July Trip to NY

Why does it take me so long to get things posted on here?? It's only been about a month since we were in NY...

Parker & I flew to my sister's to visit for a few days at the end of July. From there we met Chad in Ilion and dropped Parker off for his first overnight visit away from Mommy & Daddy. We left him in good hands (Chad's family) and of course, he had a wonderful time! Danielle, Mike, Chad & I went to Rochester where my very good friend Julia got married. It was such a beautiful wedding and unfortunately, I forgot my camera so there are no pictures to post! But the four of us really enjoyed our night out...not sure when we'll get to do that again. Chad was only able to spend the weekend in NY so when he went home, Parker & I headed to the lake. My family was there on vacation so Parker really got spoiled! And even though we had the best time, I was ready to come home at the end of the week.

Checking out his ride to NY...he did GREAT on all of our flights. He slept the whole way to my sister's (we were lucky enough to have a direct flight) and played and read books on the flights back to NC. I was a little nervous about flying with him for the first time by myself but I couldn't have asked for a better trip!

Molly didn't go too far from Parker's side while he was at her house :)

Megan, Molly & Parker

Parker's not really into photo shoots these days!

My mom was quite happy when Parker decided to take a quick nap before we headed to the beach. We don't really get to hold him much anymore when he sleeps.

Parker was my dad's sidekick while we were at Sandy Pond.

He didn't let Grampie get out of his sight!

My cousins enjoying the sand couch they built

My cousins, Tyler & Emma

My grandma & mom feeding Parker a cupcake...Why is it so fun to feed babies sweet things?

Parker & his Great Grandma B

Parker's Dedication

We had Parker dedicated on August 8th. We would have loved to have our whole family there but were blessed to have Chad's parents, my mom, Kari & Art there. With most of our family being in NY it's quite a challenge to get everyone in NC all at once. We were a little worried about how he would behave but he did really well and even went to Pastor Don...for a second!

Parker with Pastor Don

Aww...look how good he was during the prayer!

Well, maybe not!

Chad, Parker & I with my mom

Chad, Parker & I with Chad's parents and Kari & Art

Leo the Lion

While my sister and Mike were in Las Vegas, they got Parker this lion. After much consideration for the perfect name, they finally settled on "Leo" and were hoping he'd love it. Well, obviously he does! He's been sleeping with him at night, and now as soon as we get in his room at naptime or bedtime he reaches for him. Thanks, Aunt Danielle & Uncle Mike!

Did I Hear a Lawn Mower?

Parker has taken a huge interest in lawn mowers lately. He usually hears one while we're outside and reaches out like he's saying "take me to see it". One evening while he was outside playing, Chad starting mowing the yard and he would not rest until Chad came and got him. He was so happy to be "helping" and was not a happy camper when Chad put him because he got too heavy. Luckily, it was bath time anyways so we went inside while Chad finished mowing the backyard. Now he knows how hard it is to push a cart while carrying Parker around the grocery store!

Just Like Aunt Danielle

If you know my sister, Danielle, you know just how much she loves ketchup. She eats it on all the normal things - french fries, hotdogs, scrambled eggs (is it normal to eat ketchup on eggs??), but she eats A TON of it on all of those things. Well, apparently Parker loves it too! We had hamburgers and potatoes for dinner and he was so cute dipping pieces in the ketchup and then eating them. I think he had the most fun smearing it all over his tray, which is typical these days. Eli really enjoys this too because pieces of food usually go flying and he is more than happy to clean up the mess!

Speaking of Wagons...

Parker got a wagon for his birthday from my parents - actually it's my dad's old wagon that he rode in as a kid. I wasn't sure that he was going to like it and was worried that he'd just try to climb out. But he loves it! He is content to just sit and ride up and down the driveway and hasn't tried to get out once. I would like to put some sides on it just in case, so we can take him for a ride somewhere other than the driveway. Grampie - Add that to your list of projects in the fall!!

Chad had just finished cutting down two trees in our backyard that came down when a huge tree from next door fell into our yard during a random storm this week, which is why he's so sweaty. And don't worry...I was on him all morning to make sure he drank enough sowe didn't have any repeat episodes in the ER!

Can we just go one more time, please?!

And yes, I too think the Swagger Wagon video is hilarious. My friend& I always talk about how we will NEVER drive a minivan - But then she emailed me that video. I don't know, it might just change my mind....Or maybe not!

Nona & Grampie Visit

A few weeks ago I sent my mom a text telling her that Parker was starting to pull up on things. Well, her and my dad decided they wanted to see it in person so that day they booked their flights to come visit the following week! This surprised both Chad & I since they don't do anything that hasn't been planned for at least two months or more. It was fun having them here, and I know they really enjoyed spending time with Parker. One morning we got up really early (to beat the heat) and took Parker to play at the park. They had fun pushing him in the swing and playing on the toddler playground. And I enjoyed just watching and taking pictures!

Grampie taking a turn pushing Parker

Nona taking her turn

They have a trail that's right near the park so we thought we'd go for a walk and check it out. Unfortunately, Parker wasn't really in the mood so we didn't make it too far!

Mom & I like going for coffee when we get together. I usually have to hide it from Parker because he always cries and wants my cup. He was very happy when I handed it over, although I had to take it away within a few minutes because he started chewing pieces off the bottom!