The Boys See THE BOAT!

This morning we all headed down with Pops and Grandma Jayne to spend some time on Pops' boat. I know Pops has been waiting for this day for a long time, roughly 29 months (Walker's age), and today we finally climbed aboard.

My dad bought this boat when I was in middle school, and he loves it. When he first got the boat the whole family loved it. We would spend most Saturdays tubing, fishing and swimming.

Then as we got older (read: became "too cool" teenagers), the boat became more of a place for Dad to go and fish all by his lonesome. Jason and my dad even shared a fishing trip all on their own many years ago, before there was any talk of marriage. I still don't know all the details of that trip, but was grateful when everyone came home.

He has been waiting to share his special place with his boys long enough. So, this morning we all headed out.

We had some cloud cover to start, so that helped to keep things a little cool. We road around and saw how very much the landscape has changed over the years.

We stopped to do a little fishing, and quickly realized that when the boat was sitting still, it was no longer cool.

Walker spent most of the time with a very serious look on his face trying to figure everything out. Eli was completely fearless and not bothered at all by having to wear the life jacket. It was the perfect first of many lake trips for the boys!







And just so you can feel like you were there too...



Can you feel the wind in your hair?

It's Nap Time, Somewhere....

Lately the boys have been waking up really early. Actually, Walker is waking up really early and Eli can only tolerate a little noise from his brother before he decides to get up and join the fun.

This has made nap time come a little earlier each day.



Yesterday we had a busy morning of park play and then a trip to the grocery store. This is a shot of them watching something on Noggin, while I was just trying to get them to last until noon. What do you think? Did they make it or were they in bed for "afternoon" naps before morning had even passed? :)

Everyone Enjoys a Popsicle

Eli enjoyed a popsicle with Walker after the lawn mowing experience. In fact, it is quickly becoming a summer evening tradition around here. A great way to cool down and mere moments away from a bath, what's not not enjoy.

And even better news about a popsicle...is there is plenty to share. :)



And to answer all the concerned readers out there...Yes, Jason received a popsicle for his efforts in cutting the yard as well. I did not document it, but I promise it happen.

Just Like Daddy

Saturday afternoon Jason mowed the backyard while we played. This is the first time I let the boys be outside while he was using the lawn mower. He convinced me it would be fine, and this precious moment is what we witnessed.


Mowing the Grass with Daddy from jason.mccay on Vimeo.

He made every step Jason made and earned a popsicle as his reward. I hope he is this excited about mowing the yard, in say 10 years, when it is his Saturday morning chore.

Perfect Park Birthday Party

Saturday we headed to our friend, Andrew's, third birthday party.

Which, let me pause right there and say, I'm not quite sure how that is possible. We first met Keith and Meredith (Andrew's parents) when he was just a few months old and I was still pregnant with Walker. So, if he is three that means Walker is getting dangerously close to three as well. I know, I know it is still six months away, but time is moving past at a dizzying speed.

Right, back to the story. The birthday party was perfect. It was at a great local park. Rain had been forecast, but we had perfect blue skies. The kids could run and play and when it was time to eat there were hot dogs and cupcakes. Our boys had a blast and were the last to head out, trying to extend the party as long as possible.

Concerned Little Boy

Walker is a helper by nature. He loves to help, and most of the time it is welcome. :)

When Grandma was here to visit Walker wanted to make sure she wore her sunglasses. It is important for her to wear them, as she is struggling with macular degeneration. Just talking about Grandma's eyes has made Walker very conscious of wearing his sunglasses to 'protect his eyes.'

I thought it was pretty sweet of him to help. Of course she was completely in the shade, but that is neither here nor there.

Another Fabulous Visit

This week we were able to spend some more time with Grandma and Grandpa Hermie. They came over and spent a day with us.

We started by heading to the library for story time. Last week I took the boys by myself, and it didn't exactly go as planned, so I jumped at the chance to have some help. Eli really enjoyed the show and Walker was able to see some of his friends.

From the library we headed to lunch, where the boys ate every piece of fruit available followed by ice cream. Well, Walker had ice cream. Eli had a bite. I don't know why I forget that lactose intolerant means no ice cream, but he didn't seem to mind that after the one bite there was no more.

We returned home for naps all around to rest for a busy afternoon of play in the backyard.




While we were waiting on Walker to wake up from his nap, Eli and Grandpa had a wonderful game of patty-cake. Eli just laughed and laughed. I think he would have been happy if it had gone on forever.




We wrapped up the evening with hamburgers and time for us all to talk.

The visit was wonderful and we are already looking forward to the next time.

Wish You Were Here!

They boys give me endless smiles all day. So often I wish there were someone else here to enjoy the funny situations that occur, so here is my attempt at sharing them.

