Yo Gabba Gabba!

We have been looking forward to Yo Gabba Gabba Live for months (since we missed the show last fall, actually). Friday was the big night, and we couldn't have had more fun! It was also David's birthday! (The pictures are not great because the auditorium was so dark and we couldn't snap shots during the show.)

Both Cohen and Henry have loved Yo Gabba Gabba since they were about three months old. Henry is at his peak with the show. He carries the toy Gabba characters with him at all times like a security blanket. Brobee is his favorite. He holds the characters up and demands that we sing the opening song at least 20 times a day (while he smiles, claps and dances).

When we first walked into the auditorium, there were Gabba signs, cardboard characters and merchandise everywhere. Henry freaked out, screaming, crying, trying to touch everything. He wasn't sure what was going on. Cohen couldn't have been more excited. The show was sensory overload - lights, loud music, colors everywhere, props, falling leaves/snow...and DJ Lance, all the characters and Biz Markie. After a few minutes of settling in, both boys were mesmerized. We danced and sang to all of our favorite songs. We were there for an hour and a half, and neither boy wanted to leave once it was over.

It was David's birthday and a Friday night after all, so we celebrated with an adult beverage before the show. Henry got ahold of an empty beer bottle during the intermission and held on to it the entire second half of the show. It was a wild time - kids dancing all over the place, parents juggling multiple children, fits and meltdowns.

Cohen loved every second of the show.

We had to move to the back of the auditorium so Henry could move around. He didn't like being confined to a seat with people all around.

Personally, I had one of the best nights of my life! As a parent, Gabba has been a lifesaver to me in so many instances. At times, the show is the only thing that will calm a fussy Henry down. It has taught Cohen many valuable life lessons. I love that it reinforces self expression through dance and it promotes diversity and music. The show was fantastic, and I think I might have had more fun than half the children there!

"Daddy's School"

We spent this past weekend in Charlottesville, or as Cohen likes to call it, "Daddy's School." We had the best time hanging out with a bunch of UVA friends and their families. We rented an adorable historic house by the Downtown Mall with Nick and Jess Schiavi. It was wonderful catching up with everyone and getting to know all the children (I think there were move than 15)!

Early Saturday morning, we took the boys to The Corner for donuts then went to The Lawn. (sidenote, Cohen fell off his tricycle Thursday afternoon and busted his lip, and Henry gave himself a black eye in the bathtub Wednesday night, so their faces are a little black and blue in these pictures.)

Brother hugs at The Rotunda

Liz spent the weekend with us too! The boys loved having an extra playmate in the house!

Cohen had an absolute blast.

"Snake Man" came out to play too.

Saturday afternoon was game time! David, Cohen and I took the trolly to the tailgate - Cohen was so excited! Liz and Henry hung out at the house and went to the Downtown Mall for playtime, ice cream and cheeseburgers.

Cohen, Riker Matthews, Claire McCahill and Campbell Peterson at the tailgate

We sat in the stands for the first half - Cohen clapped and cheered his little heart out! He kept asking to see Renegade (melt my heart). I told him that we'll go to a Seminoles game next fall.

We moved to the hill for the second half.

Cohen and Charlie Blanchard chased each other around the entire second half. These two were hilarious and had everyone cracking up. So cute.

Although UVA lost to NC State, it was the best time ever! We have so many fun years of football games to look forward to with our boys.

Great Weekend!

I feel like I am always saying this, but the weather is absolutely gorgeous in Charlotte! I love living up here, especially this time of year. Friday night, our neighbors gathered at Kilgo's Annual Fall Festival. There were rides, games, food and lots of catching up with friends.

We have made trips to several pumpkin patches (the boys can't get enough). This weekend, we stopped by the Kings Market.

Cohen would have taken 20 pumpkins home. He kept picking them up and running around.

We couldn't keep Cohen off the huge piles of pumpkins.

Sweet Henry with his crossed legs.

Uncle Gardner came into town on Saturday, and we carved a big pumpkin. So fun! Also, the Touseys surprised us in the afternoon with an impromptu visit. We loved catching up with them in person and watching the babes play together. Cohen and Sam read books on the couch, drank milk, danced and played. And it won't be long before Henry and Caroline are chasing each other around. It was so great seeing them, and we were all sad when they had to leave.

Blowing Rock Weekend

I fell in love this weekend. With Blowing Rock. Words and photos can't describe the beauty. This was the sunrise from the deck at our cabin, Little Mountain Dream. The pictures don't do it justice. We literally watched the leaves change and become more vibrant by the hour. Unbelievable.

We walked around the adorable historic downtown...

and played at the best park...every day.

Cohen's good friend, Leighton, was also in town! They had the best time running around the park together.

Henry could slide all day long.

I love the way Henry looks at Cohen with total admiration.

This weekend, it was Cohen's turn to take Curious George home from school. Curious George went all over the mountains with us. He has not left Cohen's side for a second.

"Hiking" at Moses Cone Manor. We would have loved to explore more, but it's tough with two little ones.

Cohen and Curious George watching the horses

Henry playing Peek-a-Boo while taking a picture

Hendog loved rolling down the grass hills.

The drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway was breathtaking. I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life. We took the boys to Grandfather Mountain on Sunday, and we stopped at a bunch of lookouts along the way.

Cohen was so excited to see the bears. He would have been happy watching them the rest of the afternoon.

Checking out the deer

Poor Hendog caught a cold and is cutting 3 molars, but he still managed to have a good time. The best news is that he took his first few steps in the mountains! He wants to go, go, go so badly, but I think he has a little more time until he's a legitimate walker.

It was the best weekend! We didn't want to leave...or as Cohen says, "I don't wanna weave." Hopefully we will go back again very soon!