My littlest guy

My littlest guy, now that he is a big one-year-old, is growing up so fast. He loves to imitate his big brothers and has a real knack for making car and truck sounds. Earlier this week he even held a toy airplane and "flew" it over his head while making plane noises. One of his favorite spots in the house is our playroom where he enjoys playing with our large collection of matchbox cars. He loves to stand at the windowsill and "drive" them back and forth. What a cutie pie!

Camping

Last weekend Grant and Bryce enjoyed a night of camping with their daddy. After much anticipation by the boys, we set up the tent in the backyard and started the fire for s'mores. Grant, Bryce and Carter had fun helping to set up the tent and we enjoyed roasting marshmallows and making s'mores as a family. Then mommy took the little ones inside and the "big boys" crawled into their sleeping bags. It was a memorable activity for Grant and Bryce and they were actually able to fall asleep and spend the entire night in the tent. What a good sport their daddy is!

Duck, N.C. 2009

During the first week of August we were able to enjoy a week of vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. For the past several years we have been able to vacation with our friends, the Moores, in Duck, N.C. Once again, it was a fun time. This year, more than ever, Grant had been counting down the days and weeks 'til vacation since the beginning of summer. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the week. Some highlights were: visiting the headquarters of the monster truck, Grave Digger, on the way down, Duck Donuts with daddy, collecting shells on the beach, eating at Rundown Cafe, the boardwalk over the sound, and lots of pool time.

Yes, that's Brian, Grant, and Bryce riding Grave Digger!

Carter on the alligator float at the pool.

Jamie, Grant, and Bryce jumping in!

Little stair steps.

Davis loved the sand and the water.

Carter being a sweet big brother.

Our four in their Duck t-shirts.

The crew: Carter, Kaelyn, Bryce, Davis, Grant, Jamie

The Little boys.

Kaelyn instructing "Taaar-ter" to hold her hand.

Chocolate graham crackers. The perfect beach snack.

Mommy and Davis.

Our group. Our family and the Moores.

OBX 2009

Happy Birthday Davis!

Our sweet baby boy is one year old! Last Sunday evening we celebrated Davis' birthday with a simple family party. We had both sets of grandparents, Uncle Eric, Aunt Susannah, and my Aunt Margan over for a fun evening to mark the occasion.

Susannah and Bryce.

Davis wondering what the video camera was all about.

Eric is a good sport.

Mommy and Daddy with the birthday boy.

All smiles.

Blowing out the candle on his puppy dog cake (with a little help from mommy).

After blowing out the candle, we asked Grant and Bryce to tell Davis his about his birthday surprise. While we found out later that they had already spilled the beans during dinner, the big surprise was that Davis is going to be a big brother! Yes, another baby is on the way! As Bryce put it, "There is a baby in mommy's tummy!" We are looking forward to welcoming a new little bundle of joy into our family next January!

Not so sure about the cupcake at first.

Decided it was pretty good after all!

Davis has been such a blessing to our family and we will always treasure this special first year. We praise the Lord for our sweet Davis Parker.

REAL Indians

Playing outside last Saturday afternoon, Grant and Bryce pretended to be Indians. They worked diligently to build a fire, collecting rocks to surround the fire and leaves for kindling--all pretend of course. Brian, watching, decided it would be fun to show them how to build a REAL fire (I'm still wondering just why he thought this would be a good idea). So, magnifying glass in hand, he explained how the sunlight, through the glass, could start a fire. Grant sat for a very long time out in the sun waiting for that first spark (I guess it did keep them occupied for a while). When the fire was finally going and smoke filled our backyard, Grant said to Brian, "Dad, I'm glad you're such a good dad."

Recent conversations

At the doctor's office, the pediatrician asked about the large red mark on my two-year-old's back.

"Rug burn." I answer.

She returns my reply with an inquisitive look.

"From wrestling," I further explain. "We have four boys."

Now getting it, "Oh," she says, understanding, "Boys do play rougher than girls."

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Loading up the car, there was a lot of pushing and shoving going on.

Brian reminded Bryce, "Be nice to him, he's your brother."

"He's not my brother! He's my husband!" was the comeback.

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Davis, playing with his big brothers, was making quite a racket with his baby jibberish.

Bryce, looked at me excitedly and said, "Mom, he's learning Spanish!"

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In the playroom the boys grew frustrated with Davis crawling over and messing up their toys. "No, No!" Bryce told his baby brother as Davis neared his neat line of matchbox cars.

"He doesn't understand 'no'," Grant tried to explain to Bryce.

Holding up his hand in a stop position like a police officer, Bryce tried again with even stronger fervor, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"