Easter

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!

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

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

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

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!

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 :(.