A Little Place We Like to Call Heaven...

Rosemary Beach! We had the perfect combination for our Labor Day Weekend...Rosemary and the beginning of AU football! Rusty and I discovered Rosemary about 4 years ago and have been obsessed with it ever since. We were able to twist my dad's arm and talk him into renting us a house for the long weekend, and we all enjoyed every minute of it.

On Saturday, Rosemary had a kids block party with a bouncy house and all! E had a blast! My babies got all decked out in their favorite team colors.

Ellie stopped to do a few AU cheers for me. We've taught her Track 'Em and Botta Getta!
She She spent the weekend with us too!

I had to throw this in...here is Ellie at exactly Greer's age. This is when we went to Rosemary 2 years ago for Labor Day...

Here's Greer...they are starting to not look so much alike to me...

I think we went to the Sugar Shak 3 times while we were there! First stop...Ellie had to get a swirly lollipop.

See what happens when I leave Lollie in charge!

I had to document this...Ellie walking around the house with her stuffed bell pepper that she was eating! We found 3 new things that she loves on this trip...bell pepper, celery, and shrimp! Amazing...

We got some good beach time in...

On Sunday the water looked like the Carribean. There were literally no waves, and Ellie went way out in the water several times. It was perfect for swimming.

My little buddy did so well on the beach. Napped on and off and just hung out like he always does.

Our best attempt.

We did a lot of this...walking and riding bikes. Why did we take the double stroller? G spent the entire time "ridin' solo!" His big sis wanted to walk with everyone else.

2nd trip to the Sugar Shak for ice cream! (the 3rd trip was on the way out b/c Lollie insisted on getting E the HUGE butterfly lollipop she had promised the day before). Made for a sticky, messy ride home!

We went to the playground a LOT!

We ALL played!

You see...Ellie has no cousins her age so when we're with my family we all participate in keeping her entertained!

G's 1st time in the swing, and he LOVED it!

He couldn't get enough! I think he stayed in the swing for 30 minutes!

We're still working on the rice cereal thing.

Lollie and her babies. She specifically asked me not to post this pic, but I think its too cute not to!

E loved the fountain on our back porch.

We had an awesome weekend and hope to make this an annual event. Lollie, we're holding you to it! :)

Counting Down

Until football season starts that is. Look who we got see this weekend!

Greer loved him. Ellie...not so much. I think Aubie ranks right up there with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny! She's clinging to She She for dear life!!

Rusty's Allstate agency participated in the annual Tailgate Challenge at Sloss Furnace benefiting the Bell Center for Early Intervention. I am a member of the Service Guild which is a women's volunteer organization benefiting the Bell Center. Our tent was a "house-divided" on since everyone in Rusty's office is Alabama except him! We had a great time and raised money for a great cause!

Rusty and his Allstate crew...notice their slogan..."Are You in Good Hams?"

The guys getting ready for the event...
Ellie had a great time...especially eating all of her Jello shots! (alcohol free of course)

I think its time for a new uniform...this ones getting a little snug! She just had a huge growth-spurt. All of her pj pants are flooding, and her shoes from the end of the spring are way too tight!

We had a great weekend! She She and Josh even came to see us. I forgot to take my camera to the event so these pics are courtesy of Angel who works with Rusty so this is all I got!

Happy 4 Months Greer!

Look at that big boy in his big boy highchair! I feel like I rushed Ellie through her baby years and couldn't wait for her to get to each new stage, but with him its SO much different! I think I'm in denial that he's already 4 months old. 4 Months Stats:

16 lbs. 13 oz. - 90's (Dr. S doesn't give me exact percentages)

27.5 inches long - 90's

I wasn't ready to start the rice cereal, but it was just that time. Dr. Stone gave us the ok at our check-up on Monday so we decided to give it a whirl.

Big boy getting ready... "Hmmm...this is different, but I think I may like it."

And...we had a very big helper!

"Ummm...this is going down quite nicely!"

