Time with My Cousins!

In August we got a visit from The Rubels and Grandma Cindy!! We had a great time getting to see everyone, and can't wait until next time!!!

Backyard Fun!!!

We've spent so many nights this summer just hanging out and playing in the backyard...and of course, having a blast!!! This night was especially fun...lots of fun playing with the slip-n-slide, the crazy sprinkler...not to mention the "beach". I'm not sure who had more fun...Daddy and Hayden slippin' and slidin' or Mommy getting to watch and capture all of the fun!!!

These days are ones that we'll no doubt look back on and wish hadn't gone by so fast!!!

2 Year Photos...Finally!!!

So, we started this quest 1 week after his 1st birthday...and after 3 attempts we finally got some photos that we liked and that showed his 2 year old personality. The 1st try was a complete disaster...so much so that the photographer didn't even pull out her camera. Hayden spent the entire time staring at the ground and refusing to look up. Pulling him instead of insisting and eventually dealing with a tempertantrum was my idea...thinking that if I didn't make a huge issue out of it then the next time would go better. Wrong. Try #2 consisted of EVERY SINGLE PHOTO with his tongue out. I'm not joking-EVERY ONE!!! There were a few that were cute-very Hayden...but I just couldn't bring myself to be happy with them...so we left empty handed once again. Try #3 we decided to do things a bit differently-we left Daddy at home. Not sure if that was the key to a decent photo shoot or not...but this time Hayden strutted in to the studio, and with a big grin on his face, he informed the photographers that he was, "ready to say cheese"...and he did just that. He was a riot-cracking jokes-and telling the ladies that after he ate his oatmeal that morning, he got, "boogers out of his ears". Anyway, while we're never as thrilled with photos as we were with our old photographer, these are pretty darn cute if we do say so ourselves.

Hayden's New Favorite Toy!!

Hayden was invited to a birthday party for a little boy and girl who are a part of our mom's club. It was a pool party, and was held at the pool in our neighborhood. Of course we went and had a nice time-Hayden spent lots of time swimming with Daddy while I chatted with some of the mom's and just enjoyed spending an evening outside. There were LOADS of kiddos there, so unfortunately, Hayden didn't get to spend any time with the birthday kiddos...but that's what happens when you're social butterflies!!! Anyway, for their party favors, they gave the boys these "sticker kits"...that had 100's of stickers in them. Hayden is obsessed!!! I don't know how many times I've caught him sitting on his bedroom floor covering his entire body in stickers. Fun, harmless entertainment...except now I have to use my vacuum almost constantly to pick up the fallen stickers. Thanks Petersen People!!!

Nudie Alert!!!

Sometimes at night, before we head in for bathtime, we let Hayden take his diaper off and run thru the sprinkler. We have such a small window of opportunity to do this...neked is only cute for so long...so we're taking advantage while we can!! Check out those cute little bupples!!! (Boy oh Boy is he gonna kill me someday!!!) We love you Nudie Baby!!

FINALLY...Proof that we DID go to the Ozarks with the Andersen Family!!!

Uncle Nate and Chloe

Daddy-relaxin' on vaca!!
Showin' Chloe how to use my toys.
Just Playin' at the condo
"See Chloe, THIS is how you do it!"

Too Much Vacation!!!

Our little fishy!!!
Swimmin' All by Himself!! Go Hayden!!!
Haley, Chloe and Nate
Self-Photo at the Pool

Hayden "hiding" from Chloe...I think she's found him!!!

Can you tell these AREN'T our bodies?? Don't Hayden's fee throw you? :)
The Moreheads at Peckers-the Piano Bar that wasn't.
Hayden and Daddy gettin' ready for some go-kartin'!!!
The 3 of us touring the cave-a highlight of the trip!!

Well, it's almost been a month already...so I thought it was finally time to get some pictures up from our trip to Lake of the Ozarks with Nathan, Haley and Chloe. We had a really nice time-lots of relaxing, napping, swimming and eating. Can't beat that!! Of course we got in our annual mini-golf game, and yet again, Haley is the reigning champ!! We'll get her next year!!

The Mother of the Year Award Goes To....

ME!!!! Sure, I'm well aware that there are those "super moms" who only allow their children to eat organic, don't allow their children to watch any tv...some even have their 2 year olds potty trained!!! And while that's all well and good...even impressive...I've decided I deserve the award...and if it's not for Mother of the Year, then it's for Mother of the Day!!!

