Playtime

I look forward to the times when the boys crawl away to play on their own. It happens nearly everyday in the morning. It doesn't last very long, but I definitely relish these moments for many reasons. I love that they're growing and playing more independently; I love having a few moments without them climbing on me (although those moments are good too); But most of all, I love seeing them healthy and happy.

(Andrew spotted me and the camera)

I love that he's laughing and playing by himself!

Andrew's Got Skill

Sorry it's sideways...

Look Who's Standing

It only lasts about 5-10 seconds at a time, but it's long enough to get a picture. Only 12 days until his first birthday...

Family Fun Weekend

On Saturday PPG (Dave's work) and our church had their family fun days. We weren't sure if the boys would be able to do both, but they did and seemed to have a great time. We went to PPG's first, held at the Lake Charles Civic Center. They had food, music, and blow-up games. James loved the blow-up slides, but it was hard work carrying him to the top of those things! Both boys loved the grilled chicken! It was so great to be able to feed them both while we were out and not have to run home in between fun days for their lunches.

After lunch we headed out to Moss Lake where a family from church has a boathouse. The boys did a great job playing and nobody ended up in the lake (except our car keys, which were rescued). James even took his first boat ride. He really enjoyed it, but it was a long ride so he decided to take a nap for part of it. Unfortunately, I forgot our camera so I only have a couple of pics that others took.

Always hamming it up for the camera!

We're in the lower left. You might recognize the little boy next to Dave from James' birthday party pictures. Waylon calls us the baby family :)

Happy Labor Day!

Dave and I took advantage of the beautiful day and took the boys to Kemah, Texas. There's a boardwalk there with shops, games, and rides. We mostly just walked around and enjoyed the weather. James loved the people and boat watching. Andrew just enjoyed the ride.

watching the train :)

catfish and ducks

Andrew is 11 Months

Andrew celebrated his 11 month birthday on Sunday with his first tropical storm. TS Lee brought us some much needed rain. It was mostly just wind and rain around here with SE Louisiana getting the worst of it. Since it rained all day, we celebrated by staying dry. At 11 months Andrew:

• has 6 teeth. 3 on top and 3 on bottom. It feels like he's been cutting teeth since his 1o month birthday.


• is playing well by himself for longer periods of time...nearly 10 minutes before he'll come searching for mommy or daddy.


• has taught me that he will always be a difficult napper!


• puts everything in his mouth.


• prefers canned veggies over fresh ones (crazy) and won't eat fruit except for bananas.


• loves his baby food and only wants to feed himself grains (cheerios, bread, puffs, etc.) and yogurt bites. Everything else ends up smashed or on the floor.

Showing off his new teeth. Still loves opening doors...
And getting into things.

"Reading" a book and thinking about standing.

He has a sore on his finger from chewing on it soooo much.

Squatting with the vanilla wafers.

He loves to push toys around...

And tackle them!

Back Home in LA (that's Louisiana)

We've been home for a week now and are back in the swing of things. On Saturday we took down the second crib that James refuses to sleep in to make room for the new toy from Aunt Denise and Uncle Chris. James has been having lots of fun with it and Andrew loves the balls!
James can't quite reach the top yet so he starts the balls partway down the ramp.

And these are just a few pics of the boys playing before bedtime that night.

...And reading books.

On Sunday James got to watch a race on TV. I think Dave and I are going to have to learn about something new...