Pops & Grama Carol Time!

On Tuesday June 8th we celebrated our 1st born little man's 4th birthday! I can't even believe that it has been 4 years since I 1st held Shawn... this big beautiful baby that I couldn't believe was coming home with us! Jon and I were parents! It was one of the happiest and scariest moments of our lives. Through the past 4 years of being his Mommy, I have never been prouder, and more in love with such an extraordinary little boy.

Tuesday was also a big day for another reason. Pops and Grama Carol came to visit all the way from Idaho! It had been nearly 2 years since we had seen Grama, and almost a year for Pops. Needless to say, we missed them tons and couldn't wait to spend a few days with them.

Shawn opening presents from Mom and Dad. Veggies Tales galore!!

Then came the biggie! Shawn has wanted a train set for quite a while now! And the Thomas sets (the big nice wooden tables and such) are mega expensive. Like hundreds. Thankfully Jon's mom was out for a walk one day and happened upon one for sale! This kid was made to have one of these! Boy was he surprised!

Right out of the car and into the yard for some ball. Pops showing Shawn the ropes of T-ball.

Batter up!

Pops and Grama Carol get to see where their portion of the boys birthday gift went to... and they had a blast watching the boys enjoy their play set!

Grama Carol taught Shawn this nifty trick. After a few outbursts of frustration, Shawn nailed it!

Grama Carol saw it fitting that little guy have a swing of his own. He could sit in there all day!

Swing time.

Laughing himself silly :)

A father/son project: The back porch. Jon and his Dad re-screened and put new trellis on the porch. It's lookin' good guys!

Grama & Shawn relaxin' in the play house.

Bubbles!

Carol and I took the boys shopping while the guys were hard at work... here's one of the things we came home with... the boys 1st slip & slide! Grama also came home with sleeping bags for the boys. Shawn's is Toy Story and Landon's is Cars. They are SUPER cute! Shawn has been sleeping on his since Grama put it on the floor. Now we need a tent and bags for Jon and I and we're set!

Grama gave baths and now the boys are ready for bed. She brought along two special books for the boys. "No More Monkey's Jumping on the Bed" for Landon, and a Toy Story seek and find for Shawn. Carol- Landon insisted I read his book more than once tonight!

Story time.

On their last night in PA we needed to do something super special. Pops has been waiting to take the boys fishing for a LONG time. Shawn is finally at a point where we can trust that he just won't dive into any body of water (oh, and he has SOME patience now haha.) We found the perfect spot for us all to go for a family fishing adventure.

Carol and I photographing this special milestone.

It was a spectacular evening... just gorgeous.

Grama and Landon running through the grass... afterward they stopped to admire all of the ducks in the pond.

Fishermen.

He's ready for some fish!

Landon is a little more interested in the fowl.

Uh oh! The bobber bobbed!!! Somethings biting!

Shawn's reelin' it in!

Shawn's 1st Fish!!!!!!!!!!

Shawn was a tad bored at first, but when he reeled in his 1st fish... I think that "hooked" him into wanting to be a fisherman!

Ready for the next one.

How cute is this? Even Mommy has waited a long time for this moment. We were all so proud of him!

Grandfather & Grandson.

Shawn's 2nd catch of the night!

After all the fishing fun, we need a few group shots to finish off the trip. Three handsome generations of Rawlings!

Grandparents are GRAND!!! I love this shot so much. No matter the time or distance, these guys have a special bond :)

A family shot... I love this one too :)

Hi-5's for Pops.

An early Father's Day present I picked up while Carol and I were shopping...
Father and son look awfully handsome in their shirts!
We had a hard time saying goodbye this morning... the visit just wasn't long enough. Poor Shawn didn't understand why they had to leave and go back home. Tonight when I took him up to his room he wanted Pops and Grama Carol to sleep there again tonight. I put his sleeping bag up on the bed to make him feel better. Ahhh stinkin' pregnancy hormones! I can't even type this without crying! We had such a wonderful time with you guys... and appreciate everything. We love you tons... and miss you already.

Landon & Grama