Fawn is SEVEN.

Fawn turned seven on January 26. I can still remember finding out that I was pregnant with him, finding out that he was a he and not a she, and going into labor with him like it was yesterday. But yet, it also seems like a lifetime ago because I simply do not remember life without him.

I am so proud of the big boy he is becoming. He is absolutely thriving in first grade. His reading skills have skyrocketed. While he can read to himself at night (even chapter books!), I love that he will still sit with me and cuddle over picture books. I know these days are waning so I cherish them. He's a little math genius and loves playing addition war with me. He is a curious, inquisitive little fellow and I just love looking at the world through his eyes. He loves when Miss Annie comes to first grade, Genius Hour, gym class, and art.

He loves hunting and sports -- he is all boy! Baseball is his favorite sport, but he also enjoys soccer and can't wait to play football. He intends on replacing Derrick Henry at Alabama. He didn't play basketball this year, but he really enjoys watching basketball on TV and keeping his own score (with Roman numerals). He indulges me by cheering on the Tar Heels. His favorite color is green, but by his wardrobe you would think his favorite color was neon. He wears lots of Under Armor, but also loves jeans with a polo and his Alabama belt. He's still sporting a grown-out buzz cut, and I feel like that will be his haircut for a good while. His favorite foods are popcorn chicken, grilled cheese, and pizza. He will eat absolutely any fruit and most veggies, though broccoli and carrots are his current favorites. We don't watch much TV, but he usually chooses Wild Kratts, a nature/animal documentary, Tom and Jerry, or Transformers (old school or new age). He will still play with toys -- Legos are his favorite, but he hasn't abandoned his beloved Transformers either. He (and his little sidekick Small Fry) went through a Pokemon phase in the summer which I could barely stand. But, as I knew it would be, it was just as quickly over (though it seems to be creeping back in....). He really enjoys art and drawing if I can get him to sit still! And, he loves his scooter and bike.

Speaking of bikes, he got a new (neon!) 20" for his birthday. He is proud and it is such a big bike. I mean huge...for a big kid! We got it the week before his birthday and let him ride it as soon as we got it. As for his actual birthday, he wanted Heavenly Donuts at his school. They made us our special order -- glazed donut and vanilla icing, no sprinkles. Small Fry and I took them to BWF at lunch time with some fun baseball napkins. Fawn passed out the treats (he was so sweet and polite!) and all of Fawn's friends sang to him. It was really fun to be there to share in that. That night, we had family over to celebrate Fawn. His request was a sports party with Davenport's Pizza and cookie cake. We had a wonderful meal, opened fun presents and ate delicious cake to celebrate our favorite seven-year old. Fawn got the deep sea Lego helicopter from Mimi and Pops, Bass Pro hunting/fishing toys from Lulu and Doc, a magic set from Aunt C, and real walkie-talkies from Uncle Ben and Aunt Ally. Small Fry surprised Fawn with some Imaginext Power Rangers and a Power Ranger Dino. Let me tell you what really happened....Fawn got a Power Rangers Dino for Small Fry's birthday (February 8) and looked so wistful and longing that I realized it was a great gift for Small Fry to give his big brother. Let me tell you, Small Fry absolutely loved picking out the blue ranger and his dino for his big brother. He was so proud! Since we'd already done the bike, Fawn just got a few small presents from us: books (of course!), a Robobug (he constructed his own robotic bug -- bizarre but he loved it!), a detective set, and a pretend shaving set. Small Fry got a shaving set too -- they just love those, and they tell me that they really need to shave their whiskers. Hilarious! Fawn absolutely loved his birthday. And it was headache-free -- I think keeping it low key was a great idea!

Speaking of headaches, they are so much better (knock on every surface known to man -- and Praise the Lord!). Fawn has been an absolute trooper with the diet. The vast majority of the time he doesn't fuss or feel sorry for himself. There are other occasions that are more difficult (I'm looking at you, Halloween, Valentine's Day, Easter, and birthday parties). But, he has shown incredible resilience, grace, and understanding for such a young child. I can see that God has used this experience to make him more empathetic. And, wow, he's the best patient ever. Sadly, I think compared to a terrible migraine, normal kiddo sicknesses pale in comparison. So when he stays home from school for a cold or virus, he is super easy and loving. We are so thankful for the progress in his health. We have had some really tough moments over the last year, but we have survived and he has thrived. We pray for more progress and eventually a headache-free Fawn.

Fawn has held my whole heart since January 26, 2009. Although I miss my baby, my toddler, my preschooler, my kindergartener, I am completely in love with and in awe of my SEVEN-year old. He is serious and thoughtful, but can laugh, joke, and be silly with the best of them. He loves life, especially all the adventures that life brings. He is a mini-version of his father in so many ways, but I also see glimpses of myself in his personality. His teachers and other parents always remark to me that he is so kind to his peers, and that is really what I've deeply wanted for him -- to treat others with the love of God. We couldn't be more proud of the boy he is or more excited to see what's around the corner for him. Happy, happy birthday sweet Bub! We love you NO MATTER WHAT, FOREVER and ALWAYS.

