Independence Day Part 2

After a busy morning, we came back for naps. Lincoln slept almost 4 hours, which was great! We knew we'd be out late for Fireworks. We headed up the road to Red White and Boom, McKinney's annual 4th of July celebration. Lincoln had a ball. It is so fun to watch him interact with strangers and friends. He is really outgoing and has never met a stranger. Ryan and I both commented that we would remember this day forever. It was so fun just hanging out together as a family.

Bouncin' in a bounce house. This boy knows NO fear.

Everything these days is "No Lincoln", meaning I don't need your help!

A pre-fireworks beverage.

Watching with Daddy



Watching with Mommy

Cheese!

We got a glow in the dark necklace. Love these!

I hear people say all the time, my kid would never remember that, or my child is too young so they stay home and don't do anything. Lincoln might not remember this night, but we've got pictures to show him when he is older. I want him to know we went places, and did things and experienced life. When we share new and fun experiences, it strengthens our bond. Plus, Ryan and I will never forget taking Lincoln to his very first fireworks show!

Independence Day Part 1

What a great weekend. We woke up Saturday morning and met my parents in downtown McKinney to watch the parade. While it wasn't that exciting for us, Lincoln was very interested. He especially liked the trucks and horses. After the parade, we headed to The Pantry for lunch.

His shirt says All Fired Up, his expression not so much.

Watching the parade

Everything is "Oh Wow!"

He never falls asleep in the car...he was beat!

This Time Last Year

My how things can change in a year.

Lincoln's first Independence Day

One of my favorite pics from his first year of life!

Our Weekend at the Lake

We headed to Lake Texoma early Friday morning and stayed through Sunday evening. Some wonderful church members shared their HUGE lake house, we are so grateful. We went with my parents and sister, my parents friends Steve and Beverly Garms, and my Uncle John and cousin Cason. We spent the mornings down on the sandy beach and in the water and the hot parts of the day playing WiiFit.

Cousins Cason and Lincoln

Love the look on his face!

Dug me a hole!

Fetching water for the hole turned mud pit

Playing in the water

Lincoln and his "hovel"

Practicing a back float

Digging with Memer

We celebrated Cason's 7th birthday and Holly's 25th, which is today, while we were there. Cason had a ball following Cason around. All in all, a fun weekend.

Books We Like

Here are some of Lincoln's favorite books right now...

1. Freight Train by Donald Crews
2. Adam, Adam What Do You See by Bill Martin, Jr
3. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
4. Fire Trucks from Pottery Barn
5. The Three Little Pigs

Blake

Tonight during dinner, Lincoln threw some food off his highchair. Usually we make him get down and pick it up, but tonight, Ryan sternly said Lincoln....Gage....and before he could finish, Lincoln said "Blake".

Who knew he knew his own last name? To his credit, Lincoln isn't the easiest name to say!

Daddy-O

The day Ryan became a Daddy!

The early days!

Before church on Sunday. Couldn't get the boy to smile!


Ryan is an incredible Father to Lincoln. He is hands-on, affectionate, and always present in the moment with Lincoln. Ryan has a great Dad and grandfather, so he has some great examples.

It was fun celebrating Father's Day with Ryan as well as my own Dad. Here's to another great year!

Recalled?!?!?

What are we going to do? While I was pregnant with Lincoln, I ate two of these ready made, Ultimate Chocolate Chunks and Chip Cookies every night. Lincoln is 21 months and we are still eating these most nights. They have been recalled, so we are going through withdrawal! Nestle, please fix this problem ASAP!

An Unlikely Messenger

Lincoln and I went for a walk this morning and as usual, Lincoln spotted the playground and adjoining swings. So, I wheeled him over for a mid-walk swing (or as Lincoln likes to say, "hanging").

There was an older, Asian couple sitting on the park bench and we started chatting. They asked how old he was, his name, etc. And as they were leaving, the gentleman said to me "When your boy is a man, he will always remember that his mother took him to the park to swing".

Immediately, my brain started thinking, A man? A man? I can't even fathom the idea that my baby boy will someday grow up and become a man.

He continued to say that when he was a little boy in his country, his mother used to push him on the swings. He said it with such love and admiration for her, that I could tell she was no longer living.

I probably won't see them again, but how grateful I am for that message and reminder. I hope that one day when Lincoln looks back on his childhood, he is filled with happy memories and joy. Because for me, at this point, it would be impossible for me to be any happier.

Brenden's 2nd Birthday

My best friend's son turned 2 on Saturday, so we headed to Frisco to help him celebrate. We had a fun time swimming and eating, but left on a sad note, sort of :). If Brenden is 2, that means Lincoln will be 2 in less than 3 months. THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!

Swimming with Brenden

Mmmmmmm, cake!

Swimming with Natalie

Isn't she precious!

The day before we went to "Rocket Park" in Allen with Auntie Holly and the kids she nannies for, Chance and Baily. Lincoln had a ball following Baily around, they even matched. I like this shot, looks like a Tommy Hillfiger add with the blond hair and patriotic clothing!