Cutting down our tree!

Instead of shopping on Black Friday, we went and cut down our Christmas tree. We drove to Linville Tree Farm and cut down a NC Christmas tree . There were so many trees to choose from but we finally made a decision because they all started to look alike. It has a nice shape to it and it about 8 feet tall so it should fit nicely in the corner of the family room. This tree farm is a place that Billy grew up going with his parents to pick out a tree so he wanted to take his boys back there since we were in the area. I thought it was sweet and worth the ride because it was a lot cheaper than our No. Virginia prices. Blake enjoyed running up and down the mountain and even dragged back his own branches because he is a big boy that doesn’t need any help from Mom or Dad. Baby G missed out because he fell asleep on the way so Memaw (Mary) stayed in the car with him. Of course – I saw two trees in the beginning that looked great but Billy wanted to keep looking so we looked and looked until finally we made a decision on the other side of the mountain. I was afraid that I didn’t remember clearly what the 1st two looked like and no one wanted to go find out to track back so we made an executive decision and crossed our fingers. Hopefully it was the right decision. The best part was that there was this great yellow house with great climbing trees so we took some photos before we left.

Happy Thanksgiving

We had a very nice Thanksgiving day with Billy’s family this year. We try to be fair and switch off Thanksgiving holidays with the families. So this year was our turn to go down to NC and see everyone. There is always a lot of family at Billy’s grandparents

(dad’s side) so it is fun to figure out who everyone is and catch up when we aren’t chasing Blake around the front yard. This was the first time they met Grayson so that is always a treat. Grayson’s middle name is Max which is named after his great grandfather who goes by Max but is also Big Billy and Our Billy’s middle name.
Then after that Billy got to go deer hunting for a few hours while the boys took a nap. I just hung out since I have no interest in deer hunting. Don’t get me wrong – I was invited but then un-invited once Billy figured out that I might sabatoge his chance at hunting down Bambi. But fortunetly for all the Bambi’s out there – he came home empty handed although there is the story about the one that got away…. Of course, right?

Then afterwards, we had another dinner at Mary’s house. This was small and just the 6 of us which was nice as well. We actually didn’t overstuff ourselves with Turkey but we had plenty of Banana Pudding while we down there. Yum yum….

Chloe!!

So over Thanksgiving we met a new member of the family. Little Chloe is a mixed puppy that Mary and Jerry have adopted. Someone they knew found this little puppy but no one wanted to claim this little teacup. So Mary brought it home and of course they fell in love with her. She is now about 15 lbs and looks like she might keep growing. It was fun to be around a puppy again with it razor teeth and bouncing off the walls.

Blake enjoyed getting to go out and throw the ball for her outside. It was funny because Chloe would try to steal “elephant” from Blake. Elephant is another is a whole another post but needless to say that Blake would lose his marbles if anything happened to the “elephant”. Chloe was smart because whenever he would leave something she would run over but the minute he came back – then she jumped onto the couch. I am sure there will be plenty of Chloe stories in the future but welcome to the dog family where she is just as spoiled as the kids. The picture was of Chloe and where she liked to perch herself a fair bit of the time.

Cars, cars, and more cars

So last night, we were getting everyone ready for bed but it took a little bit longer than planned but it was well worth it. It started out with tickling Grayson and then we were getting Blake. At one point, Grayson and I hid in his closest and Blake couldn't find us. Anyone who knows Blake knows how much he loves to hide. As much as he loves to hide, he always give it away because he is giggling.

So after ticking and hiding, all 4 of us played cars in Blake's room. Blake was given countless matchbox cars from his Papa (Billy's dad) and then a simple garage from Memaw (Billy's mom) but they have provided hours upon hours of fun. He has gotten so much use from the simple things because he uses his imagination. But the greatest moment was watching the boys play cars together. Blake would give Grayson cars to play with and then show him what to do with them. Meanwhile, Grayson was watching Blake very seriously and would hold onto his car that his big brother gave him. Billy and I sat back and enjoyed watching them and I can just picture them in the future playing together. It is a moment that makes you smile and thankful that you have 2 sweet(well...most of the time) boys. It makes you savor those little moments but excite you for the future.

