school, and would be teaching in a “space” somewhere other than the Kindergarten “Pod,” I KNEW that Nolan would get that teacher. I have lost sleep the last two nights about it (teacher assignments were announced at 4:00 PM on Friday). I have been anxious and upset enough, but to think about Nolan having a teacher that is not familiar with his school and separated from the rest of the Kindergarten teachers and students, I felt sad. Now remember, this is all without knowing who Nolan would actually get. I have joked the last couple of days that Nolan’s classroom would be a closet somewhere in the school.

Class rosters were placed outside the school at 4:00 PM today. I decided not to go look. Meet the Teacher night started at 5:30 and I did not feel like lugging two kids in the heat to go look. Our fate would be learned soon enough.

I was surprised when a neighbor from the down street sent me a message on Facebook about 4:30 that Nolan and her son were in the same class. She said that was excited, but did not elaborate. I instantly wrote her back to tactfully ask who the teacher was (when in my head I was thinking is it the transfer teacher who will teach in a closet?). About fifteen minutes later I heard back that Nolan’s teacher was a fabulous, energetic teacher who had been with the school several years. I was thrilled, elated, and shocked all at the same time!!

As James, Nolan, and I entered the school we were greeted by the principal. She stated she thought we looked a little lost. When she asked where we were going and we said to Kindergarten she said, “Well who is your teacher? You may be in the pod or down a different hallway.” I thought to myself, “oh trust me. I am very well aware there is more than one place we could be going.”

As we entered the Kindergarten area I saw a bulletin board that read “Ms. Swiney’s Sweeties” with individual Hershey’s Kisses with each of the students names on them. Nolan quickly found his candy piece and commented “The kiss looks just like me! We both have blue eyes.” So sweet! As soon as I saw Nolan’s name on his cubby, my eyes filled with tears. So much emotion. Being there felt so surreal. After a few quick pictures and a little deep breathing for me, we headed into the classroom. We were instantly greeted with warmth, excitement, and a huge welcome from his teacher. She was exactly as she had been described to me as, “a cheerleader type.” Not only did she put Nolan at ease, but me too (probably one of her biggest skeptics!)

We were given a few “to do’s” one of which we were not able to accomplish. I did not know we were supposed to bring all their school supplies today. Oops! Already failing as Kindergarten mom! I signed up to volunteer in the classroom and with home projects as well. I also said I was interested in being the Room Mom. I know! Shocks me too, BUT about half the moms are interested so I hope to serve in the roll as an assistant. We explored the room for quite a while. So many things to look at. So bright, colorful, and fun. As a classroom should be I believe!

Before the Kindergarten Orientation/Meeting we explored the school a little bit with our next door neighbors. We joined the PTA and James learned about a new dad’s club, “DOGS” (Dads of Great Students) which he will join (our next door neighbor will see to that since he is one of the founders). It seems like yesterday James and I were dating in high school. Tonight we became official members of the PTA of our son’s elementary school. Surreal is an understatement!

For about thirty minutes the Kindergarten parents met alone with Ms. Swiney while the children were entertained elsewhere. This is where we were able to get a significantly better feel for Nolan’s teacher. Although she has been teaching for eleven years, she looks very young. She was the first to admit it! I love that she has experience under her belt, but at the same time, has the energy and outgoing personality of a young 20 something. She was funny, engaging, and overall made a great first impression. She is a perfect Kindergarten teacher and her love for what she does was evident. What more could we ask for! Nolan is going to eat her up! Oh and I forgot to mention she is easy on the eyes too which there was no way the fathers in the room missed! And ALSO, she said she shops in Canton every month. HELLO! Loved her the minute I heard that!

She told us the “ABC’s of Kindergarten” as she called it from drop offs, to pick ups, attendance, birthday party protocol, lunches, and so on. It was a lot to take in. I learned a lot, but still have a lot to learn.

When the children returned she handed each student a goody bag with a bookmark, pencil, and a penny for good luck. We said our goodbyes and walked out of the classroom.

