...but thank you

There have been several times in the past week or so that Nathan or I will ask Eli if he wants something or would like to do something, etc, and he will say "No, but thank you" It is precious! I think he has caught on to the fact that we think it is so cute and he now will smile as he says it.

Yesterday morning I sat Eli on the potty in hopes that it might finally be the first time he "goes" in the potty. I went in the kitchen to do something and he was talking to me the whole time, but then he started to cry. I figured he was frustrated with me for not being right there with him. I went to see why he was crying. He saw Nathan's razor on the counter and decided to try to shave. It was cute and scary and a little sad all at the same time. Needless to say he got his first nic on his chin. I tried to get a picture several times, but he was crying and wanted lovin, so it didn't work out. Daddy finally figured out something that helped him calm down. If you look closely to his top lip you will see the chocolate mustache he got from the spoon full of chocolate syrup he ate. It was the best medicine he had ever had :) After his medicine he was more than happy to show me his boo boo. He has talked about all of this several times yesterday and today recapping it from beginning to end.

painting food

Last Friday we got way off our sleeping schedule and boy did it make a difference in our sweet little Eli. He was sooo whiney. After church yesterday he was starting another little fit. In my moment of frustration I remebered that I had bought food coloring gel like 4 months ago to paint toast or crackers as a fun project. He quickly snapped out of it and enjoyed painting his toast for a good 30 minutes or so. When I was getting a paint brush he spotted the googly eyes, so we added those, too. Of course we didn't eat them, but they were fun for a bit. Thank goodness for food coloring!!! I can't believe it took me this long to do this. He had a blast. I think we got back on track with sleeping last night..........or at least I hope so :)

The Coolest Band Ever

I think Amy posted something about our Nephew, Will's birthday party that we went to. I am not sure if she mentioned that Will and a couple friends did some amazing air band performances. I got one on video. Enjoy!

I'm constantly amazed at how fast Eli is growing and learning. Lately he has really been doing well with associating people and places and things. Ex 1: I was making some scrambled eggs the other day and asked Eli if he would like some grits. He said "Grits like at Great Gran's?" Ex 2: Eli's swim instructor's name is Luke. Last night we were looking at his class picture from MDO this past school year and one of the boys in his class was named Luke. When we got to that little boy he said "His name is Luke just like the boy at the pool!"

I know there are other stories to share, but my mind is drawing a blank. Anyway, here is a picture of Eli from this morning. I had left the camera on a table that he can reach and by the time I got to him he had open the flash and taken the lens cap off. He just didn't know that you have to turn a switch to turn it on. He was even pushing the right button to make it take a picture (there are 2 real close together). So, when I came in he told me he needed to take a picture of himself, so I turned it on and let him. These are the 2 we got.

WRC

Today was Eli's 3rd swim lesson at Wild River Country. We had the pleasure of having Nathan with us today. We played for a bit and then went to his lesson. Each day I have given Eli a little treat for obeying his instructor, like a vanilla wafer, but I didn't have any today so he got a strawberry slushy instead. He liked that :) After lunch we got to ride the slide a couple of times. We only get to ride the slide when Nathan goes so this was another treat. It was a great morning! We have been loving our time at WRC.

This is Lucy on the ride home. She is out before we leave the parking lot every time we go!!

fun with Great Gran

Great Gran is in Little Rock this week and we had her all to ourselves yesterday afternoon. Eli had fun showing off his outdoor toys, finding walking sticks (which were really only sticks, but he doesn't quite understand the difference) and then playing in the water table with Lucy. It was a nice afternoon. Eli and Lucy sure do love their Great Gran. Thanks for hanging out with us. We love you very much!

