While Daddy's Away...

 

We STILL will play. Landon is enjoying a wonderful, long Memorial Day weekend in Boston.As we drove him to the airport on Thursday, he was like a kid going off to camp, just giddy with excitement. I haven't seen him that excited, well..since our last vacation. Landon LOVES to travel, and a guy's trip is right up his alley.
But, the show must go on around here. We have lots of fun things planned to keep us busy this weekend. I'm crossing my fingers that the weather cooperates.
This afternoon after nap time, we headed out to the mall with Grandmama and Poppy. We set our sights on a fun carousel ride, the indooor playscape, and ice cream. All of these fun mall attractions didn't disappoint. We had a blast.

 

Miller wore himself out on all the play equipment. I had to laugh to myself when he tried with all of his might to be just like the older boys and climb on top of the slippery & slick Police Car. At first, he struggled to get his footing. He even stuck out his tongue in a moment of intense concentration, he gets this mannerism from Landon. I think the strong will & determination is also a Landon thing. It's quite shocking how much he looked just like his daddy at that moment. Finally, he reached the top with sweet success!

 

 

After two or three car climbing adventures, he laid down on the floor to rest! Who knew playing could be such hard work?
P.S. I think a haircut for Miller needs to be added to our weekend plans.

Maiden Voyage of the Trike

Miller embarked on his first trike mission outside of the house today. Yes, I'm the mom that's allowed him to test out his new trike indoors for the last two months. Omi and Papa spoiled Miller with a big boy tricycle for his second birthday and we're just now putting it to good use. And, with this 0 humidity gorgeous weather in Atlanta the past two days, we couldn't have picked a better day for our neighborhood embarkment. The best part about this Radio Flyer is that Miller's legs can remain stationary and we can push him forward and steer him in any direction. Miller thinks he's the captain, but in actuality we can navigate him when he tires out. I guess it's a learner's permit for a toddler. On our stroll, we couldn't help but humm Mr. Roger's tune, "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"!

On our way back to port, we joined Grant and Carter for some outdoor fun. I can't think of a better way to wrap up our maiden voyage than to share the tricycle with Grant. Bon voyage to many happy tricycle memories this summer!

Road Trip

Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go...

 

What a wonderful road trip to Knoxville this weekend. We always jump at the chance for a getaway to Omi & Papa's house. Miller is always spoiled and showered with attention. He just loves his grandparents...and Armond too!
Our family was excited to share in the anticipation of the birth of our niece Merideth. On Saturday, Omi and I attended a family shower for Laurel, my SIL. I was so excited to see Laurel's growing baby bump as it's been since Christmas since we've been to Knoxville. She warned us that she was huge, but all I could see was a perfect round basketball. I was in charge of the shower videography. I'm sure they'll love having my commentary about every gift recorded for their viewing pleasure in the years to come. Ha!

 

 

Saturday evening, we enjoyed a laid back cookout at Laurel and Chad's house. Landon was absolutely thrilled to see his sister prego! Pictures have carried us through the past months, but Landon and I wanted to see the mommy to be in person. They introduced us to their oh so cute nursery. It brought back memories of all the nursery decorating we did when we were getting ready for Miller. There's just nothing like the thrill of your first born. Everything is set up and ready to go. And, now the countdown is on...4 weeks to go!!

 

No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

I came across this picture tonight as I was completing my quarterly picture ordering from Shutterfly. Miller just loves to jump on our bed. Nightly, he asks, "Wanna jump on the bed?" Full out belly laughs follow as Landon wrestles and tickles Miller. He sometimes gets lost in the fluffiness of our down comforter. He always gives away his location by proclaiming, "Shh, Miller's hiding!". We usually have to patrol this monkey jumping by creating boundaries so he doesn't fall off and bump his head. He warns himself in mid jump, "Don't fall off the edge." Luckily, this momma hasn't had to call the doctor yet!

Punch List

Landon and I are nearing completion of our spring punch list to get the house ready to put on the market. New blinds in the office and Miller's room, check. Roof repaired, check. Refrigerator and Freezer handles were delivered (don't ask), check. Fresh trim paint on the stairs, check. Still left on our list, repair of the kitchen sink and some dry wall repair from our roof leak! To add to all our repairing drama, a storm blew through our back yard several weeks ago and shattered our patio table. Last week, a glass repair man came out and delivered new glass. It seems as if we tackle one problem and something else happens! Oh, the joys of home ownership!

Our plans are to just sit and wait until the house sells in this rough economy. I have days when I just want to stay put. We LOVE our neighbors and the friendships that we've developed on our street. There's always a social, kid's party, consignment sale etc. to attend. It's fun to have neighbors in the same stage of life. And, we love our backyard and the little things we've lovingly upgraded around here in the last few years. Sentimentally speaking, it's our first home.. with lots of memories. The fact remains, we've maxed out every closet, shelf, garage space, attic space, drawer, and room.
We're not rushing out to purchase a new house until this one sells! Wish us luck. We'll see what happens! We know that God has it all in his control and timing.

Hello May!

The Downs joined us for a backyard dinner tonight. We've been trying to get this together for weeks, but with birthdays and vacations, it's been a challenge to work something out. Miller just loves his buddy Caden. And, what a fun day to celebrate the grand opening of the sand table. This is yet another toy passed down from our neighbors. It's been sitting on the patio for weeks collecting rain, and looking so lonely without sand or toys. The boys enjoyed scooping, sifting, and car chasing through the sand. At the end of the night, most of the sand was on the grass instead of in the table. While the adults dined on the patio, Caden and Miller ran all over the backyard. They were too busy playing to care about eating!



Our family has a lot to be grateful for on this first weekend in May, great friendships, family and our jobs. Yesterday, I signed my contract for the 09-10 school year. I was nervous about it because other counties have totally eliminated part time positions because of budget cuts. Thank the Lord, he's allowed me another year in my dream job. Bring on May!

Super Duper Car Wash

Miller enjoyed scrubbing up his riding toys at Jack's 2nd birthday party this afternoon. It was fun to watch him with a bucket and sponge in hand give his riding toys a good bath. Well, I think he ended getting most of the soapy bubbles all down his shirt and trunks.Suds were in his eyes and mouth, but he didn't seem to mind. This boy loves to splash. And, what fun to wash cars in the sun with your buds. Once the water at the inflatable car wash was turned on, all the toddlers loved running through the streamers to cool off.




What a perfect sunny day to enjoy splashing around. Miller loved watching Jack blow out his 2 candles on the car cupcakes. And, when Miller discovered he got to eat his very own cupcake with a car on top, he was thrilled.



All the action and excitement overcame Miller after about an hour and a half...or was it remnants of red frosting in his eyes? Our exhausted Super Duper Car Wash worker needed a snack and a nap. He was out in a flash on our ride home! Washing cars is hard work. He left with his very own bucket, sponge and personalized towel for more washing fun at home. On Sunday morning, Miller was still talking all about the bucket, bubbles and birthday boy Jack. Happy, Happy Birthday Jack! We enjoyed celebrating with you.