Bus Ride With Papa!

My Dad retired this year from his position as a correctional officer, but he still drives a school bus for Unit 5. It keeps him busy and he enjoys the kids. (Usually!) =o) He has been driving for the summer school kids this summer, and the other morning he surprised us with by pulling up in front of our house after his route! Holden was fascinated, which was no surprise...he loves anything that drives, the bigger the better. He got to look at all the cool gadgets up front and honk the horn, and then Papa gave us a couple of drives around the block. I can only imagine what the neighbors thought if they peeked outside...me climbing onto this school bus in my pajamas with Holden in a diaper and t-shirt! Can we say, white trash?! Hilarious! Holden had a blast and threw quite the fit when Papa drove off. Thanks for the fun morning, Dad! (Next time come when I am dressed and look cute!)

Family, food, and....water!

As I mentioned a few postings ago with my "Baby For Sale" ad, my relatives were here the other night for a backyard barbecue. My mom's sister, "Aunt Stephanie," and her husband, "Uncle Kevin" were here from Texas, and my Granny (mom's mom) came also. I only see Steph and Kevin once or twice a year, so it was great to catch up. They had only seen Holden once before in person, at his first bday party. Despite one very cranky toddler, we had a good night and I did manage to get a few happy shots!

Looks are deceiving: this was one of the few smiley moments he had!
Can you tell he really enjoyed the cookie cake???

In a desperate attempt to stop the whining, I pulled out the hose and let him "wash"
the roof to his safari wagon. He is so fascinated with water!

Aunt Steph being a good sport and letting Holden "water" her feet!

"It's cold!!!"

More barbecue pics!

"Water boy"

Can you tell Daddy is just a little annoyed with Holden's behavior this evening??
If looks could kill....too funny! (This looks like a charming little father/son time with the hose....
what you don't see is that Holden just threw a kicking/screaming fit until Jay turned the water back on!!!!!

Somehow we got a shot of all of us and Holden isn't even crying!
(Thanks, Uncle Kevin! He kept tickling Holden's foot behind me.)
From left: Mom, Dad, Aunt Steph, Granny, Uncle Kevin, me and Mr. Whiny Pants

*Concert Correction

I could have just corrected my last post but thought this was kinda funny. Apparently the concert we are taking Allie and her friend to is Metro Station, not Metro City. More proof that I am becoming old and unhip! Ha! But I do like some of their songs. And Holden LOVES their "Shake It" song and will even sing, "shake, shake, shake" at times when it comes on. Here's a video clip of him listening to it with Aunt Allie and Cousin Chelsey. =o)

Happy 13th B-Day, Allison!

I can't believe my little sister-in-law is a teenager today! Allison Marie has been in my life since Jay and I began dating when she was almost 4. I realized today that means I have celebrated 10 birthdays with her, counting today! I don't know where the time has gone. I have many fun and chaotic recollections (usually with lots of little girls' screaming involved!) of jumping in the balls at Godfather's Pizza, playing with a giant parachute at a gymnastics place, ghosts stories, swimming, fashion shows, and dance parties at various slumber parties, and even a big tent in my backyard last year! The hunt for the perfect present has meant different things each year, from Spongebob to Polly Pockets, Britney Spears to Hannah Montana, and lots of pink and sparkles along the way. This year we will be taking her and buddy Haley to a Metro City concert in Indy next Wednesday. (I am sure there are many great pictures to come!) Allie, we are having so much fun watching you grow up...even if it does make us feel older than dirt!!! Here are some snapshots of birthdays past....

I wish I had younger ones but these are what I have from the digital age! =o)

We'll keep him =o)

Okay, I guess we'll keep him around...(referring to last post if you're lost!) who can stay mad at this little face for long? Plus he gave me a hug and kiss tonight after bath. And tried to share a stale french fry he found under the table. (It's the thought that counts, right? And he is VERY stingy with his fries.) And smiled and waved at me while laying down in his crib at bedtime. He does have his good points....perhaps next year my Texas relatives will SEE them!!! =o)

Baby For Sale: Will Take Offers!

Baby For Sale:

One male toddler named Holden. Answers to "No," "NO NO NO," and, "Do you need a time out?" Dislikes: any type of healthy food, staying out of trouble, and being told "no." Enjoys baths, getting dirty, eating bird poop, and screaming. Throws fits at Mommy's cookout for out of town relatives. Is known to flail on the ground with fists and legs flying. Could be compared to a rabid jackal, a shrieking pterodactyl, or the Smeegle from the "Lord of the Rings" movies. Parents are willing to barter on a price or give him away to a traveling circus.

No seriously, we love our little boy. But sometimes we don't like him. Like today. Are we horrible?????