Father's Day

Yesterday was quite a day! We didn't slow down long enough for me to post, but it's better late than never, right. We started the day off by surprising Nathan with a fancy Belgian waffle maker. He has been commenting on how he would really enjoy a nice fluffy big waffle every time we made waffles in our small, not fluffy, little waffle maker. He actually got an update to his closet about a week and a half ago. Eli and I went and got him shirts, shorts and pants. I kept telling Eli that is was a surprise and we couldn't tell daddy and he was all, Yea, surprise. Well, if you have read Nathan's post previous to this one you know that Eli ran in and couldn't wait to share with Nathan about his surprise. It was all he could do to race in, find his daddy and tell him about it. He was so proud to give the clothes to his daddy. I figured, why wait, Eli already told him what we got and Nathan could be wearing them. (really, I'm no good at waiting to give presents, I love to give them at the first chance possible) So, fast forward from then to yesterday, we made the huge fluffy waffles. They were sooo filling, I couldn't even finish a half of one. Then we went to church, came home and had lunch with our community group and put Eli down for a nap. I then started preparing for dinner. We had Nathan's Dad, Grandmother and youngest brother over for dinner. It was nice to see all of them. We hardly get to see Elliott, so that was a nice treat. We don't get to see Great Gran very often either, so Eli was loving all the attention from them. It was quite a treat. After the dishes were cleaned up I sat down to read and passed out! I couldn't believe how tired I was. Anyway, it was a great day. Somehow, I never got the camera out. I'm kicking myself about it today, but I posted some below from the last two months.

Happy Father's day to the best Daddy on the planet!! Thank you for all the stories read, popsicles shared, trips flying through the house, diapers changed, many hours of hard work at your job *especially this past week*, for foot rubs and date nights, for encouraging words and hugs and kisses. I couldn't have ever dreamed up a better man to raise children with, you are a blessing beyond my wildest dreams.

Also, Happy Father's day, belated, to Granpa aka Papa and Big Daddy. You are two very important men in our kids lives and in ours. Thank you for playing such an active roles in all of our lives. We love you sooooo much!!!!

uh-prise

In the last month or so, Eli has really gotten into surprises. He calls them uh-prises. Amy and the kids went shopping to get me something for fathers day a little over a week ago. When they came home, Eli ran into the living room and said "Uh prise, it's a shirt." He doesn't quite have the secret thing down yet.

So, later on, Amy and the kids went with Nana to Chuck E Cheese's. Eli came home with a special cup with a straw and a sucker. He came running into my office and said "uh-prise" and gave me the drink and the half eaten sucker. I took them and said are these for me? He looked at me like I was crazy and said "No, they're Eli's." Then, he took them back. He is one cute handful.

Chuck E Cheese Please

Nana treated us to lunch at Chuck E Cheese yesterday. It was a great trip. Eli even let Lucy ride with him on a couple of rides! Thanks Nana!

Happy Bday Will

My nephew, Will, turns 7 this week. On Sunday he had a family party at his house. It was a fun day, long with the driving there and back, but o so worth it. Nana got a giga ball and my patient, sweet husband blew it up. You had to blow it up one section at a time and there were many sections!!! Thanks babe!

Above is a picture of my nephew with 2 of his best buddies totally rockin out to a christian hard rock cd. It was hilarious!!!

Grand Opening of NLR Farmer's Market (CAFM)

Last Sat was the official start of the NLR Farmer's Market. They have been open for a little bit, but that day was the big celebration and such. There was a ribbon cutting, a few words from our Mayor and Jodi Hardin, the man behind this and the new Argenta grocery. They had a great local bluegrass band and they served beefalo burgers. We ended up with local honey, blackberries and strawberries. It was fun to be a part of the "beginning". If you haven't already, you need to check out the new FM. They are open Tuesday and Sat from 7-12. It is on Main Street in downtown NLR. The farmers are all local and bring true homegrown goodies each week. Here is a link with more information for all those that are interested. http://www.arkansasfood.net/page3.php

Krecia and Patch

We had the privelage of hosting a couples shower with 2 other lovely ladies a couple of weekends ago. It was for our friends Krecia and Patrick, aka Patch. I have known Krecia for several years now and have only recently been around Patch, but we approve! :) We couldn't be more excited!!! Congratulations!!