Six Flags 2008

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Will went to Six Flags with my parents for a few days. Will has always been a little scared of characters in costume. So, this is the first time we actually have pictures of him near any characters. Papaw had to do it with him to get him to do it. Will said that he and Papaw rode the log ride 1000 times! Here are some pics of their trip. I don't think he missed us that much...

Jakey Baby

Jake is getting some alone time with us this week because Nana and Papaw took Will to St. Louis for a few days. It won't be long before Jake is old enough to go on the trip with them, but I always think little kids look tortured when they are taken to places like Six Flags, Disney World, etc.

Jake has started to nod his head yes and shake for no. The way babies pick up things amazes me! We have been working on saying all sorts of other words and pointing to body parts, but this is just something he has started all on his own! Of course, I tried to get pictures of him doing his new tricks, but he was only interested in sliding on his slide.

At the top of the slide and really happy...

At the bottom and not so much...he usually lands on his bottom, but not this time.

On a different note, my mother knows a lady that does pencil portraits, and I just got Jake's yesterday. My mom gave me one of Will for a birthday present one year, and I have to say it is one of my favorite presents ever! So, I had to have one of Jake, also. You can kind of see a reflection of me taking the picture, so it is not truly how it looks, but I thought they were too cute not to share.

Jake at 9 months



Will at 9 months

The 4th of July

For three years now, we have gone with the Watson's and the Kieffner's to Batesville on the 4th of July. We found a spot on the golf course that is not crowded and still has a great view of the fireworks. This year Jake was old enough to play with the big kids (or so he thought). We just had to keep them all occupied until it was dark. (...easier said than done).

Finally, the show began. I was hoping that Jake would not be scared of the loud noises, but once he saw his big brother clap and say things like "cool" and "awesome", he started clapping too.

Here are some pictures from last year on the 4th of July. Since I didn't have a blog then, I thought I would share them now. What a difference a year makes....

Last year Will kept saying "CREDIBLE" instead of "incredible" and "Lorahmercy" instead of "Lord have mercy" when he would get excited about the fireworks.

Rainy Day Fun

It rained off and on today, so we were stuck inside which is not a good thing with two rowdy boys. We had to get the playhouse out to break the monotony. They love it but it takes up a lot of space!

Jake liked banging his "lion car" into the playhouse which always got a big fuss out of Will (which is probably why he enjoyed doing it so much). He can't hide his joy very well. That mouth is always open wide with his huge smile!

Our buddy Reece came over later in the day while his mom went to a meeting. Reece loves trains, and so does Jake so we had some interesting moments when they both wanted the same one. Luckily, we had plenty of trains to share. Reece and Will watching a Thomas the Train DVD.

To end the day, Billy took Will fishing since the rain had cleared. Will caught 7 fish totally by himself (casting and all).

Mexican Cruise

I just got back from a nearly week long trip that I took with 7 other women. We left last Friday and spent the night in New Orleans and got on our ship Saturday morning. Our cruise took us to Progreso and Cozumel. We had the best time laughing until we cried, talking until we fell asleep, shopping until we dropped, and relaxing under the hot sun. I didn't even take out my camera until the last couple of days, so I really don't have the best pictures to show but everyone will be exchanging pictures soon. I am sure the others will be better, so I will share them as I get them.

Jerri Beth, Katrina, and me

(We all teach 5th grade math and science)

Shopping in Progreso...Jerri Beth is trying to tell him she doesn't want the hat, but he keeps insisting

Soaking up the rays in Cozumel

On the beach in Cozumel

Shopping in Cozumel...This "statue" grabbed Katrina earlier in the day. I screamed louder than Katrina because she thought she had just knocked the statue over. I thought he was trying to kidnap her!

I returned home to my husband and kids waiting for me with flowers and balloons. I was also expecting to have a ton of laundry and dirty dishes, but I was pleasantly surprised to come home to no laundry or dishes and a clean house. Oh! And he even cleaned out the refridgerator while I was gone! Now that's what I'm talkin' about!!