First Family Vaction

We took our first "Family" vaction to San Antonio. We came to San Antonio to visit Sea World.  While we were there we decided to take in the Riverwalk too! We enjoyed a ride down the river. 

For a 2 year old he did pretty good on the ride. The first 15 minutes he was looking around and pointing out stuff. The last 15 minutes he wanted to drive the boat. A 30 minute ride is a little too long to keep a 2 year old entertained.

                                                 

This was our view from the hotel. We were right on the Riverwalk. This was Hunter's first time to stay in a hotel. A man from the hotel helped us to take our luggage to the room. Hunter was telling him all about coming to see "Mumu"..Shamu :-). I showed Hunter the room, the view and the "potty" ... essential for potty training of course. It was a very nice hotel with a great view.  I was pretty impressed myself.  As for Hunter he looked at me and said "I wanna go to my house." After a while he finally got comfortable and enjoyed the stay in the hotel.

This was our big highlight of the trip ... SHAMU! Prior to coming the San Antionio I showed picutres and video of Shamu to Hunter. Honestly, it is much different to see her in person. Hunter sat and watched the entire time. He seemed to realy enjoy the show.

Hunter even got to see ELMO .. or as he calls him "Momo". This was a cute little show called "Elmo Rocks!" They even let the little one "rush" the stage like they were at a real concert. Very kid friendly! This was also the coolest show because we were sitting right under fans!

We had a really good time at Sea World. Hunter saw all kinds of sea creatures, played in the splash pad and visited a few Sesame Street friends. We were there about 8 hours. Hunter walked around with us the entire time and he was such a good little boy!

Vacations a very different when you have little ones. For me, I was able to see the things were were doing through Hunter's eyes. Watching his face light up as he saw something for the first time ever was so neat! We are looking forward to many more "Family" vacations.

My Little Cook

Hunter is a very helpful little boy.  When I am cleaning the house he will run and get his broom to hep me.  When I am cooking he will drag his bar stool across the kitchen so he can help.  I do not care to clean but I do LOVE to cook.  I like having a little helper in the kitchen with me.  Each time I cook I try to find something for Hunter to help me with.Today he heped to sprinkle bread crumbs in a bowl then mix in some chicken.  As soon as his daddy got home he told him all about how he helped mommy. He was so proud of himself. He is a great little cook!

Tent Time

During the middle of the day after nap time it is just too hot to be outside.  Hunter comes up with a wonderful idea to build a tent.  He comes to me and says "Mama help tent please." How could I resist.  Our materials for building were 2 blankets, 2 couches, a rocking chair, 2 pillows and 2 stuffed animal friends.  Put these together with a little help from momma equals a very happy little boy.

I Am Back

I am really going to try this time.  I have no excuse.  School is out for the summer which means I should have plenty of time to post.  One reason I have not posted is because our laptop crashed but now I have an awesome tablet that works just fine!  I am in love with this thing!

I have a list of little projects planned for our summer together.  Hunter's little brain is like a sponge. He seems to remember everything!   He has an amazing imagination  so I am sure he will enjoy these little things.  More to come soon!

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

Hunter had a fun time taking his Christmas card pictures this year .... probably because there were cookies involved.  Not I did not bribe him with a cookie :-) .... they were a prop! I had seen this used before and thought we would give it a shot this year.  Here are a few pictures from our little session. 

This is the picture on this years card.

Sneaking a bite!

Adding a little peppermint twist!

I tried lights as a prop.  It did not come out the way I thought it would.  He preferred the cookies.

My little cookie monster.

A big ole "CHEEEESSSEEE"

He was a really good sport and I think we came out with a cute card. Hunter has been a very good boy this year.  I am sure Santa will be very nice to him.  

 Merry CHRISTmas everyone

There Goes Fall!

Fall sure did come and go!  Fall is one of my favorite times of the year.  The leaves are so pretty and the weather is usually crisp and cool.  I especially love pictures with fall backgrounds.  The title picture on this blog has one of the prettiest fall like trees I have ever seen.  It is out at a ranch in Cleveland.  Hunter, Ryan and I got to spend some time out there with my parents this year.  It was absolutely beautiful and the most perfect weather.  Not too cold but not too warm. 

Here are a few more pictures dedicated to fall ....

Happy 2nd Birthday Hunter!

Hunter had an amazing birthday!  We had a little family celebration for him the weekend before his actual birthday.  He did all the things a normal 2 year old would do.  Hunter ran around with the kids, opened his presents, blew out his candle and he was the life of the party!  He had so much fun on his party day! 

Here are a few pictures from his party:

Sporting his 2nd Birthday shirt.



Running around with the other kids!





Hunter's Baseball theme cake by his wonderful and creative Mimi!

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear HUNTER! Happy Birthday to you!!!!



Blowing out his #2 candle .... all on his own!  Such a big boy!



Presents! Thanks everyone!  He loves each and every one of his gifts!