Green Bean Soup!

So Billy gets back tomorrow afternoon and we are all looking forward to his return. We are lucky to have Brianna (Billy's step-sister) come up and help us out. It is a blessing to have her here with the boys. Blake and Grayson both adore her and she is huge help to me when Billy is traveling. (which seems to happen more and more) We owe Brianna big time for helping us out.

So anyhow - Green Bean Soup occurred tonight at dinner. After dinner, Blake decided that he wanted to finish the few green beans that were left. Sounds great, right but there is always a catch when it comes to Blake. Blake took the big spoon and proceeded to drink the juice. I thought that he would only have a few spoonfuls but boy was I wrong. Blake drank spoonful after spoonful and completely finished the few green beans and ALL of the juice.....Ewwwww!


Then there is Baby G with Brianna watching everything Blake does. Poor little Grayson will learn the bad and the good much earlier that big brother Blake did. Grayson lights up and laughs at everything Blake does. He must have heard his big brother for 9 months and was prepared to encourage Blake in anyway possible. Just what Blake needs more of.....Grayson is our cuddle bug but I think I could have my hands full by next year when I have two little boys who probably take after his father.

Blake survived

Well our little boy is growing up and spending the night away. Blake spent the night at my parents hours. He got to play, play, and then play some more. He even fit in watching some movies as well. He fell asleep on the couch watching "The Polar Express" for about the 150th time. Blake loves his trains and never gets sick of playing and watching them. We can build track after track and he will tear them down each time when he wants a new design. I think Blake could stay a week and never blink an eye although they said he did ask for me at one point. It made me feel good that he at least asked for me at some point.

We went by this morning so Billy could see Blake before going to the airport. He is gone most of the week for work yet again. It seems to be a pattern lately but fortunately we have Brianna who comes and helps me out while he is gone. I am becoming spoiled but I will take what break I can get. Things were awhile were crazy but it has been a little bit better later. Well little man (Blake) finally passed out beside me so I better put him in his bed. Baby G has been sound asleep since 7pm as usual. He is trying to sit up lately so now he thinks he shouldn't have to lay down in your arms. Our baby is growing up too fast and I am afraid his baby time will be so much quicker than big brother Blake.

Girls day out!

So I got a break today!!!!! Mom, Mrs. Pearson, Shelley, and I went to a Christmas Craft Fair at the Dulles expo center. It was so nice to walk around without being rushed and worried about who was touching what. We saw some great creative ideas that were pretty useful. Billy had both boys and managed well from what I hear. Billy is going out of town tomorrow till Thursday so I deserve a small girl outing. Billy and Jeff had a play date at Burger King with all 4 little ones. I am sure that they looked like Father of the year with the 2 yr olds and 3 month olds. Although Grayson was glad that I was home because he starting to melt on Billy. Baby G gives Billy a hard time no matter what it is. It is so sweet because he sighs when he gets to come back to Momma!!! Billy's like to blame it on that fact that I am the "milk cow". I'll take it no matter what.....He won't always want to be cuddled by his mom so I will take all the time that I get.

Blake's 1st Sleep Over

So Blake and Jillian are having their 1st sleep over at my mom and dad's tonight. Blake was excited to be there and totally understood that he was sleeping over. He packed his book bag with clothes, elephants (we don't go anywhere without both elephants), toothbrush, etc. He even wanted to take his little backpack that he takes to school. I am confident that he is being spoiled and having a great time.

So Mom had brought a 50's style diner from Toy-R-Us recently and it was supposed to be for Christmas. Needless to say it was opened up and Dad set up for their sleepover. Blake and Baby "G" played first while waiting for the girls to come over. I swear if Grayson could do what his big brother does, he would. Grayson has a twinkle in his eye so I am thinking he might be just as full of it just like his big brother. Then Blake and Jillian served the babies while they sat in the booth. Cooper and Grayson were served cheese slices (fake). Both babies had the luxury of tasting plastic swiss cheese because the big kids said so. I can't wait to hear all the funny stories tomorrow morning.

