tennessee (part 3)...

While we were in Tennessee we got to do two VERY fun things. The first was go spend an afternoon with CJ's cousin Jake and his mom and dad Rebecca and Troy.

First, you will notice CJ with a nook firmly planted in his mouth, and if you look closely there is another one in his hand. Neither of these are his. He can find a pacifier faster than any kid I have ever seen. I think we had been there about 5 minutes at this point. Such a stink. If he doesn't have a nook, he is fine 99% of the time, but as soon as he see one, it must be his, even if it is in some other kiddo's mouth. Luckily, Jake doesn't really care for them and gladly shared with CJ.

Becky remembered from our blog that CJ really enjoyed the pool. Jake does not! They were hoping some positive peer pressure might pay off and Jake would join CJ. CJ had a great time in his adorable little pool.

He even like it when I squished water over his head...really he liked this...I promise.

Unfortunately, Jake was not convinced it was cool to go in the pool. When Troy got him near it he screeched and drew his legs up. It was fun to play, and I can't wait until next summer when they are both walking/running and can have an adventure together.

The second thing we got to do is visit the ducks! West Jackson Baptist Church, where my mom works, has a duck pond. Ever since CJ was born we have talked about how much he would enjoy going. He was finally old enough and boy did he love it.

We rushed out of the house to meet Gran, and I forgot his shoes and bread for the ducks! I thought he wouldn't get down from my arms, but the ducks were worth scratchy grass on his feet. He jumped down and...

immediately started talking to/about the ducks.

And even thought I forgot bread, I didn't forget goldfish! CJ was sweet and shared his fish with his Gran and the ducks.

It was a fun evening that brought back lots of memories. When I was little, there was a duck pond close to our house. For some reason, the only time we ever went was when my Nanny and Granddaddy came to visit. I loved to throw bread at Nanny's feet because she wore open toed shoes and the ducks would peck at her feet. I would laugh and laugh! I don't wonder where CJ gets his stinkiness from! I still remember knot-head the ugliest duck, the time Nanny fell in the blackberry bushes, and walking back and forth with Nanny and Granddaddy. I know CJ will have as many priceless memories with his grandparents as I did with mine.

tennessee (part2)...

While we were in Tennessee we had a second, small birthday party for CJ. It was really a good excuse to get some of the family together and eat...which none of us mind. :)

Here is CJ's cousin Jake. He is just a few months younger than CJ. They are going to have soooo much fun playing in the dirt and exploring together as they grow up.

Here is one of our tables with Jake at the head, telling Rebecca, Angela, Jennifer, Uncle Jerry and Troy how to do things...

And at the other table (you can't see CJ, but he is also at the head), CJ supervised Aunt Carla, Nanny, Aunt Doris, Uncle Ronny and his Gran. These boys certainly kept us in line!

Then the BEST part of the whole day came. After spaghetti, bread and salad, it was time for cupcakes!

The first bite was a little unsure...

But he quickly realized this was GOOD! Last time he just smooshed it and rubbed it all over his face.

This time he smooshed it into his mouth instead of all over his face and tray.

And here he is telling us he is all done. What you see on the tray is all that was left. He didn't waste much at all. I actually think most of the left over crumbs actually ended up in his ear and hair.

After a quick rinse in the tub, it was time to play with Jake! CJ says, "Here Jake, you want the phone."

"No, no, you REALLY want it."

"Jake, trust me, it's really cool!"

"Whatever man, here it is. I'm going for the pig."

"And since you didn't think the phone was all that great. I think I'll take it and the pig."

"But it is nice to share, so I will give you the phone back. You should really play with it..."

"Well, OK. I'll give it a try," says Jake.

They had fun playing...actually we had fun watching them play. But then it was time for presents. CJ is still a great present opener, but when he opens something, now he wants to play with it. He was so cute trying to get things out of the boxes.

Jake liked to play with the new toys too. His favorite song is Old McDonald, and this book from Jennifer sings it at the end. He thought it was really fun.

We had lots and lots of fun playing with cousins and family. I was so thankful for the time they took to all come play. I am a firm believer that the more people that love my little man, the better. And he has lots of people to love him. But after so much fun, it was time to crash...

tennessee (part 1)...

Stop two on our grandparent tour was Tennessee. Gran met us at the airport. She has figured out what elevator we will come out of, and when the doors opened...there she was. CJ grinned at her; it was so sweet.

Fortunately, the little guy was exhausted after a morning of flying. He slept all the way to Nanny and Gran's house, and when his feet hit terra firma, he was ready to play! With all the toys, what do you think he went for first?

If you know my little man, you wouldn't be surprised when he walked past the tractor, past the toys, and picked up a book.

He brought it over to me and wanted to read it. We only got through a few pages, but it still made the teacher in me soooo happy.

He also had fun reading in the kitchen with his Nanny. He brought her books, and they sat down for quite a while and read about different kinds of animals. I loved listening to them. It reminded me of the hours and hours Nanny has played with me over the last 30 years.

He also had lots of fun playing with his Gran. She is so creative, and everything became an adventure. I love how no matter what they were trying to do, they always had time for CJ. It was so sweet to see him with them.

One of his favorite games was "drag the trash can."

One trash can had a handle and the other didn't. There was a definite way to stack them so he could drag them with one hand. When the brown one would fall out, he would bring them back to us to restack. He is definitely his mama's son when it comes to being particular about things.

He also loved to play with this milk jug and clothes pins. Mom remembered after a few days that she usually cuts a bigger hole in the top, but CJ had no problem with it. I am more and more impressed with his ability to look at something, figure out how it works, and then master it quickly. This he gets from his daddy...

He is also becoming a good signer. He can ask for a drink or more. He can say please and ask for help as well. This is actually the sign for water, but it has become "help." When he would get all the clothes pins into the jug, he would ask for help to get them back out. I personally think he is a genius. :)

And check out this bed head and grin to go with it.

And here is one more clothes pin game CJ though was fun. I think you can figure out the rules to the game from the pictures...