"Happy Birthday Church!"

Today, after Sunday church, there was a big picnic celebrating the church's 2oth birthday. Poppie set up a canopy, so we could have some shade, and a place for you to roll your cars, of course. We had a big lunch with all kinds of yummy food: potato salad, bar-b-que chicken, macaroni and cheese, fruit, and cookies & brownies. There was a moonbounce, where you spent a good deal of time jumping around with lots of other boys and girls. They had a clown making balloon animals (you got a fish on a fishing pole) and someone doing characatures. I think your favorite thing, however, was the pony ride. You really enjoyed petting them and letting them tickle you with their noses. It was a hot day, but you seemed to really have a great time!

"Oh What a Thrill at Blueberry Hill"

Today, you, JuJu and I went out to Blueberry Hill to pick berries. I have been going out there since I was about 6 years old, and today your summer tradition started. We grabbed our buckets, and you were on a quest. After picking a few pink and green ones, you got the hang of only choosing the biggest, bluest berries. It was like hiding and finding Easter eggs, but better according to you! You did a great job of filling your bucket almost half full before you decided playing in the sandy dirt was more fun. And that fun quickly ended when a fireant bit you on the finger. You were immediately ready to go, and ran back to the car as fast as your little legs could carry you!

"And They're Off"

We went to Poppie's work today to check out two of the mini Nascars being brought in for a fundraiser they are doing in September. Today was the day to check them out and take them for a test drive if you should desire. You, of course, are a little too small to do any driving. But Poppie took one for a spin. You enjoyed watching the "races" and Poppie crammed into that little car! When it came time to get your picture made in one, however, you wanted no part of it. Maybe in September when they have the big race and more fun stuff for kids!

"The Mouse House"

Today, you, me and Daddy we were supposed to go to Mudbug Madness, an area crawfish festival, but the rain decided otherwise. We were already on our way, so we had to make another plan. Much to Mom and Dad's chagrin, we decided to do Chuck E. Cheese on a Saturday. For about $10, you can have a grand old time. Your favorite is to "drive" the racing game, where you barely keep the car on the track. And you don't want anyone to help you either. You and Daddy "rode" the roller coaster ride and played several other games together. Then you got sight of a popsicle machine, and I told you we would get one on the way out. Well, right then and there, you were ready to go. So we got our Jolly Rancher popsicle and left - no fussing, no fighting, no standing in line with our tickets to buy trinkets (thank goodness!)

"Fore!"

So, Daddy loves to play golf; this we all know. And he is determined that you will love to play golf too. So he got you a little set of clubs. It was fun for you for a few minutes, but your attention is so easily diverted these days. And as far as trying to "teach you technique," forget about it! You just want to swing the club around and bang on stuff. I think baby steps are needed here. Putt putt first, then the driving range!

"I'm Going to be a Big Brother"

Last night, you went to your sibling class at Willis Knighton, where Mommy is going to have Shelby. You were very excited, although a little tired, as I had to wake you from your nap. We watched a movie about having babies, and then you got to put on "doctor gear." We diapered your doll and wrapped her in a blanket. We even got to go up to the nursery and see a real newborn baby. Miss Donna took your picture and we put it in a frame that you colored (sort of). Now you are all ready to take on your role as Big Brother!

"The Air Show"

Daddy, JuJu, Me-Me and I took you to the airshow today. We didn’t actually go out to the air force base, just to a parking lot close by to see the Blue Angels perform. We had to wait quite a while, and it was pretty hot. When the planes did start flying, you were underimpressed. You were very happy just rolling your “mote” car and pushing your stroller around. Maybe if they had been flying Hummers or "Corbettes," you would have been more into it!

"Goodbye House"

The house sold today! Thank the Lord! I don’t think you understand that we won’t be living there anymore, though. This morning you said you wanted to go “home” and I tried to explain that we sold our house to some other family who really liked it and we would be living in Shreveport now. You asked why, and I tried to explain that our family needed to be together now and this is where Daddy’s work was. I said “you want us all to be together, right?” and you said , “no, I want to go home.” It broke my heart. I tried to explain that we would get a new house here and all of our stuff would be in in, and you wanted to know if it would have stairs. You really want stairs. When I asked you why, you said, “just like Miss Stacy’s” in a real matter of fact kind of way.

"I'm Working My Business"

Today JuJu gave you an old printing adding machine that you absolutely love. You pretend it’s your cash register, it printed trolley tickets, and whatever else you can think up. Well I was unloading the dish washer in the kitchen where you were set up playing. You told me, “Mommy, be quiet with those plates, I’m working my business.” It was so funny! Where do you get this stuff?