NC State Fair

Hannah and I ventured out to the NC State Fair a few weeks back. It's a must do in this area. People talk about it for weeks leading up to the event. So, we wanted to see what it was all about. Hoping to avoid the large crowds, we went on a Thursday morning. We quickly learned, there's never a good time to avoid the crowds. The fair is just plain crowded! 

We started off at the blacksmith exhibit. Hannah loved this! We watched the craftsmen put the irons into the fire and shape the metal for a good 10 minutes or so. Hannah was mezmerized!

We also got to see the livestock, flowers, plant life, tobacco exhibit, and wander through the hand made crafts exhibits. 

Then, we hit the commercialized area. Think typical fair foods: giant turkey legs, roasted corn, fried everything, Hannah chose a chocolate covered banana on a stick as her treat. She ate the whole thing!

Finally, we took a gander at the rides. Now, when I was little my parents never let us ride fair rides for safety reasons (good parents!). I kept this in mind, but Hannah really wanted to slide down the big slides. I gave in (no moving parts) and we did three rounds. I had one happy little girl by the end. It was a fun experience and I can't wait to do it again next year! 

3 year post

Dear Hannah, 

Wow! Three years old!?! Where does the time go? From diapers to potty training, getting rid of paci, and sleeping in a big girl bed. You are no longer our baby, Hannah Kathryn, but our big girl. The two to three year transition  has been bittersweet. You lost so much of the "baby" ways, but the transition into preschooler is something special to see. 

Stats: at 3 years old you are 37 inches tall and weigh 34.8 lbs. You are between 2T and 3T pants and between 3T and 4T shirts. 

Most common things people say about you: "she is so full of life", "she is very animated," "I wish I had her energy," "she has quite the imagination," "look at those curls (usually followed up by, do you curl her hair?)," and finally "her eyes are stunning."  

Favorite foods: PB&J, hummus, carrots, broccoli, raw spinach (no joke!!), cheese, crackers, grapes, bananas, fries (like your momma), lemonade, and chicken. You will pretty much eat anything, but still aren't too fond of red sauces, bell peppers, and Mac and cheese (or most pastas for that matter).

Favorite things to do: 

You love to pretend! Dressing up is by far your favorite activity. You ask us to help you change multiple times a day. You dance and twirl and feel so special when you have the dresses on. We love watching you cast spells with your wand and talk to your amulet. 

**A special thanks to Grandaddy for building you a princess dress-up box for all things royal. You are getting quite a collection and we love building on it! 

Being outside! We are fortunate to live in a city with tons of green space and open parks! If it's pretty, you are generally outside. You've recently gotten into roller skating! Playing in the sand is always a hit. You try your best to climb on the monkey bars and do great once we help.

You love to color and can draw a number of things. We are working on writing your name. You still love music and especially enjoy watching the Clemson band practice. And last, but not least, you love ballet! 

Below, you drew a "cheerleader." Pretty good for an almost 3yo. I had you explain what you drew and you showed me a face, hair, arms, legs, and Pom poms.

Favorite Hannahisms:

Upon asking for your hand to cross the street "No mommy, my hand is taking a break."

When Aunt Sue volunteered to take you to bed, "Don't bother me right now Aunt Sue!"

During potty time one day, in a strained little voice "Mommy, can you hold my hand?" I guess # 2's can be a little scary sometimes.

At the beach when the entire family was gathered and ready to head to dinner, seemingly out of no where you said "Oh, I know! We need a beer!"

You randomly break out into Tiger Rag. Most notable, in line while ordering at Pot Belly Deli in Clemson. You turned quite a few heads and had the staff in stitches.

Heard while in the bathtub, "Mommy, can you please leave? I need some space." I other words I'm not ready to get out yet and want to splash without you telling me no.

The crossing guard= passing guards "Mommy, I waved at the passing guard"

Glitter= sprinkles "Mommy, I need more sprinkles on my fingers"

Coffee= cahpee

Bananas= bamanas

You've always had quite the personality, but now you have the communication skills to go along with it. You sure do make life much sweeter. 

Happy three years! We love you!

This moment...

Happy 3rd birthday!

I will write a formal post later. For now, enjoy a few photos!

This moment...

Football season!

Last weekend marked the start of football season! It's pretty exciting in our house during this time of the year. Last year, we took you to most of the CU games and we hope to do the same this year. 

We made it to Clemson in time for the first Friday Parade, a favorite tradition I'm excited to share with Hannah! 

Running around Bowman field waiting for the arcade to start. 

Fun with cousins.

It was so hot and humid!  

All three of the cousins loved the parade. Even Sam had fun watching!

Watching the big parade!

Needless to say, all 4 kids slept well after the parade!! 

On Saturday morning, we all got up and made it down to Bowman field to watch Game Day! The atmosphere was awesome all the kids enjoyed watching the band.

The blimp made an appearance!

Later that afternoon, we enjoyed tailgating and celebrating Max's bday! 

We got into the stadium about an hour early to catch all of the Pre-game fun. Hannah LOVES the games and specifically adores the band and cheerleaders! In fact, she was very confused and concerned when the band left the field and the football players took over. She kept asking "Where's the band. The band's ok?"

The kids made it through the first quarter and then we walked them home and put them to bed. It's nice having mom and dad live so close to the stadium. Mom and Tiff stayed with the kids and Susie and I went back to watch the rest of a very exciting game. Can't wait for the rest of the season!

First day of Pre-k 2

Hannah graduated from her MMO program to Pre-K this year. A new year also brought a new school. This year H is at a great Christian-based school in our new city. This program was recommended by a good friend and we loved the school's philosophy. 

H is in the older 2's class. Her teachers are Ms. Pat and Ms. Laura. We had a fun meet the teachers day and H really enjoyed interacting with her classmates and teachers with the security of having me there. The snow cones also helped :)

I was so proud of my big girl! I could tell she was a bit nervous going in to the class. In the car she kept asking me if I was going to stay with her. I reassured her that her teachers would take good care of her and she'd make lots of new friends. When it came time to go in, she gave me a huge hug and kiss, but she didn't shed a tear! I was impressed!!

Waiting to go in.

When I came to pick H up, she was all smiles and promptly told me all about her day. She was very proud that she told her teachers she had to go potty. Yes! No regression!! The only friend's name she mentioned was a boy named Jack.... Hmmm. We might have to meet this fellow.  

After school, we ate lunch with her new friend Emerson. Hannah was over tired by this point, so I didn't get a picture of the girls. Overall, she had a great day! Hooray for H!!