Memphis Zoo

Back in July, we went to Memphis for my family reunion before we flew from there to Maine (which I already posted). Here are a few pics from our time at the zoo...

Gracie and Ethan followed the panda paw prints into the tree trunk.

My big baby was tired and wanted a ride...

Yaya the female panda

noshing on some bamboo...I think this was Lili (the male)

These things were foot massage machines that vibrated REALLY hard. The kids thought it was so funny!

Ethan and Gracie

Harrison was getting sick. Later that night, his fever was 103.7 degrees. I was quite scared, but it turned out to be a fever virus...(see the Maine posts to review the "diagnosis debacle")

Pretty picture taken by my sister-in-law, Kelli.

round and round the carousel goes...

"Which way to the pandas?"

"That way!"

My very own "female explorer" from China

Ethan, a.k.a. "Marco Polo"

Too adorable for words! We had a wonderful time! Harrison was in great spirits even thought he felt yucky!

Happy Late Labor Day!

We were invited for a Labor Day cookout with some of our China group here in town. The girls are so funny to watch as they play together. They played Candy Land, ate, played in the yard, jumped on the trampoline, and swam in the pool. It was so much fun!

Harrison is one cool dude in his borrowed goggles!

He is quite the ladies' man! The girls were all in the big pool, but they started making their way over to get in with him as soon as I put him in. It was hilarious!

They thought it was funny to pile all of the dive rings on top of his noggin. He was not as amused!

Gracie started swimming on her own during lessons this summer, but still makes me nervous as she isn't strong yet to go for long. She absolutely loves the water!

Thanks to our friends, The Dumas Family, for a great time. The ribs were great, the conversation stimulating as always, and time spent with those held dear is priceless!

On the Move!

Little Man started walking the night before his 1st birthday, and he hasn't looked back since! Enjoy the video!

Saturday Fun!

Every other Saturday, we go to Lowe's or Home Depot for the children's Build and Grow workshops. Afterward, we go over to Barnes and Noble for Story Time. We call it "Gracie Time." She made a birdhouse at this workshop. We usually bring the project home and decorate/paint them to give them some personality!
The featured story was "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"

Then, we had a surprise visitor. Harrison wanted to look, but that was as far as he went!

Gracie shows her brother there is nothing to fear!

Splish Splash, We were taking a bath...

I have to fix Ella Grace's hair into a bun (aka Pom Pom) regularly.

Gracie likes to "fix" her brother's hair in the tub.

Playing Catch Up!

So, I guess I have gotten a little behind in posting my summer pictures! Here is our 4th of July... We gathered at Billy and Stacy's (my BFF) house for a cookout and fireworks."The Kiddie Table"
Father and Son
Lanie showing us how a sparkler is done!
"Do-it-yourself Fireworks"
Shawn's burnt finger after "doing it himself!"
Nana and my little man on his 1st Fourth of July

My brother, Kevin, and his wife, Amanda
My brother, Shawn, and his wife, Kelli
Aidan and Harrison are checking each other out
I like to call this one - "The Hazy Days of Summer!"

We had a great time with family and friends. We are so lucky to be Americans!

I'll try to get a little better about posting closer to the actual event now!

Harrison's Birthday (2 weeks ago!)

Harrison turned one on August 14. We had a small celebration here with just us and Nana. Gracie helped him open presents and blow out the candle.

On Saturday the 16th, we had a little party for the rest of the family. Nana made the cake and the theme was how quickly the first year had "Zoomed" by. He was actually sick this day, but still had a great disposition. His favorite thing of all was the "Cars" balloon we tied to the back of his high chair. It is still in the living room on the ceiling. He plays with it every night! What a great first year. Harrison, you have brought such joy to our lives and have made this family complete! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

Harrison, Aunt KK, and Aidan

Cake by Nana