Kicking off the camping season

We kicked off the crazy camping season this past weekend with a trip to Cowans Gap State Park just an hour away. We had absolutely gorgeous weather for the most part (the nights were COLD -- mid 40s the first night) and went with the Smiths who we normally go with! 

This was the Ran-mobile packed and ready to go. I cannot believe that a family of 4 needs that much stuff for 3 days away but, alas, they do. Especially when traveling with two toddlers and need toys, bikes, scooters, etc.! 

The first night, we had hot dogs and corn on the cob for dinner which was perfect for the kids who were on the move, getting acquainted and exploring and had no time to stop and eat dinner! I was super nervous for bedtime 1) because I knew it would be late and we'd have overtired kids; 2) it was getting really cold; and 3) new environment. As expected, Carter did just fine but Addison wanted nothing to do with laying down and just going to sleep in her pack-n-play without major attention. Seth ended up pretty much patting her back until she fell asleep. Like I said earlier, it dropped into the mid-40s that night and I was so unbelievably cold...and Seth and I even had an air mattress, sheets, blankets, and I was wearing sweats and a sweatshirt! I basically laid there until 2:30--freezing my butt off and worrying that the kids were cold. I had them covered with every possible free blanket. Both slept all night so I guess they were fine. 

On Saturday, they were up at 5:58 a.m. and I was BEAT. We were literally outside of the tent--done with all distractions in the tent--by 6:30 a.m., which makes for a long day! We had a yummy breakfast and spent the morning riding the bike and scooter, digging in the dirt, taking a hike, feeding the ducks, and playing by the "beach." Michael and Sarah also brought a kayak so the boys all went out in the boat while Sarah and I entertained the little ones by the shore. They had a lot of fun!! 

They had a blast but ALL the kids were getting tired. Lunch and naps around (Carter in his "vacation bed" and Addison being driven around until she fell asleep!) made for happier kids! 

Saturday afternoon brought another trip back down to the "beach" and Italian ice and ice cream from the concession stand. Dinner and hanging out rounded out the night. Thankfully, the weather was SLIGHTLY warmer Saturday night but they were up bright-eyed and bushy tailed at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Exhaustion for mommy and daddy! :) 

They were both sort of over it by Sunday morning and I was plain exhausted (I also had a cold/cough the whole time and the smoke was just making my lungs hurt even worse). On the trip home, I asked him if he was tired and he just stared at me like this. So....yes? :) 

All in all, we had a great time--we always do when we camp with the Smiths! But boy is camping with two little kids a lot of work! We're camping again in July...we'll see if we take Addison or not. :) At the very least, I may come home later at night to take her to bed and then go back in the morning since we're camping so close by. 

Mother's Day

Ah, Mother's Day...the day where moms get to do absolutely nothing and relax, right? HA! Not in the Ran house. We had a good day but let me tell you--they don't let mama relax! ;) The kids got me flowers and Seth made breakfast on Sunday morning. After church, we grilled out and played outside because it was so gorgeous! I even snuck in a tiny nap though the little rascals chose Mother's Day as the day to take a cat nap. 

We went to Red Lobster (which is usually my choice. Haha) and then decided to go to the duck/fish pond and take a walk and feed them. I managed to capture this cute moment as we walked there. :) 

It's hard to believe this was my FIFTH Mother's Day and that my first one, we were only home from the hospital with Carter one day. 

Love my little munchkins! :) 

(Friend) birthday party

Because I like to live on the wild (and crazy) side, we opted to let Carter have a friend party this year in addition to his family party. So many of his friends have invited him to their parties, and he kept asking if so and so was coming to his party (meaning his family one). We opted to have it at a local park and rent a pavilion. We got even crazier and had it the today--the day after the family party. :) Turns out, it worked out pretty well. We were able to use all the decorations again and just kept in the party spirit for the weekend! 

It was SO incredibly. I had to tie everything down and put little boulders all over the place. Sadly, I didn't get to put up half the decorations. But the good news is that four year olds have no idea about that stuff and I didn't worry about it. 

I even opted to buy the cake to keep things simple. We added the little toys to the top and voila! 

Bubble wands for the favor -- a hit with kids! 

The real hit of the party was the pinata. Carter talked about this for WEEKS (and I am not exaggerating) leading up to the party. It cost a small fortune to fill it but the kids just loved it and I loved seeing how happy and excited they were!

We did gifts when we got home and wow, is he a BLESSED little boy!! It was like Christmas morning! 

All in all, it was such a fun time and was over before we knew it. Can't believe we have a four year old already? Wasn't he just born yesterday???

Carter's 4th Birthday Party

Today, we celebrated Carter's 4th birthday--at least for the first time--with family. Tomorrow will be another with his friends. He is a BIG TIME fan of Disney Planes and that's what he wanted for his party. And what little dude wants, he gets! I love throwing a party, and this was a fun theme to do! :) 

 I was excited when I realized my mom still had the globe from when we were little and it perfectly represented the "Wings Around the Globe" rally.

He talked and talked about party hats, so I'm thankful I was able to find some! 

I made "pilot badges" for all the kids. It was just too stinkin' cute to see them running around all day with these on. 

A couple weeks out, I saw this precious Dusty fabric and couldn't pass it up. I had no idea what I was going to do with it until about a day or two ago. And I'm SO GLAD I decided to do this. It was so, so cute. We got photos of the birthday boy with each guest at the party (we missed a few though). :) (Some photos below)

Baggage claim! I got each kid a little aluminum water bottle. I found these on sale at the Disney store a few weeks before the party! I got the babies in attendance a little organic squeezie but then forgot to give it to one of them before they left. Boo!

I made all the signs and details (for the most part). Most of the stuff just fit in with an "airplane" theme. 

I was trying to think of how to use my chalkboard and came up with this. 

Face painting station! I was envisioning them picking a sun, star, etc. NOOO. Mr. Elijah picked a T-REX!! Stinker. :) I had to google it but we survived. We also had a balloon, a shooting star, a heart, and some letters.

Centerpieces (that kept blowing over)

The birthday boy and guest of honor. He LOVED having so many people there loving on him. He was just so precious and appreciative of everything. It melted my heart. 

In the photo booth with mommy and daddy! 

For food we had meatball subs, coleslaw, "Dusty's Dippers" (Fruit w/ dip and veggies w/ dip), chips, "Cloud 9" parfait (Jell-o and cool whip) and cupcakes and ice cream! 

Digging in! 

Pretty sissy! :) 

We had such a blast celebrating the little boy who made us mommy and daddy. These four years have FLOWN by so lightning fast. We cherish all the sweet giggles, activity, and love he dishes out. He's truly a little sweetheart (that keeps us on our toes)! Happy 4th birthday (in a few days), little dude. We love you SOOOO much! 

(Friend party post to come...)