The Start of Summer Fun!

Playing at the park with a new found favorite...the digger!

At the park!

Mr. Cool in the car on the way to a strawberry festival that was hot!

Sitting in the racecar outside Lambert's Cafe (home of the throwed rolls).

Waving bye-bye to the train that circles around the ceiling at Lambert's.

Cousin Reese's Circus Birthday!

My cousin Kate's daughter Reese celebrated her 3rd birthday under the big top with a circus theme (in true Aunt Teresa fashion :o). We all enjoyed the festivities and spending time with family!
Popcorn!

Trying to knock down the blocks with Daddy!

Ring toss, Henry style.

High fives all around!

Walking the "tightrope."

He loved this jumper!

We had like 12 pictures of him in this thing! Oh, and I should have had one of the duck pond, that was definitely his second favorite.

Taking his turn at the pinata with help from mama and cousin Donald.

The birthday girl...not too sure about what's inside.

Nature Walk

Henry takes after his Daddy and is quite the little nature boy! In the second photo, he's waving bye-bye to a friendly caterpillar.

We went for a walk at a local preserve on a beautiful Saturday morning. We saw cattails, wild daisies, butterflies, dragonflies, caterpillars, crawdads, ducks, a spider, a blue heron, and TWO rather large (in my opinion) SNAKES! I was surprised to find myself running and screaming like a little girl! Chad had a good laugh. I don't think Henry quite knew what to make of it all. Other than that, it was a nice little activity.

Easter 2010 part 2

Henry was thrilled with the Easter egg hunt after church. We even re-created it several times in Nonni's and Aunt Brooke's yards.

Easter 2010 part 1

We had a fun Easter weekend down in Jackson!
Here's Henry and Lily modeling their new sunglasses.

I call this his Elton John look :)

Working on his Easter basket.
Coloring eggs with his cousins. We got the whisk idea from Family Fun magazine. It was a winner!
After pictures at Sears with Eva, Eli, and Lily it was time for a ride. I wish we could've brought this cart into the studio. It's where they were the happiest.

Henry's 2-Year Photo Session

Take Off to Henry's Airplane Birthday Party!

My sister helped me make the invitation.

Henry opening presents with Eli's guidance.

Some friends from work and Chad all helped me to make this wonderful cake for Henry! It tasted great too!

We played Pin the Pilot on the Plane!

Henry was happy to play sans blindfold.

Eva and Henry enjoyed watching me give it a try!

Excited to sing "Happy Birthday" and have some cake and ice cream!

Henry says let me give this a spin!

Yay! Henry James is TWO!

Henry Turns Two!

Henry turned two on 3-13-10. He is such a busy boy right now, but still as sweet as ever. He loves buses and big trucks, books (especially those with animal or transportation themes), Mardi Gras beads, his dog, Cooper, coloring, Duplo blocks, his lovey cloth diaper, Elmo, Max and Ruby, and other shows on PBS. He loves to visit our neighbors, Lisa, Scott, and Ryan. He likes to snack on raisins and goldfish crackers (and would jump at the chance for a cookie or some popcorn). He often crosses his feet at the ankle when sitting in a big chair (I've even seen him do it while sleeping). He's showing us his independent side and wants to do things his way. His vocabulary is building by the hour it seems as he uses more and more words, repeats everything, and creates longer utterances (much to mommy's SLP delight). He is a social guy, and he is usually waving and saying "hi" to everyone he meets. He loves to be with family (immediate and extended) and wants to learn everyone's name. He looks forward to his Nonni coming on Sunday and spending the day with her on Monday. Henry is an outdoor boy, and I know he'll love being outside as the weather warms up. He's a big helper too, assisting me set the table and put laundry in the dryer and even taking his bags of dirty diapers to the garage! A hug and a kiss from Henry is such a gift. We are truly blessed to have this little boy in our life. Happy 2nd birthday, Henry James!

Speed Dial

Henry enjoys talking (but mostly listening) to Nonni on the phone. Feel free to add your own captions in Comments. I'm pretty sure the second shot could be a glimpse into his teen years!

Papa

Dear Henry,

You lost your Papa on January 23, 2010. Way too early for a little guy like you. We were all very shocked that he left us so soon and so suddenly. Papa sure loved you (I think he was still surprised his tomboy daughter had a baby). And you were crazy about him. You always asked for, "Papa!" Nonni and Papa just go together. I will do my best to show you his picture and talk about him regularly to help you remember (there will be lots of stories to tell).

I'm so glad he got to meet you and enjoy you. At his wake, you kept talking to your Papa, running up to his casket to show him your bus book. You wanted him to stop sleeping and get up. All of us did, kiddo. I was truly hoping you two would have more time together, but trust me buddy, Papa will always watch over you from heaven. Know that he was strong, loyal, and hard-working, and you were named after him. We will miss Papa so much, but he will live on in you and me.

Love,

Mama

P.S. In the picture above I think Papa just came in from walking Cooper for us, thus the sunglasses. Or he knew your future was so bright;)