earlyaugust

A New Beginning

2012-01-13T13:53:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! I have vowed to be a better blogger this year, having started out so strong before kids, pretty good with Gus, then pictures only with Gus and now sporadic pictures of both kids. I need to be better! I always enjoyed keeping family and friends abreast (love that word) of the family goings-on and even a little writing just to remind myself I still can. We are celebrating the first year in our new house with TONS of projects done by Aaron which I will post soon and of course, Gus' new baby sister. Keep you posted on what keeps us busy day to day. Happy New Year!

Pullen Park

2012-01-13T13:35:00.001-05:00

We kicked this new year off with a trip to Pullen Park with our neighbors, the Molinas (lovely family, just lovely). The park is awesome after its renovation! Beautiful carousel that I should have photographed, old fashioned boats (which terrified my usually fearless 3 year old??) and most importantly, a choo-choo.

There was a beautiful, but very serious-faced little baby there. Check out those blue eyes!

Oh wait! Its Drew!

The girls hanging out while big brothers road (or screamed) in boats. One day there will be FOUR different kids to catch on a day like today!

Baby Bath

2011-11-28T08:48:00.002-05:00

Blue Eyes

2011-10-18T19:30:00.000-04:00

Grandma Comes to Town

2011-10-16T22:08:00.000-04:00

Hello.. baby sister

2011-10-13T08:52:00.000-04:00

Backyard beauty

2011-10-13T08:51:00.000-04:00

Happiness

2011-10-13T08:45:00.000-04:00

Fun in the Park

2011-10-03T16:36:00.000-04:00

Three Thumbs Up

2011-10-03T16:33:00.000-04:00

Baby Sister- Drew Suzanna :)

2011-09-19T20:36:00.001-04:00

Hoops

2011-09-16T20:44:00.000-04:00

River Run

2011-08-10T22:05:00.000-04:00

Boone Birthday

2011-08-10T22:04:00.000-04:00

Boone Baby

2011-08-10T22:00:00.001-04:00

Super Gus

2011-08-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

Pool Party

2011-08-10T21:06:00.000-04:00

ChooChoo..

2011-08-10T21:04:00.000-04:00

Kentucky

2011-07-10T17:28:00.001-04:00

Cake-part 1

2011-07-10T17:23:00.001-04:00

Fourth in Kentucky

2011-07-10T17:21:00.000-04:00

T-Ball

2011-07-10T17:18:00.001-04:00

Mountain Moments

2011-06-21T08:42:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we went to the mountains for Aaron to do a consult with a lovely little college outside of Asheville. While dad worked, Gus and I spent hours in an awesome park complete with little creek running through it.

We waited until Aaron could meet to dive in, of course. Pregnant woman + slippery rocks = Bad News.

We were delighted with a seemingly very friendly goose that seemed to be stalking us a bit. He was gorgeous and a big show-off. The fun ended when he tried to take off with Gus' shoe which was a little terrifying.

Garden with Gus

2011-06-21T08:38:00.001-04:00

We haven't posted pics of our raised garden beds that Aaron has been installing on the side of our house. They are awesome and to me, life changing. I have always wanted beds like these and we are having so much fun with them. Especially Gus.

We are growing tomatoes, cucumbers, dill, strawberries, rosemary, parsely, sunflowers, lilies, gladiolas, etc and there is always something to waters, snip or smell. Gus likes to monitor the monarch caterpillars on the dill and watch the tomatoes closely for signs of picking.

Rock'n

2011-06-21T08:34:00.001-04:00

A very short still moment at Montreat as we watched the crazy goose and mom was able to get off of her feet....for about 3 minutes.

Pleeeeeasssse can we get back in the creek?

Work With Dad

2011-06-09T14:02:00.001-04:00

Bucket Head

2011-06-03T23:07:00.004-04:00

Gus has become an active gardener. He likes to water the veggies and generally follow Aaron around with a shovel and wheel barrow.

He has even learned the names of some of the more sophisticated plants we have and throws them around in casual conversation (this pleases Aaron).

But its hard to beat wearing a plant container on your head for a good hour or so while doing work in your jammies.