I walked into Nolan’s school tonight filled with anxiety, curiosity, nervousness, and hesitation. I left feeling happy, excited, and some peace. I may still very sad to my core, but I finally feel like I can say, “I think it will be OK.”

*HERE* are a few pictures from the evening.

Happy SECOND birthday sweet boy. As I sat down to write this tonight, I realized this is my seventh birthday letter I have written. Five for your brother and two to you. I admit I am met with the same mixed feelings each time. I celebrate you turning two, but at the same time, you are growing so quickly before my eyes. As I think back over this past year, I realize how much you have grown and changed and matured. This has been a big year for you.

I cannot begin to tell you how much you are loved by everyone that knows you. You have such a fun spirit about you and we never know quite what to expect from you! You are so loving and affectionate. You also have a strong will, determination, and can be quite opinionated! You have no hesitation letting us know when you are frustrated or angry, but know I would never want or expect you to be any different. This is such a part of what makes you, you!

You are definitely a cautious child. You hesitate at things that are new to you. You take your time warming up to new experiences and adventures. You doubt yourself at times, but when you try something new and enjoy it, it is such a joy to witness! You are so different than how your brother embraces new things. You have reminded me to sometimes slow down. I have learned so much from you.

You are also so quirky! You insist on wearing your shoes all.the.time. You love to wear pajama bottoms. You always like to be holding something in our hand (often a ball). You love to put on Chap Stick. When you drink a drink (preferably milk), you drink the entire cup full in one continuous drink. You are the pickiest eater! It drives us a crazy! You love to hold a golf club in your hand and are always looking for ball to hit. You love to swing and play outside most often with bubbles and chalk. I hope you know, all of these little “things” are part of what makes you so special and unique.

You absolutely adore your brother. Nothing is sweeter than to hear you say “Bubba” as you search for him when you wake up in the morning. You follow after him and will copy what he does every chance you get. Know that your brother is pretty smitten by you too. I hope and pray your relationship is always as close and the bond as strong as it is now.

Although I would say you are a more serious child, when you smile, it lights up the entire room. Your laugh is infectious and contagious. I look forward to your smile every single day. Thank you for sharing your joy with us.

This next year will be a big year for you. You start Mother’s Day Out in a few weeks and I admit I am unsure how you will adjust. I hope you enjoy preschool as much as your brother. You love to learn. This will be good for you. I will miss you while you are away. I call you my “side kick.” We pretty much go everywhere together. It will be strange to be a part from you, but I am excited you have this opportunity. Potty training, transitioning to a “big boy bed,” learning more words and conversational skills, participating in more activities and so on. Oh my what a fun year is in store for you!

I cannot tell you how much you are loved and how lucky we are to have you. You are the perfect fit in our family. Thank you for giving us such a great year. We look forward to another great year, challenges and all! May this next year be filled with love, joy, fun, plenty of new experiences, and lots of successes!

Happy Birthday to “G, Griffy Bear, Little Bubba, and Griffy!”

You are TWO! We will celebrate even though, as usual, I feel sad. You have made this year fly by!

May this next year be the best one yet!!

Love,

Mommy (Daddy and Bubba)

This past weekend James, Nolan, and I met my aunt, uncle, and their six-year-old daughter at Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma for a fun little getaway at their “chateau” as they call it. (In case you are wondering, my aunt is only six years older than me!) As we always do with this family, we had a great time. They went to Disney World with us too! Nolan said being pulled by the boat on the tube and standing at the front of the boat while cruising were his favorite parts of the trip.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Below are two little videos. (Sorry. They are not the fancy videos James creates. These were shot on my iPhone.) I wish you could see their smiling faces and their heads bobbing up and down! Too cute!

He absolutely adores his brother and wants what Nolan wants. He copies what he does and goes around saying “Bubba, Bubba” over and over again when Nolan is not home.

He is a very cautious child. He is not daring and takes his time to try new things.

He pretty much is on a milk diet. He is a VERY picky eater who basically lives on milk, fruit, and cheese. He occasionally will throw us for a loop and take a bite of something else.

He loves to wear shoes and basically insists “oos (shoes) on” until we oblige. Oh and not just any pair. These shoes.

