Nathan: The Boy Wonder

Nathan loves bananas.  I admit I indulge his addiction.  Here is Nathan stuffing his face once again... so shameless.

Nathan is so lucky to have grandparents nearby.  Here he is enjoying his favorite past time with Grandpa Moore.  Actually, I think reading is Grandpa Moore's favorite past time too.  Hmm... maybe that's where Nathan gets it from.

Nathan's best friend, Maggie.  Maggie has begun following Nathan around the house whenever we go visit Grandma and Grandpa.  It's probably because Nathan walks around with food in his hand and occasionally drops  a few pieces.  I'm not convinced this is accidental.

When it's too hot to play outside, Nathan and I get a little creative indoors.  Here is a little fort we built.  I caught Nathan having a little quiet time on his own doing his favorite thing of course- reading a book.

Nathan is finally getting some decorations in his room!  He's had blank walls since he was born, so I finally decided to make a change.  I found these cute little stickers with monkeys and I couldn't resist.

 Nathan has been dabbling in a little art recently.  He's colored his first picture and in this picture I've captured Nathan doing his first finger painting project.  Things of course got a little messy. That's how I know it was a success.

So that's Nathan... the boy wonder.  He never ceases to amaze me.  Recently he's been learning something new every day.  He now can point to his belly, nose, eyes, head and if he's in a good mood, his ears.  He pops popcorn with his hands during the popcorn song and twists his fingers around when singing the itsy bitsy spider.  

My favorite thing that Nathan does, though, is dance. It's just how every man should dance- nothing fancy, keeping it simple.

 He also has recently said his first word... "achoo."  Yes, this is the sound a person makes when sneezing, but it's still a word and we're counting it.  Am I upset that my son chose to say "achoo" before "mama"? Upset, no, a little bitter? perhaps.  I blame Grandma Moore and Grandpa Fisher who like to use the sneezing sound as a way to coax giggles out of my son.  Maybe if I made the word "mama" hilarious I could get Nathan to say it.  I'll let you know how this project goes...

Today the sweetest thing happened that Nathan has never done before- he leaned over and gave me a kiss!  He puckered and everything.  It's difficult to describe how wonderful this made me feel, but to try and sum it up... all the poopy diapers, screaming fits, slaps in the face, spit up all over my clothes, food thrown everywhere, piles of laundry, late night bedside visits, and early morning wake-up calls were worth it. 

Since Nathan was teased so much about his weight at the family reunion, he has taken to jogging in place when he has free time so he can get into shape.  People really need to be more sensitive- my son has ears (I know because he can point them out to me) and he hears the name calling that goes on. So no more calling Nathan "Big guy," "Chubs," or "The Incredible Bulk." Oh, and no "Chunks" either.

 

Fisher Family Reunion

 14 adults

+19 kids

+7 activity filled days

A much needed vacation

The 2011 Fisher Family Reunion has come and gone way too quickly. I've never had so much fun packed into so little time.  I'm so grateful for a family that makes it a priority to spend time together as often as possible.  It's wonderful to be a part of this family and feel so needed and loved.

To begin, Andrew, Nathan and I flew down to Texas.  This was Nathan's first time on an airplane and I think it's safe to say that I over prepared.  I had snacks, drinks, toys, books, cartoons, and coloring books all ready for entertaining Nathan on our 5 hour trip.  Nathan did surprisingly great on the plane.  He even took a little nap.

We arrived in Texas just in time to attend Christian's baptism.  What an overwhelming feeling it was to walk into the chapel and see two rows of pews full of siblings, their spouses and their beautiful children.  I have to admit that I teared up a little bit.

The reunion officially began when we attended church together at the Irving building- where I attended church as a kid.  It was so neat again to see all my family together at church.  It was wonderful to see some of my friends whom I miss dearly as well.

After church, we all met at Tim and Cassandra's home (my parent's old home where I grew up) for dinner.  We were lucky to snap a few pictures of all the grandkids even though they were tired and hungry.

All the grandkids adored little Averi and spent half their time trying to entertain her.

 Cayden... staring... it's like he can see into your soul.

 The next day, Monday, we all headed to Cimarron Park for a bit of swimming and playing. As you can see, it pretty much wiped everyone out.

On Tuesday, we spent the entire day at the church building playing sports and doing crafts with the kiddos.  Sooo much fun.  We all then went out to On the Border for dinner.  I feel for the servers that had to serve us.  Things did get a little complicated with the ordering.

On Wednesday morning, all the ladies (which now includes Avanlee- so crazy) went for breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  Then everyone met up at Marc and Sarah's to take family pictures and hang out for the day.  All the adults were exhausted, but the kids were still going strong.

We all slept over at the Fisher's house for one big sleepover. As if we weren't tired enough, the adults stayed up late playing games.  We played a game called "Secrets" where each person wrote down on a slip of paper something that no one knows about them and one person then would read each slip aloud and we would all try to guess who wrote it.  I thought I knew my family.  I'll leave it at that.  The best prank of the night... one person wrote down "I'm pregnant."  We instantly started pointing fingers- one even got pointed at Grandma.  Well, it was Vanessa. Was she really pregnant? No... such a tease.

