Redneck Teepee...

Or is it just a really large tunnel for my truck? Maybe both?

1st Swimming lesson

I don't see what the big fuss is about. People need lessons for this? Just give me a noodle, and let me go already!

Pantry drama

Sometimes, a man just needs a snack to tide him over till dinner...

Are you ready for some football?

Yeah! Go Panthers!

(Squirrel!)

Oh my gosh, I LOVE watching football with Dad!

It's even better when my guys win!

One year ago...

One year ago today, this little cutie was sealed to us in the Raleigh temple.

 Jack, Mom and Dad love you so much!

Families are forever!

Used car lot

So far, Mom's been kind enough not to mention that I like to throw my toys. It's just exuberance, not anything malicious. Nonetheless, have you ever taken a hot wheel to the forehead? Apparently, it's frowned upon around here.

1st day of Nursery

Not a lot to say on this post except my Mom was alternately relieved and sad to see me go to nursery.   She knows that I'm much happier there, but doesn't like that I'm getting so big.  She says she misses her "baby." 

18 Months!

Here's a sampling of what I'm up to now:

1. Still with the blasted sippy cup.   I'm enamored with drinking out of a regular cup like a big boy, but lack the skill.   I can't quite quit the sippy.  It's my constant companion, and you have to work pretty hard to distract me from it.  Out of sight, out of mind only works for a little while.
2. Shaking my head NO.   I've got that move mastered, and I employ it a lot.
3.  My verbal skills are not progressing very quickly.  I still say Ma!, DadDad.  I'm on the verge of "Mo" for milk.  Mom tries to get me to say words, but I just don't care about it very much.  My needs get met either way!
4.  I want to be outside.  All the time.   And I'll scream bloody murder if you try to take me back in.
5. Unfortunately, I'm a feast for mosquitoes.  Mom tries bug spray, but they love me anyway. I'm constantly covered in red dots.   Unfortunately for Mom, she's a feast for mosquitoes as well.  And since I can't be unsupervised, we're BOTH covered in red dots.
6. I'm a daredevil.  While swimming in Orlando, I discovered that I'm not afraid to jump in the pool by myself.   I don't particularly need anyone there to catch me, although my terrified mother argues otherwise.  I start swim lessons next week!
7.  I have a very strong personality, and know exactly what I want to do.  Trying to persuade me from it isn't usually successful, although I can be distracted by snacks.  Mom is a master at redirecting my focus.  She plays me like a cheap fiddle!
8.  I've become quite attached to two of my stuffed animals.  They sleep with me at night, and have to come downstairs with me in the morning for breakfast.  I have others, but 'Winks' and 'Blackie' are my favorites.
9.  I cut two more molars, so I'm up to four molars now.  I can bite so much better now, but it still hasn't improved my diet.   I will eat very few things, and don't seem to mind the repetition.  Mom is at her wits end trying to get healthy things into me.    Sorry Mom, I just know what I like, and what I don't.   And most of it, I don't.   See number "2" above.
10. I follow directions really well.  I will go retrieve anything you ask me to, throw things in the trash, and pick up my toys.  I might not feel the need to talk, but I know exactly what you're saying!

They come in large?

This post is for my Grandpa's,  who would be so proud that I'm savvy to the finer things in life.

Disney!

Mom and Dad came through in spectacular fashion, and gave me a day at DisneyWorld that I'll not soon forget.   Or maybe I will, because who takes an 18 month old to Disney anyway?   I'll always have these pictures to remind me though. 

While we were waiting for Mom's friend Julia to hook us up with free tickets, I pushed my stroller around and around in circles.   I can literally do this for hours.   Julia was nice enough to take a family pic for us, and please try not to notice Mrs. Green Shorts photobombing us in the background.   Sheesh.

Once we were granted entry to Epcot, we quickly hopped the monorail over to Magic Kingdom for the day.   Those soothing vibrations put me right to sleep, and I hadn't even seen a thing yet!   Rookie mistake!

Here's Dad pondering Main Street, with me practicing my best coma impression.  Mom and Dad decided to eat a leisurely lunch at Cosmic Ray's while I finished my nap.   I woke up mid-hamburger, ready to roll.  Mom hasn't had an uninterruped meal in about 18 months, so why break that streak?

Here I am on my first ride.  Mom rode all the rides with me, because Dad gets a teesy bit motion sick.  Once I figured out the lever made us go higher and higher, it was lots of fun!  I wasn't scared, even a little bit!  We rode Dumbo, Alladin's carpet ride, and Buzz Lightyear!   All of them, I clapped my hands I was so excited.

Getting ready to ride the Mad Hatter tea cups.

I loved the Mickey show!   They had my full attention the whole time they were on stage!

Thanks Mom and Dad for the most fun day ever.   I'm open to making this an annual event!

Swim time, Orlando style

Disney tomorrow, so pool time today at the resort!