Command Post

So, I shed a few tears. Why? Because I packed up Samuel's exersaucer, dubbed his "Command Post" since almost day one. He's too big for it now and would actually start crying when we tried to put him in it because he'd rather move around. So...it is now packed away, which means that Sam is yet another step further from babyhood and now even closer to toddlerhood. I also shed a few tears the first time I had to pack away clothes that didn't fit him anymore. Ahh, I'm sure Peter will laugh at this post when he reads it. He always tells me I'm going to cry like crazy when Sam, my baby, goes off to college someday. Of course, he is right. Such is life.

So sweet...

Almost mid-July??

Where is the summer going?!? We've been keeping busy with Peter working, me in school, and Sam just exploring everything (to the point where he no longer wants to take naps, ugh). Inside, he loves to climb on things, so it's fun to take the couch cushions off once in awhile so he can work on those large motor skills!

If we set him on the couch now, he knows that he needs to get down feet first, so falls aren't so risky anymore. As far as eating goes, he seems to be getting a little bit pickier about what he likes. He has also decided that sometimes he doesn't want us to feed him with a spoon. He'd rather do it himself. For things like yogurt or applesauce, this gets to be quite messy, but he sure has fun. He especially likes to run his sticky fingers through his hair.

A couple of days a week we meet Katy and Jackson at the water park. On the 4th of July, Peter came with us since he had the day off. Sam had a good time showing Dad the ropes in the water.

Today we attended our church picnic, and I wish I would have brought my camera! Sam thoroughly enjoyed his first Mr. Freezie Pop. He finished the whole thing and hardly dripped any of the sugary cherry goodness. He also got to eat lunch at a miniature sized picnic table. The highlight, though, was the petting zoo. He got to pet goats, bunnies, pigs, and more, and he wasn't afraid of them at all. His favorite was the little wallaby. He just couldn't get enough of that little guy and giggled as he touched his fur. They had all sorts of games for the kids at the picnic too, but Sam is still a little young for those, so maybe next year.

Here are a few pictures from a family trip to one of the many nearby parks. Unfortunately, the parks with infant swings around here are not within walking distance, so we have to get there by car. Sam seems to appreciate it though!

JULY 6TH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANDACE!!!

AND

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAURIE!!!