Dallas Trip Summer 2015

We took our annual trip to the Four Seasons in Dallas this July, and decided to bring the kids along for a fun family vacation (it ended up being somewhat stressful and very sleepless, but we won't remember that--the kids thought it was the best time ever, so I'm going with that version). We drove over and went straight to Legoland. I was really excited about this, but it ended up being a waste of money. It was way too crowded, so we spent nearly the entire time waiting in a lines. When we finished both big boys got to buy some new legos.

 We waited at least 30 minutes to drive this car for 5 minutes. He loved it though.

 Ninjago Perry

 The mean and scary Ninjago Mills

We also went to the Ross Perot Museum, which was also very crowded, but it was such an amazing place that it was worth the trouble. Even the entrance to the building was filled with fun. 

 Perry and a toad

 There were lots of dinosaurs!

Earthquake simulator was so cool...it was especially entertaining to watch Alex's long legs rattle back and forth.

There was a small-child area where James got to crawl around and explore. He had a ball!

 The best part of the trip was just hanging around the hotel pool (or restaurant). The staff took such good care of us, and I was actually able to relax! Yay!

Cheetah came to visit 

 James relaxing 

Farewell Four Seasons...until next year

James 11 and 12 months

I've been feeling very nostalgic lately. This past year has flown by and I just can't believe my tiny newborn baby is now one year old. As I've said in every "James update", he is the most enjoyable and precious little blessing. I've cherished every day with him and although I'm sad to see the time passing, I'm excited about what's to come. James has mastered crawling and his preferred mode is the the one-knee-crawl. As of the past week, he's pulling up on his knees...those little legs just aren't ready for any action yet. He loves to roll balls and toys around and play with anything his big brothers have. He still likes to play peek-a-boo and has recently learned to hold his hands up high when we ask, "How big is James?" He is really obsessed with dogs...Stitches Broyles is his favorite. James is definitely teething, but still no teeth! Perry didn't get his first tooth until 13 months so this is not unusual to me. James loves to eat and will start smacking his mouth when he sees food or anticipates nursing. Speaking of nursing, this is weird and funny...James loves to mess with my teeth while nursing. I hate it, but he insists on doing it, and often gets his way. I swear he's going to be a dentist when he grows up. He is babbling a lot and will say "dada" and "mama", but I don't think it's intentional yet. He does say "uh oh" appropriately. James loves music, especially live music, so he has a really good time at church! If you look over at us while singing at church, you'll see James' legs kicking and his body bouncing. James Oliver, you light up our lives and we love you so much!
At 13 months, James weighs 20 lbs 1oz and is 29 1/2 inches long.

 sweet brothers 

silly brothers

James turns ONE

We celebrated James' birthday in a very low-key manner, but it turned out to be a lot of fun, especially for the kids. When Alex got home from work, we set up a slip n slide and baby pool in the backyard. Perry and Mills played; James watched (I put him in the pool after we finished cake, but he was not a fan--he was all partied out by then). We had one guest, Mae Mae, who came over for cake and presents. It was the perfect little 1st birthday party. Perry kept telling me "thank you for such a fun day", which was really great to hear. James, you may not remember your first birthday, but know that it was awesome...and you deserve it, sweet boy!

 ready to party!

I didn't know what I was going to do about a cake, but nap time proved to be productive. Vegan Chocolate...and it's really tasty!

 Perry and Mills were pretty excited about baby brother's presents. James says, "HANDS OFF!"

James went to bed, but the party went on.

Breakfast Date

Perry always loves a breakfast (or anything food related) date! Alex likes to take him to Southfield Grill for pancakes.

Boys Will Be Boys

Sometimes they play outside naked....

Perry's Preschool Graduation

I can not believe I just typed those words!!! Perry has graduated St. Paul's and is off to Kindergarten...but before I get too far ahead of myself, here's more about his graduation.
It ended up being a crazy time for me because only 48 hours before the program, I "volunteered" to sing a duet...in front of about 300 people....a song I had never heard before. My singing partner was in the same boat as me, so we cheered each other on and committed to doing our best. We practiced for the first time the day before the program, but in the end it all turned out fine...maybe even good. I was a nervous wreck and won't forget how stressful it was, but I will also always remember a special moment. As I was singing "Turn Around" (lyrics are about how our little ones are growing up and every time we turn around they are one step further in life), I spotted Perry in the very back of the sanctuary watching me. We sang to start the program, and all the kids and teachers had not processed in yet, but Mrs. Harrington pulled Perry to the door so he could peak in at me. I was so thankful to spot him and I was immediately calmed when I focused on him! At that point, it was just like every other day in my life...I was just singing to my baby/big boy. I don't know if I would have made it through the song without him. Once our part was over, I was able to sit back (on our reserved front row seat--HUGE plus to being part of program) and enjoy the program.

 receiving his diploma

Perry and all the kids did wonderful! I was really proud of them for learning so many songs, some of which were very difficult. I've loved all their programs so much, but this one was by far my favorite. It filled my mommy heart to the max.

 so many precious faces and friends

  sing it, Perry!

Mrs. Harrington and Perry

so proud of my big boy

Mills' End of Year Program

Mills' class had the sweetest Nursery Rhyme program to end their year as "Young 3's". Mills had 2 special parts. I didn't even get a picture of his solo performance as "Jack in the Box" because I was video taping it. Trust me, it was adorable! His other part was being a mouse in Hickory Dickory Dock.

 Owl Pal Class

 "out came the sun"

 "hickory dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock"

 "the clock struck one, the mouse ran down"

 my sweet teapot

We've seen Mills grow and blossom so much in his first year at school. He learned how to be a godly friend and student while also learning colors, shapes, numbers, days of the week, and lots and lots of sweet songs and prayers. I'm sure he learned more than the things I listed, but I can't keep track of it all! We are so thankful for our tender-hearted little boy. Watch out K-3, here he comes!