It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood

I went to training in Hartselle, AL a few weeks back. I have quite a few friends that are from here too, so I've been up to visit numerous times. I've never taken the time to ride around this quaint little town so one evening I decided to walk around and take a look. I found some of the cutest houses. Beautiful yards, wrap around porches, columns, and porch swings, oh my!

And for my absolute favorite:

The Actual Party

I woke up Saturday morning to a low grumbling sound. At first I thought it was my stomach, but quickly realized that it was thunder. I haven't heard thunder like that in months, so it's no wonder I was a bit confused. Normally, I would welcome the rain but not on this particular day. Thomas's birthday party was schedule to happen at Homewood Park that same afternoon. I checked the forecast and it didn't seem like the rain was going to let up. I made the decision to move Thomas's party indoors at our house, so I got up and started cleaning.

Well, that same morning my Dad came over to help unclog a few drains. He was successful! With the unclog drains came a pretty nasty smell throughout the entire house. There was no way I could have Thomas's party at a house that smelled like rotten eggs. Sooo, I called Loco's, a restaurant/pub not far from our house. They were so kind and let us use the restaurant to have his party. We were pretty much the only ones there, they turned the tvs to the Disney channel, and welcomed the chaos with open arms. It was perfect. Space to run for the kids and adult beverages for the adults. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

The cupcakes:

The Birthday Banner (sewn by yours truly):

The birthday boy:

Blowing out his candles:

It took two attempts.

Anna Claire and Maci running laps:

Thomas's two favorite gifts were his Mark Ingram autographed football from his Grandma and PawPaw AND that his Aunt Emily came in town to help celebrate. Hurry up and move home Aunt Em!

A 2nd Birthday

This little boy turned 2 today. Two!

Things he loves:

1. Chips
2. Running
3. water (in every form and fashion)
4. his Grandma and PawPaw
5. other kids
6. Being outside--it doesn't matter how hot or cold
7. Cartoons, especially Finding Nemo
8. Yogurt, plain vanilla
9. Milk. We got through a gallon every two days
10. Matchbox cars
11. His paci (meme)...darn that thing
12. Cheez-its
13. Green beans
14. His Mama and Daddy
15. Stickers

He weighs in at 28.4 lbs and just got moved up to the 2 year old class at school. We are still working on getting rid of the paci (or what he calls his meme) and haven't even attempted potty training. He can change out the dvd in the player all by himself, but I've noticed that most of our dvds are skipping now from being scratched.

Thomas definitely keeps us entertained and on our toes. I love this sweet boy with all my heart. He is an absolute blessing from God. I can't be more thankful.

Beach Trip

We just got back from a 4 night, 3 day stay in Gulf Shores yesterday. It was wonderful! Thomas was a delight, the water was beautiful, the weather was pleasant, and we had the entire complex to ourselves. We also went as a family of 3, no extras came with us this time.

Here is Brett, Thomas, and Pops (Brett's Dad). We were staying at Pops's condo and he drove over from Mobile to visit for the day.

Thomas loved the water. He preferred chasing the seagulls though.

We searched for seashells.

This little boy was in heaven. He loves water, so the beach is right up his alley.

I am already looking forward to next year's trip!

Allowance

We don't pay him yet, but I am sure he'll catch on soon enough. How much are kids getting paid these days? Is 2 too young to start giving chores?