"Well, maybe not." After several more bites he wasn't so sure...

"Ewww...Mama...I'm all done...please don't make me eat any more!"

So that was Monday, and we tried again today without a lot of success. Ellie ate ANYthing and EVERYthing so I'm not used to having a picky eater. I guess we'll keep trying, and hopefully it'll get better. He let it just roll out of his mouth tonight though...wouldn't even try to swallow.

He's already getting tortured with girly stuff by his sister! Doesn't seem to mind it too much though!

And yes, he lives in his jumper!

Good Times with Family

So we headed down south for the weekend. First stop, Goodway, AL to spend the night with Rusty's grandmother and celebrate MeMe's birthday! Ellie and Greer got some good time in with their cousins. They even got to go out and pick some cotton! It was E's first time seeing it, and she thought it was the coolest thing ever.

This cotton field is just a few steps out the back door from Maw Maw's house. Rusty's grandfather was a cotton farmer his entire life so there are cotton fields for miles around. Definitely a nice change of pace from being in Bham!

Greer w/ his Aunt Ton Ton...

Next stop...Atm to spend some time with Lollie, Poppy, Thomas, She She, and Josh. Ellie with her plate of cookies that she and Lollie made everybody...

Poppy's new addition...a Brittany Spaniel named Mattie...isn't she adorable?!

We got some good time in with Momese too!!

The weekends are just too short! We were able to cram quite a bit into this one though!

Meanwhile...we've been going a little stir crazy around here lately. I think E is REALLY ready for her MDO to start back! We are counting down the days!

She loves to go in and help me get "Geer" in the mornings.

We broke out the door jumper this past week, and its a HUGE hit! He loves it just as much as his big sis did!

I can't believe he's old enough to do this.

We had Anna Spencer over last week to play, and E loved it!

Finding anything to do while we wait for school to start!!!

G goes for his 4-month check up tomorrow. I guess it'll be time to start the rice cereal this week!! I just can't believe it!

Turning Over, Talking Like Crazy, Etc!

Look at this BIG BOY!!! He is 3 1/2 months old now and just gets sweeter and sweeter if that's at all possible. I know what people mean now when they say there's something about Mamas and their little boys! He's just growing too fast. He was a little under the weather last weekend and kept us up a LOT with his first cold and fever. He's doing a lot better just still keeping us up more than we'd like!

I think I say something about this in just about every post, but these 2 absolutely LOVE EACH OTHER! I am amazed at the love they have for each other and the way they look at each other. Its precious. Greer has started turning his head all around and tracking her every move. He doesn't want her out of his sight!
Miss Priss just got back from spending a WEEK at Lollie and Poppy's and had an absolute blast! Lollie had each day packed with all sorts of fun activities like going to Build-a-Bear for the first time, going to Kangarooz to jump in the bouncy houses, swinging at the park every day, swimming a few times, etc etc. It sure was quiet around here, but we enjoyed our one-on-one time with little G. I feel like Ellie grew up even more during her time away. She came back putting multiple words together and talking in sentences like a normal person. She has said some pretty funny things lately. One thing in particular that we have not been able to break her from saying...."OH Sh_t!" Problem being that every time she says it someone in the room bursts into laughter! Rusty asked her where she heard it, and she quickly answered, "Mama." Thanks E for ratting me out! :) We have to watch EVERYthing we say around here. 2 nights ago while Rusty had an action-packed movie on with them driving around like crazy, yelling, etc, she said, "Daddy, they're really freaking out." She's also been referring to her bottom as her "butt." I don't know where she hears these things!! She definitely keeps us entertained!

He doesn't stay on his back for long now that he can roll over to his tummy! I cannot believe he did this at 3 months, and I think most babies go from tummy to back first. He still hasn't figured that one out and just gets frustrated on his tummy.

Me and my buddy...

We've actually been in town for the last several weeks and have enjoyed being a family of 4. I am finally beginning to feel like its the norm and not nearly as chaotic now that Greer is so manageable.