Did somebody say it's summer?

We're gearing up to kick it off beach-style with some of my favorite people in the whole wide world. We're meeting up with my three best girlfriends from high school and their families. Eight adults, nine kiddos. Oh, it's going to be fun! Sand, sun and surf - here we come!

Fort Fun

We built a fort recently. I'm not sure if a single sheet draped over two chairs really qualifies as a "fort," but I'm going with it.

Luckily, they have no basis for comparison at this point, so they thought it was just splendid; however, I quickly came to the realization that I seriously need to sharpen this skill as the momma of two boys. And I need to scour the house for additional fort-building supplies.

To heighten their fort experience, I brought out the can of Redi-Whip and squirted some into their mouths. That was my attempt at making up for the lack of awesome-ness in the fort department. They were sold.

And, just as a note, Alex was in on the fun, but he was not interested in being in on the photographing. Go figure.

Teething

This poor little guy has been having a tough go of things this week. We are in full-on teething mode over here, and it is not pretty. Oh, how I wish I could take all the pain away from him. So hard to watch your babies suffer, isn't it? Here's hoping (and praying) that those teeth make their breakthrough sooner rather than later.

Love Lives Here

While playing with the sidewalk chalk today, Andrew decided he'd give it a little taste test. Alex showed some serious concern. 

He emphatically says to Roo, "Don't eat the chalk Roo-bear! It's not food! Like boogers are not food – do not eat it!" Looking out for his brother's best interest – yes, love does indeed live here.

NC Zoo

If we want any real zoo action around these parts, we head south to the North Carolina Zoo in Ashboro. Because, let me just tell you, the Mill Mountain Zoo here in Roanoke can be seen in all of about 12 minutes. They're a little light on the animals, to say the least.

Alex loves the zoo. When we were in Texas, he went with Noni, Uncle Zack and some of his cousins, and when everyone else was ready to pack it up and call it a day, Alex kept saying to Noni, "Just four more animals, Noni." He cannot get enough.

While at the zoo in Texas with Noni and crew, he learned to "read" the map to spot all the places he'd been and to scope out other places he wanted to go see. So when we told him we were going to the NC Zoo, the first thing he said was, "I need to see a map." His absolute must-see was the elephants. The boy loves him some elephants, and he can do a brilliant impersonation. He waves his arm up in the air like the trunk and makes an elephant sound, of sorts. Precious!

So here are the boys riding the stone elephants in a play area at the zoo. After this, I had to put the camera away for the most part because I realized very quickly that allowing your two-year old to walk (rather than ride the stroller) requires a great deal of focus, and trying to simultaneously use the camera and keep up with him was not going to happen.

One of the few other spots in the zoo where I took pictures was the dinosaur exhibit. They made noises and moved - very cool. Here's Alex with his friends Caleb and Ellie who went with us.
This was our second visit to this zoo, and if you're in the area, I highly recommend it. It's fantastic!

Mommy's ugly words

In the car-ride home today...

Alex: "Can I have some fyoot (fruit) chews, Mommy?"
Me: "No – you just had some peanut butter crackers and that's enough to hold us over until lunch."
Alex: "Those are mean words. You are not being nice."
Me: "What are mean words?"
Alex: "You tell me I can't have fyoot chews. Those are ugly words. Do not talk to me that way! That is not nice!"

Oh, my! I couldn't hold the laughter back.

Sweet Frog

We can't have a trip to Chipotle without hitting Sweet Frog, the frozen yogurt bar, next door afterwards. Here, Alex demonstrates the importance of not wasting one single drop. =) Lots of smiles from this crew.

Kickin' it off

Get ready – here it comes! Back to my picture-a-day for a while to share our summer happenings. See you tomorrow!

Children of promise

"Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise." – Galatians 4:28

Roo-bear's Big Top Circus Birthday

Our sweet Roo-bear turned a year old on Saturday, and we celebrated circus-style. Oh, it was fun! And most importantly, he seemed to love it – the balloons, the cake, the commotion. He enjoyed every part of his big day.

One of my friends in town made him a circus tent birthday shirt, and Mom and I whipped out a clown wig bonnet. We couldn't help ourselves. He needed something spectacular to follow the lion costume he wore after he was born. =)

And, of course, Roary couldn't miss the birthday action. After all, he's been there every month cheering the little Roo-bear on as he grows.

We had hot dogs, popcorn, and rainbow fruit skewers that were topped with star-shaped marshmallows.


As the guests came in, we asked them to make a thumbprint character to sign Roo's guest list.

The tables were decorated with balloons, and the kiddos got circus tent cups and swirled lollipops as their favors.

Roo enjoyed his hot dogs and fruit.

But mostly, he enjoyed his cake!



Alex was a big helper when it came time to blow out the candle. 

Roo was very eager to get into the cake – and who can blame a boy for that?! He wasn't too sure of the icing being on his fingers at first, but once Jerry put a taste in his mouth, there was no stopping him! He was officially a fan, and he ate almost all of the icing off his cake!

The rest of us enjoyed Roo's cake, too!

One of the best parts of this party was getting to celebrate Roo-bear's first birthday with Noni and Pop Pop. They flew in to help us get ready and love on these sweet boys. We shared lots of laughs and precious moments together, and this party simply wouldn't have been the same without them!




And here is Roo after Alex had opened all of the presents for him. Happy camper, wouldn't you say? This was one of Noni's gifts to Roo – a hoot hat she made him for fall! Is this not the cutest little thing you've ever seen?! More birthday (and hoot hat) pictures to come. =)

Happy 1st Birthday, Roo-bear

Oh, my sweet Roo.

If I were to describe you in a single word, it would be delightful. Your jolly spirit is infectious – my goodness how you bring such joy to people, most especially me. Holding you in my arms makes the cares of this world simply fade away and the sunshine dance in.

You are a momma's boy, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it. You know that you can find safety and comfort in my arms. I hope you also know that will always be true. You are an amazing little cuddler, and I just let you nestle right in until you are ready to do otherwise. I will forever cherish these sweet moments with you.

One of the lessons I've learned from having you is how much God loves all of His children. Better understanding the depth and breadth of His love has taught me to extend more grace and understanding towards others. Without you, I'm not sure I would have ever gained that perspective the way I have it now.

Your daddy and I pray for you to live up to the meaning of your name – "courageous little king." That you would have the courage to be a leader among people by having the heart to humbly serve and follow Jesus. That your joyful spirit would continue on and positively impact people's lives. We want you to have a love of God's word – His truth – and to be a light before others. And that in His word, you would find wisdom and discernment to guide you along life's journey. We know that He has created you for an extraordinary life and purpose. We look forward to watching you grow into all that He is calling you to.

My precious Roo-bear, I hope you will always feel to the depths of your soul how much you are loved and cherished. Happy first birthday, sweet boy.

XOXO,
Momma