1,2,3 ZOO

2011-06-03T22:47:00.003-04:00

Over Memorial Weekend we took Gus to the Zoo for the first time. He was entranced before we had even gotten there with the idea of it. He had only heard of it from books and daycare.

We convinced him we were on safari and that meant he insisted on wearing dad's hat and a bandana.

Thumbs Up

ZOO 2

2011-06-03T22:46:00.007-04:00

ZOO 3

2011-06-03T22:46:00.004-04:00

Favorite Catalpa

2011-06-03T22:35:00.003-04:00

Sultry summertime and my MC catalpa is looking good

Jam Session

2011-05-10T21:42:00.001-04:00

Our friend Richard had a great idea to make our own strawberry jam this year. We got the gang together to make an assembly line and ended up with enough jam to last us all the year (at least!).

Adorable little jam jars ready for a hot biscuit or vanilla ice cream.

Pergola Party

2011-05-10T21:39:00.001-04:00

For those of you who have followed the blog, you're thinking "didn't they have one of these not long ago?". Busted. We tend to have a "party" around building our pergola to line up some strong, able-bodied friends to help us with the heavy lifting while we feed them. Richard simulataneously supervising and eating a lemon square.

This sums up Aaron's attitude by the end of the project!

Gus before deciding the saw made a good tool to play with.

Cheese!

Bear hug from Uncle Richard

MC Amphitheater

2011-05-10T21:30:00.000-04:00

Meredith with Friends

2011-05-10T21:25:00.000-04:00

Breakfast Tickle

2011-04-22T21:14:00.000-04:00

Ready, Set, Go..

2011-04-22T21:07:00.000-04:00

Sunshine

2011-04-05T21:54:00.004-04:00

This was a wonderful first weekend of Spring. It was sunny yet cool and things were starting to bloom after a strangely cold, snowy winter in NC. Aaron didn't wait a minute to take off part of the Jeep top.

We layed on cushions on the front porch all morning eating breakfast, playing blocks, listening to music and I am sure watching Aaron sneak some early plants into our front beds. Spring in NC has always been wonderful but this one has been particularly stunning.

Camo and Crocs

2011-04-05T21:54:00.002-04:00

Always Be Prepared

2011-04-05T21:51:00.001-04:00

Many of you know Gus is a big fan of Bear Grylls (Man vs. Wild). We got him this little safari vest complete with compass, lantern, bandana, net, magnifying glass. Only problem is he wants to wear it to school.....all of it.

Too much for daycare?

Green Gus

2011-03-17T17:24:00.001-04:00

Thumbs Up

2011-03-15T21:17:00.001-04:00

First Fishing

2011-03-01T09:59:00.001-05:00

Quick Draw

2011-02-18T15:50:00.001-05:00

Gus Enjoyed his G's

2011-02-18T15:48:00.001-05:00

Sunny Winter Sports

2011-02-09T08:10:00.001-05:00

Profile and a Smile

2011-02-09T08:09:00.000-05:00

Our Hiding Place

2011-01-04T21:12:00.003-05:00

New Year's Greetings, all! What have we been up to? Moving! Yes, during Christmas. Excellent idea! Actually it has been tiresome but a lot of fun as we have someone living in our old house (whew!) and so enjoying our new house. As is Gus as you can see.

It has been a pretty magical start so far. The first night we stayed there it snowed so it was fun to wake up to a new view covered in snow. The downside is that we are on a hill and it makes the driveway very slippery. So if you come visit, remember your mountain climbing gear. Can't wait to update you with more pics as the place becomes presentable.

Game Night

2011-01-03T14:46:00.002-05:00

We have had the pleasure of many family visits lately. Love having space for the visitors now! Here is Aunt Sunnessa (Nessa as Gus says) teaching Gus the ways of Pente - a Schettler favorite!

Uncle Matthew (Maffyou), Nessa and Gus playing Life.

Creative Capes

2011-01-03T14:44:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the blurry images. These were taken by Sunessa as we came up with clever ways to tie Gus' blankie in order to make her laugh while on the telephone. Also get to see a few shots of the new, messy kitchen.

The bridal look (minus pants)

Suave scarf look

Merry Christmas, Baby!

2011-01-03T14:39:00.003-05:00

Fast forward 20 years to an article in Rolling Stone where he will thank his supportive parents for giving him his first guitar. At least he knows how to scream "Rock and Roll!!" Its a start.

