My Very Happy Birthday

I had a very happy birthday. I was in Michigan for my birthday then mom and dad and I drove back to Illinois. The day before my birthday we went to a great party for my great-grandpa. He turned 90! Everyone said it was a really big deal, but whatever. I wanted the party to be for me. I was happy after I got some presents and everyone made a big deal over me.

I got a fun tent. I just love Lightning McQueen.

Papa and Bobbie gave me a two wheeled bike. There are some training wheels but it is pretty sweet. I am still working at the technique of pedaling, but it will come.

Grandpa and Grandma gave me my first camera. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but I was excited. Mom is always taking pictures of me so I figured it was my turn to return the favor.

Daddy helped me set the camera up. I am very excited about becoming a great photographer!

First Date (Don't tell Addy's Dad)

While we were in Michigan I had a chance to take my friend Addy out on a date. My mom is telling me to tell everyone that Daddy, Mommy, Aunt Christy, Uncle Don, Mr. Phillips, Uncle Steve, and Aunt Jill were all there. Whatever, it was very private and romantic.

First we went to a very lovely restaurant. We shared food and took turns feeding each other a variety of items dipped in ranch dressing. It is so creamy!!!

Then we went for a lovely ride around Somerset Collection in an amazing stroller.

We danced in the hallway and played in the fountain together.

We kissed! What else would you expect after the dinner, drive, and dancing?

After dinner Addy and I (and the entire group) went to Ray's Ice Cream. They have a very large ice cream cone and we pretended to eat it. (Ha ha ha ha . . . ahhh . . .good times.)

Then we shared some coffee ice cream. Best first date ever.

Bouncin' Along

Hadley, Eric, and Aunt Jill invited Mommy and me to go with them to the bounce place for a party. It was so much fun! I love bouncing.

There was a very big slide that looked like a giant water fall. It was awesome. Mommy was a little scared but I wasn't Eric and I flew down it and we loved it! Eric is such a cool big cousin.

Hadley and I really enjoyed the obstacle course. We could bounce and knock stuff over too. It was awesome. There were also balls that we could toss around. Hadley is one tough cookie!

She was having so much fun!

Afterward we found this cool hanging chair/basket/thing. We took a little break because we were very tired. We also found some great snacks. Good times!

Winter in July

I went on a field trip with Mommy's camp. They were going ice skating so mom thought I would enjoy it. Well, fun, it wasn't.

I fell down a lot! It was rough. I was cold and the ice was cold and it was hard to move in those things strapped to my feet.

Aunt Jill is a great skater but I am not. I tried to get away, but Aunt Jill was making me stay up.

This was the best part of the whole trip. I love Alyse. She is my friend from school. When we were leaving I tried to give her a kiss, but she only patted me on the head. Oh well.

Growing Up, Overnight

Well, apparently my crib got "recalled," whatever that means. All I know is that one day Daddy took my crib down and that night I had to sleep in my pack-n-play. Mommy and Daddy bought me this bed. It took me a little while to get used to this kind of sleeping arrangement.

This is my first night sleeping in my big boy bed. I didn't really like it . . . AT ALL. It was rough. I rolled out and I told mom, "I don't like my little bed." I said I felt like Ned in the One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Dr. Seuss Book.

The next day we went to the store and we found this awesome bed set. I love my big boy bed now. The sheets have cars and trucks on them. I have my own pillow and it is very comfy.

I love to sleep in my bed now. I am such a big boy.

Puppy Time

We went over our cousin's house and visited with friends there. We met a lady who brought this really cute doggie. I told mommy, "I like my new dog! Thank you." She said we have to keep Lucy and we aren't allowed to take this little puppy home. Bummer.

Isn't he so cute! It is just a little puppy. He really liked me. Lucy . . . not so much.

I was showing the puppy my cool light up glow stick. He really liked it.

Awwwwww! Cute puppy.

Happy 4th of July!

So I don't remember this Independence Day or Fourth of July that mom and dad keep talking about. They seem to have some great plans though. They told me we were going to have a picnic dinner then watch fireworks. What could be better?

This is a picture of me with my family. It could be the last. Apparently my parents don't want me to survive to see my third birthday. Don't believe me? Read on.

Mom and Dad really wanted me to hold a Sparkler. They said it was part of the celebration. I don't think someone of my age should be playing with these.

They gave it to me anyway. I tried to blow it out but it wouldn't go out.

So I am reading the box and this is definitely not approved for anyone my age. Someone please help me!

These were too loud for me. Sure, they look great, but hey, I am just a little guy.

This is not a look of excitment! I am terrified. I was sitting by myself but then I realized that I needed to be with a parent.

I had to cover my face and ears. I was very afraid. What is wrong with my parents?