Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. We had a ball with Greg's mom and sister here and Grandmommy and Grandy stopped by Christmas morning to have breakfast and watch the boys open presents. The boys were really fun and were so excited...here are just a few snapshots until I can really sit down and get things organized...we were a little photo-happy over the past couple days!! On Christmas Eve we made a birthday cake for Jesus and a gingerbread house and on Christmas night we had a birthday party for Jesus...it was such a fun day! Take good care! We love you!

Christmas morning

Santa's leftovers and letter

Grandy's angels

The boys' masterpiece

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Mathis!!

Sunday, December 12th was Mathis' 2nd birthday! It is so hard to believe that he already 2 years old...where has the time gone? We had a super day...the boys couldn't wait to run in and wake him with a very loud happy birthday song...and he obviously enjoyed their show! We headed to church where he got to visit the birthday bear and get a special treat. After church we went to Waffle House for breakfast and they sang to him...it was pretty fun! :)

We got home in plenty of time for him to get a good rest in before his "party" at 3...unfortunately, he had fallen asleep on the way from breakfast to the grocery and when I got in the car with his balloons, his very excited brothers awakened him. I guess those 15 minutes were all the power nap he needed, because he refused to fall asleep when we got home. I have to say...it is a lot easier to decorate a cake without the birthday boy pulling on my legs! Anywhoo, Grandmommy and Grandy got to the house right around 3 and were able to help with keeping the boys busy while we finished everything...and the Garlands arrived and the party began! Mathis had so much fun with his cousins and really seemed to enjoy every bit of his day! We are so proud of our little boy...sweet and funny and such a little personality!! We love you baby!!

Tanner's first day of school

So I'm going to do a little "retro-blogging"...

Tanner started his 4 day 4-year old preschool on September 7th. After having gotten home late the night before from our Labor day weekend in Destin, I was worried that he would be tired and feisty...it was all for naught...He literally bounced out of bed at 6am with a huge smile on his face. Keep in mind, we don't leave for school until about 8:40! He ate with Landon at 6:15 and walked with him to the bus stop and was home by 6:50 asking me when it was time to go to school! He is definitely his father's child!! :) He was so excited that I was really able to enjoy sending him off rather than being sad that he is getting so big! We were a little concerned about sending him 4 days but finally decided that the adjustment from two days 9a-1p to four days 9a-1p would most likely be easier than sending him 3 days 9a-1p and then going straight to 5 days 7:30a-2:30p for pre-k next year. After seeing how exhausted Landon is after school, I think we made the right decision. Tanner will still nap several times a week (he is my sleeper), but part of that is the fact that he pops up out of bed at 6am with his brother!! And I thought getting them out of bed at 7:15 was tough last year...what I wouldn't give for that extra hour now! :) Here are so photos of my handsome boy...couldn't wipe that huge grin off his face!!

Oh, one more thing...his teachers are Ms. Marla and Ms. Sharon (who he loves!). Ms. Sharon is from Australia...so Tanner has started calling Ms. Marla Ms. Mahlah (with an Australian accent) which is so stinking cute!! :) I just love my little peanut!

First day of kindergarten

Well, it's here...Landon started kindergarten today!! He did great...He had asked me to set his Lightening McQueen alarm clock so he could wake up by himself but as the alarm was going off I walked in and he said "will you PLEASE turn that thing off - it is too loud - it woke me up!" Couldn't help but crack up as I explained that that was exactly what it was supposed to do!! I am very blessed that my husband travels a total of about 6 days per year, but not so fortunate that one of those days happened to be today...so, my dear friend Rebecca graciously agreed to bring her 9 week old and 3 year old Jake and spend the night so that I wouldn't have to take the little ones with me...I am so thankful...

When we got to school I took a few photos and then we walked in together, holding hands. It will be one of my most precious memories...right up til the moment he slid his hand from mine while giving me a look that said "I hope you understand..." I guess he could sense that it wasn't cool to walk in holding mommy's hand...

He did hesitate just slightly as we walked in his room and did want a couple extra hugs (so did I), but his teacher was very sweet to show him his hook and cubby for his bag and welcome him. As I was leaving I did get a bit teary, but held it together, for the most part, until I talked with Greg...then I lost it! I wanted to get it out and get myself together before I got home so I wouldn't upset the boys and I guess God knew I needed a little distraction b/c as I turned off the school's road on my way home, there, right in front of me was a beautiful, rainbow, hot air balloon! It was so low that when I drove under it on my way home I could make out the people in the basket! Incredible! I called the house to ask Rebecca to let them look, but it must have been too low for them to see...when I got home I threw Tanner and Jake in the car and took of on a wild hot air balloon chase...although I caught one more glimpse over the trees, the boys couldn't see it and we never did see it again. It must have found a place to land...the boys were disappointed (seriously, Tanner said, "I'm so mad" and when I reminded him that that really wasn't something to be mad about he said, "okay, I'm so disappointed" to which Jake added, "yeah!!") it was adorable! I was disappointed for them too, but selfishly felt like it had served it's purpose...when I could have been lamenting the fact that my baby was growing up and in school, God helped me refocus on the fun that I can have with my other two babies at home!

