Better Late than Never!

I uploaded these photos about a month ago and they never posted.  Better late than never!  This particular weekend Ron took Grant to see Monster Jam for the second time.  The first was in Pensacola in early spring.  They came to Mobile recently and Grant was not as enthused this go around.  Ron purchased tickets close to the floor and I think it was a little overwhelming for Grant.  He said after awhile, "Daddy, I'm ready to go home!"  Ron said the exhaust was a bit much as well.  Either way, Grant is still obsessed with Monster Trucks!

 

We enjoyed a late afternoon swim at Nathan's Dads pool.  Grant finally used his puddle jumper for the first time.  After seeing his buddies roam freely around in the water he was quick to put his on whereas in the past he was not willing.

James first dip in a pool!

Swimming with Emma

The Coleman's and Cox's

Emma and Savannah holding hands under water

Grant and Scarlett

Grant jumping to... no one!  Big Accomplishment!

Little Fish!

Chatam Turns Two

You know me, I love a good birthday party.  I love a theme.  Last weekend we helped celebrate our friend Chatam's second birthday at the Little Gym.  Chatam's Mommy, my dear friend Joni, threw her a watermelon themed bash.

 This cake tasted as delicious as it was pretty

 Grant had an absolute blast running around the gym hoping from one station to the other, he is quite the acrobat!

 swinging like a monkey

 All alone on the balance beam, my little dare devil would scoot all the way down to the end and then jump off unassisted.

 James just chillin' during all the excitement

 Trying out another balance beam

 Parachute time!

 Friends, Allison and Joni

 Onto the decor, Happy Birthday Chatam!

 that is popcorn covered in pink watermelon sugar coating, de-lish.  Ron loved the watermelon.  Grant, not so much but did manage to get more on his shirt than in his mouth.

 Free play at the Little Gym

 Angel and Chloe

 My sweet boy just goes with the flow!

 Me.  It was an awesome party.  And now, if you can't tell by my lack of descriptive posts and enthusiasm, this Momma is up way past her bedtime and must now retire.  I have much planned for tomorrow!

Aunt Beverly Comes to Town!

My sister, Beverly paid us a visit last week.  She had shoulder surgery and is in between jobs so she thought it would be a perfect time to come down to Alabama, recuperate, meet James and get in some good old fashioned family time.  She was instantly in love with her newest nephew and he was quite smitten with her as well.  Poor Bev couldn't do much for herself.  We had to cut up her food, help her with everyday tasks and assist her with holding the baby.  She was still in a lot of pain from her surgery but I think she enjoyed her time here even though she wasn't feeling her best.

 We did venture out to a Mobile Bay Bears Baseball Game.  We were surrounded by friends and enjoyed a suite and boxed seats right behind home plate.  Hank Aaron himself through the opening pitch.

 Ron and I at Hank Aaron Stadium, can't believe it took us three years to make it to one of these games!

 My friend, Allison getting in some cuddle time with James

 Grant had a couple of little friends to play with.  The bay bears mascot even came into our suite to meet our little ones.  Unfortunately, I discovered my camera in my diaper bag after his departure.

 A picture of the girls.  I didn't get many photos with Beverly this visit.  We had a lot of down time with her resting and trying to heal.  It was a great visit.

More of Mimi

During Jody's visit we babysat my neighbor Rachael's baby, Carson.  Carson was born 8 weeks prematurely and four days after James.  Rachael and her husband went to dinner for their anniversary and we enjoyed having two newborns in the house. 

Carson already showing James who's boss

 "Momma said knock you out!"

 I'm sure these two will be fast friends living so close and so close in age!

 Mimi took Grant to his first movie.  They saw, Madagascar 3 and Grant loved it!  He had sprite and popcorn!

 Mimi loving on her boys

 and finally, Daddy came home!  Ron sent Jody here to help me out with the kids because he had to travel to Charleston for five days.  He was a groomsmen in our friend Todd's wedding and was sorely missed!

The Fourth of July

Mimi came to visit our little family on the fourth of July!  We were all so excited for her arrival and had a mostly quiet holiday around the house.  We did enjoy dinner out on the water and then came back to our house for a little sparkler and firework action in our backyard. 

I couldn't resist, I bought Grant and James matching Tom's and they are the cutest little things I've ever seen.

 My baby boy is growing so fast, nearly two months in this picture

 Jody enjoyed relaxing with baby James

 Grant loves holding his baby brother

 Captain America in the house

 Once again, Grant was scared of the fireworks and wanted to watch the light show put on by our neighbors from indoors.  Maybe next year he'll enjoy the show with us?

 A little fireworks of our own...

What's New?

Grant is not thrilled with having his picture taken these days.  I have to use a little reverse psychology on the guy to get the job done.  I'll say, "Grant, can I take your picture?"  He'll run off and lock himself in our bedroom.  This is happening a lot lately.  Don't worry, we can unlock all of our locks from the outside but it is pretty annoying when he let's say, he locks himself in a room with the baby and then the baby starts crying and then you have to go and find a knife to unlock the door from the outside all the while your child is screaming, "Monsters, Monsters!  EEEkkkkk"  Ok.  I got off subject.  Anyway, when I want to take Grant's picture all I have to do is mention James.  "Mommy wants to take James picture."  "James is such a good boy and smiles so pretty for the camera!"  "Mommy loves taking pictures of James"  It's like magic.  The kid is at my side in an instant.  Never fear, no competition there.

Here is Grant in the last days of June, nearly three:

 He's quite the character and most days thinks he's a superhero

 He is a total sweetheart and has my heart

 I tried to get some family photos before Mass on Sunday.  Here is Daddy with his boys.  James wasn't in the best of moods here.

 And now, my turn.  Once again, "Daddy, take a picture of James and I."  In a flash, Superhero Grant is at my side.  Magic.  Pure Magic.

 James at seven weeks.  Speaking of magic, he is a magic baby.  The best.  Wakes only once a night to eat, takes great naps, is a good eater, only cries in the car, smiles constantly at his Momma.  He is pure joy and is filling out.  His legs are getting a little meatier and his face a little more round.  Several times during the day I'll catch myself saying, "He is starting to look like Grant."

 Life is really wonderful right now, I feel like our family is complete