Bryce & Brennon

The boys and I went to Albert Pike this past week for a few days.  We met Aunt Rhonda, Beth, Bri Bri, and Abigail.  Josh had to work so he didn't come along.  It was so much fun!  It was the first time that Bryce really enjoyed going to the cabin.  I started going to Albert Pike, and staying in the same cabin, when I was not much older than Bryce.  It is such a relaxing, beautiful place.  We got there Wednesday afternoon.  We headed to the public swimming hole and played around for a while.  Beth built the kids a little "pool" with rocks surrounding it and they thought it was cool.  Brennon didn't much like the water but Bryce was just as excited as he could be.  Then we went back to the cabin and ate dinner, played some games, and put the kids to bed to get rested for the next day.  Thursday morning we woke up and had breakfast.  (Camp breakfast: biscuits cooked over coals, yummy bacon and eggs cooked outside). Then I brought Brennon to stay with Janice for the day.  She said he was an angel.  Just ate all day long! :)  Then we went to float the river.  The water was high and swift and great for floating.  Bryce absolutely loved it!  He would say whee when we went over the "rapids" ( they weren't big but did have a little white water).  It was just a great little mid week get away.  I am so glad that Bryce is getting to enjoy the fun that I enjoyed as a child.  Only down point - I found ticks on both Brennon and me....YUCK!!!!!

Beth is supposed to be sending me some pictures that she took so I'll post them as soon as I get them!

After we left the cabin on Friday, we went with Betsy and her boys, Rachel and her friend, and Janice to Magic Springs.  The last time I had been was when I was very small and only really remember the log ride (always my favorite).  It was so much fun!  We will definately have to go back alot this summer!  Then on Saturday was Austin's birthday party which Bryce had been looking forward to all week.  Thanks Janice and Betsy for keeping the boys and me entertained all weekend!  I didn't have a camera so no pics...

Mimi, Papa Don, BriBri, and Abigail all came in this weekend to celebrate Brennon's and my birthdays.  Friday night we went out to eat for my birthday at my choice Mickie's seafood restraunt.  Dinner was great and the children were little angels!  Unfortunately I had an allergic reaction to the crab legs that landed me in the ER until 2:00 AM but besides that it was a wonderful night! :)

Brennon, you are oficially one my little man!  I cannot believe it!!!  I know that everyone says how fast your little ones grow up but it is so true, time has flown by this past year!  You are such a treat and we are so proud of you.  We had your first birthday party yesterday at lunch and it was a great little party.  Quite crowded and full of excitement and noise, just the way we like it!  We are so blessed to have so much family!  We only invited your immediate family and 3 of our closest friends and still had a house full!!  You boys are so blessed to have so many people in your lives that care about you!  I looked around and missed some of the people that weren't there (aunts, uncles, and cousins on down the line) and maybe when your older we can invite everyone!  You weren't feeling quite up to par and went to sleep half way through your party.  We realized later that night that you have little ulcers in your mouth and a diaper rash.  I tried to switch you to whole milk this week and it didn't agree with your body.  I took you to the walk in clinic last night and they said it is just a reaction from the milk not to worry you are not ill - yes they ran tests just to make sure - you all know I am overly cautious!  So, maybe we'll try whole milk in a few more weeks but for now you are still on formula! :)  Happy Birthday buddy!

Bryce is taking his 3rd round of swimming lessons.  He is doing really well.  Especially considering his first lessons he wouldn't get off the steps!  Now he will jump in by himself and needs no floaties or help in the shallow end.  I took this picture of him and his instructor when they were working on some new breathing skills.  Hopefully in another couple of weeks he will be able to swim under water.

We are really enjoying the warm summer weather! We stay outside most of the day and the boys have eaten their weight in popsicles. Thursday we met the Davis and Hicks girls at the zoo. So much fun! Then Friday Bryce and I went to Magic Springs with Austin, Andrew, and Betsy. Brennon stayed with Josh and they went to the park. I am posting lots of pictures with captions...enjoy!

I haven't documented your accheivements recently Mr Brennon, so I decided it was time.

Food: You are still drinking 4 bottles of formula a day. Along with a sippy cup of milk. You usually drink some water out of a regular cup during the day just b/c you enjoy it. You also like to drink juice from juice boxes. You will eat anything we put infront of you and love vegetables.

Communication: You say mama, dada, ba for Bryce, du for duck, da for drink, and point and say UH when you want anything else. You shake your head yes or no when asked questions or offered something.

Motor Skills: You do not walk on your own but it is only a matter of time. You crawl faster than I can walk.

Weight: You weighed 25 pounds our last doc visit a week and a half ago.

Clothes: You wear size 24 mths now. I still squeeze you in some of my favorite 18 mth clothes but they come unsnapped regularly. :)

Favorites: Your big brother. You adore Bryce and want to do everything he's doing and love playing with his toys. Your weelbes tree house, being outside, mommy and daddy, and your bottle are other faves. You have really enjoyed playing outside lately too!

Sleep: You wake up around 7:00, morning nap around 9:00, afternoon nap around 2:00, and off to bed between 7:00 and 8:00. You sleep great and only wake in the middle of the night if you are sick - very rarely!

Diaper size: 4 - but will soon need to wear size 5.

Side notes: You are still very cuddly and squeezy with your little rolly polly self! You are such a lover and will hug and kiss us as much as we want. We have started calling you Bren alot, don't know why, it just stuck.
We love you more than words!

Bryce got a new slip and slide and he has been loving it!

Brennon has started getting into everything!  And like his big brother can make a mess in 2.5 seconds!  I have just decided to give into the mess and worry about it at the end of the day...with two little mess makers I would go insane trying to clean it up every minute of every day.

I took these pictures yesterday (Friday, June 27,2008).  They finished the sheet rock yesterday and will start bricking today.  Next week they are starting the floors and painting and installing the cabinets.  We are so very excited!