Memorial Day Weekend

We had the BEST Memorial Day Weekend! We packed in so much summer fun!

On Friday we visited with my high school best friend, Jackie and her four kids at Chastain Park. We hardly ever see each other, but we still chat on the phone at least every other week. I actually met her fourth child for the first time on Friday, and she is a year old! Luckily both Jackie and I understand our crazy lives right now, so we are able to pick up right where we left off every time. :)

We attempted to get a picture with all SEVEN kids! Seven kids in seven years!

Saturday we joined Aunt Peach, Uncle Drew, and Holland for our first pool day of the season. Aside from Tuttle jumping off the diving board as soon as we arrived and being rescued by the lifeguard, the day was an absolute success! (Tuttle did get the hang of swimming and spent most of the day jumping off the diving board. I wish we spent more time swimming year throughout the year.)

It was Jacob's first time at the pool. He loved people watching and dipping his toes in the water.

Maggie spent a lot of her time snacking on the yummy food, especially the cookie cake!

Sunday Daddy spent the day on the Chattahoochee River with his buddy, Paul. We were so proud of his big catch!

Today was a work day at the Thorne home. Daddy cut the grass while I cleaned the house and did the MOUNTAIN of laundry that a family of five produces. The neat freak in me actually loves cleaning, so the day was fun to me! :)

The long weekend continues with Six Flags tomorrow for Tuttle's birthday. Mommy and Daddy cannot wait to spend a day with our biggest boy while the other babies stay at home with Grandmommy! Scream Machine, here we come!

Gold Belt

Tuttle proudly received his karate gold belt on the last day of school. We are been packing in the classes recently, so he would be eligible to test for his new belt. This was the first time that he participated in the test day that takes place on the last Thursday of each month. 

Daddy and Grandmommy came to watch Tuttle. He was so happy to have such a large cheering section. :)

Tuttle had to answer a series of questions and perform specific punches and kicks in front of the owner of the karate studio. He was confident the entire time and showcased everything that he has learned from his amazing instructors. We were able to come into the room when he was presented with his gold belt.

Tuttle has been taking karate for almost one year now, and I counted how many classes that he has completed to earn his gold belt: 100! Which also means that I have driven to the karate studio 100 times! This is a huge accomplishment for both of us! :)

Tuttle absolutely loves karate, and we cannot wait to see him advance even more! Congratulations, Sweet Boy!

We Made It!

The kids and I successfully made it through the last week of school, and we are officially on SUMMER BREAK! This past week was packed full of fun, but at times I wondered if I would survive!

Both Tuttle and Maggie have experienced fantastic school years with such sweet and supportive teachers. I cannot believe how much they have grown both physically and mentally.

Our crazy week started on Tuesday with Tuttle's kindergarten graduation. Luckily I was not the only who was teared up during the little ceremony. The kids sang several songs and were presented a diploma from Dr. McMillan, the principal. Gram and Daddy came to celebrate with Tuttle, too.

After a quick gymnastics class for Maggie, we returned to the school for a petting zoo for the kindergarten classes. There was a ton of tiny animals for the kids to brush and pet. My favorites were the goat, baby donkey, and miniature horses.

Wednesday both babies had their school parents. I was very relieved that I was able to coordinate the two events. Tuttle's party was first, and Jacob and I watched the kids run around in the sprinkler, blow bubbles, play with water balloons, and enjoy a yummy snack. 

Kristen and I organized Maggie's party, so I quickly stopped by the house for the supplies and hurried over to the preschool. I found the cutest summer party supplies at The Dollar Store, so it was fairly easy to decorate. The hit at the party was the self-serve ice cream sundae station-complete with M&Ms, sprinkles, gummy worms, and marshmallows.

At school pickup Frau Miltner presented me with the sweetest gift from the class for being the room mom. I absolutely love it!

And then there is this little boy. His huge smile has remained throughout all the craziness and stress of the week. He is the perfect third child for us.

Happy Summer Vacation!

End of School Whirlwind!

We have been running around like crazy with all the end of school year activities! This week is also packed with excitement, but I am ready to have my babies home for the summer!

The past few weeks run together, and I do not want to forget all the fun, so here is a quick snapshot of our lives:

Tuttle had his first Field Day two weeks ago. It was definitely organized chaos. Jacob and I went to cheer him on in the morning and returned with Maggie after preschool. My favorite competitions to watch were the three-legged sack race and the water challenge pictured below. Everyone was worn out after a day in the sun!

Daddy and Tuttle enjoyed "Doughnut with Dad" this past Friday. Only kindergarten holds these sweet events for the parents, so we soaked it up with our first boy! Two more years and we will be attending again with Maggie.

Our family ran/walked the Brookhaven Bolt on Saturday. It raises money for the elementary school and has increased in popularity over the years. We ran in it a few years ago before we were involved in Ashford Park Elementary, and it was exciting to see how much it has grown. The highlight for Tuttle was seeing the teachers spread out along the course, especially Ms. and Mrs. Fleming, the biggest celebrities of the school! :)

Jay and I attended a wedding for one of his co-workers on Saturday night. I even was able to sneak away for the wedding for a haircut. (I honestly might get my hair cut twice a year, so this is a HUGE treat!). The wedding was absolutely gorgeous, and we are thrilled for the happy couple! 