But if that doesn't work out.....

There's always school, especially with a cool froggy backpack.

Christmas Cookies

2011-01-03T14:37:00.002-05:00

Since we knew we were moving into a new house there was no point to putting up a tree at the old house so in order to take part in the season we made many sweet treats and watched lots of Christmas movies. Here are some pics of my first experience with gingerbread men. I've always wanted to make them.

PUSH!!!

Gus LOVED making chocolate bark and placing each raisin very carefully.

And driving his firetruck through the "snow".

Kitchen Counter

2011-01-03T14:34:00.001-05:00

Crash Test

2010-12-10T06:43:00.001-05:00

The helmet survived. Gus was pleased and giggled with satisfaction.

Thanksgiving Bath

2010-11-28T21:05:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T21:01:00.002-05:00

We were lucky enough to secure the same cabin as last year to celebrate Thanksgiving which was great. We cooked, ate, choo-choo'd, sat around the campfire and played wii all weekend. It was wonderful.

Poppy brought Gus a hat that suits him.

Snuggling with Gus and Jake by the fire. No bears yet!

The whole group minus a sleeping Karley in the car.

Pow Wow

2010-11-28T20:59:00.002-05:00

The boys loved throwing rocks off of the back of the cabin into the forest below. Poppy was the ringleader of course.

Then we created headresses for these crazy savages.

Luckily they were a peaceful, fun loving tribe. Just energetic.....and loud.

Pow Wow II

2010-11-28T20:56:00.002-05:00

Karley Rose

2010-11-28T20:46:00.001-05:00

Introducing the newest member of the family - Miss Karley Rose Wells. Isn't she beautiful? She truly looks like a little doll. She is that pretty and sweet with tiny perfect features.

Her older, ornerier family members adore her and she loved watching them rough house and talk to her.

She was a trooper on outings.....

And even endured the Polar Express with her two enthusiastic seatmates.

Trucking

2010-11-05T10:33:00.002-04:00

We bought a motorized monster truck for Gus from the Bedford Garage Sale for $20! He and Lily decided to take it for a spin last weekend.

They cruised for a long time across James and Joann's backyard with grins on their faces and would turn to look at each other with mouths wide open

Lily in mid-squeal

Trucking pt. 2

2010-11-05T10:31:00.001-04:00

Trucking pt. 3

2010-11-05T10:30:00.001-04:00

Trick or Treat

2010-11-05T10:28:00.002-04:00

Without his hat he looks like a kid in a plaid shirt asking for candy but after the second house he was a seasoned (or sweetened!) pro.

Oh, I am supposed to put them in my bag first - not eat them as I go?

Partners in trick or treat crime: Jack (Peter Pan) and Harrison (bowler)

Sheriff Schettler

2010-11-05T10:02:00.003-04:00

It looks like a jail scene from a western but its really his crib in the background.

I'm you're snugglebunny.....

You don't want to tangle with the law.

Now Showing on Campus

2010-10-21T21:15:00.001-04:00

Pumpkins and Mums

2010-10-21T21:05:00.002-04:00

Annual Fall trip to the Farmer's Market with our friends. Loved the beautiful colors of gourds and mums. The boys had a great time.

Jack, Gus, and Harrison showing off tiny pumpkin selections and laughing hysterically for some reason.

Jeep Jamboree

2010-10-21T20:58:00.002-04:00

People have said that you dont have to buy kids toys - that they like the box they come in just as much. Ha! Our child's favorite "toy" is dada's Jeep. He would sit in it all day if we let him. Luckily it makes a great play pen when we are trying to clean out the garage.

Note the miniature replication of "poppy's boots". I got these cowboy boots at WalMart to go with his cowboy Halloween costume for this year. I've always loved cowboy boots with sweatpants.

