Our summer

Summer is coming to a close, and the air is getting chilly here in Tennessee.  It was a wonderful summer, with so many good memories.

Towards the end of May, Granny came for a visit.  The weather was beautiful, and we made the most of it.

At lunch overlooking the river

At the "Pickin' Party" - live bluegrass in the park

Andrew is all laughter and smiles - it's been a joy to watch his personality unfold. He started solids in June, and he is an enthusiastic eater!

 A baby in the mirror!

The boys with Granny

 Yum-yum! Carrots!

Peek-a-boo! 

Lovin' his bath time

Jonathan is a wonderful big brother; he really looks out for Andrew and tries to help care for him. They are now starting to play together, and Jonathan crawls on the floor with Andrew, who laughs hysterically as he tries to keep up.  They also play a game where they see who can squeal the loudest - our house is really noisy these days!

Brothers

 

Jonathan started back to Mother's Day Out in August.  He goes every Wednesday, and he really likes the classes as well as the other kids.   He's doing well with his learning - he knows most of his letters now, can count to fourteen, sings songs to himself, and knows his colors.  He's a quick study too - we have to be very careful when he is watching us! 

And finally, he gave up diapers completely this past month- we are delighted!

 

 First day of preschool

At the Atlanta Childrens Museum with Uncle Isaac

 Future farmer?

 Or firechief?

In other big news, Andrew is now pulling up to standing.  He's been crawling for the last month, but he realllly wants to run! He pulls himself up on anything that stands still and has taken a few tentative steps around the furniture.

 Standing in his crib

  Toes!!!

 Playing piano with Daddy

 And while it's been a busy summer, we still make time to play together.  Jonathan really likes picnics; each evening before bed, he prays and thanks God for picnics.  He says he is also thankful for apple juice and Veggie Tales.

 On a picnic in the gardens

Andrew likes picnics too.

 Finally, this past June we took another trip to Texas.  Andrew was 5 months, and his cousin Adeline was almost 2.  Cousin Arwyn is 6. We headed first to Houston, where Granny was glad to see us!

Lovin' on Granny

 Then, we headed for Wimberly, stopping at the Blue Bell ice cream factory on the way!

 Hook Em Horns!

 Aunt Sarah with all the kiddos

 Jonathan just adored Arwyn and followed her everywhere.

 Just happy to be here!

Yum! Blue Bell!

In Wimberly, we all stayed in a big house with Grandaddy and Mimi.  We went to the Blanco river on two occasions; Andrew found it a bit chilly for his liking.  Jonathan loved slipping and sliding over the riverbed.

With Aunt Allison in Wimberly

 One day, we all went to SeaWorld in San Antonio.  Jonathan loved the whales, but he was pretty shocked when he was splashed during the show.  He has a stuffed whale that he calls Shamu; he now sleeps with it every night.  If you ask him what Shamu says, Shamu says "SPLASH!"

 Feeding ducks at SeaWorld

After a long day in the park

We really loved getting to spend time with family - Jonathan loved his cousins, and Andrew loved all the attention!

Playtime with Grandaddy

 After the river, we headed back to Paris for a few more hugs before returning to Tennessee.

With great-grandma Dee

Three generations (& one more behind the camera!)