Perry is 4

Perry's actual birthday was on a Sunday this year. Our morning was short, but we were able to celebrate with birthday pancakes. The remainder of the day was pretty normal. We spent some time playing in the back yard while Perry worked on riding his new bike!

Four fingers!

It's hard to believe how big Perry is getting. He seems to think he is pretty grown too--talking back more and having a hard time accepting our rules over his own desires. But with this maturity, we've also seen him grow in self control, understanding, and awareness. Perry is so affectionate with his words. You'll often hear him say "I love you", "I missed you", "I'm really going to miss you", "Awe, that's so sweet" or "That baby is SO cute" (he adores babies). He and Mills have their fair share of fighting, but they are both so good at apologizing and asking for forgiveness while giving the other a kind hug. Perry has set such a great example for Mills in that regard. 4 years old is definitely the age of questions! Perry asks soooooooooooo many questions about absolutely everything under the sun. I love his inquisitive mind! Perry is is also growing physically--he's about 40 pounds and 40 inches tall. We will have to confirm that when he has his 4 year old check up.
Oh, how we love you, Perry Boy!

Perry's St. Paul's Birthday

We celebrated Perry's birthday at school a couple days before his actual birthday. At chapel, he was the special leader for his class that day, which meant he carried the flag and held it on stage for their opening songs/Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Rose even recognized him as a special birthday boy. No surprise to us that Perry was mister serious while up on the stage. He did exactly what he was supposed to do and looked precious doing so! It was so fun for us to sit in chapel with him and I know he felt the same.

Daddy and Mills waiting for chapel to start

 holding the flag with hand over his heart (who cares if it's his left hand)

 After chapel we had a birthday snack of doughnut holes and fruit with his little class.

Mrs. Sevier even had a sweet gift for him.

Mills is 2

How is my baby 2 years old?!?! It really did happen so fast! Mills is such a sweet little guy. He does, however, have more of an attitude now that he's two. If he doesn't like something that's going on, he'll hit you, throw something down, or just run away in a screaming fit. Where did this come from? Welcome to the "terrible twos", I guess. Despite all that, he's still my little love bug. He makes us laugh a good bit, and he loves belly laughing along with us. Perry can get the best giggles out of him. Mills has such a kind heart--when he sees Perry having a fit over something, Mills will often try to fix the problem by giving up whatever he has that Perry wants. I mean, how many of US actually feel like doing that? I think I could learn a thing or two from my two year old! As far as development goes, Mills has continued to be a master of fine motor skills--feeding himself with fork and spoon, working puzzles or other games, building blocks. He's still not talking much, but his vocabulary is growing, and I'm confident that with time (and a little work) he'll catch up. His favorite thing to do is to read books. I think he would sit for hours if I was reading to him. He also loves being outside, playing with cars/trains, and he loves dogs (but is allergic to them). Food allergies are still a big issue. He eats a pretty healthy diet, but I'm always concerned he's not getting enough fat and calories for a growing boy. Maybe he's just prone to being a skinny guy like his Daddy. He has started enjoying having Daddy put him to bed. They have a silly and special bed time routine that I know nothing about, but that Mills really enjoys. However, for the record, Mills is still very much a Mamma's boy. I do love it!
On Mills' birthday, I made his favorite breakfast--allergy-friendly pancakes. Since Alex was out of town, Perry was my right-hand man. We prepared Mills' special plate and sang "Happy Birthday".

 He sees something he likes!

 some birthday love from big brother

While Perry was at school that morning, I took Mills to the toy store to pick out a couple small things as a special treat. Mae Mae took us to Chick-fil-a for dinner. Mills didn't nap that day (the first time in his life to do that!), so it was a quick dinner and early bedtime. The following night we wanted to celebrate with Daddy, so we went to The Frozen Frog for some sherbet/frozen yogurt.

 We sang and lit another candle so Daddy could participate.

 Afterwards, Mae Mae came over and brought Mills a present.

A shopping cart!

