Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend, for us (also known as pack as many events into 3 days as possible weekend) was fun but tiring. We made our 1st trip to the zoo with papa and gigi, Cason got his first bike from papa for always wearing his big boy undies ~ side note: I am so proud of my big love, he is totally potty trained and only had a couple of accidents throughout it all! We also swam and played outside the whole weekend.
Our papa served as a marine and we are so grateful to all who serve our nation, living and passed.

Trip to the Zoo

Both boys love mowing, but especially Cason-he always wants to help daddy mow!

We have a lot of work to do with riding the bike but isn't he the cutest thing ever!!

Summer Playdates

I am not sure if I mentioned this before but I recently went part time so now I have two days a week to spend with my boys and I am loving it~ even though it is 100 times more exhausting emotionally and physically than my job.
Last week was the first of many summer play dates with friends, we went to the park and suffered through the heat. This will not be possible come July and August, we will go where there is water!
The boys had a blast and were able to wear themselves out running, swinging, climbing, and sliding.
I am just so disappointed I will not be able to capture many good photos of our play dates because it is almost impossible to take pictures while keeping Cason from running out of my site and keeping Parker from climbing to the top of the nearest jungle gym, but I will keep trying!!

Cale is such a cutie and gives his mom a workout too by always exploring!

Look at this grin, haven't seen this one before :)

Parker was trying to keep up with big brother but eventually gave up and decided it was okay to explore alone!


Sue and Sam, she is ready to get down and play with all the kids!

Parker's 1st Birthday

As I was typing the title of this post, I teared up. I honestly can't believe my baby is one. As I always strive to be positive and look forward to what is to come, I am having a hard time dealing with Parker growing up so fast, for many reasons. Aaron and I don't know what God has in store for our family and we honestly are awaiting for Him to answer our prayer about having a third child. A huge part of me believes that with Parker turning one, I am saying goodbye to so many things "baby" forever and it makes me terribly sad.
No more daily hand washings of my boy's favorite item in life (bottles), no more nursing, no more sweet sleeping bodies in the bassinet, no more newborn onesies, and so many more things that have been a huge part of my life the past 2 years. However I can say with true happiness I can't wait to watch him grow to be such a joy just like his brother!!
Parker had such an amazing birthday party this past weekend, and I can say it was perfect because of all the wonderful people who surrounded him that day. We have such great friends and family who we love spending time with and what better way than to celebrate my little love's first year of life.

Mommies and our boys!!

Thanks Aunt Jill for your hard work on my cake ~
Parker and his PaPa
I just love this pic I got of Cason, he was full of energy all day!
Look at these two cuties, can't you tell they are brother & sister!
Cason & his uncle Atta (Andrew)Parker and MawMaw

Parker and Gigi

Miss Zoey ~ too cute!
Ben and Bailey
Little Bear, such big blue eyes!
This is one of my favorites, Ben modeling the party hats! Kinlee~LOVE HER!

Cale just relaxing with his daddyPierce bouncing!

Avery and PierceOh how times have changed, love you girls!!

Aunt Jill and the birthday boy~ thanks Jill for helping me out all day long! Big brother climbing on the turtle sandbox P got as a gift!

Uncle Casey and Aunt Kat

Dear Pookie Pie, Parker, P,
Where do I begin...I wrote this same letter to your brother on his first birthday and to think that in such a short period of time I would be writing yours too. You are definitely the light of my life and my sunshine, you are always smiling and so sweet, I can't get enough of you! I will never forget my feelings the day you were born, I was so excited to meet you and I wondered, what will he look like, will he resemble his brother at all? Or will he look like his mommy (I was hoping for that) since Cason looks so much like your daddy.
You made a grand entrance into this world ~ I will never forget the doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologist cheering and clapping as Dr. Campbell pulled you from my belly. I asked your father why are they cheering like they are at a sporting event and he replied, "because Parker is a big boy" then I heard them yell 9lbs. 8oz. You came out screaming and crying and I was crying just as hard because I could hear you but I couldn't yet see you. The first time I held you I noticed your huge dimples and fell more in love than ever. You survived a scary first few weeks in the womb and I truly believe you are a miracle baby and were placed in my arms by God for a special reason. You have already exceeded all goals for your first year of life, walking at 8 1/2 months old. Everything about you is perfect in every way...I love how you dance to ANY type of music, even a cell phone ring, you watch Cason so closely and then try to mimic him, you are a true gentle giant, always hugging and wanting to be close to someone, you are also independent and will not allow anyone to help you eat, you love being read to, you can say snack "nack" and just this past week started saying momma, I think your favorite event could be playing the mud or dirt~ I just love always having to clean your little black hands and feet.
You are fearless just like your brother but a little more shy and reserved.
You stay close to those who you are familiar with and do not warm up to other easily. I thank God everyday for choosing me to be your mommy~ I love you to moon and back Parker~Happy 1st Birthday!