Independence Day (and before)

We had a fun-filled Fourth of July.  We began the celebration early and had a fun night out with friends Tuesday evening.  Justin's parents wanted to keep bub so it worked out nicely.  Not only do we celebrate our Independence on the fourth each year, we also celebrate my dad's birthday.  Justin, my brother, my dad and my father-n-law played an early round of golf Wednesday morning.  While they were golfing, Brody and I, along with a few others, were playing in the pool.  Around 1:30 we came home so bub could nap.  When he got up and got dressed we headed around town to 'party' hop.  Some of our friends were hanging by the pool, so we made two stops to say hi and visit before heading to dinner with my family.

 my mom gave him that flag and wanted a picture and he just took off 

  Happy Birthday Pop!

 Those who know my mom, you know how much she loves Brody wearing his red, white, and blue and holding the American flag.

We hope you had a wonderful day celebrating our independence with family and friends.

17 Months

WOW!  I cannot believe it.  Today bub is 17 months. Because I have time while he is napping, I thought I would document what he's up to these days.

He is putting together more words to make phrases and sentences.  He will grab my shoes, his shoes, daddy's shoes and say "da-da shoe" "da-de shoe" "bro shoe" etc.   When Justin leaves to go to work he says "bye-bye daddy" then "da -de go."

His vocabulary is expanding.

Until just last week, our child has not sit down long enough to watch a cartoon or show on T.V.  We might have it on in the background and he just doesn't want much to do with it, unless he sees something he can point to and say.  I will say, up until  he was about 12 months we [I] was a stickler about not having him watch T.V. Anyway, now he will watch Micky Mouse Club House on Disney Jr. and he loves it.  He won't sit still the whole time to watch it, but he watches it nonetheless.  He says "Micky" and "Goofy."

He is becoming quite the little fish.  He loves being in the pool.  He gets excited when I say "let's get ready to go to the pool."

He is getting highlights in his hair from being out in the sun this summer.  

He is creating tons of art work at school, thanks to his fantastic teachers.

He is starting to strum the guitar.

He loves his "blankies."  Before bed  each night, I will give him his last cup of milk.  Immediately after, he will go into his room and get two blankies, and then he will find one of us to cuddle up next two while he finishes his milk.

He is outgoing, strong-willed, energetic, adventurous and SO sweet. 

Weekend at the Lake

Well, we just got back from a wonderful and relaxing weekend at the Lake. Our little family of three met my parents and Nan at the house on Lake Hamilton.  Justin took off Friday so we could spend an extra day by the pool.  I had every intention of videoing bub all weekend and taking tons of pictures, yet I failed to do so.

Friday night we went to Fisherman's Wharf to eat dinner, so that we could eat on the lake.  After dinner we came home and my mom suggested we take a couple pictures which led to a photo session because bub was in a picture taking mood. Hints the pictures below.

 [Side note:  My mom recently got an iPad and my dad has been using it.  He viewed our blog for the first time last week, and he was giving me a hard time about there not being many pictures of the McConnell side of the family on what he calls "your page." Ha!  If you know my dad this probably comes as no surprise. So dad, this post is for you!]

Saturday, Justin got up early to play 18 holes of golf with his good buddy Kent at a Hot Springs Village course.  The rest of us enjoyed eating breakfast on the deck overlooking the Lake, and then we played in the pool, took naps, and played in the pool some more.  

Saturday night, Justin and I got to celebrate Kent turning the big 3-0!  We love the McClure's dearly, and we always have a great time when we get together. I especially loved getting to hold and play with little mister Shad.  While we were away, bub was feasting at another local restaurant with my parents and Nan.

  I love this picture because you can tell how much Brody adores my dad.

  I love this one!

four generations

 

 Hopefully we will be able to take another trip to the lake before the summer is over.  Crossing my fingers!

Beach Trip 2012

Be prepared for tons of pictures!  

[Some pictures were taken on the iPhone because we didn't want to take our big camera down to the beach, and I left our small cameras at home on accident.]

Last week through this week we were at the beach.  Justin's family has a beach house in Orange Beach, AL. It is a quaint beach cottage.  Justin says it is straight out of the 70's and it just might be.  We loved it, and it was SO nice to have our own little private beach.  We enjoyed evening strolls on the beach, morning jogs, and relaxation while soaking up the sun.  

