Fletcher at Age 3

Wednesday morning Fletcher had his 3-Year Well-Visit. He is 36 1/2 pounds and 38 inches tall. He is healthy and has grown a 2 inches and 6 lbs in the past year. After the rough fall and winter we had (lots of illness), we were so pleased that he is doing so well now. After the Dr. visit Fletcher had a haircut (only his 3rd one) and did a great job. My boy is growing up! At 3 Fletcher loves to read books, go swimming, eat mac and cheese, be out-and-about, says "I love you so much!," calls me Mommy and Ed Daddy, misses his family when we are not all together, doesn't sleep in his own bed, doesn't like to brush his teeth, wants to do everything "by my own," and takes naps sometimes. He is a very strong-willed child who does things on his own terms. We love him so much!

Lovely Latta Plantation

Fletcher and I went to one of my favorite places yesterday afternoon : Latta Plantation. We attended the Member Picnic and had BBQ, slaw, hushpuppies, and baked beans. Yummy! We walked around the plantation and enjoyed the solitude. It is so removed from the everyday world, yet only minutes from our home. We love to go for Homeschool Days and other special events and try to go a couple other times during the year. If you have never been, or haven't been in a while, check it out www.lattaplantation.org.

Just Me and the Boys

Today, Fletcher, Cam, and I all went to the playground and then to the library. The boys enjoyed climbing at the park and reading stories and playing a computer game at the library. We came home and watched the video that we checked out at the library, ate the boys favorite lunch (chicken nuggets and mac and cheese), and all had a good nap. A very nice days with 'my boys.'

Cheap Meals and More

In an effort to be more economical, I am trying to be more frugal at the Grocery Store. We had gotten in the habit of buying and eating convenience meals, which are expensive, as well as doing a lot of take out (also expensive). So I want to know what all of you buy, cook, and eat, for cheap. Also, what other ways do you save money?

Art Class

Fletcher will be taking an art class this summer for preschool aged kids through the Children's Arts Project. We took classes last spring and summer, too, and had lots of fun. Today was our first class of the season. As it turns out, many of our friends are in the class, too: Emma Kate and Jack, their neighbors Byars and Savannah, and Sophie. Today Fletcher rapidly moved from one activity to the next. Hopefully, next week it will no longer seem like such a new experience, and we can participate a little better. Pictures: Fletcher painting with watercolors, Fletcher and Jack stirring textures, and Julia and Sophie making prints with Tonya in the background.

We've Put in a Pool!

Yes, we've taken the 'plunge' and put in a pool! Fletcher is thrilled to have his own pool and enjoyed 'swimming' all afternoon yesterday. He didn't want to get his shorts wet, so he took them off and swam in the nude. That's logical, right?

Another Summer Morning Outing

Today Fletcher and I headed back to Discovery Place. We were just there on Saturday, but Fletcher chose to go there today and as it was very hot, an indoor destination sounded pretty good! It was much less busy than Saturday and we enjoyed a Dino puppet show, looking at the fish, playing in the play area, and observing the animals in the rain forest habitat. We then headed to lunch at Fuel Pizza. On our way back to the car we met some folks from the Carolina Raptor Center and an owl. An unexpected surprise! A fun morning for Fletcher and Mommy!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the great dad's we know! Fletcher and I celebrated with Ed by making a yummy breakfast, opening gifts and a handmade card by Fletcher, and spending the afternoon at the pool. I am so proud that Fletcher has Ed as a father: he is such a good daddy! Later, we went to my Dad's house for a cookout. We enjoyed visiting with family, the great food, and Fletcher got more birthday presents! All and all a very pleasant day!

Fun-Filled Saturday

Today, Ed, Fletcher, and I went to ImaginOn, Discovery Place, and then had a picnic in a city park (with the homeless and scary squirrels!). It was a fun-filled day and Fletcher enjoyed creating a story at ImaginOn, playing in the water table at Discovery Place, and eating outside near the fountain in the park. This afternoon he did some painting (but no napping): "I am an artist!" Yesterday, Fletcher and I had a very nice time at Tonya's house. Fletcher loves all the Harringtons and loves going to Mrs. Tonya's house and the kids play very well together.

We Scream for Ice Cream

The kids enjoyed a special treat of strawberry ice cream yesterday. Yummy and messy! Today Fletcher and I went to Storytime at the Cornelius Library which we really enjoyed. We had not been during the winter/spring because Fletcher was in school on the same morning as Storytimes. After a nice nap, we played 'Go Fish', 'Candyland', and a bowling game. We had a very fun day!

Sophie and Lily

This morning we met Sophie and Julia at the playground. The kids had fun playing together, as usual. On the way, Fletcher said he was going to play with his "best friend!" Here's the first day-lily in my garden of the season.

Congratulations to Aaron!

My 'baby' brother Aaron (18), has earned his High School Diploma! Perhaps not in the most conventional way (Aaron attended classes at Wilkes Community College, a.k.a Harvard on the Yadkin, for his GED), but he has done it and we are all very proud of him! He has also recently gotten his driver's permit and will have a driver's license soon (watch our world!). Aaron has always done things his own way, in his own time, and never like anyone else, but eventually gets to where he wants to be. He will begin his college education this summer at WCC and wants to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Go for it!

Congratulations to Ed!

Ed has accepted a position with Lowes Co. as Systems Administrator I (computer guy). He starts on Monday, June 18 and he will initially train in Wilkesboro for the first few weeks on first shift. Afterwards, the job will be in Wilkesboro (until the Spring of '08 at which time it will move to Mooresville) and he will be working third shift, 3 days a week on a rotating schedule. He's very excited to get 'in' with Lowes and hopes to move to SA II as well as first shift, asap. So proud of you, sweetie!

Music Under the Stars

Each year the Charlotte Symphony has an outdoor summer concert series. Last night they performed at Bailey Road Park in Cornelius. We're very fortunate: the Charlotte Symphony is very much 'of the people', with a great and very animated conductor. We enjoyed a picnic, ice cream, watching the musicians perform and listening to the music, of course. Fletcher also did lots dancing! So much fun!

Dinner for Two

Ed and I took advantage of having Gramma and Great Gram here and went out on Friday night. We went to Jeffery's in Mooresville and enjoyed the food, each others company, and lingering over a meal (as opposed to meals at our house). We love spending time with Fletcher, but it is nice to go somewhere without the benefit of his company once in a while, too.

The Party Never Ends

Fletcher enjoyed having his Gramma and Great Gram with us for the week. He made sure to show them all the facets of his personality :). Fletcher and his Gramma made cookies and apple pie, went for a nature walk, read numerous books, and enjoyed lots of quality time during the week! Fletcher continued to receive cards, gifts, and special visitors during his birthday week. The festivities included dinner out in his honor on Wednesday, a visit and gift from Mrs. Teresa and gifts from Gramma and Great Gram on Thursday, and a package in the mail from Helen and family on Friday! Thanks to all of you who remembered Fletcher on his special day and who love and care for our son as much as we do! We are in awe of everyone's generosity and thoughtfulness!

Party Time

The birthday party went off without a hitch, unless you count the guest of honor arriving 10 minutes late. The weather was perfect. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful family members and friends and to have them with us to celebrate Fletcher's special day. The guests included 2 grandmothers, 1 great grandmother, 1 grandfather, 1 uncle, and lots and lots of friends! There was crafts, cake, a pinata, and a mountain of gifts. Fletcher and his friends enjoyed playing on the playground after the party festivities. It was a wonderful day!