State Fair

 We had a great time at the State Fair.  Kate rode her first roller coaster (see below) and her first BIG ferris wheel.  Can you find her on the roller coaster? Jeff taught her to put her hands in the air.  She is a very brave little girl.  I enjoyed riding the rides with her too since I couldn't ride anything last year.

 Seeing Kate way up in the air made me a bit nervous, but she enjoyed it.

 Feeding the animals was her favorite part.

 Of course, we had to bring home a Dora doll!

Mom's Birthday Fun

We went to the beach to celebrate my birthday a few weeks ago.  Although we had to navigate some high water to get there, we had a great time fishing, visiting the aquarium, exploring Fort Macon, and eating some great seafood.

Kate's fish is much bigger than Mommy's!

Fishing with cheese crackers.  Kate thought the fish would like them!

Kate and Matthew enjoyed watcing the fish, otters, and turtles at the aquarium.

 Exploring Fort Macon and defending it from the Pirates was a fun adventure.  We found that it was easier to explain protecting the shore from Pirates than trying to explain the American Civil War to a three year old. She, of course, asked a million questions about both!  Don't worry Kate, we will make sure you understand the Civil War by the time you're six.

 Matthew and Daddy relaxing.

Big Sisters Rock!

Maco

A little update on our seven  month old.  Maco, Kate's nickname for Matthew and what Jeff calls his Brazilian soccer name, is now an expert at sitting up and has two teeth!  He is starting to prefer standing on your lap rather than sitting-it gives the arms quite a workout, but he is a fun little boy.  He also said his first word...Mama...actually the first time it was "mamamama", but the next day, on Mama's birthday, he said just "Mama".  It was the best birthday present ever.  Although he has only said it a couple of times since then, I'm still claiming it-especially because Kate's first word was Dada!

Our Own Version of Max and Ruby :-)