Tanner and Mathis and I headed to the Y for some swimming and basically had the pool to ourselves! It was so relaxing and fun. We packed up and headed home around 1:30, put Mathis down and had time to play some games before heading out to the bus stop to meet Landon. His bus gets here around 2:45 and he liked the ride so much that I literally had to ask the bus driver to tell him that he should get off at our stop! He just kept grinning and waving to me when I was trying to signal him to hop off...oh well, think it is safe to say that he likes it!

All in all, I believe he had a great first day...they did not nap, which I was surprised about, although it made for an early bedtime...which was fine by me!! He shared that he had met some new fun friends and that he liked that there were so many more friends in his kindergarten than had been in his preschool class (21 kids v. 14 kids). I'm so relieved he seems to like it so well!! Hope you all had great first days too!!

Falcon's pre season

Tanner had a dream come true on Thursday...A Falcon's game alone with daddy! Our dear friends Jess and Rebecca called that am with the news that the friends that were going to use their two tickets had to cancel, would we like to use them? After talking with Greg, we decided that since Landon got to go with daddy last year and since he was trying to get on his "school schedule" that Greg would take Tanner. I expected trouble, but Landon seemed to understand the reasons why Tanner got to go and seemed genuinely happy for his brother... Tanner was so excited all day and kept talking about the game...he was jumping around at the Marta station while he waited for daddy to get there, giggling and clapping his hands. The Falcon's didn't do great, but that didn't matter to Tanner...he had a ball!! He was still wide awake when they got home at 11:30 and wanted to tell me all about it...every detail!! :) Truth be told, I think his two favorite things were riding the train down to the dome and the pee wee teams that played during halftime...oh wait, did I mention that he had a hot dog, pop corn AND Dippin Dots...it was quite a night :)

Kindergarten sneak peek

Today we went to Landon's new elementary school to see his class and meet his teacher. It seemed to be a little overwhelming at first, but once he found his cubby with a surprise his teacher had left for him, he seemed even more excited!! I cannot believe how big he looks in these photos...and I can't believe that he will be starting school in just 4 short days. I am excited for him because he is so excited (and more than ready) for school, but I sure will miss having him around all day! We love you Landon and are so proud of the big boy you have become!!

You might be a redneck...

...if Jeff Foxworthy is at your house! :) Yes, that is Mr. Foxworthy with our family on our front steps! In a rather interesting turn of events, we got a phone call from our small group leader who works at North Point. Jeff is helping to sponsor/host a big fundraiser in October called "Backyard Bash" and needed a big back yard to film the promo...Evan suggested our yard, and the rest is history! Actually, they filmed first in the kitchen and then moved outside. I, fearing what three curious boys might do to (with) the equipment, hightailed it when they started setting up lights, cameras and sound booms. After a leisurely breakfast at IHOP and a nice walk, we returned just as they were finishing and got to meet the man himself. Super nice and really fun with the boys...when he met them he shook all their hands and asked "Do you like Mater? Well, he's my friend!" They loved him!! Chalk this one up as random...and sooo fun! Be on the lookout for the "Backyard Bash", coming in October, but the piece will run at NP and on NP online sometime in September. Hope you are enjoying your last days of summer!!

Mathis graduates!!

Yippee!! Mathis graduated from his Infant Aquatics survival swim course! It was incredibly hard to watch, but the very next day we were at the pool and he was splashing and playing and jumping off the side to me...completely unaffected by the testing (I can't say the same...it is still hard for me to watch the video...and I know that he was and is fine!). I have tried to upload the video directly to the blog but for some reason it won't work, so I have uploaded it to youtube. The link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpCEG_pNSBI. Great job Mathis!!

Happy 4th Birthday Tanner!!