Baby Blue

2010-10-21T20:56:00.001-04:00

Mini Gator and Gus

2010-10-21T20:54:00.002-04:00

Smile in Split Seconds

2010-10-21T20:53:00.001-04:00

August on the Side

2010-09-27T20:07:00.001-04:00

Green on Green

2010-09-27T20:00:00.001-04:00

Gussy in the Window

2010-09-27T19:55:00.001-04:00

Biscuit and Buns

2010-09-27T19:47:00.004-04:00

Sweet Cheeks

2010-09-03T16:01:00.001-04:00

Growing Gus

2010-09-02T21:44:00.001-04:00

Play at the Park

2010-09-02T21:40:00.003-04:00

Training Day

2010-09-02T21:38:00.003-04:00

Not Applicable

2010-08-02T15:41:00.001-04:00

Sun and Sand

2010-07-19T20:42:00.003-04:00

We took Gus to the beach this past weekend to have some new experiences under his 2-year-old belt.

Gus running for the waves. He was fairly bored with the ocean and more interested in the birds. He would run after them confused why they didn't want to play when he was screaming "tweet! tweet!".

We were actually glad he wasn't a natural beach lover. Truth is, we aren't either! Too much sun and too much sand - in EVERYTHING!

He did seem to like the aquarium despite the "take it or leave it" face here. Love the reflection of the fish on his face. His favorite part was the pool which, of course, we could have done in our neighborhood but he did seem to like the fun KOA Kabin we stayed in.

Work of Art

2010-07-10T19:06:00.003-04:00

Gus got a fantastic easel from his Uncles Richard and Dwayne.

He loved helping dada put it together (more than dada did! Ha!).

He immediately went to work with the dry-erase marker and chalk. I think we'll wait to break out the actual paints and brushes for a little bit longer. I am looking at my light-colored chairs with a gulp.

I will not draw on mommy's chairs.

Birthday Business

2010-07-10T16:00:00.002-04:00

We celebrated Gus' 2nd birthday this weekend and had a perfect day. Just before the clouds rolled in we gathered with close friends at the neighborhood pool to eat breakfast burritos and cupcakes. Here is Gus feeding Lilly a chip.

Harrison picked out a cookie monster gardening bag for Gus which he loves.

Cool Jack gives us a serious pose

Look closely. Lilly gives Gus a birthday "goose".

Thanks for coming everyone!!

More Birthday Business....

2010-07-10T15:00:00.001-04:00

Uncles Dwayne and Richard came to help celebrate.....and eat cupcakes.

Gus and Lilly pre-sugar rush

Gus definitely knows what presents are these days. He claps and says "YAY!!"

Uncle Richard swooshing Gus in the pool.

Fourth with Family

2010-07-07T08:26:00.001-04:00

Weekend Work

2010-07-01T16:06:00.001-04:00

Summer Swim Gear

2010-06-23T20:51:00.002-04:00

Gus killing time before the pool opens. Don't you love his swim duds? I think the SPF shirt is rather flattering on his little toddler physique!

Diaper Optional

2010-06-23T20:49:00.002-04:00

We have been letting Gus run around naked on the weekends because 1.) It is hot - can you imagine how great it feels not to wear one of those things? (2) He has had ANOTHER diaper rash (I swear we change this kids diaper!) (3) He has expressed interest in letting us know he has "poopied". Hoping this creates a little interest in the potty we bought him although it would be very early. A parent can dream. (4) It is the cutest thing to watch him prance around, belly out, with no shame.

New Crocs

2010-06-23T20:47:00.002-04:00

If anyone knows Aaron, you would know his son would wear Crocs ASAP.

Check out the super-scary Shark Croc.

Should increase his interest in his already favorite article of thing - "shoo?"

Summer Snacks

2010-06-12T12:39:00.001-04:00

Summer Shirts

2010-06-12T08:09:00.001-04:00

Gardens with Gus

2010-05-23T21:17:00.001-04:00

On the Farm

2010-05-22T08:28:00.001-04:00

Push ups

2010-04-24T22:39:00.001-04:00

Tennis?

2010-04-24T22:37:00.000-04:00

Gus Gardening

2010-04-24T22:34:00.001-04:00

A Stranger Came to Town

2010-04-10T13:19:00.000-04:00

Get 'em Up Gus

2010-04-10T13:18:00.000-04:00

Alley Cats

2010-03-14T21:11:00.001-04:00

Weekend Wuv

2010-03-14T21:03:00.001-04:00

Duke Gardens

2010-03-14T21:01:00.001-04:00