July 4th, 2012 (Part One)

This is going to be a 2-part, possibly 3-part post because, well, we just had too much fun! Our PA Richardson family came down for their annual visit. With Sydney being 12 now, and Alex 7, they were the perfect playmates for Connor. The three of them played outside, upstairs, downstairs, and in Connor's room a lot. I feel like I barely saw him all week! 

Our family arrived the July 3rd, and so the festivities started early the next day! After a big pancake breakfast, we spent the morning decorating 4th of July cupcakes (and getting an early sugar high):

After that, we spent the day at the neighborhood pool and waterpark: 

Then, after lunch and a long nap, it was time for the nighttime festivities (to be continued)...

July 4th (Part Two)

So, we checked off the pancakes, cupcakes, and pool. Then came time for the fireworks and s'mores! Connor and his cousin, Alex, went out to pick some sticks for our marshmallows (and found some time to give each other some cousinly love): 

S'mores might be one of my favorite things! The gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker are a heavenly combination. We all thoroughly enjoyed them in our backyard while watching the neighborhood fireworks. I can't say Connor really enjoyed the fireworks, but he stayed content inside the house and didn't realize how much fun he was missing...maybe he'll be brave enough next year.

July 4th (Part Three)

After a busy two days of the pool, fireworks, s'mores, and running around town, we all took a family trip to Carowinds Amusement Park. Yes, it was scorching out, but we visited the water park for quite a while, which really broke up the day. Connor had a ton of fun on the rides this year, and Andie and Sydney made their way 301 feet in the air on the new ride: the Windseeker!

Best buds:

Such a good big cousin to Connor: 

Father's Day 2012

Connor and I have a special somebody to be very thankful for: his daddy, and my husband. Tom wears many hats in this family, and we love him to pieces. Whether it's giving piggy back rides, running around the house, playing hide-and-seek, or spending an extra 5 minutes in Connor's bedroom at the end of the day, Tom is a father and husband to be admired. I can only hope and pray that my lil' guy grows up to be just like my big guy. 

After a long day of work, Tom comes home with more energy than I can muster these days, and takes over playtime, bath time, and bedtime without blinking an eye. And, after Connor is down for the count, Tom is there to help me relax and cater to my ever-growing belly. I thank God everyday for the blessed life I have, and a lot of that has to do with the man in my life who is both my husband and best friend. 

We love you, Tommy Boy, and can't wait to celebrate many more Father's Day's with you as a family of 4! 

New Bike

Connor got a new bike for his birthday (thanks, Grannie). He's still trying to get the hang of it, but is doing a fairly great job. It's been so hot out here that we haven't been able to practice much because, well, I just might melt, but he looks cute so far!

Checking the tires...