Smiles

I've been heavily involved in redecorating my living room, so I apologize for the lack of blogging. I'm refinishing furniture and making new window valances. It's very exciting, but time-consuming. The boys don't get into it, either. Just rearranging the furniture is troublesome to them.

I took the kids to the zoo one day when Spencer was off. Parker had a relaxing ride in his stroller. Wouldn't it be nice if someone just wheeled you wherever you wanted to go, offered beverages occasionally, and generally ensured your every comfort? As you can see, he's got it made in the shade!

Grandma insisted we ride the carousel. Spencer's favorite animal is the tiger. I couldn't get a decent picture of Carson, but he rode it too.

Parker looked so cute in his little sunhat, so I had to take a picture before he pulled it off.

This is one of those Norman Rockwell kind of things. If you can't read it very well, it says, "Sherman Detective Agency: Open Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm." Then he wrote "$100 per hour," but crossed it out and put "FREE!" He told me that Carson suggested maybe the price was a little steep, so he slashed it by 100%! I don't know if they ever got any business, but I do remember that when I called them in, they complained that they were just getting started on a "new case."

Dakota is the kids' furry footrest. She lies on the floor while they watch TV and they wiggle their toes in her fur.

Parker is becoming Mr. Mischief! He is very aware of what "no" means, and many times he smiles and says, "Huh!" The other day he dumped an entire bowl of Dakota's water all over the floor, and both of his brothers just stood there and laughed!

Guess who said "mama" over the weekend?? He had just finished eating lunch and I went to the sink to get a washcloth. He knew if I wiped his face clean he could get down and play. He got excited, wiggled his arms and legs, and exclaimed, "A Mama!"

All he wants for the Fourth of July is his two front teeth! He's only lost one, but the other one is getting there. We begged him for days to get that tooth out. Finally at school the kids all started chanting, "Pull it out! Pull it out!" Even the teacher got involved! Sometimes only peer pressure can convince a kid.

Last night we rented "Return of the Jedi" because the boys love Star Wars and hadn't seen it. Carson always roots for the bad guy, so Darth Vader is his favorite character. For anyone unfamiliar, Darth dies in the movie. Spencer started pointing at Carson, and at just that moment, Carson began wailing. He was heartbroken!

One more thing about Carson.... He told me that when he grows up he wants to be "a fighter-fighter because they have cool boots." Fighter-fighters=firefighters

Milestones

Big changes never come alone. We always seem to have two or three at a time. Carson graduated from preschool, Parker turned a year old, and he started crawling! Sometimes I feel like life is cruising along so swiftly, the only way I can keep up is if I hang on and let it drag me!

Carson is now officially ready to move on to kindergarten. Preschool graduations are always entertaining. It was fun to watch Carson sing so solemnly about "Jumbo Elephant." Here he is, Mr. Serious, with his teacher, receiving his diploma.

Each of the kids had a little part (no speaking involved--too scary). Carson was George Washington, and his friend was Abraham Lincoln. I don't think "Abe" could see anything under that big hat!

Parker is one year old! That was the fastest year I've experienced yet. I wish we could keep him just like this for a long time. He had a great birthday until his party guests arrived. There was just too much activity and he felt overwhelmed.

The hat didn't last more than 10 seconds, but we got some pictures anyway.

I love the smile! He didn't know what to do with his cake, but he knew it was something special!

This is Parker's cousin, Ben, who is just 4 months older. At this point, the age difference is still a big deal, but it will lessen with time. I think they will be good friends!

Oh such a happy boy! He is still so proud of himself whenever he stands. When he starts walking, he'll be ecstatic!

Now that he is crawling like crazy, he is into all kinds of mischief! One of his favorite games is playing with the doorstop, affectionately known as "the doingy thing." He also enjoys removing all his clothes from his dresser drawer, unrolling toilet paper, getting into the trash, throwing pieces of dog food all over the floor, and splashing in the dog's water dish. (We've been rearranging the household quite a bit!) When his brothers see him coming down the hall, they yell, "OH NOOOO!" Even the dog stays out of his way when he's on the move. Look at that sweet little face--he couldn't possibly cause trouble, could he??

Despite getting into their stuff, Parker's big brothers always want him to sleep with them. It might be fun for about five minutes, and then they'd be sorry! I've slept in a bed with him, and he snores! (Like father, like son?)

Parker has a flair for posing. You may think I'm exaggerating, but he really turns on the charm when I pull out the camera. He knows just what to do to be adorable!

Nap time. I put Parker to bed and when I went to check on him, Dakota was there to keep him company. Awww!

They are good pals. Of course, this was taken before he was mobile, so this sort of thing doesn't happen anymore. Dakota's been rolled on a few times and now when she sees him coming, she goes to a safer spot! She sure is his best buddy when he's in the high chair though. Not only does she get what he throws on the floor, but he hand feeds her sometimes! He giggles when she licks the Cheerios out of his hands.