Sunday, May 30, 2010

"Almost Heaven...


WEST VIRGINIA, BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, SHENANDOAH RIVER!"
There is my homage to the late great John Denver, the reason being, we spent Friday in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I now have a better understanding of why dear John wrote that song. It was beautiful. So, here is your history lesson for the day. We spent the majority of our time in Harper's Ferry, exploring this important little town from Civil War History, where John Brown staged his famous slave revolt. Harper's Ferry is located right between the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, an absolutely gorgeous location and a prime target for invasion and flood.


The boys wading into the Shenandoah until a goose got a little too friendly and Atley headed for the shore.


Because of it's location between such important waterways the railroad was an important part of life in Harper's Ferry. With the rivers and railroad present the sight was a perfect place for the Federal Government to mass produce weapons and ammunition, which is why it became a target of John Brown prior to the Civil War. With the help of his sons and a few free blacks Brown set out to capture the munitions plant and arm as many slaves as possible. They captured the plant but then Brown was captured. John Brown hung for treason against the commonwealth of Virginia two months later. The following year a major Civil War battle took place near Harper's Ferry.

Where the rivers converge!

What Harley did during our visit!

The promise of candy kept the boys (including Scott) interested in this stroll through history.

Monday, May 24, 2010

OVERWHELMED

Today was my first official day alone as the mother of three and I must say it was a bit overwhelming. It didn't help that Harley only slept about 3 hours last night and that my boys were up by 6:30 wanting and expecting to be entertained! I didn't feel very good which made me grumpy, which made the kids grumpier, which made me feel guilty, which made them sense my uneasiness and attempt to capitalize on my frazzled state, which made me angry, and the cycle of a rough day continued, which made us all exhausted. I have currently given up and the boys are outside making mud pies and rolling around in the mess like little pigs. Meanwhile here are some pictures to commemorate Harley's 3 week birthday. She is already out growing some of her clothes and I am almost panicked to think that one day I am going to wake up and she is going to be an ornery 3 year old with a bad attitude or better yet a 6 year old who is too smart for her own good. DEEP BREATH! She is still a tiny baby and I am trying to enjoy every minute-if only I wasn't so dang tired!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Happy Birthday Beans!


(Atley at 5 weeks!)
Our first born in the wilderness had a birthday on Saturday. It is amazing to think that it has been six years since this wild child entered our lives. He is an incredible little boy. He is smart, funny, noisy, full of charisma, a little accident prone, a connoisseur of fine food, a lover of airplanes and sea animals and a shining light in our family. He charms almost anyone he meets all while keeping them humble with his astute observations on their appearance and/or inferior intelligence. And once again he managed to stretch out his birthday celebration for over a week. We had his official birthday party on Friday the 14th. This was convenient because Granny was still here and Grandpa and Grandma Butler were just arriving. He requested a FISH birthday cake and hot dogs for dinner. He busted a dinosaur pinata and only whacked his little brother with the bat once. All in all it was a successful night.





The day after his birthday party his dad and grandpa took him and Nash to the air show at Andrews Airforce Base. They watched the BLUE ANGELS perform and had an awesome day.




The following Friday I took cupcakes to his class to celebrate his real birthday. Then we took Grandpa and Grandma Butler to the airport but not before we stopped at Chevy's, which is Atley's favorite Mexican Restaurant. The waiters and waitresses sang him happy birthday and gave him a giant sombrero and a dessert that his little brother devoured.

Yesterday, the actual birthday, we let Atley choose what he wanted to do. First up-seeing SHREK Forever After in IMAX 3D. Next, a visit to the library-go figure. Then a trip to the Silver Diner where he had silver dollar pancakes. The family bike ride he had planned was squelched by the rain that won't go away so he settled for reading his library books.

We love you more than you can ever imagine Atley Beans!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

10 Days Old

Harley has been on the earth for 10 days! Sounds like a good reason to take pictures.



She is our little princess. She is such a sweet baby and knowing that she is my last encourages me to treasure every moment. She won't stay little for long.

Sweet dreams!!! She always smiles and giggles in her sleep.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

She's Here!!

Harley Belle Butler arrived at 2:19 PM on Monday May 3, 2010.

Weighing in at 7 lbs and 13 oz. with a length of 21.5 inches! The whole family was so excited to meet her!




Harley's first photo shoot took place at the hospital!





Harley already has daddy and her big brother's wrapped around her little finger.



We love her so much! She makes our family complete and we can't imagine life without her now!
Harley and momma came home Wednesday afternoon. Daddy and the boys made sure that Harley felt welcome at her new home.

The boys are adjusting well, with the help of lots of Granny's attention! They enjoyed Harley's first bath and loved giving her a bottle when she arrived home. We are so thankful for her health and the love that baby Harley brings into our home!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Baby Update

So, I know my little baby ticker has wound down to zero days, but I just wanted to let everyone know that the baby is not here yet. My C-Section is scheduled for Monday, May 3rd at 1:30 PM ET. Say a little prayer for us and we will post pictures as soon as we have them.