July 4th

This year for July 4th, we were able to go to my parents house. They even let us bring the dog. That is a BIG shock, for those of you who don't know my parents. We NEVER had pets growing up, except a couple of fish once. Anyway, Tangent (the dog) stayed on the back porch all night at was a pretty good boy. He loved playing with the kids and getting to run around w/out a leash or a fence. My parents have 10 acres, and Tangent was by us the whole time. He did get into the house a couple times b/c kids would leave the door open and in Tangent came.

Anyway, we had a BBQ and set off fireworks, got eaten by the bugs. What a day. We were also able to spend time on Saturday with our friends Adam and Marie and we had a cookout there too. That is when I really got eaten by bugs. I think I'll have to stay inside when I got visit them. They have more acres and are out in the boonies.

Swimming

On July 1st, I took Nate swimming for the first time. Every other time we'd try and put him in a pool or the ocean, he didn't like it. My sisters Angie and Vicky were taking their kids swimming, so we tagged along. (Daddy was at a job interview) I got this baby floating device out and Nate LOVED it! As you can see by the pictures. He also got in at Grandma and Grandpa Smith's home on July 4th, but not for long because the water was kinda cold. I minded the water temp. more than he did. I love the water and Charlie is a fan too, so we are glad to have another water-rat in the family. Oh, on the way over to go swimming, Nate got his hat pulled down and somehow stuck behind his pacifier. What a kid.

We made it! Finally

Well after a horribly long trip from Florida to the great state of Arkansas, we are finally back in the good ole mid-west. The trip took us about 28 hours, which wasn't fun at all. I am very proud to say the Nate did wonderful. Yes, he did cry and fuss a little, but who wouldn't, I sure did! We ended up being stuck in heavy traffic in Birmingham and then right after we crossed into Arkansas we were stopped on the highway for 2 hours b/c of a gas spill on the road. That sucked! I took Nate out of his seat and played with him for a little while then. Anyway, we unloaded the truck this morning and got a few things unpacked. We will just keep working on it. Charlie and I both have job interviews this Wed. so wish us luck. I'll keep ya posted on the new home front!

Chili's

Yesterday after church, we drove down to meet Shoady at Chili's for dinner. This is the last time we'll be seeing her before we move :( It was so nice seeing her, although we missed Juan her hubby. He had to work. We rode with Mom & Dad Rice, thank you for letting us bum a ride! Dinner was great and Nate was a very good little boy. He got a little loud once or twice, but it was happy loud. Here are a few pictures we took at Chili's. We will miss you guys! Oh, and somehow Dad, Shoady, Charlie and I all wore green ~ weird huh? (O

Me me me

I wanted people to see good pictures (or at least better) of my new hair cut. So here they are. I have some curled under and some straight, but the straight makes it curl out actually.

Day with Daddy

I know this is a little late...

Charlie is such a great dad to our little Nate. He loves to play with him and make him laugh and now scream. It is a happy scream, but boy is that little man loud! I just wanted to tell Charlie how much I love him and what a great husband and wonderful father he is. Nate and I are so blessed to have him in our lives.

One of the things Charlie likes to do is put Nate in the crack of the couch in between him and the arm rest. Nate will stand there and play with Charlie forever. It is so cute. Also I made Charlie breakfast for Father's Day. We had Nate in his chair on the table and he up and picks up the whole jug of juice. It was only 1/2 full, but still...what a strong little guy. Thank you Charlie for being wonderful you! We love you!

New do's for Nate and Mommy

So things have been busy around here lately. Shoady got married on Saturday, so the rehearsal dinner was on Friday. Also we had 2 of Charlie's aunts here this weekend, and one aunt, Fran, stayed with us. Also we have been trying to pack up the house for the move amidst the chaos and working more hours than we usually do. On Sat. May 31, Nate got his second hair cut, as you can see in the pictures below. I too got my hair cut, but the picture doesn't show it very well. When we get some of Shoady's wedding pics. I'll show you what it looks like, or if I get Charlie to take a good picture of me. The back is kind of like Alexis' haircut, but it is shorter in the front and blends a little better.

New things for Nate...he LOVES the keyboard. We have an extra one, so he plays on it and has a ball. He also likes sitting in his bumbo and playing with toys. I gave him a football the other day and he liked it, but it was hard for his little hands to hold on to. We just love the stages he goes through and finding new things. He has totally discovered faces and loves to explore ours. He love to give Eskimo kisses and tries to give your real one's too, but they are VERY wet! He also likes to suck on what ever part of your body that isn't covered, ranging from your neck to your knees, literally. He is such a funny boy.