Binns Folds Four

Christmas Update

2010-12-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

We started out the holiday season with a 2 week trip to Arkansas. We had so much fun seeing family and friends. Reagan told his co-workers we stayed too long because by the second week I was driving around NWA looking for places to live :).

Fayetteville Square (and Christmas card photo)

Byron decorating our little tree. We didn't put up a big one this year for 2 reasons - the van was too full from Thanksgiving to bring it back from storage and we didn't want to keep getting on to Carter for messing with it. Byron had fun decorating it, this Thomas ornament is his ornament from last year and is his favorite. He even took it to school in the "share bucket" to show all of his friends.
Byron and his gingerbread house.

We had breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Southside Works, a neat area near downtown Pittsburgh with shops and restaurants. Byron's eyes are closed because he thinks if he can't see Santa, then Santa can't see him. He is terrified of him! Carter doesn't mind him at all. After breakfast we met up with some friends and went to see Tangled at the movie theater. The boys did great, Byron loved it and Carter fell asleep in the middle!

Since we didn't get to go back "home" for Christmas we decided to go to a Bed & Breakfast about 90 miles from Pittsburgh called Bedford Springs. It was beautiful! We had a great time. We swam, I spent the day at the spa, we had cookies with Mrs. Claus, went a Christmas Eve service at a Methodist Church in downtown Bedford, and had a huge Christmas feast.

On the way to Bedford we took a little detour through Shanksville, PA. Shanksville is where flight 93 crashed on 9/11 and is believed to be where the War on Terrorism began since the passengers of that flight fought back against the terrorists on board. They are building a memorial there, but right now all you can see is a temporary building with artifacts and there is a flag in the middle of the field where the plan crashed. The wreaths are in rememberance of the 43 Americans that lost their lives that day.

Bedford Springs

Happy 1st Birthday Carter Bug!

2010-09-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Carter had a great 1st birthday. He had a little party with a few of his playgroup friends today. We missed all of our family and friends back home, it just wasn't the same.

Byron read Carter's birthday cards to him. He said that they all said "I love you Carter Bug."

cupcake mess :)

A girl I knew back home in AR made this for Carter. It is so cute, on the reverse side it is solid red, has a football and his name (http://razorbackhillary.blogspot.com/).

Nana & Papa Larry came to visit

2010-09-10T20:01:00.001-07:00

Nana & Papa Larry came to visit us this week. We had a great time! We rode a double-decker bus around downtown Pittsburgh, visited Sarris Candies, ate at a German restaurant (twice it was so good and the boys were entertained), went shopping at an outlet mall, and my Mom and I were able to go to a huge consignment sale and pick up lots of goodies for the boys (the Transformers costume Byron is wearing is one of those, a train table, and winter clothes - snow pants/suit and boots). I was so greatful they came; I was able to take Byron to his first day of school and stay with him for an hour and my Mom was a huge help in setting up for Carter's birthday party. Can't wait to see you guys again soon!

1st Day of Pre-school

2010-09-10T19:45:00.001-07:00

Byron started pre-school this week. He is going MWF mornings. He really likes it so far. Today he asked me "Can we go back again sometime?" as we were leaving! He is growing up so fast :)

Clay-Caleb are coming to see me!

2010-09-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend (Labor Day weekend) Richard, Berkli, Clay, & Caleb came to visit us. Byron calls Clay and Caleb "Clay-Caleb," he was elated when they got here (and so were we). The little boys stayed up playing and "talking" until midnight both nights. We had a lot of fun while they were here. We played at McDonalds playland, drove up the steepest street in America (Canton Drive - 37% grade), ate at Cheesecake Factory, the boys ate donuts at Dunkin Donuts, had a Razorback Football watch party with a friend we have made up here that grew up in Rogers, Reagan & Richard went on a bike ride downtown, and played at a park. Can't wait to see you guys again soon!

Camp Thunderbird

2010-09-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we made the trek back down to Charlotte, NC to a camp I worked at in college, was a camper, and where I spent a few weeks during a few summers visiting my aunt, uncle, and cousins (who have worked there for about 30 years). Camp Thunderbird had a 75th Birthday Party. It was so much fun. We spent the day boating, swimming, on the ropes course, eating in the dining hall, and best of all spending time with family who we don't see often enough.

