Busy Boy

I took Trip for a long walk this morning. We threw rocks in the creek, kicked the soccer ball at the Main Square, and walked down Main Street looking in a few of the shops. I love this last picture ... He is trying to put the cap on my camera lense. It's like he is saying, "Mom, put down the camera and come play with me!" He makes a good point. Playing is definitely more important than pictures!

family hunt

J's Mimi celebrated her 85th birthday a couple of weeks ago, and so all of the family gathered over her birthday weekend to spend some quality time together and celebrate. A group of us went dove hunting on Saturday. This was my first time hunting, and I actually shot a bird!

Here are some pictures from the day ...

From left: J's brother, Collins, sister, Georgia, and Dad

Georgia also shot her first bird! This must be a celebration face :)

Taking a break after my big kill!

J's sister, Clara. This was not her first hunt - she is a pro.

My manly hunter husband.

family hunt (cont.)

Only J's sisters could make shorts and hunting boots fashionable! I did not try and pull this look off, but it sure would have been more comfortable in the heat!

J and Clara, waiting for birds.

We set the camera up to get a group shot, and this was one of the mistake pictures. I thought is was kind of a neat accidental shot.

Our attempt at a group photo ... Sorry we cut you off Clara!

Labor Day Parade

J and Trip were part of the Labor Day Parade this year! Trip was hilarious. He took the "task" of throwing candy out of the truck window and waving to his fans very seriously - not cracking a smile once! He wore his cowboy hat from his Cappy, his cowboy boots, blue jeans and a polo (J dressed him that morning and they looked remarkably similar, minus the hat). Trip even got to "ride" a horse before the parade started. I'm sure this was the highlight for him, because now every time we see a horse - real or not - he yells "Baaaaaayyyyy" (which is supposed to be the sound that a horse makes)!

My Big Boy

Lately I have heard from a lot of people how much more like a "big boy" Trip looks. Seeing him every day, I'm not sure that I noticed the change. But when I was looking at these pictures that I took a few days ago, I thought to myself that I could see a glimpse of my little baby turning into a big boy. He is losing those chubby cheeks and only has one roll left on each leg. My mom bought him these Converse All Star shoes, which I think are so cute, but also fall into the big boy category. He looks like such a cool kid when he wears them.

I know the time between now and the new baby's arrival will fly by, so I am trying to really cherish this time with Trip as my only baby. He is growing more independent every day, which I know will be a blessing once we have two, but makes me sad in this moment.

Family of ... 4!

That's right, baby number 2 is on the way! Lord willing, we will be adding to our little family of three in 6 months.

The due date is March 12, 2011 to be exact. My 28th birthday and just three days after Trip's second birthday. March is going to be a popular month around here.

The first trimester has flown by! Although I didn't feel that way during some of my more nauseous moments, it is hard to believe there are only 6 months left. I think it is going to be a boy, J thinks it is going to be a girl, and Trip is still very confused about what all of this means.

We are so excited for another baby, and for Trip to have a sibling!

[The plan was to post a sonogram picture, but our scanner is not working ... some sticky fingers got a hold of it! A friend brought these newborn diapers by to say congratulations, and I couldn't believe how small they were or that Trip was ever small enough to wear them! A picture of the newborn diapers next to Trip's sippy cup seemed to be an appropriate one.]

A is for Apple

Trip's new favorite snack is apples ... or should I say one BIG apple. He loves to carry the entire apple around and eats it to the core. It is hilarious to see him eat something that is almost as big as his head!

[By the way - the scrape on his nose was his first really big boo boo and has turned into a lovely little scar. I am told the bumps and bruises for a little boy will only continue to get worse, which makes my heart break a little.]

Play Time with Dad

I just love this picture. When J gets home from work, he and Trip have special play time while I cook dinner. This usually includes Trip getting thrown in the air or on the bed, playing with blocks, and playing the "Dee Tar".