Rain, Rain, Rain

So we are having a rainy day today. It would be perfect day to curl up with a good book but that doesn't get to happen very often if at all. It was funny earlier today because I called Shelley so she would motivate me to go to the gym but that didn't happen either. She was dialing my number and did not realize that I was on the phone. It was one of those moments where it happened at the exact same time. We were both calling to say we weren't going to the gym today. Not very motivating, huh?

I am sitting here watching Blake play with Grayson on his playmat. It is so sweet to watch them communicate in their own little way. Blake will sticks his finger near Grayson mouth and then screams like he was biten. Blake will then come over so I can kiss his finger which is so badly hurt by his 3 month brother. We have a vivid imagination at this age!!!! I wish we all got to play and remember what it was like when we were 2. Better get everyone motivated so we can get going.

Happy Birthday Chrissy & Donna Lynn

Another year older for my sister-in-law and my dearest cousin. What are the odds that they share the same birthday. They get to turn 32 together on this cloudy day. We had a seafood dinner at our house on Sunday to celebrate Chrissy's birthday. It works out much better to eat in than trying to take 4 little ones out to a public place. Courtney is a hot stuff middle schooler now so she doesn't count as a "little one" anymore. For those who don't know that my brother Jeff and Chrissy have all girls. Courtney is 12, Jillian is 2 (4 months younger than Blake) and Cooper is two days older than Grayson. It was funny when we were checking into the hospital to have Grayson because they were heading home with their new little bundle. The picture below is of Jillian and Blake from Labor Day Weekend.

They are so cute together and have the best time playing. Luckily for all of the us - there is very little drama with them. They love to play and chase each other. I love hearing them giggle as they play and think of new things to get into. So it will be interesting to see how Miss Cooper and Grayson get along as they get older. I hope that they are best friends just like the older two. Although the 2 year olds love Courtney and worship the ground she walks on. I am pretty sure that Blake has had a crush on since he first laid eyes on her.

Another busy day!

Well Billy had the day off today while I worked. We never seem to have the same holidays off but it all works out in the end. Both boys are sound asleep so we are getting to watch some TV before it is time to go to bed. We managed to videotape Grayson a little bit tonight. I was out for a little bit but when I got home, Grayson filled me in when I got home. He grabbed my face and told me a whole story about what I missed. He squealed and squawked at me for a few minutes which was so sweet. I remember Blake used to climb up to my ear when he was that age to fill me in on his eventful day.

Back in September we attended Brian and Sandy's wedding so I thought I would share some pictures from that event. We had a great time and the kids had a blast. Emma (Kelly's daughter) and Blake danced the night away. I never imagined when I was in high school that my son would be dancing up a storm with JR and Mike P. Who knew all those years ago that our paths would still be crossing.

I hope that everyone will enjoy the updates and photos as we continue our journey. I wished I would have started this when Blake was a baby. There have been so many funny and sweet moments that I would have loved to share with all of you. Just like tonight - Blake was brushing his teeth and drinking his water at the same time and then he would give me a kiss. This occurred countless times but I will take each kiss that he will give me.

A New Adventure

Hey everyone,

This is a new adventure for the Conner Family. I figure it might be a great way for family and friends to see the boys and keep up on the latest and greatest with our family. Please be patient while I learn to navigate and create this blog. I am not really sure what I am doing but I will keep trying to learn.

We moved back to Northern Va 3 years ago but we keep thinking that we like to move back to North Carolina eventually. We aren't sure if it will happen but it is home for Billy and it became home for me after 8 years. We have 2 beautiful boys who keep us on the go. Blake will be 3 in January and lives up to the "all boy" term. He is our dare-devil and sunshine rolled into one. Then there is Grayson who is almost 4 months old. He is a sweet baby and he simply amazes us every day. Grayson laughs and smiles all the time and loves his big brother. We have been really lucky because the boys love each other and I can't wait to see the future.

Well I will have more to post but wish me luck.