Byron and Reagan harnessed up to go down the zip line. Byron climbed up to the top of the tower with Reagan, got scared and came back down; secretly I was so glad b/c I can't imagine him going down it so young (and for the record his Momma chickened out too after climbing up).

My cousin Kris and I at the evening program.

Byron was so tired at the end of the day he crashed in the dining hall, he also did this when we visited during the 4th of July. My other cousin Katie is sitting at the table on the right.

Pirates Baseball Game in a Box

2010-09-10T18:00:00.001-07:00

We were invited to see a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game in a luxury box with some of Reagan's co-workers. It was really nice and we had a great time! After the games on Sundays the kids get to run the bases on the field. Byron loved it :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Byron!

2010-09-10T17:47:00.001-07:00

Byron enjoying birthday "munchkins" from Dunkin Donuts. Carter enjoyed a few of them too :)

Byron at Build a Bear for the first time. He "built" Bucko the Pittsburgh Pirates bear. This bear has now been added to his collection of animal friends he sleeps with (Buzz Lightyear and Quack Quack the duck)!

Byron had a fun little party with 3 of his friends and their families. We enjoyed pizza, playing outside, a pinata, and cupcakes. It was a fun day, but we sure missed all of our family and friends... it just wasn't the same as his AR birthday parties!

2010-09-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Reagan completed his first triathalon in Penn Hills, PA. This triathalon was a little different from a regular one. An Xterra triathalon is all off-road (steep trails). He swam 1/2 mile in the lake, biked 15 miles, and ran 5 miles. Penn Hills is about an hour away so we packed up and went along to cheer for him. We had a fun little trip!

What we have been up to....

2010-07-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

We have been having lots of fun since we got back from vacation...

jumping on the trampoline

splashing in the fountains at Southside Works after a yummy dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

eating at Chick Fil-A, the cow scares Byron so he runs when he sees it coming

Carter just being cute :)

Byron pulling Carter around in the Exersaucer... brotherly love :)

Carter finally started crawling.... time to baby proof the house!

We got Byron & Carter a swingset for their birthdays and started assembling it last weekend and finished up tonight (Thursday).

(Please excuse the cracker mess on Carter's shirt, he was eating while we were assembling)

Byron has been enjoying his sports class at The Little Gym. He played baseball for 2 weeks and this week was soccer.

South Carolina part 2 - Hilton Head Island

2010-07-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

After spending the weekend at Camp we drove 4 more hours south to Hilton Head Island. Byron was so excited about going to "the beach" and absolutely loved it! Carter had fun digging in the sand as well. Carter's new facial expression... too funny!

We took Reagan's bike and the boys trailer and I rented a bike and we did some riding a couple of days. Carter fell asleep every time we rode and Byron did too the first day.

South Carolina part 1

2010-07-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July we travelled to South Carolina to Camp Thunderbird where I was a camper and counselor. My Aunt Kaye & Uncle Bill have worked there in the summer for the past 30+ years and had never met the boys. The boys also met their cousins Kris & Katie. We had so much fun swimming, Reagan water skiied, Byron played basketball, we went a Field party, saw some awesome fireworks, and ate in the dining hall. The boys (and Reagan) got a taste of what camp life is like! Unfortunately I only have a couple of pictures from the visit, hopefully I will have more soon and will update.

Katie & Carter

Bandit, Kaye & Bill's dog

Kennywood

2010-07-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Friday we were back in Pittsburgh the company Reagan works for had a picnic at Kennywood. Mimi stayed home with Carter and Reagan and I were able to spend some 2 on 1 time with Byron at Kennywood. Kennywood is a cross between Six Flags and Silver Dollar City. We pretty much stuck to Kiddieland and Byron loved riding the rides.

ARKANSAS!

2010-06-26T18:12:00.001-07:00

We are back from a 2-week trip to Arkansas. We had sooooo much fun! The boys were champs on the car-ride (15 hours - 2 travel days). We stayed with Uncle Charles & Aunt Betty, saw lots of friends (I didn't post pics b/c I didn't know if they would want them on here or not) and family in NWA, went to a Naturals game, ate at some of our favorite restaurants, and even visited the doctor (Carter had an ear infection). Then went to Dallas for a couple of days to visit Nana & Papa Larry and the Livers, then to Little Rock to visit Mimi & Bah Bah, the Owens, and cousins Becky & Bok and went to Wild River Country - a water park. Mimi made the trip back with us to help me. I think I would have been sad to come back to Pittsburgh after such a fun trip "back home," but Reagan was here waiting for us and we were very excited to see him (we had not seen him in over a week-he came back after a few days in NWA). We can't wait to go again!! Enjoy a few pics from our trip.

