BIG Memorial Day weekend

I've always had mixed emotions on Memorial Day. I love having the day off and able to spend it with family and friends, but I also feel sad at the number of lives lost protecting our country and our freedom. I thank God everyday that my father, brother and husband are not in a war and never had to go. I do, however, remember my grandfathers and Bill's family that have fought for us. I also thank God that we live in a country where we can freely praise Him for all our many gifts.
We started the day at Alyce and Billy's house. Billy played football in college at Clemson with Bobby Johnson, Vandy's head football coach. While Bobby and his wife were visiting with Alyce and Billy, along with another couple that Billy has been friends with since college, we were invited for brunch to meet them all. We had a wonderful breakfast, thanks to Alyce and Billy, and thoroughly enjoyed our visit with their friends. Henry searched for Gus, the cat, under Alyce's bed and tried to get him to come out and play. Just before we left, Henry gave Coach Bobby a "touchdown!" Bill asked him if he wanted to "sign" our 14-month-old, but I think it's a little soon for that.
Monday afternoon we cooked out with the Robersons, Browns, and Farriors. Amanda set up two pools and a slide for the kids. Henry learned -- by watching Claire and Anna Belle, of course -- to climb the ladder and slide down unassisted. He had so much fun. Elba cooked a butt and chicken that were both delicious... it was a wonderful day. It's so fun to spend time with friends... especially when you have other children (Claire, Blake, Townes, Anna Belle, Wyn) to entertain your child. Wow, we have really added to our little supper club!

Sandestin

We took our annual beach trip to Sandestin this weekend for Bill's young lawyer conference. Henry wasn't big enough last summer to really enjoy the beach, but wow, what a difference a year makes! He hit the sand running!! The minute I put him on the beach, his little feet fled him to the ocean! He would run into the water, a wave would knock him over, he would get up and catch his breath and take off for another wave. Of course, I was right there to help/pick him up, but he really didn't want me there. He has no fear... I should've named him "little Bill". The other moms on the beach, with their children playing nicely and quietly, just laughed and said "it'll be different next year", and I thought again... what a difference a year makes!

We met Nathan and Vaughan Dickson for dinner on Thursday night at Hammerheads in Baytowne. Henry enjoyed the pier, where I let his father chase him for a change. Then, after a long day on the beach (well, Bill was in meetings most of the day) we took a group of lawyers and their spouses to dinner at the Ocean Club on Friday night. On Saturday, we met up the other Robertsons and Browns to celebrate Jennifer's 30th birthday and Robert's birthday too. It was a fun filled weekend, and it was really nice to get away with my little family. I have a feeling Henry is going to love the beach as much as Bill and I do... I hope so anyway.

BIG helper!

Henry has every toy a child could want... and his favorite things to play with are the broom, vacuum, and swiffer! If only I could get him to really swiff with a pad on the swiffer, we may get some cleaning done during the day.


We have adjusted to being home everyday and I truly love being his sole caregiver. It takes time to adjust, but now that he is running around, it's a joy to be around him all day.
Of course, his first words were "Da-Da". I've talked to lots of mommies about this... why is it that you give birth, stay home with your child everyday, and pretty much make every decision pertaining to your child and he: 1) looks like your husband, 2) squeals when your husband drives in the driveway at 6 p.m. everyday, and 3) says "Da-Da" before "Ma-Ma"! Amazing.

One last update-- Henry had his first swim of the year last weekend. We visited Mom, Dad, Big Bill, and Keitt for the weekend in Eufaula. Henry just about walked right into the pool! He loves water!! He blew bubbles and accidentally drank a little of the water, but overall had a blast!