Happy Birthday, Noah

After our time in Indiana we headed straight to NC with Lori and Noah for a week. His birthday was mid-week, and we stayed through his birthday party the following weekend. We have been to NC 3 other times with Matthew, but each time we mostly just relaxed at home, went for light walks, relaxed in parks, and juggled nap and feeding schedules. This was the first time we really vacationed in NC, and Matthew had a great time.

I am so impressed with the parks and all the things to do out in nature. Literally across the street from their home is a park, beautifully shaded trails that cut through the woods, and playground equipment. We spent some time there, and Matthew has really come to LOVE swings, and slides too. One afternoon we took a picnic lunch for us all and just relaxed under the greenery, and later played on some slides, and found STICKS! Lots of them!

When we were at home the boys entertained themselves with toys, and played in the water table on Lori's really big balcony, and enjoyed lots of summertime watermelon and popsicles made by Aunt Lori.

One afternoon we went with Granna to Pullen Park. I guess it is really old, but has recently been redone. It was cute and quaint, and perfect for kids from toddler age to under 5-6, with immaculate grounds and well-planned playgrounds. There was no admission charge, but each activity is only a dollar! We rode a train around the park. I loved watching the boys faces and their eyes as they processed all they were seeing. Then we went on some kiddie boats, the kind I remember as a kid. The boys rode by themselves, a first, and got to turn the steering wheel and ring the bell. When we took Matthew out we said boat, and he pointed and clear as day, said "boat" over and over, as if to say I want more boat!!! Then we found a carousel, one of Matthew's favorites! It was the fastest moving carousel I've ever seen, and Lori and Granna were a little too worried about nausea to ride. I was too, but had no choice once Matthew saw it. So I rode and he had a great time. We had a picnic lunch, and then let the boys play on the playground for a bit. After lunch we wanted to do the boats and train again because they loved it so much. And they did have fun the second time around, but their day was full and they were tired and ready to head home. A really special day for us as mommies to see our boys take in so many new and fun experiences.

We also went to the Marbles Children's museum one day with Uncle Dave and Noah, and us and Granna. They had an exhibit called all around town, with things for the kids to try that are imitation play. There were tons to things to drive; the front section of a real bus, a boat, a car, a fire truck, an ambulance. They had a grocery store and carts, and a kid sized kitchen with a fridge and freezer for Matthew to finally get to play in. Then we found a water area with a model submarine. Matthew was in heaven with all the levers, wheels to turn, and buttons to press and light. We finished it off with a splash table, that thankfully didn't have buckets or Matthew would have soaked himself from head to toe. Thankful for funnels!

On Sunday we celebrated Noah's party. Lori was busy preparing the food and desserts, and doing the last minute shopping while we were at the museum. We went back to the same park I mentioned earlier, perfectly shaded among the most green trees you've ever seen. We had a fantastic, made from scratch pulled pork lunch, and ate the most adorable cookie monster cupcakes that Lori made, with the help of me, who did the eyes! My contribution. Matthew napped through most of the party, but woke up in time to eat a cupcake or two, and play on the playground and fly high on the swings. Here are some pictures of our birthday boy cousin.