Barrett's First Movie

As many of you know, Barrett has a slight obsession with Toy Story. It started on his birthday when he received Woody and his horse bullseye at his cowboy party. It was easily his favorite. It has continued. His favorite movies--Toy Story and Toy Story 2. His favorite snack--Toy Story gummies. He even sleeps with his Toy Story figurines and calls them his "buddies." It seemed very fitting for his very first movie in the theatre to be Toy Story 3. He and I got invited to go this past Monday. He LOVED it and I loved that he loved it. He actually cried when the movie ended.

Too excited to focus on the camera--ticket in one hand and 3D glasses in the other. Next stop, popcorn and a coke. Then the much anticipated adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

Bear and his friends pose in front of the 3 after the show.

Back in the car with his buddies. One happy Bear Bear. And one happy Mommy.

The Simple Things

The boys had the most fun the other day playing with an empty laundry basket. It is times like those that remind me, it is often the simplest things in life that bring the most joy.

Celebrating Jace

Jace's 1st Birthday Party and Cookout

June 12, 2010

Friends and family gathered around to celebrate baby Jace. He had a monkey-themed party and we dined on BBQ that Adam smoked, baked beans, slaw, potato salad, chips, and cake of course. He was showered with gifts and love. The perfect punctuation to the end of his first year.

Mommy and Jace pre-party

Monkeys holding balloons decorated the tables.

Jace's monkey hat picture that inspired the theme sat in the foyer next to the goody bags (banana puffs for the little ones & barrels of monkeys for the older ones).

Feasting.

The cake (My friend and co-worker, Shey Laurin, made this).


My little monkey.

Not sure what to do. Wouldn't use his hands at first. A very timid start...

...but, he figured it out (Sugar rush! Squishing the icing in his hands.).

Want some? Quite the giver.


Jace's Guests (from left): Bryce, Anna, [Birthday Boy], Sam, and Tate.

Their families attended as well as Nana & Pop, Ghee & Grandaddy, Heath & Yeh-Yeh, Blake & Holly, Miss Shirley and Miss Melinda from Mother's Day Out, and of course Mommy, Daddy, and Bear

Opening gifts (after a quick bath--baby wipes just wouldn't suffice).

...and sugar CRASH! Poor baby Jace was done. He napped well.

Well rested and finally getting to play with his toys.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this day so special.

Jace 1 yr.

Jace turned one on June 10th. We went for his 1 yr check-up on on June 15th. He weighed in at a whopping (sarcasm) 20# 6.7 oz. and was 29" long(both close to the 25th percentile). He wears 12 month clothes and size 4 diapers. His failure to reach heavy weight status is not for lack of trying. He eats like a champ. Much more than his brother! He is not a picky eater right now. Likes everything but eggs, cottage cheese, and whole milk (having a hard time switching over from formula). His favorites are yogurt and fruit (peaches, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries). He has 4 teeth. He has 3 discernable words: Momma, Daddy, and hello. He mimics others, but nothing consistant and in context enough to call a word. He points to express needs. He stands alone in the middle of the floor, but no steps yet. Cruises, crawls, and climbs like a pro. Very busy, but still enjoys a good snuggle. Entertains himself well. Thinks he is grown. Mr. Independent. Wants to do everything himself. Very brave. Very observant. Will watch you demonstrate something a few times and then tries himself. Very much a boy--plays rough and tough. Loves balls. Beginning to really like music--dances to a tune. Loves water--cries when you get him out of the bath. Still cries when riding in the car, but this is much improved since he faces forward now. Doesn't care for long walks in the stroller. Doesn't care for his mommy leaving. Other than that he is quite the happy camper. It has been so fun to watch his personality evolve. This past year has been such a blessing and I look forward to many more years with joyful anticipation.

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

Loves to play with hats (and sunglasses).

kitchen cabinets--pots and pans and tupperware

the dishwasher

Phones (and tv remotes)--Did I mention one of his first words was "hello"? LOL.

Pray for Baby Sam

(baby Sam--so you have a face to your prayers)

Sam Turner is in the hospital with a persistent fever of unknown origin. He had to visit the ER during a family vacation last Friday and was admitted to the hospital Sunday when they got home and the fever had not broken. He is receiving fluids and antibiotics and they are trying to locate the source of the fever. He has not had much of an appetite either and some vomiting. Their best guess is that it may be a gastrointestinal virus of some sort. He finished up his last chemo treatment last week. Pray that his fever would break and he will begin eating well and make it over this last hump on his road to remission without any further problems. Pray also for Beth, Brandon, and big brother Brooks as they help care for him. Thank you for your continuing prayer for this family. God has truly blessed us with their friendship and love. Love~Haley

Great Aunt Sharon, Uncle Dave, and Cousin Alex

We have been blessed with an abundance of family who love us well. We get to see them much more seldom than we wish, but each visit is a real treat. We got to see Great Aunt Sharon, Uncle Dave, and Cousin Alex in TN mid-May up at Grandmother's. Here are some pictures from our visit:

"Awex" played endlessly with Barrett.

He even accompanied him on rides at the carnival.

He was asking for him for days.

Great Aunt Sharon taking pictures of Bear's funny faces.

He also enjoyed playing the lumpy couch game and reading a very improvised version of Bambi.

Sharon and baby Jace

Dave was a very patient hat model for Barrett :)

And...it goes without saying,

we always enjoy some time with Grandmother, her cooking, and her love and hospitality.

Thank you all for the love and memories!