I woke up the next morning with a sore stomach from laughing so hard.  Since this is a vacation for Andrew, Grandpa insisted Andrew should sleep in.  Ha!  The grandkids were hired to scream and jump on Andrew.  I think a water gun was involved.  I wouldn't know anything about it. (wink wink)

We then spent all day Thursday at the lake going out on wave runners, barbecuing hamburgers and hot dogs, and playing in the warm water.  It was gorgeous!

Thursday night, needless to say, we all got a good night's sleep even though more than a few of us were a little overcooked.

Friday we all headed to the Jump Zone in Southlake.  Nathan was quite adventurous following some of his cousins around in the bounce houses.

Saturday, we all went to the Dallas Children's hospital to donate some toys and cameras which we all collected before the reunion.  I was so impressed how much stuff we were able to collect.  The people at the hospital were delighted and all the grandkids could hopefully feel the difference they helped make in manly little kids' lives.  A bonus to going to the Dallas Children's hospital is seeing the huge train exhibit.  I felt like a kid again walking around this exhibit. 

After the hospital, we headed over the Michelle and Bryan's to hang out and have dinner.  We wrapped things up with the reunion with handing out a few rewards.  Andrew got the "Early Riser" award for being such a good sport about getting early each day for reunion activities and golf.  I got the "Angel" award because when I was a perfect angel as kid (well, compared to my siblings :) ).  Nathan got the "Future Professional Wrestler" award because "he already knows how to throw his weight around."  Marc and Sarah- you guys are so creative.

The reunion officially ended on this night, though of course we would hang out some more.  On Sunday, Andrew and I got to spend some time with a couple of friends who live in Oklahoma.  They were so awesome to drive all the way down to visit with us.  We love you Rusty and Jen!  Here's Rusty and Jen's daughter Lana with Nathan.

Chanelle- she's going to be such a great mom someday!  She was always so willing to help me out with Nathan.  I think I wouldn't mind having a girl if she's just like Chanelle.

The WHOLE fam... so far...

Sunday night, all the adults came over to Tim and Cass's to play games.  What a blast!  Michelle and Bryan slept over so we could hang out a little more.  Monday, we went to Spring Creek Barbecue for lunch and then played some volleyball at the church again.

In the evening, Michelle Betancourt hosted a little party for all my old buddies from Texas who still live in Texas.  It was awesome to see everyone again and to meet their kids.  It's amazing how little everyone has changed over the years.  I love it!  I'm so grateful for such great friends!

The next morning, we had to pack up to go back to North Carolina.  I'm so happy to have had this chance to spend so much quality time with my family.  My family is incredible!  I'm so lucky to have all of you in my life!

Williamsburg and Jamestown- Our Country's Beginning

The Capitol.  It was rebuilt after burning down a couple of times, but still pretty cool.  It was in this building where it was first decided to go to war against the British.  It's amazing that the colonists decided to go to war even though they had no money, no army, and no food they produced themselves. So grateful for brave people!

Nathan trying to make a run for it!

 The apothecary.  The jars behind the boys are authentic- pretty cool!

The red coats were in town the weekend we were there.  There were people dressed as British soldiers walking around demonstrating how the British army functioned back in the day.  Also pretty cool.

The British army demonstrating their gun power.  They shot several rounds with their guns and a cannon.  I'm so glad to live in this day and age and in this country.  I couldn't imagine having to send my husband and son off to war to face such an enemy.

Nathan didn't really care for the guns or cannon...

 Governor's mansion.  To intimidate those who came into your home, it was a custom to put decorative weapons in your foyer.  Guns and swords lined the walls.  Andrew's thinking about doing this if we have any daughters.

The first day we went to Williamsburg and the next day we went to explore Jamestown.  Here is the monument there at Jamestown.  The quote on this monument was quite inspiring. It's applicable to their time and ours.

"Lastly and chiefly, the way to prosper and achieve good success is to make yourselves all of one mind for the good of our country and your own, and to serve and fear God, the giver of all goodness, for every plantation which our Heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted out."

Andrew, Nathan, and I actually stood and listened to this guy (well, Nathan ran around really) for over an hour because it was so interesting.  He explained to us how just recently (within the last decade) the original Jamestown Fort was discovered. They now have the foundation of the church where Pocahontas was married uncovered.  That's just crazy!

This is the only remaining 17th century structure left from the original Jamestown site. It's a tower from a church.  We were allowed to touch the bricks which are original for the most part.  It gives me goosebumps to think of the people who have walked under this arch.

The original bricks.

Statue of John Smith. Andrew looks tough enough to colonize a new world too. 

We had a great time in Williamsburg and Jametown.  I think we'll enjoy it more when Nathan's older and he can appreciate the amazing history he is witnessing. 

