The Bible

This afternoon it was becoming more and more obvious that Eli had missed a nap. Around 5pm we decided to read some books. Eli had found a bag that I had both his books and some of my books in from our recent trip to Monticello. I had taken all of his out, but he insisted that he need to get one of mine out. It turns out the only book left in the bag was my bible. I told Eli that the bible was too long to read right now and that I had other books (including his toddler bible) that we could read. He then went into fit mode and started crying "BI-BLE!!!" over and over! Full on fit with tears and a red face. I took a few deep breaths and offered him his toddler bible one more time and when he wouldn't take that as an option I waited him out. We paced back and forth behind the couch for a good 3minutes crying and saying "BI-BLE!" before he finally realized he was getting nowhere and joined me on the couch for some stories. He was in a most lovable and playful mood for the hour that followed before bedtime. It amazes me how he can turn it on and off in a matter of seconds!

Pirates

This past Sat we had the opportunity to attend our very first Pirate birthday party. Wilson Loibner decided he wanted a pirate party for his 4th birthday. All the kids were welcomed with pirate costumes, they got bandannas for their head, eye patches, jewelery, swords, etc. There was a treasure hunt, walking the plank, swabbing the deck, even hot dogs that had sails on them to look like pirate ships AND a pirate ship pinata. Although Eli didn't quite get it all, he still enjoyed himself. The party was a sucess!!!! Thanks you, Wilson, for letting us help you celebrate.

Captain Wilson, the birthday boy

Circus circus.........little lion Ryder

So I just checked my email and got a sweet sweet picture that I just had to share. It's not of Eli, but this little guy has a pretty special place in my heart, too. This is Annie's (one of my dearest friends) little boy Ryder. Annie took him to the circus recently. So here is my post dedicated to Ryder.

Zoo Days

Today Eli and I had the honor of having Daddy (aka Nathan) all to ourselves!!!! He has taken a couple days off so we could spend some family time together. We had a busy day. We started off with breakfast at IHOP with Mema and Carl and then a short visit at their house. Then back home for nap and much needed yard work. AND THEN we headed off to the Little Rock Zoo. Eli really seems to enjoy the zoo. Once again he was very interested in all of the animals and meowed at the large cats and would wave bye bye to each animal as we walked toward the next. When we got there I was soo excited to be doing something with all three of us present and pulled out my camera to mark the occasion. I went to take my first picture and wouldn't you know, I left my memory chip in my laptop at HOME!!! Luckily I still had the chip or card thingy that came with the camera. It only holds a handful of pictures so I had to be picky about what we took pictures of and how many. I'm just thankful that thing was in the van. I really think I would have cried if I couldn't have taken pictures of Nathan's first trip to the zoo with Eli. Or should I say Eli's first trip to the zoo with Nathan??..........either way. So, here are the few shots that I got. We got to see a baby gorilla which was soooo precious. I got a few of Nathan with Eli and then had Nathan take one of me and Eli. When I leaned down to take the shot Eli reached out and hugged my neck..... literally! It made my day! What a sweet boy we have. I am amazed by him everyday. Somedays amazed at how rotten he can be, but mostly just how amazing he is and what a gift it is to have him in our lives.

My Boys

So it's been a bit of a long morning due to Eli being a bit whiny and I am in the process of picking out clothes for him to wear when I hear Nathan's guitar. I look around the corner and see this.....

it quickly made my frown turn upside down! (cheesy but true)

A gift for Lucy

One of my dearest friends gave Lucy a sweet sweet gift and I just had to show it off. I have known Annie Dennis since around the age of 3 and we have been close since then. She recently gave Lucy her very first purse! It is so small and cute. I still can't believe that we are having a girl! Thank you Annie and Ryder (her son who is one of Eli's best friends)

bouncing baby boy!

Eli has rediscovered his love for the bouncy chair. We were so tickled we couldn't get on to him. We enjoyed the moment and even captured it on "film" so that we could share with all of you. Enjoy.

Stop and smell the flowers

My mom's azellas (sp?) are looking so beautiful, so we decided to try and capture some pictures around them yesterday. While out there we asked Eli if he would like to smell the flowers and I was able to catch his sweet little scrunched up face in the act. This was too cute not to share.

Easter 07

For Easter we went to my mom's house for a good home cooked meal with Mema, Carl, and of course Nana. It was delicious!! We ended the night with a easter cake just Eli's size!! He was nice enough to share with his Nana and momma.

Independence Mall Carousel

My last post from Grandview, MO :( We are leaving this morning and sad to leave family, but also it will be nice to be home. Yesterday Gramma Gari took us to Independence Mall to ride the carousel. Eli wasn't sure what to think of the big ride. He wanted down as soon as we got on, but once it started moving he just sat still and looked around. Once it stopped again he was quick to want down. It was fun for the most part. I had forgotten how fast they go!

Stop, Bubble Time!

Eli loves his bubble time. The only problem is that he can't hold the bubble bottle without spilling it. And even when I hold it for him he tends to get me really soapy and sticky as well as himself. Well, not anymore! They have bubble container thingys that are made for small children and aren't suppose to spill, yet they can still stick the wand in and get solution on it. It frees my hands up and makes bubble blowing a much more pleasant experience for all involved. I get less mess and Eli gets more independence. They come in smaller sizes, but we got the bubble bucket that comes with 3 wands. It's pretty cool. These are pictures of Eli blowing into the wand, however he has yet to produce a bubble. We are working on that :)

the zoo continued

I have to say, hippos are my new favorite animals. I was very fascinated with them and the information I read about them. Did you know that hippos kill more humans than any other animal a year in Africa?!!! You learn something new every day!

Lions and tigers and .............hippos?

Well, yesterday Eli, Aunt Tarah and I visited the Kansas City zoo. It was awesome weather, sunny with a lil bit of a chill so that you don't sweat as you walk around. I wasn't sure how Eli would respond to the experience, but it loved it! Every time we came up to a new animal he would point and wave and say hi. He meowed at all the cat like animals. He also fed the goats!! Since he did sooo well while we walked around we stopped off at the playground to run off some energy and then Eli passed out on our way to the car. It was a two thumbs up kind of day for us.

an apple a day........

So, today at lunch I peeled an apple and was slicing off pieces to give Eli. I took a bite straight from the apple and Eli decided that he liked that idea, too. So I let him have it and he was soooo cute eating it!! The pictures can only show so much, but I thought I would share anyway. He is becoming such a big boy! Everyday he does something or says something new that amazes me. He has really started mimicking a lot lately. He has also become very fond of stuffed animals, especially teddy bears or as Eli says "beayers". Well, that's it for now.

Grandview, MO

This week Nathan has been scheduled to work in MO and KS conveniently located close to his mom and sister in Grandview, MO, so Eli and I tagged along for a visit. We got here Sat and have had a great time! Here are a few pics from our time so far.

Bella Vista, Baby!

Last week was spring break for Bentonville School District and it just so happened that Nathan had a business trip in Bentonville, too, soooo we packed up and went for a quick visit. We left early Tuesday morning and were back by Wed afternoon. We got to play with cousin Sydney, Will and baby Drew. We also got to visit with Uncle Todd and Aunt Kari. Here are a few snapshots of the visit. Unfortunately by the time I got my camera out Will had gone to a friends house to play, so I didn't get him in any. Sorry Will!