Our Little Pirate

Beau's personality is developing more and more as the days go on.  I am loving it!  He is so particular with his toys, his room, and very persistent!  He does not forget anything!  So randomly he came across his pirate's hat from Halloween, and decided he wanted it include it with his daily attire.  Obviously we cannot say no to that :)  So Beau has been wearing sunglasses and this hat for the past few days around the house....oh vey!

The Pierson's Bed and Breakfast

We are constantly having friends or family stay at our house, especially on the weekends.  So since Caleb was staying with us this weekend, we (and by we I mean Joe and Caleb) cooked an amazing seafood meal on Saturday night.  It was definitely the perfect night for dinner and a movie.  Then on Sunday morning, we all made brunch.  Even Beau helped out by making his favorite Mickey pancakes.  One thing is for sure, Beau loves to help and know that he contributed.  I think I could get used to that :)

Spa Day!

My mom took Brook and I to the spa for the day.  We were spoiled to say the least.  With a full pedicure, sauna and whirlpool treatment, and then massages, we were relaxed beyond imagination.  Thank you mom for the day and treatments!

Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day for Joe at his home away from home---the lake.  It was a perfect weekend with beautiful weather.  The Rielly's and Voss's came down to camp and boat as well, so there was fun had by all.  I am so happy Joe was able to have a nice, relaxing weekend with his sons.  Beau had a great time playing with Eli and Braxton and Baine was content and happy as always.

We finished up the weekend by having dinner with my dad and Shari.  To all of the amazing fathers in our lives, I hope you had a fabulous day!  Joe, you are by far the most amazing father I could have ever dreamed of for our sons.  I hope one day they are just as amazing as you are.  You are the best example of what a genuine, loving father is.  Beau, Baine and I love you.

Baine will literally take a nap anywhere, even on the ground by the camper ;)

Beau and Braxton played on the watermat all afternoon

Ending the night at Mango Tree!

Baine: 8 months

On the 17th, Baine turned 8 months old.  How is that possible already?!  Baine, I have said it before and I will say it again, you are the happiest baby I have ever seen.  When you are sick, tired, or teething, you are still so happy.  You are so loved and have one awesome big brother who adores you!

At 8 months:
-you are starting to walk while holding on to the couch or walking toys
-have two teeth on top, and two teeth on bottom
-do NOT like to be fed, you have to do it yourself :)
-loves french fries and wings
-Has had two ear infections and didn't even fuss to let us know!
-saying Dada and Mama
-holds hands up to point at something or to be picked up
-sleeping 13 hours at night
-wears 12 months clothes
-weighs 21-22 pounds
-Officially done with the frozen breast milk, and now transitioning into whole milk
-hair is getting very long!  you need a trim already!

Mommy/Beau Date Night

Friday, Beau and I had a date night while Joe and Baine had their own hangout session at home.  I needed to go to Des Moines to do a couple of errands and meet up with a college friend, and Beau decided to be my date :).  He was perfectly behaved and did great while shopping.  I love that he is at the age where he loves going places and can have adult conversations. 

Smores at Uncle Joe's

We had Banx spin the night the other night and Uncle Joe decided to make smores with the kids.  They loved them, mostly just the chocolate part though :).  We love having the kids over, especially for sleepovers.  The crazy chaos and sounds of the kids playing/fighting makes me feel right at home!  Joe is such a good Uncle to Banx and Bond.  It makes me so happy to know that he loves having them over just as much as I do.  We are excited to see these four crazy kids grow up together and be "perfect angels" ;).

Officially Summer

Now that I feel I am officially on summer break, since last week I had training at school, I am taking full advantage of getting quality time in with the boys.  I am loving being home all day with Beau and Baine and watching them play together.  I feel like I am not missing out on the special moments like I do during the school year.  Even though I am still taking classes and will be teaching summer school in July, I already am making our daily routines fun and enjoyable for all of us: going swimming, walks to the park, ice-cream and just PLAYING!

 

We've been teaching Beau to swim without water wings this year.  The video below is his first attempt at it!  

We have already hit the lake or Nana's pool every weekend so far and both boys just love the water.  This makes Joe and I so happy since we love to be in the water (I really hope the boys don't have a passion for baseball!).  This past weekend we went to Aunt Joi and Uncle Roger's lake house, and Beau went off the diving board like it was no big deal again.  He kept doing it over and over and over. 

The boys slept together at the Lake :)

Learning to play Bags

Swimming with Jade :)

Beau "drove" the boat with Clint :)

Still my Baby

Baine is getting so big so fast.  I was extremely emotional the other night because our "baby" is quickly exiting the baby phase.  Baine must have known that his mommy was getting sad at how fast he is growing up, because just since last week, he is LOVING being rocked to sleep and cuddled.  This is something that he has never needed before.  Normally he would just go to sleep if you lay him down--which he still does, but only after crying for a bit.  Rocking Baine to sleep and seeing how innocent he is makes me realize how amazing our two little miracles are.  Beau and Baine will forever be my "babies".

We need to remember that Beau is still little and needs special attention from mommy and daddy too :)

Wednesday = Wing Night

Joe and I decided Wednesday would be wing night from now on since it is official that all four Pierson family members love wings.  Yes, Baine has discovered wings and he loves them!  Warning: do not try and take a wing away from him!  It will not end well, only in tears and screams. 

Baking at Nana's

When I took the boys swimming at Nana's the other day, Beau and Nana made "Frozen" cupcakes.  Beau loved being able to decorate the cupcakes by himself and did a great job :).  He is so considerate that he made sure to save enough for Banx, Bond and Baine.

Masters: Done!

     It is official, I received my diploma (since I could not attend graduation) this past week for earning my Masters in Arts of Teaching.  I did the two year program in just 18 months.  Honestly, having Beau and Baine were my main motivators to keep working hard and not give up.  I want Beau and Baine to know when they grow up that they can do ANYTHING they put their mind to. 

Mom, Joe, Beau and Baine, thank you for being my #1 cheerleaders and motivators in my career!  I would not have been able to do this without you all! 

Mr. and Mrs. Stout 5-30-15

This past weekend was Clint and Tara's wedding.  It was without a doubt the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to.  We had a great time preparing for the wedding, having girl/guy time, and then celebrating at the wedding.  Tara is officially family now, but she is so much more than that to us.  She is one of my best friends and I am honored to have been a part of their special day.  Clint and Tara treat my boys as if they were their own, and they will always have a special place in their lives.  Congrats Clint and Tara, we could not be happier for you two!!!!!!

Playing with Tara at the Stone Mansion before Rehearsal

All ready for rehearsal