Last Days of Summer

For my last weekend home for summer break Paul and I decided to take Landon out for a day of fun, so we went to the Russell Simms Aquatic Center in Bowling Green. I was VERY impressed at how nice this place was, and Landon couldn't get enough of it. I am so glad that we took him, and I plan on making many more trips there in the summers to come. It truly was a fun place for kids of all ages. Landon did not feel overwhelmed at all. He was able to enjoy the water at his comfort. He started out small, just testing the water at the zero entry line,

and then when he was more comfortable he decided it was time to explore deeper waters.

After playing in the pool area for a while, Landon wanted to see what the sprinkler section was all about.

He liked it, but it didn't take long for him to make his way back to the pool area. Once Landon got his nerve up, he even went down the kiddy slide MANY times. After we were done with the pool area, we went over to the little playground area to let Landon play. He loves to go the the park and play on the slides and swings. While Landon was swinging he was so excited, and he kept saying "Go park, go park".

We finally had to call it a day at the water park and as soon as we got Landon changed and in his car seat he was asleep. So we drove around and looked at car lots to kill some time, but once Landon woke up we made our way to Chucke Cheese. Landon had never been there before, but I'm sure we will be making many more trips back. He loved it. He wanted to ride the rides

and play ALL the games (he loved putting the money in the machines all by himself),

but he wouldn't slow down one minute to eat. So, he had his pizza in the car.

I was sure that Landon would be exhausted after his day out and sleep all the way home, but he was sooo excited about it that he talked about his big day the whole way. It was definitely one of our best days together!!!! I am so thankful for days like that, and I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with such a great family!!!!!

Woo Hoo Landon's 2

On Thursday, July 22 Landon celebrated his 2nd Birthday, and he had a blast!!!! Last year we had a BIG 1st Birthday Party, but this year we opted for a small family get together at my mom and dad's. Even though it was just us, Geri and Brad made sure it was done up right. Landon is REALLY into trains right now, not just Thomas but any train. But he likes Thomas too. So Geri made sure that Landon would love the decorations.

Landon was so thrilled with his party. Just look at that expression. You really can read his thoughts of, "Oh my." I thought this look was so precious. As soon as he walked in and saw the decorations Landon put his hand up and really did say, "Oh my". It was too sweet.

After Landon was past his initial shock of all the cute decorations, he was eager to get up close and personal to see it all first hand.

Landon had a good time at Nana's, but he finally had to call it a night and go home; but not without his balloons.

Landon got lots of goodies from everyone, and he so excited about them all.

Landon got a couple special gifts from Momma and Daddy. Paul did a great job with Landon's sand box, and I thought Landon might like some new toddler bedding for his big boy bed.

I can't believe that 2 years have already gone by. Time really does fly when you are having a good time, and Landon is full of good times. I am so blessed to have him in my life. Happy 2nd Birthday sweet, sweet boy. I love you.

Fun on the Fourth

This 4th of July Landon got to spend some fun time with his family. After spending some time with my dad's side of the family our immediate family came back to our house for a little fun, food, relaxing, and fireworks. Landon had a back yard full of toys, and we had a table full of food. We all had a good time, but I think that Landon had the best time of all. Landon loved having everyone around to watch him run and play. He made sure he made all his rounds,

His play house,

the slide,

and the pool,

Even though Landon had the best time, the rest of us had a good time too,

and we all got caught on camera at some point. A great day was had by all.

Night at Nana's

When Landon was just a few months old he spent the night with his Nana and Papaw a couple of times and did great, but it had been a while since he had spent the night away from home so I was a little worried about how he would do this time. However, he did great. Landon, Nana, Papaw, and Geri all had a great time, and thanks to Geri being the shutter bug I got tons of pictures and felt as if I was able to get in on the fun too.

Nana loves to read and has shared that love with all of her kids, and now she is passing that love for reading down to Landon. Landon loves to check out Nana's stash of books.

Nana has all kinds of toys for Landon at her house, but his favorite is this Little Tykes cow. He has rode on this cow since before he was one, and he still will ride it EVERY time he goes to Papaw's and Nana's. As you can tell Landon loves his cow.

Landon also gets to spend a lot of time outside at Nana's because they have a good shade tree, and Landon enjoys spending his outdoor time playing around that tree.

One of Landon's favorite things to do under Nana's shade tree is to play on his Little Tyke slide. He is quiet the dare-devil. He loves to go down the slide, hang over the slide, and climb up and down on the slide like a jungle gym.

I have a feeling Landon, Nana, Papaw, and Geri will all be looking forward to another fun sleep over.

Pow Pow Power Wheels

Landon LOVES cars and trucks. He can tell you which vehicle belongs to the correct owner, and he is always ready to point out any trucks or cars that go by the house. He loves to just sit in the car and play with the steering wheel and all the other buttons, and he especially loves the radio. It is adorable, he will turn the music up and then bob around to the music. I think he might really be driving by like next summer. SO, since Landon loves cars/trucks so much, Paul and I thought that he would enjoy one of his own, and we bought him a little Aritc Cat PowerWheels.

He loves to ride it in the yard, but Mom and Dad have to stay close by to keep him on track.

As you can see he takes his driving very seriously. Just look at the determination on that face. Completely focused on the task at hand.

I hope we will be sticking to the Power Wheels for a long time. I can't imagine when he really is out there driving around, but for now I am just going to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Mountain Moments

This past weekend Paul, Landon, and I spent some time with our friends, Chris, Amber, and Emma at the Great Smokey Mountains. To be honest, I was pretty nervous about going. This was Landon's first big trip away from home, and he has been known to have quiet the temper and throw some good fits. I was afraid we would be disciplining Landon the whole time, making it miserable for every one. BUT, I WAS WRONG!!!! Landon did AWESOME!!!! He even rode in his stroller without putting up a fight. This in itself was a big milestone because since Landon starting crawling he would no longer ride in the stroller. So of course I was so proud of him for riding I had to get a few pictures of him in it.

Our first night at the mountains we decided to take the kids to Ripley's Aquarium, and they had a blast. Landon was so intrigued by all of the diffent fish and animals. He would run to every tank, and say "What's that?" He stayed right with us the whole time, and he behaved great!!!! Once again I was one proud momma. Paul and I had a great time watching Landon look at everything with such wonderment.

The next day Landon and Emma got to have some fun at the cabin. Our cabin was SOOO NICE (thank you Amber for getting all of it lined up for us). The kids had tons of room to run and play, and they loved going outside on the balcony. The big jacuzzi tubs weren't bad either. I think we could have stayed in the cabin all weekend and Landon and Emma would have been completely happy the whole time.

While we were at the mountains we also took the kids to The Rainforest Zoo. Although we saw a lot of animals that I don't think you would see in the rainforest (like sheep, goats, chickens, etc), it was a really good place to take young children. Landon loved seeing all the animals here, but he was especially excited because he got to feed the sheep. He loved it, and was not afraid of them at all.

Although we did some other things at the mountains like shopping and walking the strip in Gaitlinburg, these were my favorite moments because they were Landon's favorite. I am soo glad we went, and we all had a great trip that was very much needed.

Funny Faces

As much as I hate to say it, Landon loves Yo Gabba Gabba. So Geri got him this shirt with Broby on it. Whenever Landon wears it he will point to it to show people who is on his shirt. It really is a cute shirt and to be honest he has learned a lot from the show. Some of the things that he has learned are good, some not so much. For example his funny faces, in every episode they make funny faces, and Landon is learning a few for himself. His funny faces are hit and miss, but these are a few I caught on camera. Hilarious!!!