Publix

As Henry and I pulled into the Publix parking lot for the 2nd time today, he very clearly said: "home." Do you think my child is trying to tell me something? I mean, I know we frequent this store WAY more than any one family should and probably over half of our income goes to this lovely establishment, but home? Come on now!

Family Vacation at Litchfield

Last week my whole entire fam rented a rather large beach house at Litchfield and had a big ol time! There were 3 babies, so that made life very interesting and entertaining. Henry was definitely feeling out his role as the oldest cousin and found his way to the time out corner more than a few times over the course of the week.

But all in all, it was a fun and relaxing week and I can't wait till we're all together again.

Family Photo - Take 24...thanks Jean for being our photographer
Henry 16 months, Bradley 5 months, Conner 10 months

We bought this baby pool for $8.95 and it was the best money spent all week! The kids loved it!
Mama and Henry
The Lucas Clan
Henry on the Kayak (only on the shore though)
Aunt Hanna got to join us for a few days and we were so happy to have her there and HEALTHY!
My little beach bunnie
My two hunks
Thanks Nana and Papa for such a wonderful week
Auntie and Henry
Uncle Earnst and Bradley...too cute! I love this pic!
I think Henry just got in trouble..hee hee
Henry's bath spot for the week. I loved it and obviously so did Papa! We were dying laughing!

Shelby and Henry & Sarah and Bradley

Waccatee Zoo

On Wednesday, we decided to get away for the day and ventured into Myrtle Beach to visit the Waccatee Zoo.
This zoo is very unique and is basically on someones land. They have a large collection of exotic animals laid out on a rather rustic path. Henry was mesmerized at all of the animals and how close we were able to get to them. Peacocks would just come right up to you and spread their feathers. Very cool!

A billy goat nibbled on Henry's hand

"Clyde" the dromedary camel

Beautiful Peacock

My favorite was the Zebra...Henry thought is was a "horsey"

I highly recommend this attraction for anyone in need of a break from the beach one day.

We're Baaaack!

We're back from our 2008 Family Vaca at Litchfield! Had an absolute blast and have 5 million pics to sort thru. Will post them as soon as I get a free moment...very busy week!

16 Months

Oh my my my! If I could plug Henry into an electrical outlet I believe he could "light the world" with his energy. I never dreamed it was possible for something so little to have so much stamina and energy. He is full on running now and still loves to be outside most all the time. So for the most part Henry is....happy and funny and silly and mad and DIRTY and mischievous and happy and mad and DIRTY and into everything!

Along with all of this energy comes a little bit of naughtiness and frustration. Brad and I are open to lots of advice from others before us on how to discipline a headstrong toddler. I'm positive it's normal behavior for his age (tantrums, etc.), but it's just a battle of the wills right now and WE are determined to win.

But, on the flip side, Henry is such a happy child who loves to give big open mouth kisses and squeeze hugs. My favorite time of day is right before bedtime when he crawls up in my lap with his baba and lets me cuddle and love on him. We say his prayers and at the end he goes: "amie" (amen). Melts my heart every time!

Henry is still a great sleeper and typically goes down at 7:30pm and up at 6:00 or 6:30am. Still naps religiously at 10 and 3.

He eats pretty good. Some meals he would rather be down playing, but others he cleans his plate. I don't stress over this b/c I know he's getting what he needs. He is quite the drinker though. Loves "wa wa" (water) and "doos"(juice) and "mo" (milk).

His vocabulary is expanding by leaps and bounds and he is really copying things we say now. We've really got to be careful :)

July 2007...this time last year
July 2008...look how much he's changed.

This month has been lots of fun and we're really enjoying our summer and I'm really enjoying watching my little boy grow up! Couldn't love him more!

Independence *Night*

There is one common theme in most of the photos below. The Whiffle Ball Bat! Every 4th of July all of the guys engage in a VERY competitive game of whiffle ball and this year was the biggest yet. Brad and Daniel talked smack all week long and they came out victorious again this year. I think they have a home field advantage. Well, it was like wrestling a bear trying to keep my little man away from the action. He wanted out there so bad he could taste it, but with all of those foul bats and balls, it was just too dangerous! So after the game was over he grabbed the bat and didn't let go the rest of the night. Everyone took turns helping Henry hit the ball and he would squeal with delight every time he made contact.

A great time was had by all with TONS of fabulous food and bevs! My in-laws know how to throw a party!!!

I am in love with this pic (above)! Seriously...its getting framed immediately!

Daniel had lots of his friends and friends of their friends over and by the end of the evening Henry was surrounded by a bunch of PYT's (pretty young thangs...hee hee). I was calling these girls in white his *angels*. He was eating up all the attention!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

Independence *Day*

Henry and I were invited to a little pool party at the Albright's house yesterday during the day for the 4th. We had so much fun swimming around and Henry especially loved playing with Anna. Too bad little James was down for a nap, 'cause i'm sure they would have loved each other.

They even had a little turtle baby pool for the kiddies to play in.

Margaret and Hen

Henry and Anna on the Lobster float

Mama and Henry swimmin' around

Thanks for inviting us to come over and play Kat!

Love of his Life...For now

Oh BABA how I love you!

Let me count the ways:

You keep me warm at night
You give me security at nap time
You allow me to chew on you incessantly

You don't mind that I drag you around on the dirty ground
You hold up wonderfully when my Mama washes you

You were made by a friend of Mimi's, so in the event that I lose you, you can be easily replaced
You are gender neutral, so if I ever have a little sister or brother I can share with them

You let me hide in you
You let me drool on you

But most of all, you're all mine and I love you Sweet BABA