Betcha Can't Guess...

what's wrong with this, usually, very happy baby...

Yep, we had a mess on our hands with an "up the back poop"...

It was lovely.

No wonder the little fella was upset! 

Wouldn't you be?

To Europe...

and beyond!

This weekend we went to visit Grammie and spend some EXTRA quality time with her!

She and Bryson are going overseas for 16 days. They will make stops in London, Paris, Switzerland, France and Germany! It will be an adventure that will be life changing! We will miss her, but we know that they will have the best time:)

Have fun, Grammie! 

See you soon!

We promise to take good care of Granddaddy while you are gone! :)

Cute & Chubby

Both of my boys had/have the cutest chubby legs...

and I just LOVE 'em!!

Layton @ 4 months old

Luke @ 5 months old

Home

The boys and I went "home" for a few days to visit Mimi and Pops. 

My mom and dad live on a farm, equipped with both black Angus cattle and Palomino horses.
It's beautiful and Layton LOVES going to visit. 

While we were there, I went to visit a good friend from high school, Bridget.  We have become quite close in the past few years.  Ironically, we both have given birth to baby boys in the same month - TWICE!  

Layton and Ethan, born in August 2007

& Luke and Keegan, born in January 2010

I told her that we will have to plan the next one together - but she said, "NO WAY!" 

We'll see :)

Keegan was taking a nap, but I had to get a cute picture of him sleeping! 

Luke and Layton also spent some quality time with their great grandmother.  

Luke managed to get some good snuggles...

while she and Layton had a front porch conversation.  

I love this picture, and will cherish it always.  It was the sweetest moment. 

We also did fun things like put together puzzles, which is always a favorite activity!

And before we left, I drove by my OLD home.  I lived in this house from the age of 5 to 16, so essentially, I grew up here.  I have many fond memories, and I love driving by to reminisce about the "good ol' days".  I can almost hear the sounds of childhood, if I listen closely.  :)

It's always good to go "home"...

Firsts

A few firsts...

Sitting up.

Unassisted.



For a few seconds, anyway...like 30.

He does great...


and then...he starts leaning...



and eventually ends up like this!



It won't be long. 


Also...

He drank from his first sippy cup.

Because we were going to be outside all day at Holiday World in the HEAT, he needed to stay extra hydrated. So, I introduced it to him...and he holds on tight, drinks several ounces and seems to really like it! 
(beside the fact that Mommy bought him the girly design, oops!) 

Toy Story Boys

Layton went to see Toy Story 3 with his Pops...

Layton watched the original Toy Story a few months ago, and has been hooked ever since!  He loves the characters, and has even begun to recite a few lines from the movie (which means that he has probably watched it too many times!) So, Pops promised when the third movie opened in theaters, he and Layton would go together.  They had a really good time, even if there were a few tears shed in the end.  :(

Can you tell who is favorite is?  

Woody and Bullseye! (or "Boolseye" as Layton says!)

Friends Make Me Smile

I enjoy getting together with friends, old and new.  And I love hosting at my house especially in the summer because Blake can grill and I can do veggies and dessert.  Oh, summer, please stay forever?!?

Recently, Jennifer and I decided that we must get together and have dinner - hubby's included!  We looked at our calendars and found a date that worked for both of us!  :)   Jenn and I go way back to graduate school, but have recently been reconnected through our blogs and church.  We laughed and talked the entire night, while being entertained by Mr. Layton.  Our fellas got to meet too!  I think they will definitely go golfing in the near future!

It was a beautiful night so we ended the evening outside, watching Layton swing and Lukey smile!  (He loved her!)   

I never had a sister (even though my sister-in-law is just like my sister now), so I cherish the girls in my life and the friendships that we build.  There is nothing like having friends to make you smile!  :) 

Rides and Slides

We took our first trip as a family to Holiday World. 

 We had such a good time, it is the most family-friendly, cleanliest, well-organized park I have ever been to.  Blake and his family use to make a yearly summer visit, we might have to make it part of our summers also! 

 Blake's parents let us use their motor home to travel and spend the night.  This makes traveling so easy and comfortable with young children.  It's roomy, and super nice!  :) 

We left after church and arrived that afternoon at the campground adjacent to the park.  There was a trolley that took everyone from the campground to the entrance of Holiday World.  It was very convenient, especially with a toddler and a baby!
 

Happy boys, enjoying riding the ride!  

Since we were spending the night, we purchased a two day pass.  It allowed us to attend that afternoon until the park closed and go back the next day until around lunch.  This was the absolute best situation, we missed the midday heat...even though it was still hot...it wasn't unbearable. 

Did I mentioned Layton loved it?

Patiently waiting in line....

We "tag teamed" the boys...one would go with Layton and the other would stay with Luke.

Wave!

Baby Bumper Boats

Luke was a such a little TROOPER!
Seriously, he was the best baby all day.  He never cried, he just rode in the stroller, people watched and slept! 

The park has so many things to do...you need more than two days to do it all! 

"Holidog", the kiddy park was one of Layton's favorites. 

You know you are tired when you pacifier is upside down and you don't care! :)

Another favorite, I liked this one too!

Blake and Layton sliding...

Luke smiling...

and at the end of the day...
Layton was exhausted, so we carried Luke in our arms and let him use the stroller! 

He's so tall, he's feet almost drug the ground!  (Sigh) He is getting so big!

Until next year...