An Imperfect Vacation Full of Perfect Moments..

Life as a father during the past nine years has provided many important lessons that I don't always want to accept as reality.  One of the more prominent lessons that seems to recur is that the best laid plans don't always lead to the best executed experiences.  But, I have also learned that even imperfect situations can still be full of perfect moments.  This was certainly the case with our family's recent trip to Disney World.

While our vacation got off to a rocky start due to a dirty room at a Disney Hotel and the fact that it rained three days we still managed to have a really good vacation.  Palmer turned five years old on our 4th day into the Disney trip and he really lived it up!  We heard  "happy birthday Palmer" from so many cast members we lost count!  He was able to ride his first "big boy" roller coasters and had a blast.  Probably the most impressive part was he made it the whole week without a stroller! Palmer really worked the camera and as expected was quite the ham.

Caleb followed in his older brother, Logan's, footsteps and became the hero of Magic Kingdom when he pulled the sword out the stone.  He finally reached 48 inches, which allows you to ride everything at Disney World.  Anyone that knows Caleb knows he wears his emotions on his face.  So, we know he had a wonderful time, since he was always smiling.  His favorite ride was Rock'n Roller Coaster!

Logan once again was able to ride everything. The greatest thing was watching Logan get so excited to see both his younger brothers get to experience so many new things this Disney Trip.  He still turned red when he got pictures taken with the princesses. Logan really enjoyed the Hoop Dee Doo Review and he had several "Laugh Out Loud" moments!  One of those moments was when there was a Tarzan Call during the musical and the lights turned on Caleb and the cast blamed Caleb for the loud noise.  His favorite rides were the Rock'n Roller Coaster and the orange line of Mission Space (the most intense line).  Even at nine years old, Logan finds the magic in Disney!

These were just a few of the experiences that stood out to me and I am sure that each of us could add to this list for days.  Although this Disney trip was not the perfect vacation it was certainly full of countless perfect moments that Laura and I will cherish for the rest of our lives. Most of which were simply soaking up our boys laughter and smiles of experiencing the Disney magic for a week.  This is one lesson in reality that I am beginning to accept!  Imperfection can still produce perfect moments.

And Please Don't Let Mom and Dad...

We have recently struggled keeping Palmer in his bed at night.  So, Laura and I thought we came up with the perfect idea at bedtime tonight.  We told Palmer that if he didn't stay in his bed the snakes would get him.  I added the detail the snakes were under the beds and would come out if he got out of his bed.  I know, I know, really terrible. But, it gets better.

So we had our Bible reading time as a family and then started our prayer time.  Palmer prayed, "Thank you God and don't let the snakes get me!"  Caleb followed Palmer and prayed, "Don't let me have bad dreams, don't let me have bad think "abouts", and DON'T LET MOM AND DAD LIE ANYMORE!"

Well,  Mommy and Daddy got put in their place! And to add salt to the wound, the snake story didn't even work.  Palmer was up out of his bed as quick as we put him in it.  Our kids have a way of keeping us honest!  

Man Alive...Caleb is Turning 5!

As the old saying goes, "it seems like yesterday" when we were welcoming this little man into the world.  Now we will be celebrating his 5th birthday in a couple of weeks.  As if this isn't enough for Mom and Dad to take, Caleb will be starting kindergarden this July!  Yikes, it can't be!


Caleb has certainly provided much excitement and a few headaches over the past four, almost five, years.  But, every single moment with him is one that we cherrish.  He is an avid puzzle builder, and is already starting a life of diplomacy by pulling for any ACC team that one of his relatives likes.  This little "diplomat" recently wore a Clemson Tigers t-shirt over a UNC Tarheels t-shirt, just so he could "please" his Dad!  In the same spirit of pleasing, Caleb is always willing to share.  He's a special little dude!

Recently, Caleb has expierenced some health challenges that ended with a two-and-a-half day stay in the hospital. He has remained a champ through the whole ordeal.  Please remember him in your prayers.  We are still waiting on some final test results, but he appears to have turned the corner!  All smiles, screams, and energy now!  With the events of the past couple of months, we are hoping that Caleb has an awesome 5th birthday!

Happy Birthday Caleb!  We LOVE YOU!!!

Fall Ball...

Great night of fall ball; and no I don't mean football.  I am talking about fall baseball! Logan and Caleb played great tonight.  Both batted 1,000 and got two hits apiece.

Caleb hustled to run down balls in the outfield.  Although, a couple of times he was caught searching for bugs and four leaf clovers.

Logan made some great plays at first base tonight! He dug a couple balls out of the dirt and made two nice catches to get the runners out.  The only problem Logan had tonight is that he couldn't keep his chewing gum in his mouth.

The team as whole had its best game tonight.  They really made their head coach proud. GO KNIGHTS!

Palmer's Turning Two!

We can't believe that our little "Applebee's" boy is turning two on Friday.  Wow, time really does fly by.  It seems like yesterday when we were rushing to get to the hospital before Palmer was born.  As most of you know, we didn't make it.  Palmer was born in the Applebee's parking lot, with his dad trying to be a stand-in OB.  Well, Palmer provided a lot of excitement that day and still is providing excitement.

This is one happy boy who loves his big brothers!  He is in the process of redefining the "third wheel"stereotype, as he tags along with his brothers.  We have a hard time convincing him he is not as old or as big as his brothers.

We look forward to many more laughs from this wonderful little man!