Honca Ponca

In what is becoming a fall tradition we spent the weekend with the McWhorter family in a small cabin near the Buffalo River National Park.  Our nephew was so excited that the name of the town Ponca soon became Honca  Ponca.  Apparantly Honca Ponca is just more fun to say.  We hiked Hawksbill Craig and the Lost Valley Trail.

Exploring Caves, throwing rocks, and playing games is a fabulous way to spend a weekend. 

Caves at Lost Valley

Aubree, Charlie, and Rick at Lost Valley

David, Nathan, and Aubree at Eden Falls

Charlie at Lost Valley

Nathan at Lost Valley

Aubree at Lost Valley

Rick and Charlie napping

Charlie the Bear

James at Hawksbill Craig

Rick, Gail, David, Kate, Charlie, and James at Hawksbill Craig

This Moment

{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

*inspired by wildflowers and sweet tea

20 Days

In early November Charlie came down with what we thought was a simple cold.  Unfortunately it turns out that he had RSV (Respiratory Snycytial Virus).  I have learned that it is a bad sign when the pediatrician starts the conversation by asking you about your daycare situation and if you work full time.  The doctor informed us Charlie had to be out of daycare for 20 days.

Thankful Charlie's grandparents came to the rescue.  My parents covered the majority of the time.  Charlie got to spend one on one time with his Nana and Grandpa.  The majority of his day was spent napping and playing.  The highlight was a package from his Aunt Kate.

Charlie made a full recovery just in time to spend the weekend in the woods with his cousins. 

Babygates Needed!

Gates up, outlets covered, and breakables moved to the top shelf because Charlie is on the move.  We have finally reached the point of baby proofing our house. 

Pooh Bear

Pooh Bear was the costume of choice for Charlie's first Halloween.  We only had a few kids come by this year in contrast to last year when David had to run out and get more candy.  Our night was spent sitting outside and passing out candy.  Charlie loved watching the people and entertained those who stopped by. 

Pumpkin Patch

This weekend we visited the Pumpkin Patch.  I am aware that Charlie has no clue when it comes to Halloween but I still thought it would be fun and at least make for a few cute pictures.  David sighed and rolled his eyes a few times but overall the outing went well.  Charlie is just starting to sit up.  There is about a 5 second window to take a picture before he starts to topple. 

My favorite picture of the day

about to topple

I think he was trying to tell me that he was done with the picture taking nonsense

Jumparoo

Charlie's new favorite toy.  I manged to assemble the jumparoo by myself while David was out of town.  The box was misleading it took more then 4 easy steps.  A few disclaimers before watching the video; first I sound like a twelve year old girl, second Charlie would only jump for the video if I said his name, and third the filming is not the best quality. 

West Coast Travels

Charlie's first adventure was a trip to the West Coast.  We flew into San Fransisco and drove to Crater Lake National Park.  Charlie got a National Park Passport that will allow him to keep track of all his trips by collecting stamps.  After Crater Lake we drove down Highway 1 and the Redwoods back to San Fransisco.  We spent time in the city walking around and riding the cable car.  After numerous attempts to get a family picture in front of the Golden Gate bridge we had to admit defeat.  The fog did not cooperate with us

First Plane Ride

.

Sleep did not stop us from this photo op

First Stamp in National Park Passport

Crater Lake

Sleeping in the Pea Pod

Hwy 1

Sleeping through lunch in Medocino, CA

Tree Hugging

Lombard Street

Cable Car Fun

Not as planned

It was not the school we had planned on but we are glad it is were we have ended up.  Since Charlie came home on a heart monitor he could not go to the daycare center we had planned.  The Easter Seals Early Monitor Program gave us a list of suggested schools.  Luckily the Allen School had one open spot.  The director told me there were three families with applications out.  The spot would go to the first child whose application was completed.  Charlie's application was turned in within 24 hours. 

Charlie is currently in the Little Pine Room.  His teachers are Ms. Louise, Ms. Anita, and Ms. Tenisha.  It has not been easy making the transition back to work but these lovely women make it a little bit easier. 

A perfect day for an amazing couple

In September we attended the wedding of Rachel and Micheal.  The event was the epitome of these two people; joyous, fun, and overflowing with love.  Rachel's father transformed their home and yard.  He even added tiered seating.  Oh and of course the food and wine were incredible.

From The Irrational Season
By Madeleine L'Engle
But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. It is indeed a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature.
To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take.If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation. It takes a lifetime to learn another person. When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.

Food!

Charlie has recently started eating solid food.  From avocado to zucchini he has loved everything.  Well almost everything bananas are not his favorite.   I have been attempting to make some of the baby food.  The results are mixed.  I have learned that apples make any vegetable tasty. His favorite combination so far carrots, mango, and apple. 

First taste of cereal

Cherries

Aubree in Little Rock

This summer we had the privilege of entertaining our niece, Aubree for the weekend.  She arrived with a list of things to accomplish; purple milkshake, playing in the fountain,eating breakfast on the porch, and seeing the little rock.  We did our best to meet her expectations and some new attractions. 

playing in the fountains

the little rock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Day at Heifer International

David and Aubree making waffles

Cow watching over the breakfast preparations

Waffles with nutella, strawberry, chocolate chips, and whip cream

Aubree reading King Bidgoods in the bathtub to Charlie at the end of a fun day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Fun

We had a busy summer of visiting family and playing.

Aunt Betty and Charlie

Pepaw and the grandkids

First time in the pool

reading to baby James

Watching David play Frisbee

McWhorter Cousins' Photo Session

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Kate and Melinda organized a photo session for the kids.  Wilson Park in Fayetteville was the setting for the fun filled afternoon. 

Aubree McWhorter (6), Charlie McWhorter (2 months), Nathan McWhorter ( 2), and James Spears (1)

So sad and a little funny all at the same time

Debra Wood is now Debra Buschman

 On June 25, 2011 my lovely friend and former co-worker Debra Wood became Debra Buschman.  David, Charlie and I were fortunate to be present for the celebration. 

After the reception we drove to Queen Wihelmina State Park.  The fire tower was open so of course we had to climb the 74 steps to the top.  I could just hear the people around asking themselves what type of crazy woman would allow her 3 month old son to be taken to the top of a fire tower.  Well I am that crazy person and I am not sure what that says about my parenting skills.  

Thankfully we all survived and I am sure it is just the first of many moments that I am going to question the sanity of allowing Charlie and David to do something.