The Holden House: August 2015

Monday, August 31, 2015

August

August - end of summer, start of school, several trips fit in and few fun adventures; like a baby Shower for Julie!

Avery (1 year) - Princess Avery had a roller coaster month. She broke in a new tooth with a few more on the way, developed a tummy bug and wavered between liking to eat/sleep and fighting everything! She is overall an adorable ham who adores her family and is such a joy!

Sleepy Baby

Madie's position whenever Avery is in the high chair

Two of her favorite things - Cars and Madie

Holding Andre's hand

Riding in style in Parker's car seat in a diaper - post tummy bug episode in her seat

Sick baby

Rx for a cranky baby - fresh air!

Parker (3 years , 9 months) - Parker has been incredibly doting on Avery over the past month. He is quick to sing or feed her when she cries and he is incredible with sharing Blue Bear with her. He is definitely a little artist, regularly asking to do anything creative in his free time. He has done really well with Carter's move to Kindergarten and is looking forward to starting T-Ball and a new school of his own!

Birthday party fun

Parker and his wizard hat

Cooking dinner

Carter (5 years, 3 months) - Carter had a big month transitioning from his preschool to kindergarten. He has done incredibly well and we are so proud of him. He loves his new teachers and friends. He has done a good job keeping his old friends close to which we'll continue when soccer starts next month. He is also a great big brother and even asked to marry Avery this month (he's moved on from mom!).

Last day at Oxford

Carter insisted I take his picture with the Lovett Lion on the way to get his Uniform

Crazy Boys

Sweet Boys

Trying on mom's shoes

Siblings - The kids are a hoot! Fortunately they love spending time together. The boys are great with Avery and she loves attention from them.

Family Nap Time

Loving on Big Brother Parker

Sibling bath time

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Boys Camping Trip

On Saturday we the Holden men headed off to a camping trip to Ft. Mountain State Park in north Georgia. There they had reserved a large group campsite and waited for 6 other families and their boys (all kids from Carter's Pre-K school) and a few siblings to arrive. Soon the group assembled. As the Dad's setup camp, the boys quickly found ways to entertain themselves in the woods.

Once camp was erected, we were off on a small car ride to take some hikes around the upper ridges of the park.

The hikes were great and provided some of the best vistas and overlooks in Georgia. It helped that we had beautiful weather while there with mostly clear skies and not too much heat in the woods.

One of the great views off the trail

The start of the Appalachian Mountains

An old Conservation Corp fire water tower

Being a state park meant a few more ammenities were available compared to our past camping experiences where a clearing off old logging roads qualified for a camp site. These included a swimming lake with a beach and mini-golf.

All the boys had a blast and all the Dad's did as well (even if a bear did steal one of our coolers and we had to scare off other bears in the morning). Needless to say, as the afternoon turned to evening on Sunday, the fun finally caught up with Parker.

It was a great weekend and we look forward to more outdoors adventures with this great group of friends in the near future.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Carter's Second Week at School

Carter had his first week at school this week. Highlights included the start of his after school activities (he picked piano, speed & agility and karate) and swimming lessons with one of his room teachers. His favorite activities were guidance (learning to be a leader), all school chapel and the first home football game.

Here are some pictures from the week:

All School Chapel - the Seniors walk in with the kindergartners. Parents were invited to attend which was a nice memory from years past.