The Allberts

What a special day!

2011-10-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

What a joy to celebrate Chase's 4th birthday on October 1st. JOY!!! In lieu of a party, we headed to Emerald Isle for a few days. It was a weekend of rejoicing over him, thanking God for his health and precious personality. A few highlights....

Visit to NC Aquarium...

Love this one...they did this on their own, no prompting from me. And check out the water. We have never seen the Atlantic this blue.

Obvious favorite...
Yummmm....

Lately we've been...

2011-10-19T05:06:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Jason's birthday September 1st....

Spotting Dodge Challengers and Chevy Camaros (Chase's FAVORITE cars)....
Celebrating a very special day when the boys were baptized....

Cheering the Tarheels....UNC vs. UVA

More to come!

Kindergarten

2011-08-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe we are entering into the elementary schools days. I actually held it together and did not shed any tears! It was the look of pride and excitement in Knox's eyes that kept me from becoming a puddle. I could feel his confidence and happiness walking into his first day at Cary Christian. So far, he has loved every minute. Although, in typical male form, sometimes I have to pry information out of him :) Poor little Chase is not sure what to do without Knox around.

Knox turns 6!

2011-07-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Knox's birthday this year with bowling. Highly recommend it!! It was so much fun. Next big event for our big boy...1st day of kindergarden on August 3!!

Music City

2011-07-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

In June Knox and I flew to Nashville to visit the Moores. We has THE BEST time! Marg, you are a fantastic hostess! Jake and Knox took up where they left off a year ago when they came to see us. Evie joined in the mix too. I also got to meet Margie's precious new addition Walt. Could you not eat him up?? He reminded me of those fun days when Knox and Jake were babies. But it made me miss our proximity to them. Margie is one of those people who puts you so at ease, has a beautiful heart and makes you laugh so hard you can't stand it. We love you guys!!

I think he will take after his big brother, don't you? :)

We got to see the Lanes too!! Grace, Knox and Jake were newborns together :)

the 4th

2011-07-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the 4th at the Apex 4th of July parade (the other bike decorations put ours to shame!) and a trip to Badin Lake. Chase asked to go play golf for the first time. He took it quite seriously and took it all in stride, even when he missed. He gets this from Jason, not from me! I admire Chase's patience. Bless Knox...he takes after me. Then a little pool and lake time.

Swim Team

2011-07-22T13:04:00.000-07:00

In the spring we asked Knox if he wanted to join the swim team. I had NO idea how this would go and was willing to bail if he did not like it. Most of his buddies at the pool did it last year and I was encouraged that it was pretty low key for his age group. Turns out, he absolutely loved it. I did not participate on swim team growing up so it was fun to see it through his eyes. He could not stop grinning every time he crossed the finish line. 'Til next year :)

Ocean Isle Beach

2011-07-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

What can I say....the beach rocks. We had perfect weather and the boys were in heaven. They are begging to go back. Sweet memories in June....

May

2011-07-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Lots to catch up on! So far we have had a blast this summer. It started with Knox's graduation from preschool. I knew this day would come one day but I managed to hold it together even as I watched him walk down the aisle to "Pomp and Circumstance." He even donned a cap and gown. I just tried to focus on how proud I am of him and what we have to look forward to and not how the last 6 years have gone faster that the blink of an eye :( We were thrilled to have so much of our families there to celebrate. The rest of his program was a Hawaiian theme. Chase had a little program too. We also enjoyed the "Got To Be NC Festival" at the fairgrounds. A nice toned-down version of the state fair :)

Easter

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing like my favorite holiday and Chapel Hill in full bloom! Hope you all had a blessed Easter filled with the hope that we have in Christ.

Boys and Their Toys

2011-05-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

Boy, I have slacked off lately! Looking through our photos since I last posted I realized that I am truly immersed in the boy world. I never thought I would say this before the boys were born, but I love it (those who know me well know how badly I wanted girls)! Here is what we have been up to since Feb.

Took the boys to "Touch a Truck" where they got to sit in lots of different trucks....
Army tank
UNC Medic Helicopter
Obvious favorite...the red Lamborghini

The boys helped ALL DAY with the spring delivery of mulch. They had it in every crevice at bath time :)

Monster Truck Jam...the "Grave Digger" was the hit of the show
Love this very serious photo

Knox's class performed a circus at school. He was the ringmaster! Here he is with Henry the lion tamer...

A dream come true, a blast from the past, and a miracle

2011-02-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we took the boys to the Auto Expo at the NC State Fairgrounds, aka Paradise. They were SO happy. All Chase talked about for a week was that he wanted to see a Chevy Camaro and he got his wish. Check it out....

The boys loved the classic cars too.

Driving the Camaro!