Mimi & Bah Bah and the grandkids

Strike the Naturals mascot - Byron won't go near him and Carter doesn't seem to fond of him either!

The Livers & Binns kiddos

Nana & the boys

Byron and his "girlfriend" Katie (the picture quality was horrible b/c the 2 would not slow down)

Touch a Truck

2010-06-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we went to the Junior League Pittsburgh Touch a Truck event, it was a lot like the one in Northwest AR, I wonder if the Pittsburgh League got the idea from the JLNWA b/c they started having this event a year later. It was a rainy day. Our new Alabama friends from church went with us (I didn't put any pics of them on here b/c I forgot to ask if it was ok with them). We had a lot of fun and Byron absolutely loved it! Carter hung out in the stroller most of the time. The event was downtown.

Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Game

2010-06-01T07:36:00.001-07:00

We took the boys to see the Braves vs. Pirates. The Pirates are awful, they hardly ever win a game, but they are fun to go to (they actually did win against the Cubs yesterday, Byron and Reagan went to that game as well. Carter and I stayed home b/c he has an ear infection and was sound asleep when they left).

The stadium is really nice, it is right in the middle of downtown. The boys did great. Byron LOVES baseball, he will sit and watch a whole game. Carter had fun just looking around at everything and soaking it all in. Byron has really gotten into playing baseball as well.

Byron's New Bike

2010-06-01T07:22:00.001-07:00

Byron got a bike for a potty training incentive. He absolutely loves it! I can't believe how fast he caught on. He can pretty much ride it by himself. He is getting to be so big! He already tells people he is 3. I asked him why he tells people that because he isn't quite 3 yet, he said "Because Calliou is 3." Calliou (on PBS) is becoming one of his favorite tv shows, I like it too it is cute :) Byron says some of the funniest things!

At the park watching Byron ride!

2010-05-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

We are now over three months into our Pittsburgh experience, Kristy and I are transitioning pretty well. We've found a church that we really agree with, and have sparked a few relationships. It's a little odd trying to make new friends...... In some ways, it's like dating

we get a little anxious about going out (to lunch or dinner in our case). These could be our new friends.....

we want to make a good impression and don't want to come across as desperate, but

we really want it to work out!

I remember how difficult it was to make friends when I moved to Tulsa, OK many years ago, and I thought I was busy then. Now with a young family, 2 realities have set in: 1) if you don't have good friends by the time you make it to this phase in life, it is increasingly difficult to invest time in new relationships (we are making every effort to do that!), and 2) it took me 30+ years to build the relationships that I have today - that cannot be duplicated in 4 months!

But this is a good post! We still lean on our friends in AR, TX and MS. Kristy and I have become closer through this experience, and we are slowly breaking into the community here. Also, Byron and Carter are becoming best buds. They are crazy about each other.

Together at bathtime!

Hanging out on "Momma's bed"

Byron in Carter's bed. We find him in there from time to time. This borders on he probably shouldn't be climbing in there and is going to end up hurting himself or Carter vs. It's just too cute.

Clearly, Carter is not comfortable with the flash. Byron, on the other hand, is right at home.

In closing:

"'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show
Will settle the finding for 'ee
Nine hundred and nintey-nine of 'em go
By your looks, or your acts, or your glory.
But if he finds you and you find him
The rest of the world don't matter;
For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim
With you in any water."

by Rudyard Kipling

2010-05-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! I had a great Mother's Day.

We went to church, out to lunch, and got a long nap.

Baba and Pop Pops (Kristy's Dad & Step-mom) came to visit us last week.

We had a lot of fun with them. We went to the outlet malls, a candy factory

(Sarris Candies-pics above), Reagan and Pop Pops took Byron to Dayton, OH

for a Ham Radio Convention while Baba and I took Carter to the Carnegie Art

and Natural History museums.

Race Day

2010-05-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Reagan just completed his first 1/2 marathon in 2 hours 3 min... in the rain! We are so proud of him. The boys and I rode the T (Trolley) to downtown and tried to wait for him at the finish line, but with a double stroller and umbrella it wasn't going to happen. So, we waited for him to come through the line after he finished.

Other cute pics of the boys. We haven't really been up to much lately!

