Beach Trip 2015

I drove us to the beach this year. Zac usually drives, but we rented a mini van and I thought it'd be fun to take the wheel. Mom rented a condo in Gulf Shores, Alabama, so we spent three days enjoying cool, breezy weather and lots of seafood. Leah even lost another tooth during breakfast this morning.

Our first day was spent driving to our destination, then stopping to eat dinner at Lulu's. Leah thought it was pretty cool, since Lulu is one of her many nicknames.

Thursday was spent in gift shops, looking for anything with Elias' name on it, but with no luck at all. Plenty of Elijahs, but no Eliases. Once the weather warmed up a bit, we headed to the beach. The big kids and Zac played catch-and-release with schools of minnows and once the sun went down, we looked for ghost crabs in the sand. We ended the night at Bill's By The Beach. Zac ordered the Loaded Bloody Mary! Jac "can't wait to be an adult" so he can have one of his own.

On Friday, our last day, we headed to Pensacola to eat at Peg Leg Pete's; a tradition we've been keeping for the past four years. Even in the chilly air, we still walked down the pier to look for dolphins, but only saw a few manta rays.

Of course, the day we leave is when the sun came out. Oh well.

School Room

This year in homeschooling, I wanted to do something different. In the past, I've always homeschooled in a dining area. With the new house, the dining area is where Zac and I have our computers and a makeshift sitting area for ourselves. There are three rooms on "my" side of the house, so I put all three kids in one bedroom in order to give them a playroom/school room. Luckily, the room where the kids sleep has a high ceiling (no joke, it's about 20 feet high), so the bunk beds are situated nicely.

Anyway, I've got the playroom/school room decorated similar to a classroom. I keep switching things around, trying to get everything comfortable, but for now, this is it.

Beachy calendar from Walmart.

Organizing containers from Target.

Poster of USA from Walmart.

Crafts from Hobby Lobby

Treasure box from Hobby Lobby; prizes from Party City

Child-level reading from Target

My teacher's area.

Student area.

Goodbye, Summer!

Bring on the sweaters and hot drinks and all things pumpkin!

Crybabies

I spent a little while trying to get a picture of all three of my kiddos together. As much as I made strange sounds and weird faces, Elias was not having it. He cried and cried. I decided I might as well have the older two pretend to cry so they all match. Luckily I have one from two weeks ago (just about) that came out a bit better.

Baby Shower & Anxiety

I had my first baby shower a few weeks ago. I woke up late that Sunday morning, skipping church because Elias isn't on a predictable schedule just yet. The warm puddle of pee in my bed where he lay must have been sufficient to keep us both comatose long enough for painful milk-engorgement.

I had never wanted showers (engagement, bridal, etc.) because I don't like being the center of attention. Social events, in general, freak me out. When there is a gathering like a wedding, funeral, or shower, I try to avoid going or I get drunk enough to not care. However, I got to know quite a few ladies at the church. Even though they barely know me, they showed me so much kindness. Among the adorable clothes and much-needed items, I was given a baby crib. The crib made me emotional. One of the ladies covered my eyes and a few others brought it out, along with a changing table. I was so overwhelmed! The crib transitions to a toddler bed and, eventually, a twin bed. A crib was the only thing I really needed for when Elias is too big for the bassinet. It even matches the wood color of the bunk beds.

Elias One Month

A month old and what a difference.
He cries a lot. Mostly when nobody is holding him. He's a good breastfeeder and loves to snuggle. He doesn't sleep through the night yet, unless he's sleeping with me. And rarely do I catch a little smile.

Louisiana trip

Last minute, Zac and I decided to take a trip to Louisiana over the weekend. Jessie invited us to Orrin's 6th birthday party, so our trip was short but sweet. We rented a car and arrived at Sean's late Saturday night, exhausted. I forgot how tricky traveling with a baby is. Frequent stops for feedings and diaper changes never gets old... Sunday, we spent most of the day in New Orleans. We stopped at the Disney Store to kill time and buy things before heading to the birthday party. I carried Elias in my Moby wrap, which is probably the best thing I've purchased for a baby ever. He slept like a snug bug without making a peep the whole time. Why-oh-why didn't I get one when my big kids were tiny???

We went to Orrin's Pokemon-themed birthday party. Jessie baked the cutest Squirtle cake and themed cookies. The kids had a fun time pinning the tail on Pikachu and eating pizza.

We finished our day with a trip to the Riverwalk for treats. I don't think we've been for a few years. It's been remodeled.

Monday, we headed to Marie's so she could see Elias and the kids could play with Francesca. She usually remembers to take pictures while I don't, so I had to take this one from her Instagram. The kids didn't want to go home. They were running around the playroom, doing handstands and flips, trying to see who was strongest.

We didn't get home til around 2am this morning! I was able to make it (on time!) to my appointment at the high school for 8:30. The kids have both been registered as homeschoolers. I've got to get their lesson started before I fall asleep. Hopefully, there's a nap in the near future since my coffee isn't working.