Lots of cousin helpers!


Hunter's actual birthday was just a few days later.  Here is a video clip.  Hunter already blew out the candle and we were getting ready to enjoy the cake.  He thought it would be fun to put the candle back in.  Please pay no attention to the singing :-).

There is never a dull moment with this kid!

I can look at these pictures over and over AND still can't believe Hunter is TWO!!! It honestly does not feel like he should be two already. I can remember the day he arrived like it was yesterday. Where has the time gone? Although time is flying by it has been such a blessing to watch Hunter grow into a happy, healthy and active little boy. Each and every day I am so thankful God placed Hunter in our arms.  In Our Corner of the World .. Hunter is and will always be the CENTER OF OUR WORLD!



Ooops....Not A Very Good Job

I obviously did not do a good job with keeping up with the pictures in my blog.  The summer seemed to fly by.  I told myself I would update later.  Before I knew it summer is over and it is almost October!  Better late than never...... here are pictures 15-22.  

Building a tent.  He worked very had on this project.

Fun with chalk - with a little help from momma.

My summer project.  I actually bought these letters LAST summer.  I finally got around to painting them.

Boys will be boys...dirt and all!!!



Checking out the boats at Bass Pro Shop....Don't worry he was just window shopping.

Watching the RAIN!!! This was one of the very few showers this summer.



First day of Mother's Day Out.

Trying to make a new friend.

I must admit the real boy is much better :-).  If I could capture his laugh and endless energy in this blog I would.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  The remaing 8 will be coming soon. They will be dedicated to Hunter's 2nd birthday!

Tiny Feather - Photo #13 and #14

What in the world would make this boy laugh so hard and entertain him for a pretty good while? This.....

A tiny feather! Hunter had the best time watching it float in the air over and over again. It is so crazy something so small could be so entertaining.

Fun In The Sun - Photo #11 and# 12

There is a fairly new park near our house. It has a little musical section with huge instrumens to play. Here is Hunter playing a little tune on the drums.

It is so HOT this summer! I have been thankful for the splashpad. Hunter likes to take his bucket and play in the nice cool water.

Painting The Fence - Photo #10

Hunter loves to play outside. He usually digs in the mulch and picks up sticks. Today I thought we could try something different. We borrowed one of Daddy's paint brushes and filled a bucket with paint (water). Soon enough Hunter was painting the fence .......and the deck, his house, his legs and me :)!

Time with Pawpaw - Photo #9

I had a hard time picking one picture so here are a few. Hunter took a trip out to the country. Pawpaw was out there doing some work so we went to visit. For the first time Humter saw some real "live" deer. Pawpaw showed him some chickens, roosters, ducks, quail, and hunting dogs. Hunter enjoyed all the space he had to run around. He especially enjoyed the time with his Pawpaw.

Happy 4th of July - Photo #8

This kid is just too cute to share just one picture!

Vegas Vacation!!! - Photo #7

It has been a while since I have posted a picture because Ryan and I were in Las Vegas! Hunter stayed with both sets of grandparents during the time we were away. He loves them so much I know he enjoyed the time he got to spend with them. We missed our boy dearly but knew he was in good hands. Las Vegas was fun and interesting! We saw a few shows and did a lot of site seeing. The highlight of the trip was taking a plane ride to the Grand Canyon. Then we took a helicopter ride inside the canyon. Then a little boat ride down the canyon river. It was beautiful!

Coloring - Photo #6

With this crazy hot weather I have to come up with ideas to keep Hunter entertained. Here he is coloring on a big sheet of butcher paper. I first attempted this with markers. That idea was messy and short lived. I got the crayons instead and Hunter let out his creativity!

Good Meal - Photo #5

Hunter is sporting a beard after his yummy meal. Lately Hunter has been eating pretty good! Tonight he especially loved his mac and cheese with ranch style beans. Yummy!!

Sticks and Stuff - Photo #4

Who needs toys? Hunter is all boy! Sticks, leaves, rocks, dirt or anything outside is what he likes to have in his hands.

Early Morning - Photo #3

What!? Summer is about sleeping in! Well not for the first week. I have a 4 day training for school. This is day 2. Thankfully we do not have to get up as early as a normal school day. We both get to sleep an hour later then it is off we go. Soon will be the days of no alarms and long zzzzzzzzz's!

Keeping Cool - Photo #2

It is not even officially summer but the heat is on! Today it was 100 degrees! Our evenings, when it is a little cooler, are usually spent outside. Not only do we have the heat but we also have NO rain! So some evenings we water the yard to save the grass and our foundation. Hunter loves the sprinkler. Today he decided to steal my drink and play in the sprinkler. He is one "cool" boy!

Summer Time - Photo #1

Today we went down to Kemah to watch the boats go in and out of Clear Lake. It was a perfect day to take a boat out. Hunter watched as the boats passed by. He even learned a new word "boat". He continued to say this new word the entire way home. Boat time = Summer time :)