He loves golf and carries a golf club and ball every chance he gets. He hits the ball more times than he misses. It is quite impressive I must admit. He may give James and Nolan a run for their money some day.

He loves the characters Woody and Buzz from the movie Toy Story and Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars.

Every time he sees water he shouts “Bubbles!”

He loves to read books. The Maisy series seems to be his favorite right now. Every times he sees a Maisy book, instead of calling out her name, he hums the song from the TV series.

He loves music and to dance.

New words are added to his vocabulary daily; however, there is a 50/50 chance if the first consonant will be included. Words that begin with a vowel he usually will say. Esse (for our dog Jesse), olf for golf, asuage for sausage just to name a few.

He is a serious child, but if you can get him laughing, it melts your heart.

He is very stubborn and opinionated. I say he got this from James. James would probably say just the opposite!

He loves to wear pajama bottoms. Pajama top is optional!

He loves to swim in the pool and be in water. With the help of swim lessons, he does quite well for his age I must say.

He loves to go “bye-bye.” We have to be very careful not to mention that we are leaving before we actually are ready to go. If not, he is not a happy camper.

He loves to watch home videos and play music on the i Phone. We have to hide our phones at times or he will insist on playing on it! And yes, he does know how to “sort of” work the phone.

He loves to be “out ide” (outside) writing with “alk” (chalk) and blowing bubbles. (Bubbles is a word he says correctly.)

He is 100 weeks old this week.

(Disclaimer: I would not have known he was 100 weeks old per se if I had not gotten my weekly email from a child website! I can tell you he will be TWO in several weeks though. BOO!!)

Over the holiday weekend, we went to visit some of our very favorite people (who also just happen to be James’ sister, brother-in-law, and their daughter). The weekend was a perfect blend of being out and about in Fayetteville and lounging around at their home. I even got one nap in and James was able to take two naps! Unheard of for us!

On Saturday we started the morning at a very yummy place for breakfast, followed by a stroll through the farmer’s market on the square. Early afternoon brought a fun surprise as we opened the door to find James’ parents outside! Dinner on an upstairs patio overlooking Dickson street and the “Bikers, Babes, and Bling” motorcycle rally was quite fun and made for some great people watching! The evening ended as we watched fireworks from the lawn at the University of Arkansas.

Sunday morning started with homemade donuts, followed later by lunch at a local pizza joint, naps for Carolyn, David, and James, Lily, and Griffin, while Nolan and I went exploring and played at a local park. After a yummy BBQ dinner at home, we set up for our own fireworks show and definitely was the highlight of the trip! This city girl has NEVER seen anything like it. With fireworks being legal in the city limits, let me just say the residents are not shy to show their patriotism! Every direction you turned, we saw fireworks in sky. And I do not just mean sparklers and Black Cats! The real deal!

Before dark, we lit sparklers, Roman Candles, and other fun little fireworks. Although Griffin had loved the fireworks show the night before (he sat mesmerized and was completely still throughout the entire show), he did not really care for the fireworks show a few feet in front of him. I do not really say I can blame him. The irony was that although he hated them, he wanted to be right in the middle of the action. This made it somewhat frustrating for me (and Griffin thought so too). He did like the sparklers!

As Carolyn and I got the “babies” in bed, James, David, and Nolan went back to the fireworks tent (third time I might add, oh and there were at least six huge firework tents to choose from within a couple miles. I told you this is serious business in these parts!) With sound machines cranked up in Griffin and Lily’s room, we all headed back outside for the “real” show. Nolan had such a great time being the helper and assistant as they shot the fireworks. He took his job very seriously and acted like he was quite the fireworks expert! Nolan almost seemed more interested in the logistics of our little show instead of watching the end result in the sky. No real surprise there!

Such a fun weekend and special thanks to our great hosts!

Below are a few pictures of the “pre” fireworks show.

DISCLAIMER! The utmost caution was used as the fireworks were lit and ensuring safety with the little ones. Looking at some of these pictures now, it sort of looks like the kids were just having a free for all with explosives!