Nate is 2!

Last Friday Nate turned 2 years old!! I can't believe how the time has flown.


Nate's 1st B-day. 
(UGH!  I don't know why it didn't keep it rotated correctly.  I am sure there is a reason!) 

We had a bit of a rough week here in the Hawkins home last week. So his b-day was a little low key. On Friday, I went and bought birthday balloons for the boys. They got them after nap time and were so excited!

Checking out his balloon! He requested Buz and Woody.

 

I opted to do scones and clotted cream for his b-day dessert. A cake was just not happening.
He is my little animal lover so I found some animal candles for him.

 

And Ben enjoying his scone

Nate, we love you!! You are a huge blessing and a reminder of God's timing and his providence. Love, Mom and Dad

Happy Father's Day

Sunday morning, while Allen was sleeping in, the boys were playing and hugging each other.  It was really cute, but by the time I got the camera out, this is what I got!  Nate screaming, "No picture!"

Then I bribed him with chocolate chips!

Here is our attempt to get a picture with the boys and their daddy after church.  Nate was not interested.

Someone at preschool taught Ben this lovely face!

I have two boys.  The love to tip over the slide and play. Of course, it is more fun when it is on it's side, right?

"wow, am I going to fall?"

 

Ben fixing it!

Then of course, the car is not just to be driven but to be climbed on!

 

Nate had a hard time getting on top so Ben decided to "help"

And off they go...don't worry, I promptly took Nate down.

We had a great sunny Father's day!  Allen is an awesome father and I am continually amazed at how he selflessly serves our family!  Allen, we love you!

Bristol

One of the reasons for mom and dad's trip to Englad was to attend a conference in Bristol.  We decided to go up and explore Bristol while they were at the conference for four days.  The weather wasn't great but we made the best of it.  We even braved all four of us staying in the same room together and it went really well. 

One of the hardest things about getting away is trying to pack with two little ones.  Mom and Dad were awesome and the boys made binoculars while we were getting ready. 

Allen had a fun surprise!  The first day we were walking around a shopping area near our hotel and saw a sign for Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  Allen was so excited!!

They boys super excited about doughnuts for breakfast!  We must be on holiday.

Our one day of semi sunshine was spent at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. 
It was perfect!
Tons of animals and an indoor play area for the times when it was raining.

 

The boys always love the diggers!  They have them at a lot of places here and of course Allen can't say no one when it comes to construction type activities.

 

Tigers!  They were huge and the boys loved them. 

 

They had two tigers and two lions.

Feeding the chickens

 

They had a hay house and we all loved playing in the hay!

The next day was rainy so we went to a pool.

Our last day in Bristol, mom played hookey from her meetings and came and hung out with us.
We went to the biggest indoor soft play in the UK!  They boys were exhausted afterwards.

That afternoon the sun sort of came out and we walked around the harbour.  Here is the John King!  Thinking of dear friends from Jordan.

They boys were excited to see "pirate ships".  Nate chanted "pirate" the whole walk.

My sweet boys!

Love this man!!

Double date night at our fav pub here once we got back. 

 

Ladyland Farm

Ben's preschool had a field trip the first Friday Mom and Dad were here.  We went to Ladyland Farm which was just amazing.  They did a great job with the kids.  Farmer Nicky showed us around and Ben is still talking about her.  They were able to feed and pet all the farm animals.  Needless to say, it was awesome to have extra hands to help Ben and Nate participate. 

Here they are feeding the sheep.  Of course, we sang "Baa Baa Black Sheep"

 

 

 

We left there and went to see the ponies but I didn't get a picture.  From there, we went to see baby chicks.  One had just hatched!  Love all the Papa moments the boys got!

 

 Then we fed goats and chickens.

 

 

 We held little bunnies.  I am pretty sure Nate gave our bunny a carotid massage!  He was a little aggressive.

We also saw pigs, ducks, and barn owls. 
Then a tractor ride

 

Then there was a huge field to play in with old tractors.  Of course, Ben talked all about how his Papa Hawkins has a tractor and how when we go to America he will ride it.  I am amazed at what he remembers!

 

Barrels to roll in, Nate loved it, Ben wouldn't even try it.
 They are so different!  I love it!

Playing on the straw bales

My wonderful, beautiful parents!!

My mom was amazing!  I think that I am cooking for the first time tonight in 2 weeks.

We had to drag them off the tractors to go home.  Nate was asleep before we got out of the parking lot.  They had a great time and they have open days for the public in August. Think we are going to kidnap Allen from work and go one day! (And since he doesn't read the blog it is ok to write it here =) )

The Farm House built in the early sixteenth century.  Amazing! 

Blessed by sweet memories with ShoSho and Papa