Hailey is a very contemplative baby.

Ian loves playing with Hailey's exersaucer now that's it's not his 'toy' anymore.

She's so excited. Can't you tell?!!

5 months and smiling

'Man' Time

Ian and Steve had their first 'Man" time outing (as Steve likes to call it) tonight. Steve had a Cross Impact tailgating activity at a USC baseball game and took Ian along with him. This was Ian's first baseball game and he loved it. He especially enjoyed watching Cocky, the USC mascot, dance--This was the first thing he wanted to tell me about when he got home.

STEPS TO BECOMING A BIG BOY:

Ian is quickly checking off the steps to becoming a 'big boy.'

1. Eats by himself
2. Sleeps in a real bed

Today he decided to move on to Step #3: Throw away the Pacifier. He was only using it for bedtime but now that's he's two we decided to time had come to really take it away. After considering several options, we decided that for Ian, the best option would just be to do away with it quickly. He has always looked forward to 'trash day' on Thursdays, so we thought it would be good if he threw it away himself and watched the trashman take it away. We prepped him two days ahead and this morning he woke up ready to give his "pa" (as he calls it) to the garbage man. Surprisingly, he threw it away with no problem and waved to the trashman as he carried it away.
Now, one step left . . . potty training. That will have to wait a few months:-)

He's done the deed

Bye, bye 'pa' (You can't see it in the picture but the trashman smiled, waved at him, and honked the horn as he went by.)

The best shoes for kids . . .

I wanted to make a quick review on crocs. I think they are absolutely the best shoes for kids. They are very easy to keep clean and super easy to get on and off. Ian loves taking his shoes off and it can get frustrating quickly to keep having to tie and double knot his shoes. These shoes slide on easily and when they get dirty you can just hose them off. They stay looking great even after playing in the mud. Also, if you don't have to have 'name brand' you can get them for as cheap as $5 a pair. It's a great summer shoe and I highly recommend them.

You can also accessorize with little buttons (which you can get at the dollar store).

Behind Living Gallery

We had a great time getting to see Living Gallery at BJU this weekend. Ben had the opportunity of getting to be a model in the last painting of Christ at the Resurrection. We were able to go back stage to see him afterwards. Here's a picture of Steve and I with Ben all painted up (he was Christ in the painting). When Ian sees this picture he always says "Jonah." I guess they did a good job of making him look like a Bible character:-)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Ian!

It's hard to believe that Ian is 2 years old already. He is such a fun little boy and we are so grateful for the Lord's blessing to us through giving him to our family. We had a wonderful time celebrating his birthday with family this year. He loved every part of it, especially blowing out the candles which he requested to do several times. Here are some pictures of his week of parties.

We had a sports theme party at Honey and Pappy's house.

Ian helped me make cupcakes for his party with Mama and Papa Johns.

Two years old

He loved his sunglasses that Mama and Papa got him so much that he decided to wear them while watching Lady and the Tramp.

Enjoying Ian's party with Daddy

Uncle Andy and Hailey

Ian's new car complete with a real Corvette symbol (compliments of Papa Johns)

Party #2 with Johns Family

His new chair from Honey and Pappy

Learning how to bat the ball from Uncle D

His 3rd party with Fetterolf family

What does it take to get a kid to smile? If you're wondering, just watch this . . .

Steve had to resort to making these weird noises to get a smile out of the kids this morning. I thought it was so funny so I just had to capture the moment.