Easter

2010-04-08T19:21:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I didn't take any pictures on Easter... bad Momma I know! We did have pictures made of the boys in their Easter outfits a couple of weeks ago, so at least I have those. Below are pics of the boys on Saturday at the Easter egg hunt at the church we have been visiting. This is the first year that I missed my big family Easter egg hunt at my Aunt Kay's and I was so bummed! But, we sent some fill-ins for us - Richard, Berkli, and the boys went and I am so glad they did (and so is the rest of my family)! On Easter we went to lunch at one of our new favorite places to eat Max & Erma's and rested all afternoon (Reagan hit the gym to train for his half-marathon in May). He IS Risen!

-K

What we have been up to!

2010-03-29T07:43:00.000-07:00

We have finally had some really warm days and when it's warm Byron likes to live outside. The weather here has been a bit like AR, warm one day and cold/rainy the next.

This is what Carter did while we played outside. He took some marathon naps! I think he enjoyed the quiet house :)

Byron got to see a Handy Manny exhibit at the mall. They showed a new episode of the show and he got a toolbox and a license plate.

Last week Mimi & Bah Bah (Reagan's parents) came to visit us during Mimi's Spring Break. We had so much fun. We went to the Pittsburgh Zoo, Hard Rock Cafe', Tanger Outlet Mall, played cards, explored some of Pittsburgh, and they helped us do some projects around the house. Thanks for coming to visit us!

Byron had his first ride on the Trolley "The T." Reagan rides this into the city everyday and it lets him off less than a block from the office. I rode it for the first time earlier in the week when I went downtown to get a new driver's license. It is really nice for public transportation and it couldn't be a better way to commute for Reagan.

We also got to go into Reagan's office. This is him next to a statue of Henry Heinz.

Week #3 in Pittsburgh

2010-03-09T18:58:00.000-08:00

Well, Week #3 wasn't the best...

The stomach bug hit our house. It started with Carter getting a touch of it and then gave it to Byron & Reagan. I managed to stay well (Huge Praise)! Byron bounced back within 24 hours and it took Reagan a couple of days, but everyone is well now!

But, the week got better on Saturday. I met some new friends and was invited to join their play group. They meet once a week and have babies that are all Carter's age. Byron will be the only "big boy", but I think that he will still enjoy going (I know I will)! There is only 1 other boy so his mom is excited to have another boy in th group. The first play date is Friday and I am looking forward to it!

Carter had his 6 month check-up today. He is doing great! He weighs 20.5lbs and is 28". He is in the 90th percentile for weight, height, and head circumference. For perspective, Byron was 23lbs and 29" at 6 months. So, Carter is just a little smaller. He is already wearing 12 month clothes. He is such a great baby, the move hasn't affected him a bit! Byron was such a trooper at the doctor's office, right now he isn't going to "school" so both boys go everywhere with me. Byron colored and watched Cars on the portable dvd player. I prepped him and told him that Carter was getting shots today, but Byron wasn't even paying attention when he got them. Byron was treated to cheese roll-ups from Taco Bell for his good behavior :)

Some fun things we have learned/that are different in Pittsburgh vs. NWA:

- The locals call it Pix-burgh

- Almost all houses have basements (ours doesn't, but that works better for our family)

- We have a laundry tub that our washing machine drains into

- Most houses are at least 2-story

- Everything is gas (hot water heater, dryer, furnace, stove) - this has been a bit of an issue for us, everything is good now though

- If offered a "pig in a blanket" turn it down! It isn't a little sausage in a crescent roll, it's yuck rolled in cabbage

- They call rubber bands "gum bands"

- The weather is about 10 degrees cooler, so not so bad compared to NWA. The snow is finally melting and we can see the ground!!

Carter sitting in a high chair at a restaurant for the first time (Chick Fil-A) - so thankful that there is one here :)

The boys are just smitten, it is so cute to see them.

Byron holding Carter.

-K

Week #2 in Pittsburgh

2010-03-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

We are slowly figuring out the area. I have found a few grocery stores, a couple of malls, some other stores, and some restaurants. I signed the boys up for Gymboree last week and Byron has loved it. They have some "Free Play" days so we have been taking advantage of those to get rid of some energy! Byron and Carter each have their own classes during the week as well. Below is Byron having fun at Gymboree.

