Boone's 1st Birthday

A year has passed by so fast. Too fast! Boone has changed a great deal. He once had dark hair, now it is blonde. He once cried all day and night (colic & reflux), now he smiles 24/7. He once woke up every 2-3 hours wanting a bottle, now he FINALLY sleeps through the night! During those challenging times in the beginning, I still thought there was no way I could be happier. Boy, I was wrong. Everyday gets better. I know all mothers feel the same when you think you love your children as much as humanly possible, God grants us the joy and gift of loving more. Yes, Boone was a surprise, but the best surprise I have ever been given.
Saturday, we celebrated Boone's birthday with family at our house. He received many wonderful gifts that he is enjoying with his big sister.

Good buddies at the beach

We had two trips planned to the beach this month. First, with my family for my Aunt Lisa's wedding and the past weekend with some of our friends and their kids. Reese enjoyed the ocean more this trip. I guess it just took her a little time to feel comfortable. Boone smiled the whole time, especially during any snack time! By the end of the weekend, Reese was pretty attached to the beach. When we got ready to go, she cried saying over and over, "Noooooo beach, come back."

Us with Mandy and Camden

Jennifer reading to Lilly and Reese

Beach Trip

We had a great time at the beach last weekend.

Marty and I loved playing in the water with the kids. There are no words to express the happiness they bring into my life.

Zoo Trip

The kids enjoyed a day at Riverbank's Zoo after Aunt Ginny and Uncle David's graduation from Law School ( congrats to them).
It was nice to spend the day with family!

Tiny Dancers

Reese and Boone spent the weekend with Nana. Kaycee, Reese, and Boone had great time dancing to Veggie Tales. Take a second to watch them in action!

Move Over Tiger Woods

We spent some time this afternoon chipping around in the backyard. Reese figured out it was easier placing the ball in the net. After seeing her determination, new toddler clubs are in her near future!! Times are tough; we're looking for a scholarship. Boone just tried to lick the grass off of all the golf balls.

Tea Party

Reese accidentally saw the bag of Easter goodies Boopie sent and insisted on opening it all. Among the sweets and treats was an adorable tea set. After reading the tea party book, she shared her tea with all of us, including Boone which doesn't happen often.

Reese's Word Recognition

Marty and I bought the series I'm sure you have seen on TV called Your Baby Can Read. I was feeding Boone EARLY one morning a few months ago and saw the infomercial for the program. I must say I was a skeptic, thinking there is no way these DVDs and games could actually help babies as young as 9 months read words. But, we ordered the series with no expectations except that we gained new educational DVDs for Reese to watch during those times in the day when I needed to fold clothes or start dinner. They recommend you show your child one DVD twice a day for one month and move to a new one the next month. I definitely do not play them twice a day and sometimes even skip a few days. She enjoys watching them and loves to play the card games with me and Marty at night. I know it is a lot of memorization, but the idea behind the program is the child begins to make a phonemic connection with letters and blends. I just think it is so neat that she knows so much after just 2 months! If you have a minute, take a look at the video below.

Christian's Birthday Party

Christian Ruth turned two a few days after Reese. Reese and Christian have had many fun playdates together.
His Barney theme party was a lot of fun.