(PS, your mother is technologically-challenged so pictures will follow)

Back in the Saddle.

To husband and kiddos,

When you look back on this years from now, you will notice a bit of a blogging hiatus. While I plan to backdate blog entries and update our digital collection of memories, it will be sparse. This was a creature of the stage of life we are in. We are busy living, doing, going.

As you boys get older, I have learned through experience that what my veteran mommy friends have always told me is true: life gets busier, not calmer. It is a wonderful stage; I wouldn't trade these days for anything. While I adored being a mommy to newborns and infants (the love simply overwhelmed me), this new stage is even better. God just gives us better days after better days. I love watching you learn your way in the world. I love watching you struggle and triumph in learning new things. I love getting to know the fabric of you -- your likes and dislikes, your temperament, what makes you tick.

We've settled into a lovely rhythm as a family. There's lots of action (of course...I am surrounded by adventurous boys!). But I am so grateful that we have managed to carve out if not "down time" then peaceful time. It comes in hours stolen after school in Lego play or art projects, nights spent curled up with books, and long days at the farm or lake enjoying God's creation. This year I am thankful for those times with you. When our schedule allows us not to stop, but to really be and enjoy each other. To not go, go, go and check things off my ever-present to-do list. I just finished a book for a Bible study called "Sabbath in the Suburbs" and was floored to find we are already practicing the Sabbath in our own way as a family in these special times. It's the moments we truly see each other. For that and for you, I am so grateful.

So when the schedule allows, it's time to start capturing these memories for you -- and for your children. As Luke says, I have already pondered these things in my heart. Your footprints are all over my heart my dear boys. You have made me the person I am -- I love you.

Mommy

First Deer.

I thought I would write this post in the year 2018 or later. Never in my wildest dreams would my six-year old kill a deer. But Fawn is a determined little guy. When he sets his mind to something, he goes after it until he gets it. Learning to ride a bike without training wheels, learning to ski, learning to hit a live baseball. Then there is getting what he wants -- he will brow beat us until he convinces us that his way is best. Be it taking a Fitbit to school, sitting in the way back, or wearing whatever he wants however he wants. Wow, he's clearly been raised by two lawyers. (His current demands are a buzz cut with racing stripes, a cell phone, and a puppy. I'm hoping none of these happen and determined to stand my ground on everything but the hair.)

Buck got some sort of easy to handle, small gun for Fawn to learn to shoot. He was frustrated at first but worked and worked until he satisfied Buck that he was a good shot. Buck gave him the green light to take a shot if one was there the weekend before Christmas. There were no shots to be had. He was determined, though, and was not going to let hunting season pass him by without a deer.

We spent the week after Christmas at the farm again this year. This is quickly turning into one of my favorite times of the year. It's a long enough time that everyone actually relaxes and unwinds (I'm talking to you, Buck). And while it is a lot to pack and get ready, when we are there life is so simple and easy. I did not get in my car from December 26 through January 1. Bliss! And while the weather wasn't great for the hunters (it was HOT at first), it made for lots of great outdoor time. The boys loved riding their Go Kart that they got for Christmas. Pure joy! We also had fun playing flag football as a family. And, the boys even got in the canoe (in short sleeves!)

There was also hunting in short sleeves -- in December! So it wasn't the best hunting at first and Fawn did not have a shot at a deer. As the weather slowly changed, though, so did his luck. December 28, 2015 was his day. Jack and I were hanging out in the yard and heard three shots in a fairly short period of time. Buck and my texts are too funny not to remember:

Me: Was that yall shooting?

Buck: No

Me: What about that?

Buck: No

Me: That?!?

Buck: Yes

Me: Hit?!?!

Buck: We'll see

Me: That does not inspire confidence. Praying you find it soon

<Minutes pass with no update, I get anxious. The last thing I want for Fawn is to shoot a deer and not find it.>

Me: Update?!?

Buck: Dead deer.

When they got back to the skinning shed they were both beside themselves with excitement. It was hard not to be caught up in it! Buck was so proud of his son -- especially his shot (right through the heart!). Fawn was so proud of himself, and we could all feel his true sense of accomplishment. Then came the pictures, blood on the face, and hanging/skinning of the deer.

These were four happy guys. I loved watching Small Fry be so excited for his brother. And Doc's joy was palpable. It was a special moment. 

Love these two and their special bond.

Had to get a picture with my little hunter.

I had to get my big camera out to capture these memories. (Only to realize my kit lens is broken!)

I think Small Fry was just as excited as Fawn.

Proud of him.

Namesake.

My farm buddies. Love every one of them.

Daddy did the face painting honors.

He's handsome even with deer blood on his face.

And the deer.

Fawn wanted to measure himself against his doe.

Not to be outdone, Small Fry and I hit Pond Field later in the week for a hunt of our own. We saw deer, but Small Fry just couldn't sit still. So he jumped out of the shooting house waiving his flashlight at the deer to scare them. He hasn't quite gotten the hang of hunting. 

My not-quite-yet hunter.

All in all, a lovely week at the farm. And, a memory for life for sweet Fawn (and his daddy). We are proud of you, buddy. Hope it's just the first in a lifetime of successful hunts for you.

