The Birthday Parade

Nathan had quite the birthday parade this month. I say that because it seemed to keep going on and it was a lot of fun! It started with a fun trip to Oklahoma. Kate and Nathan were perfect riding companions as the three of us made our way up (and back) to visit Gigi, Papa and Aunt Melissa. I know people were praying for a smooth drive and we certainly had it.

We had a great time relaxing, eating and playing all together. My parents ended our visit with a birthday cookie cake and candles for Nathan's fourth birthday. Was he ever surprised! After a couple of gifts, Nathan opened a very special one. Gigi sewed a heroic cape (or caffe-as Nathan calls it) made of royal blue satin on the outside, gold on the inside and a gold star with a red satin letter "N" proudly displayed on his back. It is amazing what energy pours out of a little one that places a cape on their back-jumping, running, and "flying" were soon the highlights of the evening. What a treasure!

On his "actual" birthday day, Corey and I took the kids to "Old MacDonald's (A.K.A. McDonald's) to eat and play for lunch. Then we headed out to Schlitterbahn for the evening. What fun! After that we sang "Happy Birthday" and he was able to open up the presents that we got for him that night. He was so sweet with all of his thank you's and hugs.

On Saturday, we had a birthday party, (I know...parade...right?!) complete with a couple of inflatable swimming pools, water balloons, his Thomas the Train tracks set up around the house and a jumping castle. Granny, Papaw, Mimi, Poppy, Aunt Allison, cousin Rylie and many sweet friends all came for the grand occasion. This age is just so much fun. They are excited about anything and everything surrounding a birthday party and Nathan was full of excitement. When I asked him later what his favorite part of the party was---he threw his hands up big and wide and exclaimed, "Everything!"

Happy Birthday, Nathan!

Happy birthday to our little man!! It is hard to remember life without this little guy. He has been such a blessing in our lives. He has brought more smiles and laughs than we could ever count. Nathan gives the best hugs! He will curl up in your lap and love on you so sweetly. He is full of life, smart, curious, adventurous, funny, clever, daddy and mommy's helper and an excellent big brother. It has been amazing to watch him grow from a 7 pound 8 ounce baby to a four year old. Corey and I look forward to all that God has in store for him not only in this year, but in the years to come. He is special indeed!

We LOVE you, Nathan James Bearden!

Nathan on July 7, 2005

Nathan on July 7, 2006

Nathan on July 7, 2007

Nathan on July 7, 2008

I will post pictures of Nathan and all of his birthday fun this weekend!

A Little Lady

I wanted to quickly post some photos that we had taken of Kate at 16 months. I was pleasantly surprised by the photographer. He was able to capture some great shots of her in a very short amount of time. She was "extremely" shy that day and did not want to stand by herself on the backdrop. It took a lot of coaxing, but here is a little of what we got:

Oh, sugar, sugar...

This is what "can" happen if you momentarily walk out of the room Kate is in! :)

Bike Rider

Nathan figured out how to ride his bike this week! Here is a quick video of the second day of riding it! It is his favorite thing to do outside now! There is also a little bit of Kate in it, too. I was hoping that she would talk to the camera, but no such luck! Enjoy!

We had the joy of spending time at Mimi and Poppy's house this past weekend. I wish that my camera had not run out of batteries! I will need to plan ahead next time! :)

We were able to see most of the family at a dinner in downtown Waxahachie, which is always great fun (especially now that "all of the family" includes 10 year old Alex, nearly 4 year old Nathan and the busy one year olds: Luke, Rylie, Austin and Kate! Whew! NEVER a dull moment there!

We watched movie, "UP" in 3D which was incredibly good for all ages!

Mimi performed her summer show "The Pump Boys & Dinettes" at the historic Texas Theater. Great job, Mimi!

In addition to visiting family this time, we were able to spend time with Zahns and the Adams (friends from college). The Zahn's were having a Star Wars themed birthday party for their son, Luke, who turned 4 and it was a lot of fun! It was really nice to see everyone's kiddos and catch up!

At Mimi and Poppy's house the kids enjoyed splashing around in the pool. I took a couple of pictures of a little family of birds that nested in between Marla's pillow and chair outside. Pretty neat to see them that close up.

All in all, it was a great weekend!

Way Down Deep In the Deep Blue Sea

We love our public library, especially in the summertime. They have great activities and shows for the children and Nathan really loves it. Throughout the year we go once a week to get books. In the last month we have managed to get Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea twice. Nathan enjoys this book because it is all about the ocean and the animals that you can find down there. The little boy in the story appears to be snorkeling in the ocean for a treasure for "his mama and me" and on each page finds a new sea creature. Although each page is slightly different it does have a repeatable pattern. For lunch last week, I made the "not famous by me," but very new and exciting to Nathan: "Octopus Hotdogs"...and macaroni and cheese. He has eaten an entire "Octopus Hotdog" twice now, which is saying a lot for my little guy who is usually way to busy to be interested in eating much of anything. Last night we also did an extension to the book. At the end of story you find that the boy is not snorkeling in the sea, but using his imagination with toys and goggles in the bathtub. So I put on Nathan's Spiderman goggles and letting him search for sea creatures (aka watertoys) in his bath last night. What fun!

Continuing with the theme of water, here are some pictures of Nathan and Kate at a couple of the children's parks at Schlitterbahn.