Parker's First Fish

One of Parker's favorite things to do at the zoo is watch the fish swim around. After MDO today, I decided we would get him his very own fish for his room. He really liked (and wanted to get) some of the ten cent fish, but we came home with a Betta. He loves feeding his fish and watching him swim around!

Bye Bye Hugs

My brother and his girlfriend, Sabrina, were so sweet to stop by our house Saturday morning on their way to Longview to get Prancer. I didn't want to have to board him while we were in New Braunfels because Prancer gets too anxious and did not do well last time we boarded him. They were going to drop Prancer off at our house on their way home Sunday, but my grandparents decided to drive down today to visit a little while and return Prancer. Here Parker is telling Grandma and Papa bye as they were off to a Rangers game!

Quick Stop in Austin

When Jered got done with his meetings Sunday afternoon, we stopped in Austin on our way home to see my brother, Keith, at work. He treated us to some yummy gelato and cookies while we were there, and then he sent us home with a huge pizza, salads and some bread (with fabulous oil to dip in) for dinner. It was all so delicious!!

McKenna Children's Museum

We are in New Braunfels this weekend for Jered to get some continuing education hours, so while he is away in meetings all day, Parker and I have to stay entertained. This morning we visited the McKenna Children's Museum. It was a really neat place, and Parker had fun even though he was short about 5 hours of sleep due to traveling and sleeping arrangements last night.

The train table is what he spotted the minute we walked in the door. I was beginning to think I paid $15 for him to play with trains. After about 45 minutes of trains, I finally convinced him to walk around and check out some other stuff.


He so badly wanted these horses to rock and move.


When we ventured outside to"The Great Outdoors," Parker said he wanted to get in the water. If you've noticed from some previous posts, I often let him strip down on the back porch and play in the water. Well, Parker began taking his shorts off as soon as we walked outside! He was ready to get in the water. Man, now I sure do wish I had a picture of him with his shorts around his ankles, but at the time, I was just desperate trying to convince him that he had to keep his clothes on!

As we left the museum, Parker had a meltdown of epic proportions all the way back to the hotel. His fatigue finally caught up with him, so we had some lunch and he's been asleep for 3 hours!

Water Babies

How adorable are these two? We had such a fun time at playgroup this morning at Stephanie and Ella's pool. We had the opportunity to go to their house and swim Tuesday after MDO, too, and Parker loves the water. He is an animal when he gets in the water and likes when his entire face goes under water. He is not afraid of much, which leads to lots of work for mom and lots of fun for him!

Call Me Crazy

We went to the zoo today. Yes, we battled the 100 degree weather at 10 a.m. to see the animals. Parker's favorite part, yet again, was the slide through the otter tank. The otters were actually there today, and Parker insisted on sliding down on his belly. All in all, we had a good time despite the blistering heat.

Check Me Out

When Parker found Daddy's stash of hats in the closet today, he loved trying them on and checking himself out in the mirror. I love all the faces he was making at himself, and Tex even got in on the action. I promise Tex wasn't about to eat him!

First Day of Summer School

Today was Parker's first day back at MDO in three weeks. This preggo momma was about to go crazy! He moved up rooms this time and now has new teachers and new friends in his class. He also had to nap on a napmat for the first time...ever. Let me remind you that his previous teachers had a difficult time even getting him to nap in his crib at MDO. He would often have to ride in the "Bye-Bye Buggy" (a large stroller that seats 8-10) during naptime as to not wake his fellow classmates. I'll let you guess whether or not he napped on his napmat...uh, no. However, 7 out of 10 did not. His teacher said he did lay quietly on his mat and read books while others slept. I guess it's a start.

One story I don't want to forget: I stopped by to ask his previous teacher, Mrs. Aline, a question when I picked Parker up from MDO today, and she told me when Parker saw her he ran up, gave her a hug and wouldn't let go of her hand. He loved Mrs. Aline, and Mrs. Aline loved him!

The picture was taken on our way to school. He was excited to go and really does like it! He didn't even cry when I dropped him off at his new room today.

Blowing Bubbles

Parker loves to blow bubbles, and Prancer loves it just as much because he chases them all!

Happy Daddy's Day

Today Parker and I are so very thankful for Jered and the amazing father and husband that he is!