Yesterday the entire family (including both sets of grandparents) attended Maggie's gymnastics showcase at Jumpstart. It was a total mommy fail because we showed up at the wrong time, and Maggie froze during the performance. Luckily Ava came to the rescue and walked Maggie through all the obstacles. Maggie's actual performance was later in the afternoon, and Maggie requested that we go back to try it again with her friends, especially since Ava was performing at the afternoon showcase. After a BIG pep-talk, Maggie rocked it at the second round! She danced and showcased her strong gymnastics moves! I was so proud of her for overcoming her fear from the first show.

Jacob has been such a trooper during all his brother and sister's activities. He is happy to be along for the ride and always has an enormous grin plastered on his face.

We are gearing up for a kindergarten graduation, school parties, gymnastics awards, and a karate belt test this week! Our babies sure keep us busy, but we are so proud of their hard work this year in school and sports. 

I am counting down the days until summer break, so we can continue to make memories with our packed June and July!

Atlanta Ballet Spring Recital

Today was the BIG day! Maggie performed with her sweet ballet class at her spring recital at Georgia Tech.

She had a whole cheering section for her that included Mommy, Daddy, Tuttle, Jacob, Grandmommy, Grandaddy, Gram, and Grumps. She led her little class onto the stage and danced her little heart out. She was the tiniest ballerina on stage, but she was so dedicated to showcasing to the moves that the teacher was modeling in the wing for all the girls.

We met her outside after the performance and showered her with flowers!

It was obvious how proud she was of her recital. She was smiling the whole time!

A huge THANK YOU to Grandmommy and Grandaddy for making ballet possible this year for Maggie. She has LOVED every second!

I have waited for this special day with my little girl! She was the prettiest ballerina I have ever seen!

Since we were at Georgia Tech for the recital, it only made sense to have lunch at The Varsity! Tuttle requested that we have his birthday dinner there next year. He was a fan of the cheeseburger and fries- his favorite! What'll Ya Have???

We appreciated everyone coming to watch our tiny dancer! What a perfect morning for our girl!

Jacob Turns Four Months!

Jacob Corbitt Thorne has been a part of our family for four months now.

 Jacob now eats between 4-6 ounces each feeding. He can usually last approximately 2.5 hours between each meal. He takes about three naps during the day, but the morning nap is the only sleep that he typically gets in his crib during the day since Tuttle and Maggie are always on the go! He goes to bed about 7pm and sleeps until 7am with one night feeding between 1am and 4am. We unswaddled him several days ago, and he seems much more comfortable in his bed although he sleeps in such a strange position with his head arched back as far as possible. I thought he would roll over and sleep on his tummy, but he prefers his back. He wears footed pajamas and a sleep sack at night. 

I predict that he may be teething soon because he has started chewing on his hands all the time and drooling. Luckily he does not seem to be uncomfortable.

Jacob's favorite activities include sitting in his new seat, riding in the Ergo, rolling on his playmat (He can only roll from his back to his stomach), and pretending to stand on his little chicken legs with Mommy holding him up. He hates to be held like a baby. He has to be upright to see all the action. :)

He is wearing 6m clothes and Size 2 diapers. I have enjoyed dressing a little boy so much. I never put Tuttle in bubbles and jon jons, so Jacob has a closet FULL! 

Jacob is really the happiest baby. It is extremely easy to get him to smile! He loves to be called "Little Boy" or "Chicken Nugget." He gets a lot of attention from Tuttle and Maggie as well as the parents and kids at school, and he does not shy away from it. He opens his mouth for a HUGE toothless grin whenever someone is taking on over him. He is still content to be passed around to all the people that want to snuggle him which gives Mommy a little break.

I cannot believe 1/3 of a year has already flown by! Jacob is the perfect attention to our crazy lives. Happy Four Months, Sweet Boy!

Happy Mother's Day!

Jacob, Maggie, and I got a chance to celebrate my mom on Saturday while Jay and Tuttle were camping. We treated Gram to a yummy breakfast at J. Christophers.

I loved celebrating what an important role that my mom plays in my life on a daily basis. Her guidance and support are constant, and I hope that I raise my children with the same positivity that she radiates. We love you, Gram!

The warm weather is here to stay, and the kids and I are spending as much time outside as possible! 

Happy Mother's Day to all my sweet friends and family! I am lucky to have such a strong community of moms in my life.

Muffins with Moms X 2

Today I kicked off Mother's Day weekend with Muffins with Mom at Tuttle and Maggie's schools. 

We started with Tuttle's kindergarten class bright and early. I was nervous that parking would be a problem, so we walked to school at 7am. It was unusually chilly for May; we had to bundle up a little bit! Luckily Daddy was able to stay with Maggie and Jacob, so I could enjoy the special morning with my first baby. Tuttle and I ate muffins in the courtyard, and the kids sang a sweet song to all the mommies. 

I returned home to immediately get Maggie ready for her special morning with her Kangaroo friends and the mommies. Maggie was thrilled to eat two muffins and present me with a handmade gift- a handprint turned into a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 

I loved creating these lasting memories with my babies. They are growing way too fast, so I am embracing all these sweet little activities. I know it was be too soon that they do not want me visiting their schools or holding my hand down the hall.

I also realize it will Jacob's turn to take me to his classroom for Muffins with Mom much too quickly. 

I know a lot of people think Mother's Day is the day to focus on the mommy, but I am using the weekend to soak up how lucky I am to have these THREE perfect children.