Carter decided on a name for his bear that Grandma Shari and Papa Chris sent for his birthday. This thing is big. Really big. But I think I should just be grateful that Shari didn't send a puppy like her mother-in-law did for her kids one Christmas. Besides how can I complain about the size when the boys look so cute sitting on him.
Carter turned 3 on Thursday. We didn't have his party until Friday -- we've yet to celebrate his birthday on his actual birthday (last year, we did it 5 days early so I could be there before I went off to join the Army). Since we weren't ready to turn our house over to a bunch of screaming, sticky-fingered, boogery nursery-ites, his party was a small time affair. It was just our family and my Army buddy Phil (earlier in the week, I asked Carter who he wanted at his party. He answered 'Just me and Caleb and Mommy.' I asked if I could go and he replied, 'Oh sure Daddy. Sure, you can come too.' I'm glad he relented because I had a very fun time, and Lorein's cake was really delicious.)
We made sure he had a full day of fun too. He woke up to a big "Happy Birthday" sign and some balloons in the family room. Then Lorein took him for some donut holes. Donut holes are quickly becoming his favorite; they're like little baby donuts! Unfortunately, Lorein and I are getting addicted to them too. Then, they met me at work for lunch. We gave him the choice of McDonald's or Chick-Fil-A, but Lorein did some manipulative persuading so he'd choose the latter (she told him he could have ice cream if he chose Chick-Fil-A). For dinner, we had spaghetti and then, it was PARTY TIME!!!
I think he was in shock from his haul.
And a little giddy.
His Aunt Mary Ann really hooked him up.
What the what?! This better be filled with Dr. Pepper!
Hmmmm . . . cuuuupcaaaaake.
Lorein's homemade frosting is like a dreamy cloud . . . but only if the cloud were made of sugar instead of water vapor. I've always found that water vapor doesn't totally satisfy me. By the way, Lorein says the key is real butter and heavy whipping cream.
On May 14th, we blessed Caleb in Temecula at Chris' parents' house. We flew down for the occasion and the boys and I spent almost two weeks in California. Both boys have been blessed in the Crall home and it's been a neat experience. Chris gave Caleb a very sweet blessing.
My parents were able to drive up from Las Vegas, and Cary and Mary Ann came down from Utah. Chris' Grandma Riley (GG to Carter and Caleb) was also there. It was a great family affair and we're grateful that Chris' parents were willing to host us and for everyone who came.
Unfortunately, the pictures of the group turned out really blurry - Dad, did you get any good pictures of the group? You'll just have to take my word for it that everyone was there. Sorry (or you're welcome) to anyone who's not pictured:-)
In case you couldn't tell, Caleb makes this sad face a lot (even when the sun isn't in his eyes).
We actually do get some smiles now.
The only decent picture of my dad and Caleb from the visit
Well for the two people who may actually still check this or haven't deleted our blog from their reader, I'm giving it one more try (make sure you sing that last part like Timmy T). I know I've said this before but here is my reasoning this time (in no particular order):
It will help me remember to bring my camera places and to take more pictures. I know it's silly and shouldn't really matter, but if I know I'm going to be blogging I take more pictures and I take my camera more places. I think at this point in Carter's life we had at least 500 pictures of him. I don't know if I even have 30 of Caleb. Yep, he's already a victim of "second child syndrome.''
I need to do better at recording/documenting/keeping a journal. I think this will also help me appreciate my kids more and the opportunity I have to stay home with them. Being a mom of two has been kicking my butt and I really need the reminder. It seems like most days it's an accomplishment if I get a shower though, so I don't know exactly where I'm going to fit in the blogging. But as my good pal Tim Gunn always says I'll "make it work!"
Since Chris joined the Army one year ago (yep, it really has been a year - it was the anniversary on July 4th) we still have three years left in our commitment (could be more obviously if he decides to stay in longer). So we're going to live far from family and friends for a while and I want to have a place where we can reconnect (only if you want to of course).