Bub was a rock star on the drive to Orange Beach and back home.  Justin and I are SO proud of him.  He warmed up to the beach in no time, which made for an even better trip for mommy and daddy.

I'll tell a story with pictures, even if they are a little bit out of order.

 first day on the beach - applying sun screen on the deck

 "Mom, let's go.  I'm ready"

Me trying to stop him from going down the stairs

 daddy wants to take our picture

 my boys on the beach

 We couldn't get bub to look at the camera.  The sun was in his eyes and he didn't want to keep his sun glasses on.

 There were a couple of rainy days so we did a lot of THIS while we were inside.  

 trying on my fedora

 Attempting to take family pictures on the beach one night.  Not a fun experience

.

 Writing Brody's name in the sand - he loved it

 giving me kisses before he takes off

 gotta rinse off before you go up

 on the deck after dinner one night at Doc's

 At the Wharf watching them weigh fish, before we ate dinner

One night while we were there, Justin and I had a date night.  It happened to be a night when it was raining off and on; however, the rain didn't stop us from having fun.  We went to Cosmos and sat out on the patio. We enjoyed listening to the live music and sipping on a drink while we waited for our table.  THE FOOD.  I could go on and on.  Justin got the red fish with a remoulade sauce that was to die for, and I had the Chilean Sea Bass that was equally amazing.  A couple people suggested the 'cheese dip' for an appetizer. Oh my.  It was perfection. It's made with local Sweet Home Farm cheese - a silky blend of Swiss, parmesan & locally made Elberta cheeses. Topped with feta and roasted tomato relish and served with pita chips.  

We're already looking forward to our next beach trip!

30 Years

Last night, we celebrated my in-laws 30th wedding anniversary. It was supposed to be a surprise party; however, there was no surprise.  Somehow they found out.  Oh well, it was fun and more importantly they had a great time.  Justin and I were equally running around, either helping get ready for guests, visiting with guests or chasing after our son, so we didn't get many pictures.  There was a great turn out - I think we had 30 (plus) close family and friends there to celebrate.  It was a fun and special evening.

  Family picture

 guests of honor

These two.  Oh my lands.  They love each other SO much!  It is precious.

HUGS!

 Kisses

I think ALL of the guests loved seeing these two (plus little miss Addy) just as much as the guests of honor.

Cheers to 30 more years of marriage!

16 Months

Happy 16 months, Bub!

What are you up to???

Talking and talking - You are learning new words every day.  Your vocabulary consists of more than 3 dozen words. 

You are a speedy little monkey.  Running and climbing.

If we ask you to point at _______ (the clock) or go __________ (close the laundry room door), you do it with ease.  

Balls, balls, balls.  Just recently you have stated the difference between the basketball, football, baseball, and golf ball. You do not discriminate, though.  You love all balls.  

Books.  Oh my goodness.  You could spend half of the day reading/looking at books.  You have your favorites, too.

Dancing. I never really thought this would be something I would write about; however, you are quite the little dancer.  I have plenty of video footage to prove it! 

The last time we were at the doctor's office (due to a double ear infection), you were almost 26 lbs  (60 %) and 34 in. long (99%).

You are starting to be mommy's little helper.

You take one 2 hour afternoon nap.  You go to bed around 7:30 and wake up around 7.

You give the sweetest kisses and the best hugs.

I could go on and on.  It's a joy to watch you learn, bubba.  You are a little sponge, right now.  I'm elated that I get to spend more time with you these next few months, and I will treasure every second of it!

 riding your horse

 smiling for the camera

this is a picture that pretty much sums you up - loving life and people

What a weekend.  

It began Saturday morning when my mom and I got to sit, relax, and catch up in the massage chairs at the nail salon while our feet were pampered. I think we equally loved every minute of it.

   Beautiful flowers from the most important gentlemen in my life

Saturday evening we had a big time celebrating the mom's on the McConnell side of the family at Nan's house. 

{unfortunately, no pictures to show for}

Sunday morning the boys showered me with love, cards, and a gift, and then we headed to Little Rock.  We had a delicious brunch at the Red Door.  After that, we went over to Nonnie's to visit with the extended family.

 stick in one hand, rock in the other - ALL boy

 my handsome guys

 LOVE this 

I'm honored to be this little boys mommy and consider it great joy.

I am reminded of my own momma every time I read this verse:

Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels...

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.

Her sons rise up and call her blessed.

He husband also praises her:

Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30

Happy Mother's Day to ALL the adorable mommy's we know!