Friends

Evie, Elijah's friend from school, came over this week for a play date. They had a good time and it was so sweet to hear all the laughter.

A little coloring after playing upstairs
Could he get any closer to her? He was trying his best to sit in the seat with her. :)

Making pizzas


Picnic Time

Enjoying their pizza while watching Caillou.

Growing Up

I thought it would be good to do an update on Elijah since it has been awhile. I apologize for the length of this post but we want to remember these things and have them for Elijah to reflect on as he gets older.

At 2 years, 8 months, and 1 day old, Elijah
-Attended his first summer camp and loved it!
-Continues to not eat a lot but is willing to try more foods now
-Potty trained
-Sleeps in a big boy bed and still has no attachment to a stuffed animal and/or his blanket
-Continues to love being outside
-Is a great traveler
-Likes to sing
-Vocabulary is extensive
-Loves to talk… all the time :)
-Ask a lot of questions/ very inquisitive
-Remembers everything- I mean everything!
-Likes to help me load and unload the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher. He is a good helper.
-Enjoys helping us cook and making his own pizzas
-Says his prayers at night all by himself – it is the sweetest thing in the world to listen too!
-Wants to do everything by himself and gets upset :( if we help him, even when we need to help
-Has got a definite stubborn streak
-Likes going to the pool
-Continues to like rocks – finding them, throwing them in water, and has even started a rock collection
-Still likes going to Lowes and Home Depot
-Enjoys going to church
-Has become a big Daddy’s boy
-Compassionate toward others
-Enjoys playing educational games more
-Seems to prefer showers instead of baths now
-Continues to enjoy being read to
-Very energetic (kind of like the Engerzier Bunny- he he!)
-Continues to make us laugh
But most of all he continues to steal our hearts every day.
We love you Elijah! To heaven and back, and then some!!

Aloha Island Camp 2011

This week Elijah attended his first summer camp. The camp was Monday-Thursday from 9:30-1:30. Elijah had so much fun!! Everyday on the way home, he would tell me all about the things he did and how he liked camp. As a teacher, I loved hearing his enthusiasm about learning. Mrs. Andrea did a wonderful job! An added bonus was Elijah's friend, Evie, was attending the camp too. We couldn't have asked for better first camp experience for him. He is already looking forward to attending again next week.
This week's theme was "Aloha Island"
This is the surprise gifts we were given at the end of the week. Elijah enjoys looking through the photo book and telling us all about the things he did at camp. Thank you Mrs. Andrea for everything!

Continued Likes and Some New Ones

The Old Still loves being outside...If he could stay out there, he would!
Continues to like looking for rocks and adding them to his rock collection. Too funny how serious he looks in this picture.
Finally likes his ITouch instead of our phones. We have some educational websites that we downloaded for him and he enjoys playing over and over.
Still likes helping Daddy water our potted plants.

The New Elijah only wants to take showers now instead of a bath which I love. It makes getting ready for bedtime quicker and it is so much easier on my back. Yes, I do have a picture of him taking his first shower, but didn't think it would be appropriate to post it on our blog. :)
He wants to help me unload the dishwasher now and the silverware is his job - minus the knives, of course. He even wanted to do it on vacation.
Enjoys pretending to drive a car. His favorites to drive? Ours!
Another food added to this picky eaters list, just never thought it would be cottage cheese. Obviously, the one shown is for me. He doesn't need decuded fat at all. He he!

A Fourth of July Suprise

What a surprise we had when my parents decided to come spend the Fourth with us. The reason I say surprised isn't because they were coming to see us, but because it had only been two weeks since my mom (Nana) had knee replacement surgery. She is such a trooper! We had good visit and Elijah had SO much fun! It was a good weekend and a wonderful Fourth of July.
Pawpaw and Elijah trying to be sneaking but they got caught :)
Helping his Pawpaw cook

Happy Fourth
Mid morning we headed to the pool to start off our Fourth



Elijah and his Nana poolside


Afternoon pool time

Eating watermelon in the pool= fun

Think he has out grown this?


Later that afternoon Byron, Elijah, and Pawpaw headed to the hill in Sienna for more Fourth fun.








I love this picture!

Vacation 2011 Final Post - Springfield and Lambert's Cafe

On our final day of vacation we drove to Springfield, MO to check out the largest Bass Pro Shop in the US (as of today). To say it is big, is an understatement! They had numerous tanks for fish, alligators, and turtles. Every time you turned around there was something else to see. Glad we got to check it out.
Do you need a hug?
Hey, what's in here Mommy?



He had a good time pretending to drive the boats



Byron and Elijah were looking at the adult and baby turtles that were swimming and lounging around

Checking out the fish


Lambert's Cafe
Byron had seen this place on the Food Network so we decided to check it out. They are know for their flying rolls. The atmosphere, food, and service was great!



This was right after he caught the roll. Byron snapped a picture when Elijah caught it, but it turned out so blurry that you couldn't really make it out. :( The guy throwing the rolls seemed very surprised that Elijah caught the roll all on his own because it was a fast and long toss. I know we were :)

Taking his first bite of the roll

Check out the size of his cup! He thought it was too cool.

It wsa a very relaxing and fun vacation! Just what we neeed!

Vacation 2011 - Happy Anniversary (Part 4)

Branson Landing is where we started our day on June 30th. Did a little shopping and oh course when shopping everyone needs a break for some lunch.
Having a little fun before eating some yummy BBQ

We followed Famous Dave on a recent Food Network BBQ competition. The BBQ was very good and the jalapeno mac and cheese was a favorite for Byron and I.




Pam and Elijah doing some leaf rubbings later that afternoon.


Anniversary Night21st Anniversary celebration at Worman House






It was a wonderful night and a romatic way to celebrate our life together!