Christmas 2015.

This post should also be called, Would You Like to See the Tops of Their Heads? The pictures from Christmas this year are just not that awesome. That's okay though -- as I wasn't really concerned with pictures but rather with soaking up the enjoyment and fun of Christmas with kiddos. They were precious in their matching PJs and so excited when they woke up. They opened Hank and Hannah's stockings first and then moved on to theirs. They both got movies, wipe away activity cards, baseball ice packs for their lunch boxes, and a toy. Then they tore into Santa presents. Fawn got a bow, a target, and a massive deep sea Lego set. Small Fry got a vet set (he calls it "the puppy and kitty set"), an Imaginext Batcave, and a Jake and the Neverland Pirates play ship. They were both beside themselves with excitement. They also got presents from Buck and me. We tweaked our gift giving this year to something to wear, something to read, a fun surprise, something you need. They got Alabama PJs, books (an adventure mix and match for Small Fry and The Yeti Files #2 for Fawn), two surprises to share (marble maze for home and go kart with new mohawk helmets for the farm), and camo wallets. It was a great Christmas morning for all!

Small Fry saw this vet set at Barnes and Noble (along with the Batcave) and changed his Christmas requests well into December. Good thing Santa is flexible!

Biggest Lego set ever!

"Look, Dad, I can pull back this bow!"

We headed to Mimi and Pops' house after breakfast. The boys picked out their clothes -- we are not the type to make them dress up on Christmas day -- and it was all Under Armor for our crew on this muggy, warm Christmas. 

Fawn got a circuits electricity set. It is super cool and a great big boy toy!

Small Fry got a toy car engine to take apart and put back together. Over and over and over. It is a big hit.

After visiting with Mimi and Pops, we were off to Lulu and Doc's house where all the boys got scooters. Which they rode around the house because it was raining outside! Luckily nothing got broken. 

The ring leader.

His faithful followers.

We went home to rest, and put Legos together, and eat, and put Legos together, and play, and put Legos together. Just about every family member made their way by our house -- including the great grandparents (Voncille, Mema and Abou). We had lots of goodies and the boys were happy to show off their toys, archery skills, and did I mention Legos? We actually had some bad -- and kind of scary -- weather come through in the late afternoon. Fawn would not leave his Lego post by the huge dining room windows but all was safe and sound in the end and the tornados and bad storms missed us. It was a great day -- long and full, but tiring. We got to see all of the family we love -- and those people who love our boys so dearly. We are in the fun and easy years of Christmas in terms of Small Fry and Fawn. And we are enjoying it!

Target practice.

Merry Christmas from the Nichols!

Take two. Merry, Merry.

Christmas Eve.

We continued our Christmas Eve tradition of eating brunch together as a family of four. The boys love the meal -- breakfast casserole, monkey bread, and grapefruit. And they also love sitting in the dining room and having a fancy meal. The rest of the day was low key until it was time for church. Boy can they dress up well!

Super handsome boys before Christmas Eve church at Covenant.

And their handsome Daddy.

And their lucky Mommy.

Fawn took a picture of Mom and Dad!

So nice to have a picture -- that's not a selfie -- of my sweetie and me.

Church was lovely -- we were joined by our favorite Uncle Pak and my sweet, dear cousin Annie from NYC. The boys, Annie and I walked around to get our energy out before church and Fawn helped Uncle Pak log some steps on his Fitbit. During the children's portion of church, Small Fry eagerly got up to join the other children up front. In true Fawn fashion, he was having none of it. And, we did not light ourselves or the sanctuary on fire during the candlelight portion. Winning! Truly, it was a great service and our boys did a great job of sitting through the whole thing. After a quick dinner for the boys, it was time for reindeer food and putting out cookies for Santa.

Now these faces...if I could bottle up this excitement and joy, I would. Christmas with children is magical. Merry Christmas Eve!

iJune.

Oh summer how we love you! May was gone in a flash and we enjoyed every bit of summer fun June threw our way.

We have fallen in love with McWane's Itty Bitty Magic City. It's a great place to beat the heat.

Daddy caught a snake in the backyard after Hannah barked at it. It was a perfect conversation starter for their photos with Barbara Harbin later that day.

They get tired at the lake -- especially after they learned to tube.

A little 12th anniversary celebration at the Garth Brooks concert. We started with dinner at Ollie Irene with great friends and then hit the 10:30 pm show. Best concert ever!

We blasted off with Covenant's VBS. Kelly and I taught Fawn's class -- a super fun group of rising 1st grade boys. Small Fry got to do mini VBS with Miss Anne in the nursery. Both boys had a great week and we've been jamming to the CD of the VBS music all summer.

Happy Father's Day to Buck! He was the happy recipient of new camo Crocs.

The boys loved tormenting the bait fish at the lake.

Photos for Dad.

With the promise of playing on the Slip N Slide, I bribed the boys to take these pictures for Buck for Father's Day. Melt my heart, they are precious!

Happy Father's Day to Buck! The best and most fun dad there is. When I married him, I knew he would be a good father but he has far exceeded all of my very high expectations. We love him and are so proud to call him ours.