Entries by Nichol Tate

So this morning has been rough to say the least. But the two youngster are keeping themselves happy, mostly, by finding the sound button in a lamb. All it does is baa in a few different notes. But they laugh like crazy. Whatever keeps them happy...

We took a daycation to the beach. It was wonderful and fun. We stopped in Wilmington at a super huge park for lunch and let the kids run and play for a few minutes on the playground. Then we went to Pleasure Island and to Kure Beach. It was a full day at the beach, but still quite doable. Alex loves the ocean, and as soon as he had sunscreen on he jumped in. Yep, the sunscreen washed off and he burnt, but he had a blast getting beat up by the waves. Teagan is still unsure about the ocean, so choose to stay near the umbrellas and play in the sand. Abby Sue wasn't sure for the first 45ish minutes. But before I knew it she was grabbing me and we were playing in the waves. The waves were really strong and she would often get swept off her feet and dunked. But she loved every minute. She would fuss at me when I picked her up to make sure she was okay. Time went by too soon and we had to head back home. So roughly desanded we pile into the car. And he back home, picking up dinner at Cook Out. Surprisingly Abby Sue stayed away almost the whole time. I wasn't too happy about that, but Teagan has a way of waking her up. How I love the beach. And yes, I'm trying to convenience Joseph to move me closer there too.

Abby Sue LOVES the bunnies. Though she isn't too sure about holding them by herself while Momma takes a few photos. My favorite part is where the bunny cages are located. I moved them recently, so now she can go look out one of the dining room windows at them. And does she love that, squeals and laughs and pure excitement. She makes the day great.

.So I've discovered a cool game that wears kids out. It is called chase the bunny. I must admit it can wear Moms out too. It all depends on how many time you have to go through the ivy to get the bunny out. Teagan and Abby Sue LOVE this game. And surprisingly so does Dulcinea (the bunny). It is so funny to watch Dulcinea take off and then stop and wait for them to get close so they can catch her or for her to take off again. Unfortunately Herr (or Hare) Jones isn't as good at this game. He is too easy to catch. But whatever keeps them happy and helps them nap, right?

Last night Sarah from Elaine Bella Photography took our family photos at Eno River. It was fun and wet. By the end, Alex was completely soaked and Teagan and Abby Sue were close behind. We had so much fun. Photograper Blog

Everyday Abby Sue finds new ways to help you extend you love towards her. From her hugs (actually she is using you as a napkin, I've a chocolate stain on my bum to prove it) to her sneaky ways to get kisses to her wanting to be tickled, wrestled and cuddled (all at the same time). Today she helped me separate laundry. She would throw laundry at me to organize. I've never had so much fun organizing laundry. She loves to unload the dishwasher and set the table. She even tries to call the family to dinner. I just can't help but to love her more and more everyday (even if she ruins my few remaining clothes).

We survived Alex's first week of school. There were no tears, at least from me. Today Joseph had a super busy schedule, so he asked me to pick up Alex from school. So I pack up Teagan and Abby Sue and head over. I'm super excited my first time picking him up. He walks out the door and starts to cry when he see us. He LOVES having Dad picking him up and biking to and from school. Poor Baby, but he survived.

Alex, or should I say Alexander (he decided he needed to be called Alexander on his fifth birthday), loves kindergarden. He loves the bike rides with Joseph to and from school everyday. And he loves the five minutes of hugs and kisses he gets from me when he gets home. And is so tired by 7pm. It is near wonderful. Though I miss him so much, I'm enjoying a completely kid free nap time. Yesterday I did all my chores and then still had an hour completely to my self. Today I got almost all of nap time! I'm not going to know what to do with myself. Joseph says I should reads some, but I'm pretty tired of Curious George and all those. I also feel no guilt in just staying home in just cleaning and playing. This afternoon was heaven. Me and three kids on our bed watching a movie and cuddling and wrestling. Teagan and I worked on teaching Abby Sue 'up.' Life is truly wonderful.

Where does she get this from?

Abby Sue has decided that it is fun and a type of good transportation. It has been wonderful watching her do laps in the house or peek around the corner just to laugh and go somewhere else. She is quite a clown.