Zoo (trip 2), Strawberry Picking, and Cousins

In April, we went back to the zoo, and this time, Adam got to go with us. The boys had a blast even though it was quite crowded due to spring break visitors. Just like last time, they really enjoyed climbing all of the statue animals and going on the carousel.

They look so small on this big rock at the zoo. But they are quickly becoming "not so small" as the are now both "big" boys at ages 4 and 5. Sentimentally, I am getting sad that they are getting bigger and older, but at the same time happy for the new stages we are experiencing!

Strawberry picking at a farm just a few minutes away from our house. Fun activities for all ages! My sister brought her 2 boys over to us for the day and we all got to enjoy the farm together!
Wyatt is nearly 4 ft tall!

Levi is not too far behind his brother in the height category and basically equal in everything else as he always "has" to do what his brother does!

Filling up the basket with strawberries with cousin Ethan!

The Cowser side grandkids! 4 boys! What a change for my parents from only having 2 girls!

Wyatt and cousin Ethan

Levi and cousin Hudson

Levi Turns FOUR!

My "baby" is no longer a baby, no longer a toddler, but a full-fledged "preschooler". He has been wanting to be four (or just older) for such a long time. Seems like since he was born he has wanted to do things that are beyond him. We could just tell that he wanted to "get places" before his body was capable of crawling, walking, etc. We could tell that he wanted to feed himself before he really had the coordination to do it. We could tell he wanted to dress himself or more so, pick out his own clothes before he was physically coordinated enough to do so. How could we tell all of those things?? B/c of how mad he would get when we would do them for him or when he would try and couldn't do it. Yes, Levi has "gotten mad" an immeasurable amount of times in his 4 years of life so far! He is our strong emotion boy. When he is loving and sweet, he is extremely cuddly, sweet and loving. But when he is upset, he is mad and you will know it! But this strong will and self reliance can be used for great things later in life, and I am fervently praying to that end! So, yes, our youngest is now FOUR YEARS OLD!! He is thrilled. I am happy for him, but a little bit sad for me...just how fast my babies are growing up. Levi will always be my "baby"! My Sweet, Sweet Levi! In the picture below, the boys are getting ready to play a Lightening McQueen version of "hot potato".

And some of the birthday decor and presents. The theme was Lightening McQueen from the Disney movie, "Cars"

Jello Jigglers in car and trophy shapes--a BIT hit!

Blue Gatorade w/ a label from the movie

Disney's Cars themed labels that I printed from here.

Levi being silly when asked to pose for a picture

Trying to get a nice picture

The PINATA...probably Levi's favorite party activity ever!

He is very serious about hitting the pinata and hits it VERY hard (and surprisingly accurate)

My cousin Andrew was able to come from SC to visit

We also had a little bday celebration for Levi when we were out at Adam's parents' house over Easter/Spring Break

My boys! If only Wyatt had a nice smile in this one. oh well! silly boys!

And there is the BIG birthday boy. VERY, VERY happy to be four years old!

Easter at the Beach

This year, we got to spend  Easter at the beach in the Outer Banks of NC! It was very chilly and 'non-beach-like' weather, but a great time spent with Adam's parents, brothers and their families. Lots of pics coming below!!

Grandpa and Gram Haines with their 8 grandkids!

The whole Haines crew...4 Haines men and their wives and kids + Grandpa and Gram

Trying to get a nice picture on Easter Sunday

Adam, Andy, Grandpa, Gram, Luke, Mark

I love my sweet handsome boys!

Cade, Brayden, Griffin, Lily, Kaleigh, Wyatt, Levi and Tanner

in birth order

this is just a block from my in-law's house!

football on the beach with cousins

Sand castles and feathers...

My sweet Levi!