Graduation in Chiefland

OK.....so you know that you are getting old when
your oldest nephew graduates from high school.

This weekend, we headed to Chiefland for our oldest nephew, Josh's graduation. It was great fun and it meant a lot to us to be able to be there and support Josh.

On Friday, May 29th, Parker got to go swimming for just the second time in a large pool. Now, he is a very cautious youngin so he would inch his way to the water by sitting on his bottom, by lunch time he was jumping off the side of the pool to either Justin or myself. It was so cute! That evening, we headed off to graduation. Please keep in mind that graduation was held outside at seven in the evening so the sun was still shining bright. Well, because this is Chiefland, the whole town goes to graduation, so we had to be there almost an hour early. By the time we left graduation to head to the party, we were so sweaty that even Parker's clothes were stuck to him. I couldn't even suck in the fat rolls to hide them in pics because everything was just stuck to me. Well, we get to the party (which was beautiful) and what do they have......balloons everywhere. So, Parker started whining for a balloon. Well, when I told him no, that he would have to wait until we left he started walking up to people - who he didn't even know - and asked them for a balloon. At one point, we thought that he was with our niece when all the sudden we see some lady who we have no idea who she is walking around carrying Parker. We about died. Just before we left, Josh tied a balloon to Parker's shirt. I have you to know, that Parker feel asleep in the truck holding that balloon.

Saturday, Parker hit the pool with his cousin Bridget. I must say, I had forgotten just how much energy kids have when they are in the pool. Those two wore me out. At one point, Parker asked Bridget to pick him up. Well, she did. The catch is that it was in the deep end of the pool. I went and got Parker and carried him back to the shallow end of the pool while Bridget rode on my back. I thought that I was going to drown. After that we came in for lunch and a nap. After our naps, we headed back out for another few hours of swimming. By the end of yesterday I was near death.

We headed back home today and Hunter was glad to see us when we arrived. We enjoyed so much getting to spend time with family. Although Justin's family is three hours away, it is important to me that Parker spend time with his family and know who they are. This weekend who loved playing with Bridget and spending time with Josh and all the other big kids.....They are all growing up to fast!!!!!!!!!!

Parker and his Friend the Cow

Saturday, while picking up a number of things at Target I picked Parker up a pack back that is shaped as a cow. You know, this way he can carry some toys, snacks and drinks in it while we travel in the car. Well, he loved it. He decided to wear it around the house along with daddy's boots. It was way to cute. Justin told me to enjoy it now because in a few years when he heads off to school I won't think that it is very cute.

Parker is also becoming daddy's little side kick. He still has to know right where mommy is, but he now wants to help daddy do everything. On Saturday, we were having a cookout at our house. While working in the kitchen getting last minute things done, I saw Parker sitting in Justin's lap just talking away. It was like he was telling him some big story. I stood looking out the kitchen window is awe at the two most important men in my life. It brought the biggest smile to my face.

Yesterday, I had to take Parker to the doctor. Since last Friday, he has been having trouble with nose bleeds. Well, when leaving the office the receptionist handed him a lollipop. After taking it from her he looked at her and said,"Thank you." It made me feel so very proud, but at the same time so very sad ------ my little baby is growing up. Although I easily get frazzled, I keep telling myself to sit back and take in every moment because I will never get to enjoy these things again. Thank you God for blessing me with such a wonderful miracle.

Growing into a Little Boy

I can't believe Parker will be two in August. He has truly grown into a little boy. The other night we had company for dinner and Parker ran around with the older kids screaming, playing and chasing one another. It brought tears to my eyes. He has really become his own person. Last week I took him to the beach. Every time we go he walks up the boardwalk with no problem, but as soon as he sees the sand and water and turns to run back to the car. It is so funny. I pick him up and carry him to our spot on the beach. After a minute he is in beach heaven. We picked sea shells and played in the water. It was so fun. The best part was when he decided to do flip-flops down the beach. I couldn't stop laughing, especially when he said, "Mommy do flop." Please. It would be a site for sore eyes to see me do a flip-flop fully dressed, but in a bathing suite.....you have got to be crazy.