Lucas takes off

 

This video is from November 13th. (blogger has been giving me issues loading videos) Lucas quite literally took off walking on November 13th and he hasn't stopped since. He is absolutely EVERYWHERE and he thinks he's hot stuff!

Cousin Time!

Anna and the girls came up last week to help celebrate my first few days as a stay at home mom. The kids were all too excited to participate in some fun adventures. Including time at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh. Brian and I did a segway tour a few weeks back during which they said lots of people come to Oakwood Cemetery for picnics and family events. I thought it sounded fun so we tried it out and they were right.

Alphabet Scavenger Hunt

Taking a break (their choice of seats).

The willow tree jungle.

Fun in the leaves.

Even mommy enjoyed the leaves!

Just hanging out in the sunshine.

Just plain hanging around.

We had movie night for 3 nights in a row, complete with scary Disney movies (what’s up with the scary Mr. Disney?)

Then Saturday, Oma and Opa joined us and we spent the day downtown at the Natural Sciences Museum, a quick trip to City Market for a local arts fair, and some time at Marbles.

Audrey, Isaac and of course Lady checking out the bugs!

Resting on the mall.

Parkour anyone?

Then there was still time for some random fun too! Dress up time in Aunt Cindy’s shoes.

The adults even made some time to start fires with a magnifying glass! Quality fun to round out a really fun week and weekend!!

Pictured here is the Slivensky family pyro!

This was a great way to start out my new career. I’m loving every minute of being with my family, especially my boys. We’re all looking forward to many fun adventures in the coming months!

New Ride

Isaac's legs have started to grow and he can finally reach the pedals on Jonathan's old bike! We got out the training wheels and his brand new helmet and he's loving his new ride. He's still learning to pay attention to where he's going and not look at the pedals but he's doing a great job. He told us he's going to ride his own bike down the Creeper Trail next September! This little guy has some big time goals!

A New Adventure

Today I completed a chapter in my life. After just over 9 years, I left my job at Catalent to embark on a new adventure…this afternoon, I became a stay at home mom!

My colleagues have filled my past few days with goodbye lunches, congratulations, hugs and well wishes.

Some of my closest friends gave me a nice surprise for my final day in my office! Thanks Roxanne and Rhonda!

My friend and everyone’s favorite security guard Eddie surprised me with flowers!

Brenna made me an incredible 6 layer red velvet cake (not pictured since we devoured it before anyone could get a picture!)

Tonight my sister got everyone together to surprise me at Red Robin for dinner. Brian ended up with the tough job of getting me to Red Robin. I ate a huge lunch with a group of friends from 120 to day and really wasn’t hungry. But Brian did manage to convince me that the boys would enjoy it. He even met me at the mailbox so I didn’t have to get the boys out of the car. Suspicious now that I look back on it. (my sister’s dogs were in my house, and he didn’t want me to hear them.) As we walked into the restaurant I looked up and said to myself “wow that girl looks like Anna” and then all the sudden Madeline all but tackles Isaac. I was SO surprised and so excited!! Dinner was followed up with dessert and balloons at the house.

Here are some of the best family and friends on the planet (not pictured Patti and Anna)

Dave, Lynn and the kids made sure I started off my new adventure on a fun note. Now wouldn’t it be something if those are tomorrow’s winning lottery numbers!?!

The fact is though, I’ve already won the lottery. I have a wonderfully supportive family and so many great friends. I can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done for me over the years and over the past few days. Tears fell as I said my goodbyes today and again as I walked alone out the door of Catalent. It was a great chapter and I was touched by so many wonderful people. And above all, I left today knowing I’d made a difference to those people. They will all forever be a part of me.

Now for my newest chapter…time at home with my boys. I couldn’t be more excited about this and I think they are too. Tonight before bed I told Isaac, “tomorrow is your last day at school. Mommy doesn’t have to go to work any more.” He looked at me with his cute little eyes processing what I was saying, and said “Is Daddy going to bring home the bacon?” He listens to everything I say. Yes boys, daddy is going to bring home the bacon! Thank you daddy for taking on such a big responsibility for us.

Thank you to everyone who made today special for me. I just can’t thank you all enough.

Lucas Meets Doreece

As some of you may recall, we have a roomba vacuum named Doreece. She and Isaac have always had a long distance relationship (their story can be found here). Today, Lucas met Doreece for the first time. Let's just say he's much more hands on than his brother!

State Fair

Isaac got to visit the NC State Fair with Nana and Boppa a couple weeks ago. He played and played and kept Nana and Boppa running from ride to ride all afternoon!

Riding the horses with Boppa

Hanging out people watching

Riding the jeeps…its gotta be green!!

Birds eye view of the attractions

Just being silly!

Isaac was exhausted when he got home. He had such a great time at the fair. Thanks Nana and Boppa for Isaac’s wonderful afternoon!!

Dear Uncle Mark

Girls are boring with their silly little hair bows and pretty lipstick. Boys are creative with turkey bows and icing lipstick.

We hate to break it to you uncle Mark, but you’re one of us. Just as nasty and gross!! Too bad you’re not quite this cute though! We love you uncle Mark.

Fireman

Isaac loves to play fireman. He is very creative about it too. Here is his latest attempt at a fireman outfit. Hat (check), Turnout gear his words not mine (check), Gloves (check), Hose (check), Boots (half check…a cowboy might argue that one), and not pictured…you guessed it his fire truck. Four kitchen chairs lined up perfectly complete with his dinner plate for a steering wheel. This little boy has no shortage of imagination!

Goof Ball

Lucas is becoming quite the little character. He’s also still too young to be tired of having his picture taken! He thought he was hot stuff crawling all over the kitchen before bath time one night last week.