Time with Grandma & Grandpa

I love this picture of you and Grandma. Grandpa was the one behind the camera. And, Dad and I were up in Indianapolis scoping out the Children's Museum to see if it would be a fun trip to take with you.

Good friends

The Murf's are some of our good friends. Andrew was a groomsmen in our wedding, and we love Carrie. Unfortunately, we don't see them very often becasue they live down in Mississippi (and they may even be moving to Africa to be missionaries soon). But they always call us and let us know when they'll be in town so that we can all get together. This was a fun night because I actually knew where my camera was so I could take pictures of you and Eli together. Yay!

Such handsome boys!

Playing with Daddy's football and sharing it with Eli.

Checking out the birds in the yard.

You love flying...

I think this picture says it all.

Your best friend, Collin.

Your best friend Collin, is moving up to Alaska for a month and a half. So we all needed to get together the night before they left for one last hang out. It will be crazy to compare pictures of you two now, and then. I bet you guys will have a few more teeth, and have quite a few more tricks to be practicing! Here are some pics of you two hanging out the night before they took off.

Watching Tristan play in the backyard.

It's a rare moment when you both think something is funny.

You had just stolen Collin's sippy cup and were so proud. Collin wasn't so happy.

General Butler part 2

Day two and three at General Butler, in pictures...

Eating watermelon.

Seeing a fun train...

Ridding the fun train.

Seeing daddy's shaved ice, and being a little jealous that we didn't get you one...

Sharing some of Mommy's shaved ice (ours was the best becasue it
had apple juice instead of syrup).

Going on a swing for the first time... and loving it!

Higher, higher!

Love this face of, "let's do that again!"

Going down a slide for the first time. I love the anticipation on your face. I think you're going to be ready for Disney World in a few months!

General Butler part 1

We all went on a vacation with Grandma and Grandpa to General Butler State Park. On the way up to the park we stopped at Costco to get a few things, and some dinner. You were so excited to be eating pizza for the first time, and even more excited to go stay in your first cabin! This was a super fun trip full of many "firsts" for you... no wonder you have such a big smile!

Watching cartoons and playing with dad before he took off to play golf with Grandpa.

When they came back you discovered your new favorite toy-a golf ball...
daddy was thrilled, and so proud!

Then you decided it was time to go swimming for the first time. But before we did that, you needed some sunscreen... and I couldn't help myself, you needed a mohawk.

Getting excited for the pool. Wouldn't you know that our camera
died once we got into the pool :(

Then we had to come back and take a nap, becasue you were exhausted.

While you were napping, Grandma and Grandpa found a hidden little park that we were able to go explore later- and we didn't have to share it with anyone else!

I love this picture of you and Grandma.

I see so much of your dad in you, but especially when you make this face.

Growing up

You are so much fun. And, the older you get, the more fun we have together. Every stage you hit I think, "He is so fun, I can't believe he could be more fun than he is now!" and then you hit another milestone, and I say it again. *sigh* I just love being your mommy.

I love how much you love your daddy, and that you get SO excited every time you see him.

You followed your ball into the kitchen, and then decided to help
me organize my cook books.

I love this face that you make. It's your "hey that's cool, let me try" face. And in this case... you wanted Grandpa's camera.

Our trip to Heubers

We have been having so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa out visiting. Today we all went to Heuber's farm to go pick peaches! This was the same farm that we came to when you were about a month old to pick out our Christmas tree... and it's amazing to me how much you have grown and learned since then!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from today...

Taking a tractor ride out to the peach trees.

You LOVED the ride and watching the man driving the tractor.

You and Grandpa picked the first peaches of the day. You were so
serious about holding and feeling the peaches.

You and Grandma off to find the best peaches for us to pick.

You helping daddy pick peaches- good thing you were there to help him!

After you got the peach down... you know exactly what to do with it!

After we picked all the peaches that we could find... we went back to their farmers
market and looked around. There were some really cool old tractors and things,
and you couldn't wait to go explore them. Dad was more than happy to climb on and explain things to you, and you were such a good listener! I love this picture of you two.

I think this picture is really funny. You were so serious driving the tractor... maybe you'll grow up to be a farmer. I think your Great Grandpa Ruel was smiling down from heaven watching you play on all the farm equipment.

Daddy Time

You are such a lucky boy to have the daddy that you do. Every day when he pulls into the driveway and he sees you waiting in the window his face lights up. He can't wait to meet you at the doorway and give you a big hug and tell you how much he missed you that day. You are his sunshine.

Everyday I tell you how much he loves you and that he would do anything for you. But just in case you ever forget (even though I don't think you will) I wanted to write it down for you. You are so special to your dad, and he loves you more than any other little boy... ever. He would go across the ocean in a row boat for you, if he had too.

These are some fun pictures that your Grandpa Will took of you and dad while him and Grandma were out visiting.

You are turning into such a big boy!

Telling secrets. Dad is such a good listener.

One of your favorite games. Daddy building a tower and you knocking it over.