East Coast Reunion

Our Palmer friends, Zac and Jenn, who now live in WV came into town this weekend and we were so excited to see them again.  Yes, we saw each other back in May but that visit was way too short to catch up on everything.  So on Friday night once all the kids were in bed, we resurrected our bonfire tiki torch night (it was easier) on the deck.  It was like old times again...but now on the east side of the country plus 3 more babies!  With only 5 hours in between, we look forward to many more future reunions/vacay with them.

Taking a stroll in Old Town Alexandria

VBS: Colossal Coaster World

We've been busy this week with VBS at Parkwood Baptist Church, which is where we attended Bethlehem Walk during Christmas last year.  I was so touched by their program and the effort to remain true to Christmas that I was excited to come back for the kids program.  Ethan had so much fun and I thought this was such a great faith journey for him.  Gavin and I was able to join him during the morning Team Rally the last three days and just felt pumped to be worshipping the Lord together through these music...which I now can't get out of my head!

Ethan singing on stage on Family Night

This year's theme was roller coaster rides of Colossal Coaster World - Facing Fear, Trusting God (2 Timothy 1:7).  When I came to pick Ethan at the end of first day, he started to cry and I couldn't figured out what was the matter.  Once I got him talking, he said that he was upset because he thought he was going to get to ride a real roller coaster before going home.

Discovery of the Week

Back in November, Gavin had said "mamma" and soon after that it was "dada."  But then his whole ear thing happened and we didn't hear much since until recently.  He has been jabbering up a storm which has been fun listening and talking to him.  Here are a few more words to add to his vocabulary (Ethan has been helping me keeping track):

-"hi"
-he says "up" and "ack" for everything
-"rock"
-"uh oh"
-and the newest one this week "Kaika"
-he knows "moo" and "woof woof"
-we're working on giving a kiss with a "muah" instead of just bonking us in the head or drooling all over Kaika.

Sprayground

Five thirty rolled around yesterday and we do what we do every night: contemplate if we should stay or if we should go.  Then it was decided, we have to get out or else it's too long until bed time.  So we headed to Our Special Harbor in Alexandria that I've been hearing a lot about.  Oh let me tell you, this place is amazing.  I couldn't believe how big it is + a huge playground area right next to it.  And the best part...it's FREE!  Next time we're definitely bringing our bathing suits and joining in.

 

 Super excited!

On the same note, both Ethan & Gavin are getting more and more brave with water on their faces because of the numerous pool visits we've done this summer.  It's kinda fun to see their progresses with that =0)

This Week

Despite the high temperature this week, we've managed to get out and stay busy.

Monday: Water play date through the mom's group although the kids were in the sand more than the water.  We didn't stay too long since everyone was too hot.  The popsicles at the end was definitely a plus.

Tuesday: Headed to the gym and even going from the car to the building was warm.  After dinner, we hit the pool trying to stay cool.

Wednesday: Another play date and thankful this one was inside.  Gavin had fun with his little friends, but Ethan was bored since the mommies with older kids cancelled.  Oh well at least we got out.

Thursday: Needed to stay home and clean and that is what we did.  I was surprised I actually got stuff done since the intention and goal are always there, but the execution (with kids) often prevents it from happening.  That night, we got a sitter so we could go out to dinner with our small group.  A party of ten turned into a party of three which was fine since we got a chance to get to know our friend, William better.  It was refreshing to get out and for some yummy Thai food, too!

Today: Got invited to a nearby pool with Ethan's preschool friend.  They have one of those big kiddie pool so it was nice to just sit in the water while the kids played.  Came home and everyone was tired! 

That's it for now.  Happy weekend everyone!

"Twittering" on Blog

Just dealt with half an hour meltdowns by the 4-year-old  AND the 1-year-old.  The former because he expected me to know he wanted a popsicle but refused to say a word.  The latter because I wouldn't let him play with glitter glue pen.  I can already tell this is going to be a fun afternoon.

Grand Caverns

With Brian being so swamped at work, I was in charge of our anniversary celebration this year.  It is a tad bit late, but I'm glad we were able to go.  Saturday came and we drove to the Brinckley's to drop off the boys and then drove another two hours to the Grand Caverns.  Half way there, we got hungry so I started reading signs off the highway and, lo and behold I saw McAlister's Deli.  Can I just tell you how excited we were?!  Not only do they have yummy food, but the BEST sweet tea ever!  That totally made my day!!!  Onward to the caverns and we were able to squeeze in the 2 pm tour.  So many neat and unique formations to this specific caverns and I'm so glad we were able to enjoy this together.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and Brian's phone didn't come through for us.  Oh well.

"Twittering" on Blog

Where can I find seeded watermelons???  They are the best, but no one is selling them anymore.

Red, White and Boom

Our 4th of July morning started out at the Fairfax parade for Brian and Ethan while Gavin and I hit the gym.  We rendezvous back at home and took a family nap before heading out to Fairfax High School for a night of fireworks.  We met up with the Byers and all the kids had so much fun dancing and hanging out.  Gavin also had a lot of fun even with a short nap that day (compared to the previous years with Ethan).  Can I say melt down in Minnesota?  He stayed up through it all and wasn't even one bit scared of the loud noise.  Every year we tried to strategize on where to park in order to avoid the deadly traffic at the end.  Since the main road to the school was closed, we were kind of limited to where to go.  Unfortunately, the plan failed as we were stuck in the parking lot for over half an hour and didn't get home until 11 pm.  It was the longest we ever had to just sit and wait in the Billman history.  That's NOVA living for you!  We'll definitely have to figure out a better plan for next year.

Aren't they cute?

 

So glad Ryan joined us

Bye Bye Baby (Stuff)

After a failed attempt at a joint garage sale with some friends, I'm so excited to say that we've now gotten rid of almost all of the baby stuff.  Maternity clothes went to Goodwill.  Two boxes of clothes went to an orphanage in Russia and another box will be going to a friend.  And all the big baby items are gone thanks to craigslist.

With all of that gone, it also meant the boys are getting older and entering a new stage of life.  Gavin is now strong on the stairs so I don't have this panic attack of whether or not I remember to shut the baby gate.  Him and Ethan would run around the house together, giggling and laughing with occasional fighting and tears.  But what is sibling without that stuff right?  I'm really enjoying where they're at and look forward to many more adventures with my boys.