'Oon!

John loves utensils. A whisk was one of his first and favorite toys. I had to stop feeding him baby food since he wanted the spoon and little was eaten. More recently, he would play with a spoon and mimic our actions of scooping and eating. I realized late last week that he's of the age where eating from a spoon should come easily, so I got them back out and gave him some yogurt. The satisfaction of eating on his own, coupled with having something he loves so much made for a very happy boy. Below is a pictorial documentation of his first couple bites, which I would guess only his grandmothers care to see!

Success!

Evan's Orchard Playland

This past weekend, John and I headed to Evan's Orchard in Georgetown to join other moms and kids at the Playland. It was a great spot to play! I left my camera at home, so I captured a few shots using my bequeathed iPhone from Audrey. I was glad I could record the fun!

"Doggy!" (No son, that's a goat.)

John sets off to climb the stairs. Soon, I don't see him.

This is where I find him (or close by) after I climbed up.

Some slide!

The view from the ground. It was big, fast, and more exciting than any slide we've ever seen. After about ten slow climbs up and ten fast rides down, we moved on.

To the corn box! John has never played in a sand box, just the sand on the beach. I really don't like sand so this box filled with dried corn, scooping implements of all shapes and sizes, buckets, and trucks was a hit for John and me since I wouldn't have to vacuum leftover sand from the car.


We'll definitely be back next year, when John is older and can explore more things on his own. Aside from the goats, swings, slide and corn box, there are three mazes, a tire park, a "rat race" using giant pipes to roll down a track, petting zoo, pony and camel rides, and a tractor track. There's also an orchard and pumpkin patch too--our heads just might explode from all the fun.

Coloring

We've tried coloring a time or two, but after a few bangs of the crayon, John puts them in his mouth and they never meet the paper again. Well, yesterday we needed to send some notes and I gave it another try. He gets it! These pictures are blurry because I hate to use the flash, but nonetheless, they capture the moment and his happy reaction to putting color on the page.

Other things he's up to--helping me with laundry! Yes, John will happily load clothes into the washer or transfer them from the washer into the dryer. Now if I could only teach him to fold the laundry... He'd love to help unload the dishwasher, but we think it's best if we wait awhile on that one.

Lately

Putting Mama's "wa-ter" away. (He took all my Diet Cokes and put them inside John's Coke pack. He was nearly finished before I realized that he was up to.)

Trying on Mama's shoes.

Enjoying the latest J Crew catalog.

A little putting practice after church--and sometimes he uses a two-hand grip!

Enjoying a good read on the couch.

Sitting with Dada before bed.

Helping Mama pull out the packing peanuts--and returning them to the box once our work is done!

Cousins Visit!

My sister Audrey and my mom came to visit this week with my nephews Jacob and Sam. They arrived in time for dinner Tuesday night and we planned a big day on Wednesday since they needed to leave Thursday morning. To say we had fun doesn't do it justice.

Our first stop on Wednesday--drive-thru breakfast from Chick-fil-A and onto Keeneland to watch the horses practice.

Jacob loved seeing the horses race, gallop, and walk by.

John enjoyed picking up trash and throwing it away.

Picking up trash together and stopping to watch the horses when they pass by.

Group picture (FAIL)

Next, we head back home for naps, lunch, and play.

After lunch, we headed to Old Kentucky Chocolates to tour their factory and get some treats. (Sweetie stayed behind with Sam, hence the reason why we have no pictures!) I think I've found a new favorite--all future visitors should expect to tour there as well! We had dinner at a (really) good Mexican restaurant--Mi Paquena Hacienda--and came home for a bath before bed.

Sweetie patiently watches the boys as they play together in the tub. Normal bath time--12 minutes and a few laughs. Cousin bath time--30+ minutes and too many laughs to count.

Jacob and John have fun pouring water on each other.

We had so much fun! John has been napping like a champ today since he had so much playtime and activity. The time flew by--we can't wait to see them again!

At the Beach with Gege and Grandaddy

After our time with Sweetie and Mush, we headed to Kiawah to spend the week with Grandaddy and Gege. It was also a fun week of relaxation and fun in the sun.

Making the drive. The keyboard was well received...for about five minutes!

Testing his new hat on the beach.

John loved being in the ocean. His biggest smiles came when the waves hit.

Dancing at Mingo Point

The phone calls continued at the beach as well.

Lots to see

Visiting Sweetie and Mush

John and I spent the last two weeks in NC and SC visiting the grandparents. We stopped first at Sweetie and Mush's for a nice week of relaxation, special privileges, and other wonderful things that being with the grandparents affords. (I even got a day in Durham to visit some friends and do some shopping at my familiar spots.) We concluded the week with a big family party, getting the chance to catch up with cousins and aunts.

John likes sticking his fingers in your mouth. He finds it most entertaining!

Sweetie lets John play with the phone.

Important conversations ensue.

Not sure about this life jacket.

I think someone loves the boat ride!

Still chewing on new things!