Tanner turned 4 on July 26th!! We celebrated at Wild Dunes, just off of Charleston, with Nana (Greg's mom) and Aunt Allyn...and had a wonderful time!! Last Labor day while we were at the beach, Tanner asked why we were always at the beach on Landon's birthday but not his...that got us thinking...we are always at Emerald Isle with our extended family the second week in June. It did seem a little silly that we were going to the beach for Memorial weekend just to turn around and go back 2 weeks later. So, this year, we decided to spend our long weekend trip in July for Tanner's birthday celebration. (Not sure how we are going to work going to the beach on Mathis' birthday since it is in Dec...but I'm sure we could come up with something! :) It was the best decision ever!! What a fun time! Due to the situation in the gulf, we swapped Destin for Wild Dunes and although we are still hoping to get to Destin sometime this year, we really enjoyed the change. One crazy thing to get used to is that Wild Dunes is actually a resort, which we don't usually do, so we went a little crazy and ordered room service breakfast for our birthday boy and Landon. We kind of had to...it was polka dot pancakes!! Pancakes are Tanner's favorite...and these had tiny m&ms in them...what could possibly be better?! Anywhoo, when I called in the order, the chef actually took the call and when I told him we had a birthday boy he assured me that he could take care of things for him. So 30 minutes later when Chef Cedric himself delivered Tanner's breakfast, he also brought along coloring sheets, a container of chocolate brownie ice cream and the yummiest chocolate cake you have ever tasted...Tanner was thrilled and we had so much fun watching his reaction! (Did I mention how incredible the cake was!?) It was such a fun surprise...for all of us! We spent Tanner's day doing what he likes best...playing baseball on the beach and playing in the pool. Then that night we hit the grand pavilion for some music and dancing...all three of the boys had a ball dancing and playing the tambourine...and flirting with the girls...

Tanner really seemed to understand that four is a big jump from three. All weekend long he kept offering to push the baby in the stroller, opening doors, holding the elevator and attempting to listen on the first time. When I would tell him how proud he was making his daddy and me he would just grin that impish little grin and say "I know, I'm big now". He really is such a joy. It is so hard to believe that he is already four...he'll always be our little peanut! :)

Friday night fireworks...and Braves win!!

Happy July! After much ridicule from a dear friend of mine, I have decided to start blogging again! So much has happened recently that it is a little overwhelming to consider back-blogging, so I'll just start with tonight!

Today started out a soggy mess with heavy, heavy rains but cleared in time for our Friday night Braves game plans. The temp was cool by Atlanta standards, a balmy 87, with a slight breeze. Our usual seats, first row in 405, right over home plate with plenty of space for the boys to walk around when getting a little stir crazy. Note to self, check ingredients on juice they are giving away outside the stadium. Even though the label was Minute Maid, it was "enhanced" fruit juice...enhanced with caffeine (granted it is "natural" caffeine from some fruit), but caffeine is caffeine and my kids don't have it...until tonight. They were in rare form and cracking us up...including Mathis who couldn't even wait for the organ music to stop before yelling "charge" and doing the chop with his whole little body. The high was hilarious, but the crash was tough!! Especially since the game was tied and went into extra innings...and then we had a 20 minute wait for the fireworks show which finally started around 11:15 or so! It was sooo worth the wait! The show at Turner field is always good, but it was incredible tonight and everyone loved it!

So on our way out we were waiting for the elevator and who should walk up...but Santa!! He was visiting his summer home in Lilburn and was even wearing a red and white Hawaiian shirt. The boys were absolutely taken with him and he was so kind and engaging...even gave them cards with his photo that said "shhhh, I met the real Santa!" too funny!

Here are some photos of the kids during...and after! Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Blizzard of 2010...REALLY!

Okay, so maybe we were a little premature on the last post...because apparently, it was just a rehearsal! We are in our 5th hour of a beautiful, wet snowfall. So far, we have about 3-4 inches on the natural areas...but not much on the roads...just slush. We'll see what happens over night.

Our new neighbors (who are from Chicago) were kind enough to let us "use" their hill and snow. When Greg went to ask, they just snickered a little...I guess it would be pretty comical to them! :) The boys had an incredible time using the two sleds Greg brought home...so did we! :) I forgot just how fast those flying saucer sleds are...too fun! Here are some photos!

Blizzard of 2010

Well, it was by Atlanta standards anyway!! Yes, the Atlanta metro got a blanket, make that sheet, of snow yesterday and last night and we were greeted by a winter wonderland when we looked outside this morning! Greg started the day off wishing he had a 4wheel drive vehicle when he got halfway up the big hill just outside the neighborhood and then started to slide back down. He finally had to drive in reverse back up and go the other direction. Once he got to the highway it was smooth sailing, but he said he was surprised by how slick the roads really were. The boys and I had a lazy morning with scrambled eggs and cinnamon rolls and once we put Mathis down for his am nap, bundled up to brave the cold and romp in the white stuff! They both remember the big snowfall we had back in 08 and were thinking we were going to make a big snowman...well, we did make a snowman, but not quite as big as the last time! :) We proudly showed our redneckery by using our boogie boards to "sled" down the back yard...it was pretty funny but it did the trick! It's a good thing that it doesn't snow that often...my boys are warm weather boys and were done within an hour (so was mommy). I guess that we may have done better had we the proper clothing and equipment, but we did with what we had and it really was fun. Truth be told, I think that we all enjoyed the "defrosting" better...a warm toasty bath followed by hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwiches...YUM! Hope ya'll are doing well...2010 is off to a great start here and we are so thankful!! We'd love to hear from you!

Love, the Powells