• Walker goes to time out twice in a row for shoving Eli. He finally gets to leave time out when he apologizes. As soon as Walker leaves time out, Eli runs into the corner and grins and laughs, because he is where his big brother was. No matter what your big brother is doing, it is cool.
• Walker was playing with his Disney bus (a souvenier) while we were at the grocery store. Walker: "I want to go to the Magic Kingdom." Mommy: "We can't go right now it's too far away." Walker: "Okay, we can go in a little while."
• They had pasta for lunch. Eli finishes first and gets down. Walker then sits in his chair and feeds Eli the remaining pasta on his plate, one piece at a time by calling, "You come back over here," and giving him a bite (just like a puppy).
• Walker declares that he wants to wear his Crocs today. I ask him if he wants to keep his socks on or take them off. He replies, "Socks stay on, see the socks are pretty (in his super sweet voice)."
  

Night Away From Home

Weekend before last Pops and Grandma Jayne volunteered to keep the boys Saturday and Saturday night.

They showed up early in the morning (and even brought us yummy bagels for breakfast), installed the car seats, and we didn't see them until almost lunch the next day.

Jason and I enjoyed some time to ourselves and an evening of peace (although I have troubles sleeping when the boys are not in the house).

The boys had so much fun with their grandparents. They loved being in a different place and enjoyed the constant attention that only grandparents can give. And of course, Grandma Jayne made sure to document the whole weekend, so we have some wonderful pictures.

I think we are all looking forward to the next weekend with Pops and Grandma Jayne (wink, wink).

Here are some pictures of the boys in 'my' rocking chair.

At this rate...

...Eli will not need to learn how to talk until Walker goes to school.

Now a regular feature of our meals is me asking Eli if he is "all done" or if he "wants more." He turns and looks at Walker, and Walker answers, with the seemingly appropriate response. No words or sounds are exchanged, just a look.

Why learn to talk, when your brother can handle that for you?

Keeping it Cool at the Zoo

Last week we met some new friends at the zoo. For Mother's Day, Pops and Grandma Jayne gave us a membership to the zoo. This was our first chance to try it out, and it sure was nice to just show a card and walk in!

It was pretty warm, but we were able to see the half of the zoo we missed last time, before we retreated to the water fountains to cool down.

This was something new...


Look at the boys trying to figure out what is going on.


Walker really enjoyed the water. Eli played a little, but was really just ready for lunch and a nap.






We can't wait for the next trip!

Little Boys in Big Boy Clothes

One of the ideas I came across for Jason's Father's Day present was to take pictures of the boys in his clothes. So I picked a few of his frequently worn t-shirts and hats and we had a little photo session. While it didn't go exactly as I had planned (but whatever does), I got some great shots of the boys that will last a lifetime.

It is very difficult to get a good shot of both of them.




Hats...not so much.



Future Ironman?


Ironmen need snacks, too.

Happy Father's Day!

I am so thankful for the wonderful men that have been placed in our families and I am so grateful that our boys have the chance to know them. Happy Father's Day to these daddies that have taken the time to be an example of Christ's Fatherly love. I pray my boys will follow their footsteps one day when they are daddies.

Summer Time Water Fun

So, I know it is not officially summer, but the hot, hot weather has arrived here in Alabama and the boys and I are celebrating by keeping cool in the water.

We headed to Oak Mountain State Park one day this week to play on the beach. I really didn't expect the boys to spend too much time in the water, but rather play in the sand on shore. Boy, was I wrong. I guess the calm waters of the lake (and the encouragement of watching the 'big' kids) are much more inviting than the crashing ocean waves. In any case this resulted in me heading fully clothed into the lake. But good news, I did learn that Walker does know how to tread water.






Later in the week we hosted a water play day in our own backyard. We blew up a few pools and invited a crowd over. Walker had an absolute blast. He loves to have other kids to play with. Eli had fun also and was ready for his nap by the time all the fun had been had. I loved the time to chat with my mommy friends and am looking forward to the next one.




Not long into the party the shade was the place to be.


Eli solving the world's problems with his buddy.


By the time things were drawing to a close most of the kids ended up in this one tiny little pool. We don't know why, but it was pretty funny.

All the photos are courtesy of my friend Jenny who has here own photography business and is kind enough to take pictures of all the kids when she is around. She should take all your kids pictures, too. A Moment Like This Photography.

Pool Playtime with our "Cousins"

Last weekend all the daddies were out of town at a conference so the mommies and the cousins came to play in our splash pool. The kids had so much fun, and the mommies had a pretty good time hanging out as well. Hannah and Leah even had their first half-sleepover (they went down in here and headed home around midnight). This group is going to have so much fun playing together for years to come.

Eli, Walker and Issac (our honorary cousin).




Hannah, Leah and Walker (not quite sure what this face is).


Leah, in her modeling pose.


Hannah, she makes you work for a smile.


Walker and Eli taking a break from the water at the sand table.


Isaac and Eli, when I found out we had the same outfit, I had to have a picture.


Dinner time with Hannah, Leah, Isaac, and Allyson; looks like she is ready for three.