Lazy Saturday

Today we had a lovely Saturday, and the day is only half over! We went on our usual Saturday search for yard sales, and stumbled across one that had lots of fun boy toys. James got these new fire trucks and is enjoying them very much. He dances to the music and likes to move the people all around on the truck. When he really likes a toy he will talk to himself as he plays, and this is one of my favorite things.

We also went to our local home improvement store to pick up a couple of things, and as James was being strolled through the store in the cart he was munching on some puffed corn snacks. (Note to all moms: Trader Joes makes fantastic puffed corn snacks that are more nutritious then the baby puffed corn snacks, and they are much better priced!) James has been flexing his muscles lately, and he took a larger puffed snack and held it up. He then proceeded to grunt and tear it in half. Surprised by his strength he held both halves in the air and inspected them. Then he shoved both in his mouth. What a guy! The people around us who caught this amazing feat also got some great entertainment, James was quite the hit in the hardware section.

Hope your Saturday is going well!

James in the jungle!

It is so nice having a resident gardener in the house. Grandma is really getting our backyard into shape and has been busy pruning and mulching. It looks GREAT, thanks Grandma!

Here is James "helping" Grandma. He loved the pile of vines and couldn't stop playing with them.

Here is James next to the pile.

Look what I found! I think the vine is longer then he is, yet he is happily swinging it around the yard.

What a sweet helper!

Just one of the guys

A couple of cute stories from the last couple of days....

The other night after dinner James asked to get out of his high chair, so I let him out and he ran into the living room to play. We didn't think much of it, until we realized it was very quiet. Generally this means he is getting into trouble. But when we peaked around the corner we saw he was very busy studying his "Who loves Baby" book, and more specifically looking at the picture of Daddy. So sweet!

Our good friends Dan and Christine came over the other night for a quick visit. James immediatley ran to Dan who threw him in the air and tickled his tummy. James giggled and loved every minute and was very sad to see them go, and gave a sweet wave good bye. Later that day we saw James standing in the same spot that Dan had thrown him in the air, just staring into space and giggling. It really looked like he was remembering the fun he had when Dan came to visit.

And tonight he was extremely busy playing with all his trucks. This is one manly little guy and I promise to post some more pictures soon!

Beach babies!

James and I just returned home from our time in Edisto Beach. James had such a fun time exploring the sand and the water. He also got his first taste of chocolate cake that his Nana made him. Yum!

Check out this smiling guy playing in the sand.

James loved his cousin Abigail. These two played so well together. Abigail taught James all about tea parties and baby dolls, and James taught Abigail all about throwing sand and getting messy.

Here is James watching his grandfather throw bread to the seagulls. He didn't really like to sit in the chair, he much preferred to stand.

Cousin Charlie had James glued to his juggling tricks. James would grab the balls and throw them like he was trying to juggle too.

For a complete look at our beach fun a slide show is below.

We'll miss you Eli!

Last night Eli and James had their last play date before Eli moves the other side of the country. Oh we are going to miss Eli and his mommy and daddy so very much!

The boys are really starting to play together, and steal each others toys. They also prefer "non" toys to the proper plastic baby toys.

Here is Eli with a telephone.

James found a paper coffee cup. He kept trying to put the lid on the cup, but it was a little too tricky.

James and Eli, just a phone call (or blog post) away!

Professionally good looking

James is officially famous as he was selected to be a baby model! My friend Lindsey makes the cutest announcements and invitations, so check her out at The Lily Box. To see James' debut as a model click here.

Baby pictures

Here is a picture of John, James and I all around the same age. I am sure you can tell who is who based on the outfits. If you can't, here is a clue: John's outfit is just ducky.

So, who do you think James looks like?

Pool party

Today we got to join Eli and Emily at the pool. It was James' first time in a pool, and his first time in his little floating contraption. We had so much fun and James really loved the water! We splished and splashed for a couple of hours and had a grand time.

Also, it is Eli's birthday today!

Happy Birthday Eli!!!!

Life skills

Recently James has been learning quite a few "life skills" that will serve him well as he continues to grow and develop. Let me list just a few things that family members have been teaching him lately:

*Uncle Morgan taught him to make a scary haunted house sound. He will make this sound and then giggle if anyone imitates him.

*Grandma taught James how to sniff. He can scrunch up his nose and sniff sniff sniff away! We even bought him some "Scratch and Sniff" books and he will pull them out of his book basket and walk towards you sniffing.

*Zion taught James how to whine. This is probably my least favorite skill James has learned. When Zion whines...James whines back. Lovely.

* Auntie Julia taught James how to put his toys away. This is my favorite skill, although it will take much practice to get it perfected.

I can't wait to see what he will learn next!