Alabama

Our first trip to the Irish family lake house was a blast. Amazing hospitality, warm lake water, big storms, comfort food, loud/fun kids and many new memories.

 Most days at the lake started by 10am down in the water, swimming with the kids. Jack didn't like the water much a first but over time really got use to it as long as he was close to someone.

 Amelie spent lots of time in the kiddie pool, just playing with the water and the toys. She was always squinting because it was so bright out. But it was her perfect spot on the dock to get lots of playtime in.

 The boat was a blast. Jack loves anything that goes vroom vroom. He was a trooper when we went fast and wanted to drive or tinker with buttons when we were docked.

 Favorite time of the day, playtime on the dock. Yahh, Amelie had a built in floaty bathing suit on.

I think Jack's favorite thing about the lake was the jet ski. Mike called it a water motorcycle and Jack just thought that was cool. Mike took Jack out on the lake several times on it and it was a blast.

A family picture out the water…where he spent lots of time.

In addition to all the fun things at the lake was the island. Jack got a kick out of going around and around on it and falling off into the lake a couple of times.

Of course going to the lake is all about family and we had lots of great hang out time with the crew. Mike's twin brother Matt and his wife Christi and their girls Meagan and Mattie. Mike's sister Vera and her boys Jonah and Preston. Mike's uncle Bud and aunt Marie who owned the lake house and their daughter Elizabeth and kids Caleb and Olivia. And last but certainly not least, his mom Jennifer and grandmother Vera.

Jack's time roasting marshmallows and eating smoores.

Jack loves to say " I want to play with the kids". That means he wants to watch or play with whoever he sees. Remembering names at this point is hard for him but by the end of the week he knew Caleb, Mattie and Meagan who were the cousins closest in age who he played with. 

Wonderful Gran spending some last moments with baby Amelie.

Walks are a staple thing for Jack, he loves them. He picks up sticks, looks for bugs and gets to run. All boy here. But honestly I think it is a small sign that he knows himself and that sometimes he just had to get away from people and explore and escape. 

Dad and Amelie out for the morning walk.

The dock at sunset.

 The group photo!

The family photo. 

Transforming to Big Boy

We can't determine if Jack is obsessed with animals because they have been all around since he was a baby (room decorated with jungle animals) or if he just LOVES them because they are so lovably and fun to learn. Either way, he loves them. So we have added a new level of color in his room as he is getting to be a "big boy" 

Just a month ago Jack moved from his crib into a "big boy" bed. He had no trouble with it. We decorated his bed with animals and a leaf canopy and he thought it was great right from the start.

He is very interested in his ABC's and sings the song all the time ( a little weak between F-M - kind of just mumbles and hums) So I got a project going with these little animal graphics I found, making all kinds of learning things. First I made these cards to hang in his room with the alphabet and an animal on each. I also made placemats and a game.

Next I made a matching game. Match the letter to the animal or color or both. Very fun for our upcoming long plane trip to Atlanta. These cards are laminated and very colorful. 

This is the new art in his room.

In other effort to become a big boy we have tried to potty train. It is not going so well. Jack has gone #2 on the potty a dozen times which is great! #1 only a few times on accident. But he doesn't do it consistently and he doesn't tell us until after he has gone in his diaper. So unless we are asking him and trying every few minutes, he doesn't go. We have spend tons of time on the potty so far but even when he gets a lolly pop after he still doesn't seem that interested. At 28 months I don't think he is ready yet. But any ideas on how to get him to tell us when he needs to go?

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

I don't know if you all know about the long road to restoration that we've been on with our mini. But for the past year she has been laid up in the garage getting a full makeover. We finally took the mini our for her first spin over Memorial Day weekend. Wine + Country = Relaxation. We took to the dirt road and traveled to Big Table Farm for some delicious viddles and vino. Everything was locally grown and delicious. 

It seems that I spoke too soon. After the first vineyard the mini broke down. We thought she was just out of gas but that didn't end up being the problem. I think 10 miles on a gravel road (ambitious?) had loosen some of the connections. We had to tow her home.

Mike spend several hours of the weekend  - on the car.

AMELIE - 10 MONTHS

These days Jack wants to do everything that Mike is doing. Even if it is mowing the yard.

Jack loves playing with his pirate water table - in rain or sunshine. Something about water and kids? Jack loves playing in the sink with cups or the bathtub with toys. So this will surely brings some quality hours of fun.

Playing in the dirt. Jack says "looking for worms and bugs".

Playing with bubbles is a favorite too.

Enjoy the sunshine if you are in Portland!