Halloween!

Halloween is an all day experience!  Mom and I got up early to make cupcakes for my Halloween party at the babysitter's house.   My friends appreciate my culinary prowess, and will eat anything I make as long as it has sprinkles on it.

I was a pirate this year!   I insisted I wanted to be Jake, but mom thought the Jake costumes were kinda lame.   So I ended up being a really cool Jack Sparrow/Captain Hook sort of pirate.   Mom taught me how to say "surrender the booty!" and we were on our way!   Dad had to take a conference call that night, so Mom and I went to trunk or treat at the church.  Here we are before we left:

It pays to know people at these events.  My aunt Lynnette and cousin Olivia were running the fishing booth, so of course I used that to my advantage.   

Backstage access was too good to pass up:

Oddly enough, I was only marginally interested in the trunk or treating part.  I didn't really understand the marching from car to car, and the chanting of "trick or treat!"  What does that mean, anyway?  Perhaps next year.

Happy Halloween everyone!!!!

The most interesting frog in the world....

..."I don't always protect sleeping toddlers.. but when I do, I do it with a cool pirate sword..."

Camping Weekend

Mom and Dad took me camping this weekend to Jones Lake State Park.   They were a little nervous because it was going to dip in the low 30's at night, but we were plenty warm.  Our campsite had electric hookup, so we plugged in an electric blanket and were toasty all night.   I learned to use the outdoors as my restroom, (to put it delicately) and then decided it was so cool that I wanted to do it every 20 minutes all weekend long.   Mom is too scared not to humor me, so I used this to my unfair advantage.  I almost feel bad about that, but not really.

This is my friend Megan.   Mom and Dad's friends the Crutchfields drove up from South Carolina to meet us for the weekend.  Mom knows them from growing up in New Mexico, and she and Mr. Crutchfield have known each other since kindergarten!

Here I am fishing.  I'm tethered to the pier with a dog leash, because my Mom doesn't mind humiliating me like that.

 I love fishing with my Daddy, and fished till I passed out.

LITERALLY passed out....

A great time had by all, and I think we should do it again really soon.   Mom and Dad think so too!

P.S.  Mom caught more fish than the boys!

Two words: STATE FAIR!!!!!!

I know I'm only 2.5 years old, but I NEVER miss the fair.  I've been coming since I was a wee lad.  I was lucky to have my cousins Alexis and Olivia join me, and we had a blast! My Aunts Sherri and Lynnette were there, and also my Uncle Bryan.  They took me on lots of rides, and we stayed out really late!  Some highlights:

Random kid.  And Olivia trying to be a good sport.

I like to visit the wildlife booth, and Dad likes to take me.  I think he really likes to show me off to his coworkers, and I'm OK with that.

*As a side note, I had my 2.5 year checkup before we left for the fair.  I'm healthy as a horse, and am hardly ever sick.  I'm 28 lbs, which is 30th percentile.  I'm 36 inches tall (40th percentile).   What I lack in percentile, I make up for in personality and stubbornness!   I did appreciate the option to get the flu shot squirted up my nose instead of my thigh like last year.   MUCH more comfortable.   My doc was also impressed that I've been potty trained for a few months now.  That's right, ahead of the curve is where I like to be!

I hope they call me on a Mission

 I hope they call me on a mission

When I have grown a foot or two.

I hope by then I will be ready

To teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

 I hope that I can share the gospel

With those who want to know the truth.

I want to be a missionary

And serve and help the Lord while I am in my youth

My oldest cousin Ryan Barnes was called to serve in the Accra Ghana mission.  He left this week, and I'm going to miss him a lot.   He will be a great missionary, and I'm excited for him to teach the people and have many big adventures!  Someday it will be my turn!

One Last FHE

My cousin Ryan is leaving for his mission this week.   We had one last Family Home Evening at Grandma and Grandpa's house before he leaves.   Here I am with all my North Carolina cousins.  We're going to miss this kid!

But I'm still wittle

I asked to take a bath in the sink today.   Mom asked why and I told her.   "I'm still wittle."    She said, "why not?"   What a good sport.

Getting ready for Halloween

I'm finally starting to understand this Halloween thing.   When you ask me what I want to be for Halloween, I always say "Jake" (and the NeverLand pirates).    Mom is waiting to see if I change my mind.

In the meantime, my Grammy Huffman sent me this cool skeleton shirt.  Because every boy needs one!   It was also my first introduction to glowing in the dark!   Thanks Grammy!

Heritage Days

When I was just a wee lad, Mom and Dad brought me to Heritage Days to see the animals.   I think I got more out of it this year.  Remember this little guy?

Mom needs a new joke.  Because this one is only funny to her....

And you KNOW how I feel about tractors!   This was pure heaven!!

Thanks Heritage Days!  We'll see you next year!   (And warn the pig that the crazy lady will be back too!)