Knox's favorite...the Lincoln Navigator
The $200,000 Porsche

Does this bring back memories? Knox went to a birthday party for his friend Caroline and busted out the skates. I even got into a pair myself. It has been quite some time but not much has changed. They still dimmed the lights and played the Hokie Pokie!

And here is the miracle-Chase putting a piece of fruit in his mouth. We are talking about a child who would not even allow a piece of fruit within 12 inches of his mouth since he stopped eating baby food. He just sucked the juiced but it was a start. Such a mystery that he will eat peas, broccoli, green beans and black eyed peas but won't eat anything fruit related. Hopefully one day he will figure out what he is missing....

My Twins!!!

2011-01-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

See any similarities between Knox and Jason? My sister in law sent these to us. Crazy!!! Did you know we had twins in our family? Ha!

Little White Belt

2011-01-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

Knox earned his white belt in Taekwondo in December. He was SO proud of himself! Doesn't he look adorable in his uniform? Other highlights...our backyard with 7 inches of snow and Knox at his first hockey game.

Merry Belated Christmas

2011-01-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here a Christmas post...a little late! It is the 10th day of Christmas though! We had a fantastic Christmas this year. I miss Charlotte so much but there is so much to do here. We took the Santa train ride at the New Hope Valley Railroad, an historic railroad. Built gingerbread houses, found amazing Christmas light displays, had fun with our families and saw Santa. Even got to enjoy snow!

This is such a strange time of year to me. All of this hustle and bustle of the holidays and then comes January. It's cold, kind of boring and I spend my time trying to find ways for the boys to get their energy out indoors. The week before Christmas we spent a lot of time at the Ford dealership getting in and out of countless cars. It's great because the entire dealership here is indoors. It's like a Super Walmart of cars. I have a feeling the salesmen there will be seeing a lot of us! They don't mind because the boys run around pointing to every make and model. Any other ideas for the January blues? Please share! Hope you all had a very Merry too!

Highlights from November

2010-11-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Another month gone by! It's been a good one though. Let's see....We had a great Thanksgiving and got to enjoy meals with both sides of the family. I have eaten enough to last me weeks. We picked out our tree this past weekend from a local tree farm and the house is decorated for Christmas. I missed Christmas last year (living in a rental house and Jason in the hospital) so I actually enjoyed decorating this year!

Helping load the tree

The boys actually helped decorate the tree this year too

I had to share these photos below....does this bring back memories for anyone?? My mom had given Knox some of my old Disney books with records in the back and he kept asking me what was a "record?" So my dad found my old record player and brought it to Cary. The boys have literally sat for long periods at a time listening to the stories and turning the page when they hear the "ding." I remember putting on my records and hanging out in my room when I was little. I love seeing them do this! And a few days ago we were at the park and there was a pay phone there. I had to explain that too. Makes you wonder if one day our grandchildren will ask "What was an IPod? And a cell phone?"

2010-11-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Halloween this year was lots of fun. Our disney trip inspired the boys to be Buzz and Woody from Toy Story. It's amazing how once those costumes were on Sunday night, they morphed into bundles of energy. After a fun night of trick or treating, we have WAY too much candy and it seems to call my name in the afternoons when I need a little pick-me-up. Jason and I were invited to a party this year. It is notorious for the most creative costumes. The stakes are high for some really great prizes like tickets to Wicked. We dressed as Dwight and Angela from "The Office." We got some good laughs but we paled in comparison to the other people there. Next year, game on!
Knox and his friend Henry
Henry and Knox at the school parade
Buzz and Woody!

Knox with the neighborhood 5 year old boys
Dwight and Angela

Happy Birthday Chase!!!

2010-10-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

I simply cannot believe that our baby turned 3 on Friday! Leading up to his birthday was, as usual, very emotional for me. Lots of tears thinking about 3 years ago. But this weekend has been a fun time to celebrate him. I just keep reflecting on how much joy he has brought into our lives. Chase, you are a gentle, delightful, and precious boy. You love to snuggle, care about others and never miss a chance to laugh. Everyone who meets can't help but notice your sweet spirit. You are so endearing. We are so grateful for you and praise the Lord for your life!

Exciting news too...we went for Chase's 3 year check up and he was 40-50% for height! He started at 1% for height on his first birthday. He is catching up! And he had his eye appointment a couple of weeks ago and the doctor here said she would never know he was a preemie just by looking at his eyes. They are perfectly healthy. WOW!

Disney

2010-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we returned from Disney World! It was the first time for me and the boys so not only did I get to experience it through their eyes but also was able to feel the "magic" myself. Any time I mentioned our trip before we went, friends who have recently gone only gushed and could not help but to have a child like smile when they talked about it. Now I know why! I could not help but feel giddy myself every time we walked into the Magic Kingdom. We also hit Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The boys did great-even Chase understood it all and was a trooper.

