West Virginia Mountains – Part 1

A couple weeks back we made a trip to West Virginia to honor the passing of both Cam’s dad Henry and his Grandmother Betty who had both passed in the last year. Cam’s dad had always wanted his ashes to be spread in both Cancun the place he love and in West Virginia the place he called home. There was a lovely ceremony for both Henry and Betty that was followed by the towns Pioneer Day. It was a special event that Henry always tried to make it back to West Virginia for, so it only seemed fitting we were there that weekend.

On our drive up the Mountain to Snowshoe

 

It was my first time experiencing the West Virginia Mountains. Is it country? Yes. Very different from Severna Park. But man is there something so beautiful about it. It’s so peaceful and laid back. Cole loved just about every second of the trip. He loved being able to see the mountains and experience new things. 

We stayed in a nearby resort down called Snowshoe that is very nice. I can only imagine what it’s like during the winter season when its alive and buzzing with tons of people. It was HOGS weekend when we were there so they had some activities going on that kept Cole very interested and we also got some great people watching in. 

 First day we walked around the Snowshoe town area, tons of restaurants, shops and bars.

 

Here they were doing some kind of jump thing and they also had zip lines going on above us. 

He stood there awhile watching it all

 

Such a Cole face

   

 We made are way around the town area and over to the trails where there was Mountain Bike trails and some truly dare devil guys that were brave enough to go down them. Very fun to watch.

 

About two seconds after this picture was taken a guy went right over the side with his bike. Cole was in amazement!

 

Little Ms Emery was a super baby, with little sleep she was happy and napped when she could. Could not have asked for anything better.

 

 

This was the view from our room. Emery stayed with us while Cole got to sleep in bunk beds. The top bunk while Grandma took the bottom one. This was very cool for him!

 

 

The first night there Vicki was kind enough to let Cam and Me go out to dinner and grab a drink sans the kiddos. 

 At Dinner, playing with the new lens I got...

 

 

We rested up for the next day’s events which included the ceremony, pioneer day and the indoor pool and watersides! (Part 2) 

To many pictures not to split this up into two blog posts.

5 Months!

Emery, 

When I found out I was pregnant with you, I envisioned another little boy on the way. I was a boy mom already and loved it. Your brother stole my heart and I just loved the idea of another sweet little boy. I mean what was I missing out on with not having a girl? SO MUCH! You are the perfect addition to our family, your sweetness and adorable smiles bring so much joy to us all. Of course the obvious, I love having my little shopping buddy by my side and indulging in the baby girl clothing. The bows. The shoes. I get more excited dressing you than me. A bit crazy…yes I know. But really it’s just the difference in your personality it’s so girly already. And I love it! Of course I love you and your brother just the same and with all my heart it’s just two different special bonds. I’m so blessed to have you as my daughter.

 

Here’s what you’re up to these days… 

-Love to sit and can do it for a while on your own. Such a strong little girl. 

-Smile ALL the time 

-If we lay you down on your back you roll within a seconds, you love rolling around. 

-Speaking of rolling to your belly, you are now on all fours. I mean rocking on all fours. OMG! I don’t see you crawling just yet but I fear within the next month. 

-LOVE standing in your jumper/exesaucer thing 

-Hands are always in your mouth. Lots of drool but no sign of teeth can be seen. 

-No words yet, lots of adorable baby babble 

-Weighs in at 15lbs 

-3-6 month and some 6 months clothing. Size 2 diaper. 

-Has started solids in the past 3 weeks and is really digging it. One of your favorites is sweet potatoes. 

-You eat solids twice a day and have four bottles each 6-7oz. 

-You think everything your brother does is amazing and funny.

-Loves bath time 

 

This month we finally figured out the whole sleeping thing. The day your turned 5 months (as recommended by your doctor) we turned the monitor volume down and let you figure out how to soothe yourself back to sleep at night. It was hard for me. The first night was the worst. 30 minutes. But you did it. And every night following got shorter and now not at all. We were obviously enabling you at night. Helping you sooth yourself. Cause within a week you were sleeping 12hrs straight all by yourself. This change is amazing for you and us! Your napping has improved as well. You are generally on 3 naps a day. Little girl you just needed some tough love to work it out on your own. Phewwww! 

It’s hard to believe almost half a year has gone by already, things are moving so fast. I need a pause button. I love you sweet Emmy! 

xoxo, 

Mama  

Cole turned 3!

Yep he's three and we made sure the birthday boy felt special on his big day! If there is two things Cole loves it's Birthdays and Christmas. I assume its the receiving of presents or it could be the balloons its a toss up still at this age. But the joy in his face makes all the hard work of putting a party together so worth it!
We spent his actually birthday day at the Aquarium, both Hubs and me took off and invited some of Cole's friends to join. Its one of Cole's favorite places to go so it just seemed fitting to go on his birthday. We had cake and spent the evening with family opening up presents.

 At the Aquarium

Birthday Morning Balloons

   

 This year I really tried to make his birthday party all about Cole, keep it low key and very kid oriented. When I asked Cole what kind of party he wanted this year a couple months back and straight away he said shark. I incorporated sharks of course throughout it but it had more of a water theme feel to it. It being summertime what could be more perfect than a water slide and sprinkler!?! The kids played hard and seemed to have a blast running around in there bathing suits. It was a wonderful day and I can't believe he's three. My baby is three! 

 Aunt Coco did a great job with this Shark cut out!

 

Fourth of July

I know it was more than a week ago but before it gets to be to late...

Fourth of July

Like last year we made it out to the Fourth of July parade. It was hot but totally worth it. Cole had a blast waving at the floats and fire trucks and of course catching the candy. Seriously the candy it’s a bit overwhelming how much they toss out. And of course Cole wanted to eat each darn piece. We got to go with the Butlers and some of the Ervicks so it was even more enjoyable.

 

This was Emery’s first experience and she did really well considering all she wants to do is move on her own. We just had to keep switching up who held her and change her position.
I know I will reget saying this ….but she might be happier once she can crawl on her own.

 

When the parade was done I brought Em home to nap and Hubs brought Cole to the pool with everyone else. They had a blast and we ended the night with a nice little cookout at our house. Sadly Cole did not make it to see fireworks. Homeboy crashed hard at 745. Play hard = Sleep hard.