It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Sure, before having kids it may have been the holiday season, but back-to-school takes the honors now. Ben had his first day of Pre-K today. He was such a trooper.

Daddy walking him in to school.
He was all smiles when I came to pick him up, as was I for having had a chance to get the million little things done that have been waiting all summer - a success all around!

Beach Bums

We took our annual beach trip last week. Despite an unexpected tropical storm, we had a great time. It's fun to go back year after year and see how the boys' reactions to everything change over time. Ben LOVED the ocean this year. He wanted to jump big waves, build sand castles, and look for seashells. His favorite thing was going out one night after dark with Daddy to look for crabs. They took flashlights, his new crab net, and a bucket and caught 5 crabs. Ben reported back to me that they had run into some folks who had "only seen 2 all night. That means I'm 'specialer' than they are." He then realized that wasn't very nice and retracted by saying, "Actually, we're all special." Noah, for all his water-lovin' self, did NOT love the ocean. The sand was fun, but I think the loudness and vastness of the water was a bit overwhelming for him. He kept saying, "No like it, ocean. No like it, ocean." Hopefully next year he'll feel differently.
A relaxing lunch on the balcony.

We took the boys to play miniature golf one afternoon - Noah's first time.

He was in to it at first.

But soon found that playing around on the green was more fun than trying to get the ball into the hole.

And eventually resorted to all-out silliness.

Noah at 2

I thought I'd take some time to capture some thoughts about our "baby" boy at 2 years of age. The baby book has long been abandoned, so this has become my notebook for such memories.

Noah is a larger than life kid. He is, no doubt, a very spirited child. He can fill up the room with his laughter, and make the same room shudder with his piercing screams of anger (as in, any higher and it would be a dog whistle). He is an all-or-nothing kind of boy. Always has been.

His only mode of self transport is running - not sure he knows how to walk. He cannot get anywhere fast enough (trying to keep up with big brother, no doubt).

He is a true water baby. Loves to swim, splash, bathe, soak, you name it. It will be so fun to see him at the beach this year.

His language is growing, growing! He is like a little parrot, repeating the last two words of whatever sentence he hears. Some favorite phrases these days are, "day-go" (there you go), "duv-u" (love you), and (oh melt my heart!) "Ben," said with the UTMOST sweetness.

He could live on cheese. Enough said.

He remains a champion sleeper. Seriously, enough said.

Noah can be a crazy kid. He's the one in the grocery store grabbing everything off the shelves, the one in the airplane screaming to get down and run, the one in the restaurant clamoring for food ... and, honestly, we wouldn't have him any other way. That same gregarious energy is what makes him the best hug giver (when he hugs you, you know you've been hugged), what gives him that irresistably contagious giggle, and what simply makes him our "Nu-saur." You are so loved, dear boy.

Bravos

We took the boys to a Braves game a couple of weeks ago. Ben's been a few times already this year, but this was Noah's first game of the season. It was HOT, but we had a good time for the 4 innings that we were able to hang in there.

We got there early enough to spend some time in the kids' zone.

Noah loved all the sights and sounds of the big league.

Ben got a chance to score a run.

Heading for home (now, why wouldn't he do this for t-ball?).

And, of course, monkey see ...

monkey do.

Summertime in Michigan

I am ridiculously late in getting these posted, but we had a great trip to Michigan to visit my family the end of July. As usual, we spent a lot of time playing with cousins, enjoying the outdoors, and just RELAXING.

A major draw this year was cousin Austin's "motor," a battery-powered four-wheeler that the boys spent hours riding (thanks, Austin, for being such a good sharer)!

Giving Austin a ride. In true Ben fashion, he would only be the driver, not the passenger.

Noah had to get in on the action, and then, Lord help us ...


Another favorite is Papa's big collection of tractors. Daddy gave MANY tractor rides, which he enjoyed as much as the kids (big surprise).
The weather was beautiful. One day we had a picnic and ...

got in a round of miniature golf.
Another plus is that it's always fun to be reunited with Novalee.

Our last day in Michigan was Noah's 2nd birthday. We spent the day with lots of cousins playing at the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum, a fabulous place with tons for the kiddos to explore. Noah and Auntie Pam look at a giant snake.

Taking potty training to a whole new level.
Given his behavior on the flight to Michigan, maybe this is what we should consider for future air travel with Noah.

Ben, Austin, and Kaylin picking apples.

"Roar!"

Auntie Cheryl shows Noah a live turtle.

Ben and his cousins spent a lot of time on stage - a flair for the dramatic, you might say.

I think he was having to dance to get in to the princess's castle (the plot was rich).

It was a dazzling performance.

After coming home and taking a short rest, we had a pizza party for the two birthday kiddos, Kaylin (who turned 6 the next day) and Noah.

Yummy strawberry shortcake - a July birthday bonus.

Happy birthday, sweet Noah!