Fall Festival at School

He has the hip thing going on.... yeah sitting back having a cold one before the parade

Superman... The "S" lights up with flashing lights and looks really cool in the dark. Look at his muscles....he has been working out with Daddy in the evenings.

Couldn't resist putting this one in.....

He looks thoroughly interested....huh..... I think he is ready for the after party... :)

Parker selected his Superman costume for the fall festival and Paxson was a Rock Star. Paxson is highly sensitive about clothing so I was amazed when he let me put the jumpsuit on him with such little resistance. I didn't push it with the boots, or the tie on Afro wig. Parker selected Superman because he couldn't wear the mask for his Snake Eyes costume or carry sword. (The sword was a little inappropriate for church and masks are requested to stay home for safety precautions while walking in the parade.) It was a wonderful evening. After the parade we had hamburgers and hot dogs in the big park and played with friends. Parker found out he likes lemonade. On the way home I explained that I can make lemonade for him at home and he was amazed.

Paxson's class at school made precious Halloween shirts. Naturally Parker wanted one as well.

After seeing how cute Paxson's turned out I couldn't resit helping Parker make one.

We started by making a web. We used a golf ball from Dadaw and rolled it in black paint then he rolled it all around the shirt. Then we used his hands to make the spiders! It turned out just a sweet as Paxson's. The shirts will be keepers.

Paxson hanging our in his Halloween gear. Mamaw and Dadaw gave them the Halloween hats and critters. Thank you bunches. They have both been very creative with them. :)

Parker helping me set my class room up. In the mornings Parkers helps me set things out and prepare for the children before going to his classroom.

Parker hanging out with his hat and critter.

Bigger Boy Bed...

When Paxson was born we redecorated the spare bedroom and turned it into Parker's new big boy room. Paxson took over Parker's room. As Paxson gets a little older we assume the boys will end up both sleeping together in Parker's big (big) boy bed. In the mean time Paxson is still in his crib. I have felt that Paxson really is to old for a crib and is ready for a transition. So this past weekend we moved him into a toddler bed. On Sunday morning Parker and Daddy went with Dandy to help mow Dadaw & Mamaw's lawn. While the big boys were away Paxson and I took down the crib and assembled the toddler bed. We moved out the crib and moved in the toddler bed. He was a very enthusiastic and supportive helper. As I was unscrewing bolts and holding the crib together trying not to let any parts fall he would throw any toy in sight inside the crib watching it make everything shake. Each throw he looked at me with a devilish grin and each time I reminded him we THROW balls. Taking down a crib is such an emotional experience it actually turned out very well and Paxson helped mommy get through the fact that her boys are growing up and it's time to move the baby things out. Well here is a pic of his new bed
So far he has been doing really well. It is different so it will take a little time. But he seems to really enjoy his independence. :)

This is a picture of the letters my sister made for me for my birthday. She has made Parker's initials and this past year she painted Paxson's name. What really made this such a special keepsake is that she let Parker help her. During one of his overnight stays with her they worked on it together. He painted every other letter. The picture does not do the art work justice. The letters that Parker painted show the evidence of a child's work yet they all have the worn look so it all comes together beautifully. So so precious and meaningful. (Sorry the picture is crocked.)

Many more exciting posts to come...Fall Festivial & OSU Homecoming

A good day for the ZOO...

With a high of 59*...cloudy and high precipitation we bundled up and headed to the Oklahoma City Zoo. We love going to the zoo and it is the perfect meeting place. We are Zoo goers year round! We were Zoo members last year but failed to renew our membership, so my mom bought us a new membership for an early Christmas present. So we met Gigi, Gammer, Aunt Kasi, and Uncle Jesse at the zoo for an adventure filled day! It actually turned out to be a wonderful day. Of course the zoo wasn't very busy. There were no lines or big crowds which made for a perfect day. We spent most of the morning visiting the inside exhibits. After lunch at the rain forest canopy cafe we ventured more outside. We managed to make perfect timing for several of the feedings. Which was spectacular to see! Also, many of the animals were inside and extremely visible. I suppose because of the weather change. The zoo hosts several fun Halloween events that we are planning to try attend later this month! I just love Zoos.
Oklahoma Territory




Finally they can crawl around the statues. They are usually scorching hot from the heat so this was a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the cooler weather!






