FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

We went to Broadway at the Beach to spend family time together and to let Austin see the kiddie rides they have at the park. We didn't know how he was going to react to the rides so we watched them at first. He pointed, clapped and bounced in his stroller wanting to ride. I think his excitment came from seeing all the kiddos riding and having fun which made him want to do it, too. We had many laughs and had so much fun watching Austin get excited! At first, he was hesitant about the Carousel, but liked it once it started moving. I was really nervous about putting Austin on the Tea Cup ride, but he loved it! My little boy is growing so fast!

Ty, Austin and I went out on Papa Lee's boat to see how Austin would like being on the boat and water. I am so excited that he absolutely loved it! Austin had a blast driving with Ty, pointing at ducks and watching the water. We look forward going back again soon!

Valerie and I took our boys, Austin and Corban, and her little girl, Eden, to the movies to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, which was no cost to parents being a summer movie for kids. This was Austin's first time in the movie theater setting. I wasn't sure how long we were going to stay because Austin prefers to be on the GO rather than still, but since it was free it really didn't matter to me. I was very proud of my little guy as we stayed for almost 1 hour before he started getting squirmy. We are planning to go again to see Veggie Tales, I think Austin might do better because he loves Bob and Larry!

WHAT A DAY!

I am so excited about our pictures! This is the first time in several months my sisters and their children have all been in town at the same time. I have been praying for weeks for nice weather and healthy children for our family pictures. Today could not have been any better. The girls were great and Austin was busy, but did extremely well. I love taking pictures and had a blast doing it! We hope to take more tomorrow with Nana and Papa Lee. I'll post them later.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

ANTHONY BEACH TRIP

Family vacations are always fun! Ty's family came down for their family vacation a few weeks ago. We all had a great time together! We mostly spent our days on the beach, swimming in the pool, playing cards, cooking dinner and watching the younger boys: Cameron, Caden, Austin and Luke entertain everyone. We always look forward to spending time with the Anthony Gang because you never know what the week will hold.

SUZANNE'S BRIDAL SHOWER

My good friend, Suzanne, is getting married in just a few weeks. We are so excited and looking forward to her and Dave's big day! I had a great time at this shower because we all are so close that it was nice getting together to shower Suzanne and to catch up. I have missed all these girls so much!

Another good friend, Stephanie, is engaged and is planning her big day next year! I am super excited for her. She is such a special person and I love her so much! Congrats Stephanie!!

My best friend, Angie, and her son, Tyler, were also at Suz's shower. Angie, you have been blessed with an adorable little boy. You are a great mommy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA TOMMY

We made a special trip upstate a fews ago to surprise Papa Tommy for his birthday. We definitely pulled it off because he had no idea when we arrived. Papa Tommy had a happy and wonderful weekend with his grandsons, Cameron, Caden and Austin. We are so glad you had a great weekend! We love you!

KIDZ INC

Nana and I took Mattie, Emily and Austin to Kidz Inc. The girls had a blast jumping on all different bouncers and going down slides. It was Austin's first time and he wasn't too sure what to do in his little play area, but once he saw other babies playing and climbing he figured it out. We all had a great time together and I got a great workout! :o)

EMILY'S DANCE RECITAL

A few weeks back we went to Emily's first dance recital. She did extremely well and was not afraid to be on stage. She performed two dance routines tap and ballet. We are so proud of you Emily! You did a GREAT JOB!

HAPPY 16 MONTHS AUSTIN!

I can't believe how fast you are growing and how fast time is going by! It's fun to see your little personality come out more- and also a little sad ot see you grow up! You are such a sweet, loving and special little guy. Everyday I think to myself how lucky and blessed I am to have you as my son. You are the joy of my life and you hold my heart. Your daddy and I hope you know how much we love you!

Here's some new things you are doing:

• INDEPENDENCE! Yes, that's you! You love, love to be independent and want to do everything yourself. I like watching you feed yourself with a spoon or your fingers. I can see how hard you are trying to master the spoon technique, but still extremely messy. When you get frustrated with the spoon you use your fingers. You like to try to put on your shoes, but don't understand how just yet. If mommy tries to help you you sometimes get upset. At other times, you still like being mommy's baby, which I love so much!
• TEMPER! Yes, that's you! Right now if things don't go your way you scream and start crying very loudly. We are working on this and neverous about terrible two's and three's. If anyone has any advice, please share! :O)
• You are still into music, but now you get down when you hear it. You like to dance and clap your hands. I think you try to sing, too. You are so much fun to watch!
• You are crazy in love with The Wiggles! We are planning a trip to see them in concert soon! You like to walk around and say, "GO, GO, GO!" I know it's from The Wiggles show.
• You are definitely going to be a TALKER! I love our conversations we have together. Your new words are truck, baba for one of your favorite books Brown Bear, ma for Max. You can already say, Mama, Dada, Nana, Papa, Nonna, E (for Emily) Jenn, Elmo, go, bye, stop, hey, baby, cheese, moo, woof, kitty, ball, lala for water or juice, bite, bubbles and thank you.
• I can already tell you are going to love the outdoors. You want to be outside as much as possible climbing on your big red car, wagon or pushing your Tonka truck. You enjoy walking Max on his leash. You actually insist on holding his leash for me when we walk around the yard. I'm so glad you two are buddies together! You also like to ride Papa's Lee's golf cart and boat.