Before Jason left for work this morning, he asked his usual question, "What do you two have planned for the day?". I realized that we didn't have ANYTHING planned. So online I went...looking for something out of the ordinary, not to mention FUN for the two of us to do. For some reason, I checked out the site for the KC Zoo, and saw that today was $2 day. Can't beat that...so the decision was made-ZOO HERE WE COME!!!

Hayden was thrilled by the idea...he couldn't wait to see monkeys, but decided he, "don't want to see alligators Mama". When we pulled in to the lot, Hayden was sound asleep, and the parking lot was overwhelmingly full. Okay...deep breath. I glanced at the outside temp in my van...was relieved to see that it was still in the 70's (78, but still 70's)...hopped out and started getting everything organized for our venture.

After the long walk to the zoo entrance, and dealing with a very rude fellow zoo-goer, we were in and on our way to find some ANIMALS!!! And that's exactly what we did. We chose to go to the Africa side-Hayden was requesting giraffes, elephants and zebras-so we headed that way. I have to say...there was LOTS of walking with very few animals on the way over there, and I was starting to become a bit discouraged...but eventually we covered the basics...monkeys, flamingos (Africa?), strange river hog-things...plus the above mentioned animals. We stopped and took advantage of the $2 hotdog deals, dranks LOADS of water, crossed a horribly nauseating swaying bridge (twice), rode a tram and a train (I really think those were Hayden's highlights), and of course...hit the gift shop on the way out (where he chose a Rhino). After 4 1/2 full hours of Zoo-ing, it was time to hit the road. Back to the van we went-a quick diaper change in the parking lot, a stop for gas, an impromptu stop along the side of the road to retrieve fruit snacks that were dropped...and even a quick nap...and we were HOME!!!

Hayden had fallen asleep in the van of course, and by the time I got him upstairs and in to his bed, he was wide awake and looking at me like, "Right Mommy...there's no WAY I'm going to fall back asleep...remember that nap in the van? That was it!!" In fact, right now, he's in his bed talking and talking...and talking. My guess is...there will be no nap...which as his pregnant, sweaty, exhausted Mommy, I was REALLY needing!!!

So-while it was a lot of work alone, we had a great time. And best of all...you know all of that talking he's doing in his room? He's talking about all of the animals he saw today!!! 100% worth it...but I'm still holding out for a medal of some sort!!!!

I am one proud Mommy...HE DID IT!!!

Okay, so I know I'm jumping ahead a bit here...I have a million and 10 things that I need to post, but I just couldn't help myself...WE HAVE HUGE NEWS!!!!

As most of you know (yes, I've been a little excited), Hayden got his BIG BOY FURNITURE TODAY!!! I was feeling a little apprehensive has the day was getting closer, but I kept focused on what a big milestone it is for Hayden. The truck came around 10:30 this morning, and Hayden and I both met the movers at the door. We showed them where to go with everything, and then we sat on the couch and waited. After everything was put together and the trash was all removed, Hayden and I were finally allowed to take a peek!!! WOW!!! What a huge difference!!! Regretably, I left his crib in his room, thinking that we might possibly still need it...just in case...cuz once it's out, it's out. At the moment I'm wishing we would have had them remove it for us...but ask me again after a few nights and we'll see how it's going.

Anyway, after the guys left, Hayden and I put his room together-or as together as it's going to get with an extra bed and a chair that's too big for the room. His bed looks adorable-big, but adorable!!! I'm thrilled with the actual furniture too...it looks fantastic, and I'm so glad that we went with the black...even though I know it'll be a dusting nightmare!!! :)

After we got the room put together, we had a nice...LONG...lunch, and then it was NAPTIME...dum da dum dum!!! We went in to his room, he chose a few books, and then decided that instead of reading them in his chair, we would read them on his bed. Okay with me. We crawled in and proceeded to read 3 books-all upbeat, fun books. After we finished, I went thru the regular routine...blankets, kisses from Tulsa Monkey and Puppy, kisses from me...a few snuggles, and I was out the door. I decided to fold some laundry and do a few things in the living room in case he decided to make a break for it. At first all was quiet. Then I heard him singing and giggling to himself...and within 10 minutes...silence. I thought it was too good to be true, and he had to have somehow escaped. I peeked in...and...taa daa...SOUND ASLEEP!!!

I am SO proud of my little guy!! He's so stinking big...and it's funny...but he always adapts WAY more quickly than I ever think he will. I guess he was ready for his own space...outside of the bars. My only question now is...will he still yell for me to get him up when he wakes? Time will tell!!!

Congratulations Hayden...on your very first nap in your big boy bed!!! I love you bunches Sweetie...and Mommy is so VERY proud of you!!!!