Another step towards growing up...

This morning, my baby boy took another step towards growing up and showing his independence.  Chris and I were getting breakfast and, since it was after 7am, we were both slightly surprised that Boo hadn't announced his "alarm" (definition: a very good verbal copycat version of Chris' morning alarm!).  When I did very faintly hear him moving around in his room, I started upstairs.  Low and behold, my son was on his way downstairs, fully dressed (in a matching outfit, no less!), had already gone potty, and the sweet boy was even carrying his overnight diaper down with him to throw away!

Time is going way. too. fast.

This morning, my baby boy took another step towards growing up.

Cincinnati Trip

My family got together in Cincinnati towards the end of June and spent some time at the Cincinnati Zoo, as well as a very special place called "Entertrainment Junction"...you can just imagine how the boys were in awe of the entire place!

Grandpa with the youngest member of the clan, W.

Grandma and three of the boys waiting for the train at the zoo.

J with his mom's hat on, trying to stay cool...it was HOT!

Boo and me waiting for the zoo train.

Waiting...

waiting...

waiting...

YES!  We're moving!

being goofy

at a waterpark somewhere in Cincy

playing with plastic bugs outside on the pool patio at the hotel

shelling peanuts

My nephew, J, being his mommy's hero and saving her from the bugs!

C and mom playing a matching game

Flash-forward to the teenage years?!?!

Cheese!

Boo and J playing together

Just the beginning of a warehouse full of trains!!

a little bit of detail shown in an amusement park

this picture shows you the scale and just a little of how massive this train project is

a little bit closer-up of the detail that went into this place

Chris and I also celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary by going out to dinner, after my parents graciously agreed to babysit Boo for the night.  We had an awesome seafood dinner with drinks and split a scrumptious dessert.  Thanks, Mom and Dad, for allowing us the time for a date!

And happy belated anniversary to my wonderful husband!!

Canoeing and Father's Day

On our way to go canoeing for the first time this year...in June!

Boo trying to get out of the sun for a little rest.

Not. Gonna. Happen.

picnic lunch

At a friend's house. 

He looks like he's planning something here!

Father's Day celebration at daycare

Art project at home with Mommy.  He got to cut, color, glue, punch holes, thread yarn...so many fun things that are also such important fine motor skills to master.  He did great!

Movie Monday - Kid Conversations

Conversations on growing up...

...and where babies come from!

(The camera usually takes better video than this, but they were too cute not to share even with how grainy they are!)

Baptism, Birthday, and random pictures

Doesn't the moose look like it's telling Chris a secret?

And Boo is tickling its belly!!

My family, mom, and grandpa...4 generations here!

My godson with a friendly store dog.  Boo would be able to remember the dogs name, but he's in bed right now...that child's memory for names is remarkable!!

Brothers E and W, whose Baptism we were celebrating

Boo and E sporting "ice bucket hats"

Boo and Daddy sleeping when I came in the hotel room; it was pitch-dark so I used the flash and it showed up so well!

from April, celebrating Boo's birthday

the cake he'd been wanting for months!

Oh, yeah, who's 4?!

Pure joy from my silly boy!!

free Cardinals jersey night at the ballfield to kids under 12!

he reminds me of a doctor with his "pager" tucked in his waistband (it's actually one of our old flip phones that he carries around)

the "spider hat" he made at preschool

our backsplash completed...the kitchen is done!!!

Movie Monday - Wa-wet and cwedit cards!

A picture worth a thousand feelings!

As shared by my big sister...

...a sentiment I completely agree with!