A Shadow

There is no doubt about it. Blake has a little shadow when he comes home in the evenings. Layton definitely wants to be just like his Daddy! I think it is so sweet. I couldn't think of a better example.

Layton wants to be a big boy and tries very hard!

He even had to wear a pair of Blake's gloves!

Evolution of the swing set

One of our top priorities for the summer:

Layton needed his very own swing set for his 2nd birthday.

We browsed and priced them from several stores and websites, but what we found was.....swing set are very expensive! I really had no idea. Then we were disappointed with what we were finding. Lots of the swing sets had features that we were not interested in like tunnels or playhouses. We quickly came up with a solution. BUILD OUR OWN...from scratch. At first I was like, "No, are you kidding me?" But Blake realized he and a good friend had a vision of what the finished product could look like. Blake ordered lumber and bought the accessory pieces at Lowe's and Home Depot.

So I trusted my "Handy Man Husband" and documented the journey!

The little boys decided that they wanted to help too!

With lots of hard work, a can of stain and a few super accessories.....

I present to you -

Layton's swing set!

I decided it needed a personalized touch, hence the cute sign! :)

READY FOR LOTS OF FUN TIMES!!!!!!!!!

Wicked

Girls night out.  Recently, the girls and I took advantage of a much needed night out in Nashville, and enjoyed dinner and a play.  We laughed and talked the entire night, I think that we were all disappointed when the night was over.  

First of all, WICKED was amazing!  I really didn't know what to expect, all I knew was it was the "untold story of the Wizard of Oz".  I couldn't understand what could be "untold".  Well, I was wrong!  The story has about love, friendship, sacrifice, and struggle all entangled into a beautiful woven plot.  And the music....incredible!  It is a must see!  

Secondly, I just love these girls!  We have such a good time together, no matter where we are.  It is wonderful to have amazing Christian friends that you can always count on for a smile, laugh, support or just for fun!   

"I'm gonna marry him..."

My good friend, LeAnn, has the cutest little girl. She and Layton see each other quite often at church, small group and visits in between. They are 15 months apart, but seem more like the same age lately.

LeAnn told me this recently: Anslee says, "Mommy, I'm gonna marry him."

Oh, how sweet! It is the first time a little girl has ever been "smitten" with my little guy. I really didn't think much of it and then I was like,

"Oh, no, this is just the beginning, huh?"

2

Layton's 2 year old pictures....

Oh, how I love to capture his sweet spirit in every picture! :)
I thought this one was so sweet......w/ one toe up in the air!!

Layton Andrew,

At the tender age of two, you never cease to amaze your mommy and daddy. Every milestone is such a treasured moment and I have to say, we are especially fond of you at this age. You have grown by leaps and bounds, your communications skills are undeniably awesome, and your little mind is like a sponge soaking in everything around you. I love how you give sweet kisses and hugs and then tell us, "Luv you!" You are a snuggler and are very tender hearted toward others. "I'm sorry, Mommy, " is a phrase that is somewhat overused right now, but you are learning how to use it more wisely. Which reminds me, that you are very intuitive to others feelings especially in books and movies. I think it is sweet that you cry big crocodile tears when watching Finding Nemo or Fox and the Hound. You recognize very quickly when characters are happy and sad. Oh, and I love when your daddy leaves in the mornings, you say, "Bye Daddy, luv you, be careful!" Melts my heart.

You still love to read books, especially Christmas books about Jesus's birth. It is sweet when you say, "Baby Jesus, read it please." Colors and counting are your favorite things to do...you count cars and trucks, animals, toy, however, your favorite question is "What color is this, Mommy?". And let's just say that you love to watch and play every sport imaginable. You are very coordinated, and we can see that you are going to be very athletic!

You had a rough transition to your new room at church, but in the past few weeks, you have leaped out of my arms ready to join your Sunday School class. When I pick you up, you like to tell me all about your little buddies. Little Man, you are also very good at mastering people names. It's like you don't forget a face! :) You definitely know your first and last name, which you tend to tell everyone when you meet them!

We love you very much and feel so blessed to have you as our son. God as given us such a wonderful gift in you, my heart thanks Him a million times a day for entrusting us to be your mommy and daddy.

Our cup runneth over,

Mommy and Daddy

Happy 81st Birthday!

To my grandmother (Layton's great grandmother)...

Happy 81st Birthday Maui!

The name "Maui" was born with me when I was a little girl. Unable to say her name correctly, which is "Mary", I kept saying "Maui" and it stuck! It's unique and special.....just like her! :)

But one thing is for sure - Little Man LOVES Maui!

Simple days, simple times.

These are the days that I wish could last forever, especially in the memory of my two year old.  A simple lunch with his grandfather and great grandmother, followed by a simple checkers game and a cozy nap...who wouldn't give anything to remember days like these?  

Thank goodness for simple times.  

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend '09:

Lake House
Boating
Skiing
Wakeboarding
Sleeping
Relaxing
Eating
Shopping
Sound like fun?

It started out with a bad weather report, but we took advantage of the hours between rain showers to have some fun. I, of course, opted out of boating being 5 months pregnant.....but everyone else enjoyed the water. Layton always has the best time - wherever he is!

Just a few pictures of our Labor Day Weekend!

Riding on the boat

Blake wake boarding

Trying on Daddy's ski gloves.........just a *tad* too big!

Going out to eat at the famous LAMBERT'S CAFE - "Home of the Throwed Rolls". Yes, they actually throw *hot* rolls at you during your meal. We hadn't been in about 5 years.....so it was fun! Layton couldn't believe that he was allowed to catch his food!! Ha!

Layton at Lambert's

Playing on the playground while we waited to be seated.

A miniature wagon! He kept saying, "Giddy Up Horsie, Giddy Up!"

I tried to get a good picture of them throwing the rolls, but I wasn't successful. This one was the best!

Oh, yeah.....and after you get your rolls, they come around with molasses for the rolls! So good, but so bad! I'm glad we only go there once every so many years!!!

Wrapped up after swimming!

Look at those sweet little toes - they have definitely been in the pool way too long!

That was our Labor Day....it will be strange to think that Little Bro/Sis will be coming along next year!! :)

The Newest little Ross

This is Layton's new baby Ross cousin! He is such a cutie!

Congrats to Christy and Jason! :)

We will be meeting him next month when we travel to Georgia to visit everyone.

I can't wait to kiss those sweet cheeks!

Bonded by more than friendship

I had the privilege of attending a surprise baby shower for my good friend a couple of weekends ago.  The look on her face was priceless!!!

She and I have grown very close over the past year, experiencing joy and loss together; always trudging through the hard times and rejoicing in the good times.  I know that there were days this winter that I couldn't have made it through without her amazing positive spirit!  I feel very lucky to call her my friend.  And now, I can't wait for little Elliott to arrive so we can experience so much more together.  

Valerie (due in October), Carol (due any day!), and me (due in January)

Cute cake!!  

Opening a few of Elliott's gifts!

Elliott is so blessed to have a mom that loves them so much....I can't wait to tell him myself, very soon!