As Good as it Gets

Really, these are the best grandparent/grandchildren photos I got this weekend. We'll have to try again next time!

Shoveling Rocks and Swimming

Today J-Pa, T-Ma and Anna arrived at our home for the weekend. These two cousins didn't waste any time getting out to the backyard and playing.

Going Way Back

Since I failed to get a picture today, I went way back to this day last year. Crazy how much things can change in just one short year!

Bath in the Big Bucket

Today I was too lazy to get out the big pool or blow any of the others up (even though you can clearly see them in the background!), so I filled this tub up with some water for Parker. He really just wanted to play in the cat's water bowl, but I thought this was better. When I asked him if he was ready to go in the house and take a bath, he stripped his clothes off and told me he was taking a bath in the big bucket.

Mini Massage

Ever since Parker found our back massage under the bed, he has wanted to use it. He only lets me massage him for a couple of seconds before he wants to play with it.

Showing Off His Skills

As usual, we are always happy to get home after we've been gone for a few days. When Daddy got home from work this evening, Parker wanted to get out in the backyard and show off his fishing skills and let Daddy practice his.

Feeding the Ducks and Fishing

Today we headed down to the pond to feed the ducks, and my dad also came by and kept Parker entertained by fishing and playing trucks with him.

Crazy Cousins

Saturday morning my cousin, Cody's, kids came over to play. Cam (3), Cash (4) and Caydence (1 1/2) had a blast sliding, too!

As if we hadn't already had enough fun in the sun, Parker, Candy and I went to my Aunt Linda's house Saturday afternoon to swim. Jumping in was Parker's favorite thing to do, of course, while holding on to my hands! He refused to wear floaties, so we had to make sure there was a rule that he could not get in without holding Mommy's hands.

Although he wouldn't wear the floaties, Parker did like wearing these goggles for a little while. Hilarious!

Slippin' and Slidin'

Not long after arriving in Longview, Grandma came home from the store with a Slip 'n Slide. The backyard has a hill perfect for it, and Parker had so much fun. Prancer had just as much fun as Parker and thought we set the Slip 'n Slide up for him.

Parker wasn't in to (and didn't really understand) running and sliding down on his belly. Instead, he would just run until he slipped and fell. He also loved sliding his trucks down.

Sweat to Prove It

This evening our Sunday School class had a Girls' Night Out at Kimberly's home. Since Jered had to work, Benjie, Kimberly's husband, was so sweet to bring Creighton over to our house and play for a little while so that I could go to his house with the girls. The salads and desserts were delicious, and when I got home, Parker was covered in sweat. Proof that he had a blast with Benjie and Creighton while I was away, although the picture doesn't really show it. Thank you, Polnick Family, for your generosity!

Watching the Wheel

For as long as I can remember, Parker has loved watching Wheel of Fortune every night after dinner and before bed. Tonight was no different than our normal nightly routine...Parker and Daddy sitting on the couch watching The Wheel.

The Life of a Toy Soldier

Parker got this "Ahmy man" (Army man) a few weeks ago on a visit to the doctor. It was all the nurse could do to keep him from crying because as soon we walked back to go to the room he started crying uncontrollably. He remembered being there a month ago and having to get a shot. Anyway, the soldier lost a leg on our way home that day. Parker rediscovered his Army man in the car today and has wanted to play with him (and his detached leg) all day.

Missing My Rings

When I was pregnant with Parker I got all three of my rings stuck. My fingers swelled so much that I could no longer get them off. I tried to be a little smarter this time around and haven't been wearing my rings for a few weeks now. I miss my jewelry, and I feel really great walking around pregnant, with a two year old, and no wedding ring on. I'm sure I get a few crazy looks! ;)

Fun and Fajitas

This evening we had one of Jered's co-workers, Nicole, and her son, Dale, over for dinner. The boys enjoyed playing, and we had some yummy fajitas for dinner.

Muffins, Mulch and a Mess

We started our morning off by making some banana muffins. Parker loved snacking on the batter while the muffins baked.

When Jered got home after a quick trip up to the clinic, it was yardwork time. Parker always wants to help Daddy with everything.

Parker had to get in on the mulch spreading action.

He eventually got tired of the shovel and just used his hands. In the process of helping with the mulch, Parker became one big mess. Check out his face in this picture!