Let's Go Camping

Jennifer and I both grew up going camping with our families and have wonderful memories of life with a traveling home. We decided to pass these experiences down to the triplets. I have been researching different sizes, brands and towing constraints for several months. We had a couple needs and several wants when picking our vacation on wheels. Late January we hired a baby sitter and went to the camper show in Atlanta. This would give me the chance to show Jennifer exactly what I had been researching. I knew we would either leave with a new camper or at least narrow the field down to a couple brands. We searched and fell in love with several campers that were too big and had found several we would consider. Then we walked into the Zinger. Jennifer loved it from the moment she walked in. She shops with her eyes and the interior was different from the others we had seen -so it was moved to the top of the keeper list. I'm just glad she did not shop for husbands that same way because she would have passed me by. Pressed for time, we met with the owner and set up a closing date. I got to go pick it up a couple days after the triplets birthday. I wonder what they would think of their new camper?

They loved it. It has bunk beds in the back that will accommodate all 3 of ours for a long time. Charlotte picked out her bed first.

Evan and Ellie peaking out the window on the top bunk.
They just realized they had a sky light.

Jenn and the kids checking out the dinning table.
We are still getting it loaded with essentials and then a practice run in the front yard. Wish us Luck!

A picture is worth a thousand words

This picture says it allIt's time for pictures again.

Now that's better!

Jessica came to our house for the photo shoot. The girls were hamming it up for the camera.
Evan not too much. He didn't even want to come down the stairs.
Sweet Charlotte

Little Miss Ellie

Evan still not in the mood

They rarely get to come into our bedroom, so they were in heaven jumping on the bed.

Even Evan
Finally a smile

Yeah! We made it thru another photo shoot!

E,I,E,I,O

This year the birthday party extravaganza theme was barnyard. If you missed last years Cookie and Elmo party here's a link. Jennifer has been planning this for months, OK at least a year. She only gets one per year even though we have three kids so I can't blame her for wanting to go all out. Plus the kids are worth it.

We will start with the food first. We prepared all the food and she even came up with snappy names to go along with the theme. The food was even things the kids love to eat. Here's a shot of the buffet table. Here's the cake. Jennifer did the baking and I did the decorating.

I will just list the rest of the items you will see pictured in the next couple of shots.

Chicken feed = Chex's Mix

The Garden = Veggie tray, Little Piggies = Pigs in a Blanket

Chicken 'n Biscuits = Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis

Cow Patties, Haystacks & Barn Cookies
Waterin Hole

Eating all our yummy foodBring on the cupcakes

Charlotte with the little pig cupcakeEvan got the cow
Ellie and the little chick

The adult table
Craft time
Time for presents
Playtime

Family picture

Instead of presents we asked for help for their March of Dimes team. We were hoping for a $300 goal and we have raised $480. If you would like to join in to help to raise money for premature births go to their team website at http://www.marchforbabies.org/triplesmith

We had such a good time and appreciate everyone enjoying the day with us. What will next year's theme be????

Update

On Valentine's Day we went to Monkey Joe's so they could jump off some energy. Boy did they have fun. I think Ellie went down the big slide 100 times by herself. Evan & Charlotte just wanted to run from inflatable to inflatable. We definitely will be going back.

On their birthday Jennifer took them to Babyland General. They didn't really get into it. Maybe in another year or 2.

Evan liked the stuffed raccoon

For lunch she took them to Burger King

Today the triplets went to the doctor for their 2 year check-up. Here are their measurements so we won't forget.

Ellie - Height 34 1/2" (75%), Weight 21 lbs 8oz (2%)

Evan - Height 35" (65%), Weight 23 lbs 15oz(10%)

Charlotte - Height 34 1/4" (75%), Weight 21 lbs 14oz (3%)

2 years old

Ellie, Evan & Charlotte,

Today you are 2 years old. I can't believe it. Just 2 years ago you three were fighting for your life and now you are FULL of life. I love being able to stay at home with you and see each one of you grow into your own little person. There is never a dull moment at the Smith house!

Ellie,

You are a fire ball! You act & do things just like me and that might be a bad thing once you are a teenager and we butt heads. You love your sleep and have to have your little pink bear. You suck your thumb when you are sleepy. You love to brush your teeth. Your favorite things to eat are crackers with veggie cream cheese, p-nut butter sandwiches, watermelon and anything sweet. You also love ranch dressing & ketchup to dip things in. You love to say yum-yum, what's that and thank you. You love watching Wonder Pets & Sesame Street. You love to pick up as many toys as your little arms can hold, I hope this isn't a sign of a hoarder. You love to skip & are fearless.

Evan,
You are such a momma's boy. You get really upset when I have to leave you, so I have to sneak away. You are all boy - you love balls, choo-choo's and going outside, but you do love your bear blanket. You climb on everything and can open doors and escape. You love to jump and draw on your Elmo magnadoodle. You are left handed. You love green beans, any kind of peas, cucumbers, salad & watermelon. You love to say uh-oh, hey, bath & No. You love Grover and Ernie from Sesame Street & watching Dora & Diego. You love to give your sisters hugs and are a great brother.
Charlotte,
You are so sweet. You love to give kisses and are mommy's little helper. You love to get in people's lap and like to snuggle the most. You are usually the last asleep and the first one up and just jibber jabber in your crib. You have just started to be attached to your bear blanket. You are sometime the quiet, shy one but when you are hyper you are wild! You love carrots & cheese, but not a big fan of sweets expect watermelon & fruits. You love saying bye, momma & daddy & thank you. You are really particular about certain things like shoes and the color of your sippy cup. You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Blue's Clues. You love books and love to get in my lap to read.
The only thing I ask of each of you is to stop growing up so fast. Happy Birthday!
Love, Mommy