We will celebrate again at the end of the month with a joint party for the boys.

Happy Birthday, Mills! Your two years of life have brought everyone around you so much joy!

Perry Goes to the Dentist

I recently took Perry to his first ever dental appointment. It was at Pediatric Dental Partners--basically the same practice I went to growing up. He was a pretty great first timer. He got nervous when he saw what was going on in the back, but when his time came, he was very brave. I was proud of him for being cooperative in a situation where he was a bit uncomfortable.

Ready for x-rays

 He got a really good report along with several prizes. I think you can call that a success!

McNeel's Visit

Joanna and Connor made a trip to Shreveport in September. We loved having them spend a few days with us. The main point of the trip was for Joanna to see Beth and new baby Catherine, so we spent about every waking moment with them! Beth was such a trooper keeping up with our social excitement while working on very little sleep. It was a wonderful few days and I really didn't want it to end. I'm so so thankful to God for the amazing friends I made in college. We have shared so many moments together, good and bad, and are still doing the same 10 years later. Thank goodness Catherine was only a few weeks old and didn't realize she was surrounded by all boys.

L to R: Perry, Benjamin, Mills, Connor, John Rives

our precious little gang

The three Mamma's had a night out at Wine Country. I found out that day that I passed my board exam, so it was a pretty awesome night for me! This picture makes my heart happy.

City Bus Field Trip

Perry is going to St. Paul's Day School this year. He goes on MWF mornings and is having a fun time in Mrs. Sevier's Safari Scouts class! Today was their first field trip and I was glad to be able to join them.

 waiting at the bus stop

ready to go!

 As we were walking, Chloe ran to find Perry and insisted on holding his hand. Right after this, another girl joined in and grabbed Perry's other hand. Love these sweet friends!

Other Summer Happenings

My summer was pretty much marked by studying for my PA recertification exam. I originally thought I would take it at the end of July, but Perry's surgery threw that option out of the window. I then scheduled to take it in late August, a few weeks after my Baton Rouge trip. Long story short--I showed up in Tyler, TX on my exam day, but I couldn't take it because my driver's license was expired, and it was one of the required forms of identification. Big bummer! So, I scheduled it again for mid-September, after my Colorado Springs and Hot Springs trips. It wasn't easy stopping and starting the study process so many times, but it finally paid off when I learned that I passed! I'm so happy to not have the pressure of studying all the time now!

Now, more about Colorado Springs/Hot Springs:

My mom, Perry, Mills and I went to Colorado to visit Helen and Jeremy and to attend Helen's baby shower. The boys were both sick (Mills recovering from Hand/Foot/Mouth and Perry coming down with it) so it wasn't the easiest of trips, but everyone was so helpful with the kids. The shower was really sweet and Helen got lots of great things for baby girl. I don't have any shower pictures yet. 

 Mills with our excellent hostess, Helen

 Looking at the pretty mountains! Such a nice view to have in your back yard.

Sweet little Millsie boy loving the Colorado outdoors

On our last day there, we went to the zoo. I was glad we had the chance to go again this year. Perry's favorite thing was riding the horse; and Mills' favorite was seeing the ducks. Maybe they'll appreciate the more unique animals when they are older!

 Perry was excited to feed the giraffes

 Mills needed a little convincing to participate

 Another one of Perry's favorite things--the choo choo

 Trying to feed the birds. They weren't as cooperative as last year.

 Horse back riding

On to Hot Springs:

We went up to the Mills' Hills House for Labor Day weekend. Some of our favorite people, Anna, Travis, Josiah and Samuel Smith, joined us. It was a very laid back weekend, but perfect chance to spend time with one another. When our pool time got rained out, Anna and I took the big boys to the fire station. We all got a pretty special tour that included riding in the fire truck, turning on the lights and sirens, and spraying the hose.

 Perry dressed as a fireman

 Perry pulling the loud siren

 turning on another siren (or maybe it was the lights--can't remember)

trying out the big hose; they were a good team!