Getting caught up...October through December

Okay, so I don't really need an excuse as to why I haven't written an update since September especially since I have a busy 5 year old and soon to be 3 year olds (who by the way have been potty training) but I still feel bad. Honestly, I have sat down at the computer over a dozen times to try and get something posted but can't seem to find the words.

We started this blog as a way to keep friends and family up to date with our lives when Chase was born and it has become something so much bigger. It has become my own book of memories. The problem is I am having so much fun living the memories that I can't seem to get them written down. When I do try, I am overwhelmed with the day to day memories that they seem to drown out the big occasions. With that being said, I present to you a general recap of our lives over the last 3 months. I will try to highlight the month with a little description and then let the pictures do the story telling. After all, they tell it better than I can.

So, without further ado....

October -
We started October with a trip to Charleston for Jason's cousin's wedding and stayed for an extended vacation in Kiawah with his Dad, Sallye, Lindsey and Nate (their girls Olivia, Addison and Allye) and Marc and Sabrina (Milo). We rented a house that had a pool and it was our lifesaver! We had a great week and made some amazing memories with family and cousins who don't get to see each other nearly often enough in their opinion (mine too!) Then we had overall general fall events, limited to but not forgetting our annual family pictures and concluding with Halloween.

Coldest day of the week and still in the pool (thank you heated pools). They were freezing when we tried to get this shot but we needed one with ALL the cousins together with Mr. Frog.

Cousins waiting to go see Alligator Pond in Kiawah. There were literally dozens of HUGE alligators behind this clubhouse and the kids were stunned into silence by their size and the sheer number of them.

Spider-Chase

Construction worker Graham

Police Officer Anthony

Fireman Jack

Anthony, Chase, Graham and Jack

Cousins

This one captures the individual personalities of the boys and reminds people just how challenging it is the get everyone to not only look at the camera at the same time but to then smile on cue!

Family portrait - October 2013

November -

This saw all the boys going to their first UNC football game. The weather was perfect for November and the team had a huge win with lots of touchdowns (they literally outscored the basketball team that day!).  Of course, can't forget Thanksgiving and all our time with family. In the midst of that, we started potty training. The first day the boys went through 21 pairs of underwear! Yes, you read that right, 21 pairs. The good news? Jack got it in about 2 days, Anthony took a few days longer and well Graham, is Graham. He has decided he likes diapers and to this day still wears them. However, he is finally starting to show signs of being ready. Actually, he has been ready for a while now, the problem is his interest level. Amid that chaos and the fun of November, we also started to prepare for Christmas.

Taking advantage of a beautiful fall day to ride bikes in the street

Our first Tarheel football game. Standing in front of Ramses statue

In awe of the Thomas Kincade tree from Grandpa

Picking out our Christmas tree (this is the one that is decorated with all the boys ornaments they have both made and that have been given to them)

December -

For the first time since my Dad died, I was excited about Christmas. I have mentioned before that this was his FAVORITE holiday and every year, he and I would spend time together in a way that can't be put into words. So this time of year is always the hardest for me in terms of dealing with his absence. Without Chase, I don't think I would have even bothered to celebrate the first few years. But this year was different because as soon as I pulled out the Thomas Kincade tree my Dad gave me (one of his last gifts to me) I knew this year was going to be special. All 4 boys were enthralled with the lights, the moving train and the songs that it played. From that moment on, my view on Christmas changed from one of sadness to one of joy - why? Because I could see my Dad's joy and passion for Christmas in my children for the first time. They way they would stop and focus on a new decoration. They way they asked questions about everything. The way they would get excited and have to tell a brother about what they found or saw or heard. Children really do remind us of the innocence of the holiday and for me the reason - family and love and remembering. We had holiday programs for not only Chase, but the triplets had their first one too! Reindeer Run at the YMCA with the cousins, seeing Santa on multiple outings and of course, family.

Santa, cousins at the YMCA Reindeer Run

In front of our 'fancy tree'

Nana and the boys at brunch with Santa

Getting ready to go to the triplets Christmas program at school

Christmas morning 2013 (forgot to get my picture on Christmas Eve)

Mom-mom and Pop-pop with their greats

With that being said, I feel like we had an amazing few months and in 1 week, the triplets turn 3. I can't believe how fast the time has passed. This month has been filled with milestones and special moments. Chase is officially registered for Kindergarten. Jack, Graham and Anthony are signed up for Rookie soccer starting this spring and we have been on lots of play dates and adventures around town. As the boys continue to get older, I seem to get braver in my willingness to go places with them by myself. We have been to the mall, the museum, the park and restaurants. They are so good that it makes me more willing to be a little brave and try new experiences. I can only imagine what the summer will hold for us. Hopefully, I will be better about keeping the blog current in the upcoming months.