We live in an incredible country that was created because of courageous and faithful people.  I have no doubt that it was God's will for this country to be founded and colonized as it was.  We just need to continue the legacy and continue to fear and serve God or else have our "plantations" uprooted.  Anyway, sorry to get all preachy, but these places really touched me.  I hope everyone gets a chance to go and visit.

How to Have a Good Summer 101

It's summertime and we are taking advantage!  Nathan's likes going to the park, swimming, running around in the backyard... anything, as long as he is outside.  Needless to say, I have a pretty good tan.

Nathan feeding the ducks.  He's a little worried in this picture because some geese were on the bridge with us and they were creeping him out.

Nathan enjoying his bath- summer style!

The reason he needed a bath...

Enjoying a nice swing on a nice summer day. We should move this party to the porch!

 Relaxing after his nap.

 

Someone should tell him his shirt is tucked in his diaper... how embarrassing!

 Our little construction worker.  If only we knew how handy he was when we were working on the house. We were having dinner with some friends and Nathan found this hat and we kept putting it on.  This is the only hat he's ever wanted to wear. Random.

Future basketball star!

Too much time on our hands now that the house is sold...

 

So there you have it.  We are enjoying a nice summer feeding ducks, bathing outside, swinging, spending time with friends, bouncing balls, and killing brain cells.  It's going to be a great summer!

Keep the Change

For Valentine's Day, Andrew gave me a gift certificate for an Italian cooking class.  Amy was so sweet to come along with me.  It was awesome!  I learned how to make a few dishes I can't pronounce.  My favorite was the Gnocchi.  After making the meal, everyone in the class sat and enjoyed the meal together.  I can't wait to make some of this stuff at home.  I'm thinking this is why Andrew signed me up for the class in the first place...

 Titina, our teacher.

Two of her lovely assistants.

Recently I had some pictures of Nathan done (I will post them as soon as I get them).   There's a field of yellow flowers close to our house, so I had the photographer (my good friend Jenn) take some pictures of Nathan walking around in the flowers.  Andrew was not too pleased when he heard this.  According to Andrew, little boys should be photographed in front of a more manly backdrop.  I took this picture to satisfy him.

So many things are changing around here in Raleigh.  Our friends are having babies, moving, and getting new jobs.  Andrew himself has started a new job at Cisco with the IPCC group, and our house is under contract set to close on June 10th.  Everyone keep your fingers crossed that the contract works out with our house. We've found a new place in Morrisville (about 20 minutes outside of Raleigh) and we're excited to make the move.

To celebrate all these changes, we had one last shindig at our house with our close pals.  A couple of the kids sneaked off at one point and this is what we found. 

Now these kids know how to throw a party! Here's to change!

First Easter Egg Hunt

A good friend in the ward was so kind to invite Nathan and another little boy, Michael Swift, over to her house for an Easter Egg hunt.  Nathan, being terrified of grass, wasn't too keen on picking up any eggs that were in close proximity to the lawn.  So, we put the eggs on the sidewalk.  He was very successful there.

 Going for his first egg.

Yes, it is a pink egg.  No, Daddy was not happy about this.

What's with the pink eggs, Nathan?

After grabbing a couple eggs, Nathan tried to make a run for it.

Nathan's friend Michael resting from all the excitement.

Nathan and Michael seeing who got the most eggs.

We had a great time.  Thank you Markhams! 

Brooklyn's 3rd Birthday

Two and a half weeks ago, Nathan and I ventured down to Charleston to celebrate Brooklyn's 3rd birthday with Brooklyn and her posse.  It was a blast!  We went to the local Rolly Polly gym and got to play for an hour.  Nathan just ran around the gym, not knowing what to do first.   

He tried a little bit of rock climbing.  He's a natural.

He ran around on the trampoline, giggling when other kids would bounce around him.

He had quite the collision on the trampoline, but got right back up and kept jumping. Could a mom be more proud?

 He played with some toys he discovered in the lobby.

It was a great time.  Needless to say, Nathan took a good nap when we got home.  

In the morning, Nathan and Joshie played in Joshie's room. Nathan was a little concerned for his crazy cousin.

  

Playing fetch with Brooklyn.  Should I be concerned that Brooklyn thinks Nathan is a dog?

On the Monday following the birthday bash, the three kids and Vanessa and I went to a park.  This was Nathan's first time in a big swing.  He loved it!  He would even lean forward and back in rhythm with the swing to keep himself going.  It was adorable.

 

Nathan loves being outside.  It doesn't matter what he does outside, as long as he's outside.  Often if someone goes out the door, he follows them and cries if he doesn't make it outside before they shut the door.  I used to think this was him missing the person that just left, but no, he just wanted to go outside.

He doesn't need toys when he's outside, he'll just find things along the way to play with.

Yes, that is a rice krispies treat wrapper

After being married to Andrew for what will be 8 years in August and now that I have a son, I've learned one thing about boys:  boys are easily entertained.  Nathan will find a good rock on a walk and be entertained with that rock the whole time. Give Andrew a computer and I might as well not be in the room.  Are girls this easy?