Big Brother Eve

Before Deacon was born we celebrated "Big Brother Eve" with Carson, letting him enjoy his last day as an only child and deciding the plans. We kept the tradition going by spending some quality time with our two big brothers before Bennett arrives.

Brian and I surprised Carson and Deacon by picking them up early from school and driving down to Galveston. The weather was perfect! Our first stop was Carson's favorite restaurant, Rainforest Cafe. It may now be Deacon's favorite too!


We made it just in time to still get food from the lunch menu and of course, ended the meal with their famous dessert: the Volcano, a huge brownie sundae topped with a flaming sparkler.

After eating we rode on their adventure ride. Both boys LOVED it!



Then we loaded up and headed for the beach! I had packed a bag with bathing suits, but the guys were so excited that they were already in the water before we could get them changed!


Brian did an amazing job of holding on to Deacon! If it weren't for him, Deacon would have just taken off into the water to catch the biggest wave. He was fearless out there and even when the water would send him tumbling he would get right back up laughing his head off!




Carson was having so much fun I had to keep yelling for him to come back in closer because all of his wave jumping would send him farther and farther out into the water.
He didn't stay still long enough for me to capture many pictures, but as you can see he had a blast!


Luckily, we thought ahead to bring some stale bread with us too! I just know all the people on the beach were just as thrilled that we were feeding the birds...

We finished the afternoon with a free ride on the ferry! Carson loved feeling the wind in his face and said that he and Dada saw a dolphin and a crab out on the water.
I didn't notice until now that I played the role of photographer all day and wasn't in a single picture (not that I mind)! We had so much fun making our final memories as a family of four, I can't even imagine the joy another little boy is going to bring to our adventures!

Carson's Kindergarten Class Picture

We were fortunate to get Carson's class picture taken at his previous school before he left! (He missed the picture with his new class) They combined both dual language classes, so the class looks HUGE in the picture, but he was able to have both of his teachers in it! And we are excited to see him in the last row (first on the left)! They usually put the taller kids in the back, so must mean he is tall, right?? :)

Writing Night

Carson had writing night at school a few weeks ago, where all the classes displayed their written work in the hallways. We were able to see Carson's teacher, Mrs. Barrington, who was serving cookies and punch.

It is funny how different the boys writing was from the girls! Some of the girls in kindergarten already had better handwriting than me and would write so much on their essays it would overflow onto another page! Carson was a typical boy and wrote a short sentence with handwriting that was still pretty hard to read. We are going to be spending lots of time this summer working on handwriting and adding some detail to his sentences, but nonetheless, I am proud of the progress he has made during his first year of school!

"If I had $100 I would... take it to the bank." - He is a smart little investor!!

Carson's translation: "Dear Mom and Dad, You are the best for letting me do whatever I want. Love, Carson" Ummm, ya...we had a talk about this one...I'm sure his teacher thinks we are parents of the year now!!

"If I were a butterfly...The butterfly tastes nectar with his feet." Glad I'm not a butterfly...

Birthday Weekend

Something about this time of year produces lots of babies, giving us a weekend full of celebrations. We had three parties to attend! First up: the Olive boys who celebrated their first birthday with a Dr. Seuss themed party.

Now that my craft room is partially set up, I pulled out my Silhouette and created personalized shirts for Drake and Hunter.
I figured since I already had all the materials out, I would go ahead and make similar outfits for Bennett.
I used the negative of the above image to monogram their other shirts.

While I stopped by the twins party, Brian headed over with our boys to my sister's house to prepare for my dad's surprise 60th birthday party. We had a crawfish boil in her backyard and invited my dad's sisters, old coworkers, and childhood friends of my sister and I.

My usual girl was already booked and couldn't do my dad's cake, so I put my sister in charge of ordering one. It turned out great and was really tasty. What is funny is that we couldn't decide what name to put on it because everyone calls him something different: John, Ray, Dad, and Pops, it was easier just to put:

Carson thought with Pop's old age he might need a little help blowing out his candles.

While Carson played with his cousin Austin, Deacon worked the crowd...


As the evening wound down, Ethan brought out the guitar and played some tunes. Deacon was intrigued.
Carson gave his impersonation of a guitar player...I don't think he will be attracting any girls with it, he may need to practice that look in the mirror.
The next day we went to Brian's parents to celebrate his grandmother's 93rd birthday!!! Her actual birthday is on May 5th, but we will most likely be at the hospital with our newborn and that same week Brian's dad is having knee surgery.
After lunch the boys got into their bathing suits and played in the hot tub. I wasn't sure how Deacon would do with floaties, but his head stayed above water and he had a blast swimming around while Carson searched for dive sticks.

We had a wonderful time celebrating four amazing birthdays ranging from 1 to 93!

9 Month Pregnancy Update!!!

Well, here is my FINAL pregnancy update EVER!! Very bittersweet...

How far along? 37 weeks

Mood: A huge ball of emotions: excited, nervous, anxious, exhausted

Maternity clothes? They are about to be packed up to sell or donate, I am ready for them to exit my closet and wardrobe!

Sleep: Not as bad as I thought it would be. It really varies, some nights I sleep great, other nights I have a hard time falling asleep due to discomfort or just my mind listing all the last minute things that need to be done.

Energy Level: It is ridiculous how easily I am out of breath now! Literally walking across the room makes me winded! Little Bennett is not so little any more and reminds me of it every day!

Best moments in the last month: Preparing the last minute details for Bennett's arrival.

Movement? They are all HUGE movements now! He is in there tight so one little nudge feels like he is trying to escape!

Cravings: Sonic Ice still, I am eating about 2 bags a week!

Baby purchases this month: Baby monitor, newborn outfit, my friend Ashley bought the letters for his name on the wall (will post when they are hung), our first can of formula, a few extra bottles.

What I miss: Wearing normal clothes, being able to breathe comfortably, being 50 lbs. lighter, and margaritas!

What I am looking forward to: Holding our sweet, little newborn!!