We waited to start feeding Carter baby food (besides rice cereal) until we moved. He has tried sweet peas, bananas, and carrots. He loves to eat it! He is also teething and chewing on everything, below he is chewing on his baby spoon.

Below is the inside of the EMPTY POD. We have unpacked all of the boxes and are slowly getting organized.

We keep getting more snow. I have no idea how much because they clear the roads (or it doesn't stick). But, below is a picture of our front yard. It just keeps piling up! I am not sure we are ever going to see green grass again :)!

We had a really busy weekend. We did some shopping (found the local Sam's Club), went to a get-together at a co-worker's of Reagan's, and went to a new church. We really enjoyed the church and plan on going again next Sunday. They have lots of programs for kids and reminds us of UBC.

-K

The First 48

2010-02-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family,

I have never "blogged" before, and I may never blog again, but the first 48 hours of our lives in Pittsburgh have been compelling, so I wanted to recognize a few folks who have made our transition thus far a smooth one and in doing so chronicle a few of the highlights of our time here so far. So, in no particular order, I want to thank:

Kristy --> for being a champion behind the wheel from NWA to PA and for tolerating 3 children along the way (Byron, Carter, and.....me), and for starting the process of getting this house together. Your support for me and this move are inspiring. You are the only partner that I want in life, and I Love You!

Scottie --> for taking time off of work to drive up here with us, driving all day Friday, unloading our U-Haul trailer and POD completely Saturday evening, and being great with the boys. Your friendship means everything to me (and don't every let your AAA expire!)

Paul --> Through my traveling and work schedule, you have helped me in a huge way with the Drake Street property. I hate to think of the condition that this unit would be in without the hours of labor that you have invested. I am overwhelmed with gratitude by your generosity and support. Thank you, Pop Pops!

Our Friends and Family --> Everyone who prayed for us as we traveled. The trip did NOT go according to schedule, BUT we were protected at all times. Kristy and I both believe that the prayers for safety and protection that you offered on our behalf made a difference along our journey.

The Boys: Byron and Carter were EXCELLENT!! Both boys did so well in the car, that we are now considering driving back for our first visit (whenever that may be). Byron watched Thomas. Carter slept like a champ. In scope, fussing was held to a minimum.

Rick Broyles (owner of Rick Broyles Auto Repair in Cuba, MO): "Yes", there is a Cuba, MO, and "yes" there are still honest mechanics out there. When the Honda failed to start after a fuel up on Thursday evening (about 10:30P), Scott and I tried every trick within our limited skill set to solve for the issue before surrendering to AAA and the repair shop down the road. Rick opened shop at 8A and had us rolling within an hour with a quart of oil, tires properly aired, and a properly installed starter terminal and solenoid wire for $33.98 including tax.

Luise our new landlord for having 2 feet of snow shoveled out of our driveway

George with PODs for showing up Saturday

Riley our neighbor down the street for building the snowman you see below with his family (scaffolding and ladders --> no heavy machinery)

Wayne and Julie our next door neighbors for bringing over fresh cookies last night

The Inventors of GPS (I might not have made it to work this morning without)

IKEA for having "Family Parking"

And, Byron for being so excited about "Moving to Pitt-burgh, Byron's new house and finding all of the hiding places - Mimi he is ready for you to come find him"

-R

We're moving!

2010-02-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I have created a new blog. Yes, I know I couldn't keep up with the old one, but since we will be so far away from friends and family I have decided to create a new one and the fact that the old one was called Byron's Ledger and Byron is not the only kiddo in the house anymore.

We are moving to Pittsburgh, PA! We are sad, excited, and anxious about the move. Sad to leave our family and friends (but, we will be back to visit often and this move is only temporary), excited and anxious about our new adventure.

Here are our latest pics and what the boys have been up to:

Carter (4 1/2 months) has started eating cereal - it's been a slow go, but he will catch on sooner or later!

This is usually where you will find Carter when he is awake. He is really enjoying the ExerSaucer.

Byron has enjoyed making popcorn (and eating it too). He even asked for popcorn for dinner tonight!

About to go out to dinner - I guess the crazy Arkansas weather is getting us prepared for Pittsburgh.

Byron and Reagan sledding this past weekend (Berkli - I stole pics off your blog - I hope you don't mind :). I am so glad you took pics to document Byron's first sledding experience!)

Skiing/sledding behind a truck....

I stayed home with Carter in the warmth. But, it sounds like I missed out on a lot of Binns family fun :(.