Surprisingly, Knox was the thrill seeker and rode Splash Mountain 5 times and Thunder Mountain Railroad 2 times. He did NOT inherit this from me. Chase loved all of the rides but his favorite was a mini-coaster at Magic Kingdom. Check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69IVf1Ylmi8. It was a fantastic time.

Breakfast with the characters

Letting Chase steer=whiplash
Riding the monorail

Meeting Lightening McQueen
Buzz Light Year ride

Splash Mountain-soaking wet

Visitors!

2010-08-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

August was our month for visitors!! 4 friends came from Charlotte with their kids. We loved every visit and it was fun to show everyone "our world." Knox and Chase loved having everyone here. After everyone left, they asked who was coming next. We topped it off with a weekend with Jason's family at the lake and a week in Charlotte. Come back soon ya'll!
The Rogers (Anne, Kate and Abbie) visit
The Eatons (Sarah, Mary Caroline, Emily and Jake)-our friends who moved to Charlotte from Knoxville after we moved. No fair!

The Flemings (Kelly, Ware and Caroline Gray)

The other Rogers! (Christa and Caroline)

The Warwicks stop by for a visit too...
Uptown Charlotte with Chessie (my dad)

Katherine and Ken's Wedding

2010-07-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, our niece Katherine married her high school sweetheart Ken here in Cary. They have been together for 8 1/2 years! They are a precious couple. It was such a fun weekend seeing family and being part of all of the wedding festivities. My mom came for the week which was fun too. Knox and Chase were the ring bearers. To quote Knox to Chase, "Chase, I have done this before so don't worry. I will show you what to do." The boys made it down the aisle and Knox kept his promise getting Chase all the way to the altar. The wedding was beautiful followed by a great party. Knox danced until 11:00 and was not afraid to shake his booty in the middle of the "dance circle" several times to various hip hop tunes. Congratulations Katherine and Ken! Blessings on your new life together!

All of Jason's extended family-mostly from Iowa! We loved seeing all of you!

Gettin' his groove on...
Taking a little break from breaking it down

Kristine, Katherine's sister, matron of honor, who just moved to India. We miss you so much!
Chase's position all night/my fear-I kept picturing one of those America's Funniest videos of a child pulling the cake onto the floor

Chase: not so sure about being introduced at the reception; Knox: loving it

My mom arriving on the train and the best greeting to follow

Girls' Weekend!

2010-07-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

My college girlfriends and I headed to Wilmington last weekend for our annual getaway. We stayed at my friend Jennifer's house, right off of the intracoastal waterway. Gorgeous. Of course, we stayed up late, ate lots of yummy food and enjoyed long talks on the beach. Needless to say there was tons of laughter. We definitely don't feel like we graduated 11 years ago. Don't look like it either, right? Ha! Thanks to all the bubbies for keeping the kids! 'Til next year!
Me and Angelica

The college "self-portrait"
Betsy, Leigh Anne, Jennifer, Laura, Me and Angelica. Marion just had to leave us for a getaway with her hubby :) Missed you at dinner!
Glad to see my boys :)

Our niece Katherine got married yesterday. Pics soon to come! The wedding was fantastic.

The Big 5!!

2010-07-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Knox turned 5 last Wednesday! I have to admit that I have cried some tears over this birthday. 5 just seems like a big number to me. I am seeing glimpes of him really growing up while I can still remember the day he was born so vividly. We had a pool party this year and invited friends that have moved to the area from Charlotte recently. We are so blessed to have them nearby! He had such a great time and the kids were covered in chocolate cake at the end.

Knox you are so much fun. We love how outgoing, engaging, and inquisitive you are. You are creative, determined, and love to laugh. You love your brother so much and know how to have a goofy-good time. You are the most persistent child we have ever met-we have been told this will serve you well one day. I cannot wait to see how :)

The 4th

2010-07-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the 4th on Saturday morning in Apex, the town next to Cary. Jason and I had as much fun as the boys!! We felt like we were in a movie. The town and events were so idyllic-remember Mayberry? There was a bike parade and water out of the fire hose at the end. Definitely adding it to my list of great reasons to live here....

His dream come true :)
All of the bikes lined up

The Moores

2010-06-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends Margie and Jake came to visit last week! Knox and Jake have known each other since birth and the Moores moved to Nashville 2 1/2 years ago. We have missed them so much since they left so it was a treat to have them with us. The boys enjoyed the pool, visiting Chapel Hill, a dairy farm and just hanging out. My time with Margie was so much fun too. We enjoyed lots of talks and laughs. Can't wait until you all come back!

At the old well
I told Knox to smile and say "future student!!!!!!!!"
The boys all wanted the same shirt.

Packing up for the airport. How can they both be turning 5?!?!