Taking turns on daddy's shoulders! What a fun place to be.










Gammer and Parker
I firmly believe that these boys have her right where they want her. What happens with Gammer stays with Gammer....you never know what will be taking place. Some of their orneriness comes from her and it all tends to come out when she is around. I think Great Grandparents are good at releasing their inner spirits!!! hehehaha













Look familiar.....these are my favorite types of photos of Parker and daddy and now I have some of Paxson and daddy!



















Gigi and Paxson. I am pretty definite that they have her wrapped around their little fingers. Paxson is old enough now that is realizes when we are going to visit them. He recognized her car and yelled her name immediately! Parker is an old pro!









Can you believe they only ran up on the curb into the flower beds one time.

Aunt Kasi with her boys. I have to admit I believe that Parker and Paxson have the worlds greatest Aunt! Parker loves staying the night with Aunt Kasi. He always has so much with Aunt Kasi and Chelsea (her roommate). I am sure you can imagine the stories Parker tells me about staying with aunt Kasi. She too lets them do whatever they want...with reason of course. :)

Jesse getting a ride from Gammer. She is pretty fast on her "go go" at the zoo (that is what Parker first called it when he was little). She gets around and keeps up just fine! Nothing will ever hold Gammer back!

Yummy lunch...

This was so cool!!! The seals and sea lions would follow Jesse's phone. A must next time you are at a zoo. Young kids know all the cool tricks.

We were attacked by the pickle throwing Hippies after lunch. (Please refer all questions to Casey)

Uncle Jesse with his little guys! It is " very awesome" (as Parker would say) to me to see how much these little guys love their Jesse. He is such a wonderful Uncle. He always makes time for them and pretty much does whatever they want to do. He is a very cool Uncle in my opinion! I'm not sure if he will ever understand how much they adore him.

They have a wonderful play land for children. It is always a favorite! Fall is great because it is so much cooler, but summer is fun with all the water sprinklers.

Pardon the glares, many of these were taken viewing the animals through the glass windows. Most of the animals were not feeling camera shy so we were able to get some great close ups.

A truly wonderful day and much needed family day!!!

Thank you Mom!

Party Central...

While growing up celebrations were often and very elaborate in my family. I remember many special parties, cakes, themes, and decorations. All holidays were celebrated to the fullest. One year my Grandma Kay dressed as the Easter Bunny (in a amazingly detailed self made costume) and hopped to my elementary school to deliver special Easter treats. Another fond memory was an end of the year party at my Gammer's house. Girls only, we stayed up late watching Tom Cruise movies, eating junk food ,and taking picures with Gammer's camera. However, there was one particular Halloween party my parents threw for me and my friends that stands out in my mind. I vividly remember costumes, grape eyeballs, squiggly brains, games, and the fact that every friend I knew was invited. I remember standing out in our front yard looking at all my friends dressed up having and such a great time at my house! This was one of many meaningful celebrations I experienced as a child. So when Parker turned two I decided it was time to start celebrating "just for fun". Birthday parties are wonderful and I love celebrating them, but there is something special about a "just for fun" party. I know how much I enjoyed them as a child and I want Parker and Paxson to be offered similar experiences and memories. Besides, I love all their friends and families so much it gives us all a opportunity to be together.






Here are a few pictures from Parker's first Christmas party...he and his friends were 2. They frosted and decorated cookies, made Christmas ornaments and shared in a book gift exchange. It was so much fun. One parent made a comment to me the evening of the party that she had told a co-worker that she was taking her daughter to a Christmas party for 2 year olds later in the evening and her co-worker laughed and said what kinda of crazy momma plans that. I suppose I take it as a compliment to be a crazy momma. LOL :)










































The next year we celebrated a Halloween party. Parker and his friends were a little older and more friends were coming so I moved the party to the park. We decorated pumpkins, played games, frosted cupcakes, and made Halloween crafts. Another wonderful time. I just love these types of gatherings. Parker talks about them year round and now Paxson is getting old enough to join in the fun!




























(Sorry I know I go a little carried away with images but when your looking aback of at old photos it's hard not to get a little carried away!)

Things are in motion for another Halloween party this year. I am planning, printing, reserving, and preparing lots of fun activities for the the festive event. Can't wait! Oh and of course pics will be posted after the big event!