Waves go boom!

We had to make our family beach trip earlier this year, which was great in that it wasn't crowded, but unfortunately the water was way cold most days. Luckily, the kids would have fun in 50 degree water, so it didn't stop them (only this momma who prefers the pool water to be as warm as the shower).

This year we decided to fly instead of make the 8-9 hour drive. It was Mason's first time on an airplane, and since I have been making it a HUGE deal for weeks, he was SUPER excited about this new experience.

 

 Since this flying with a toddler thing was new to Kyle and I, we got to the airport really early. But there isn't a most fascinating place for a 2 year old than watching planes fly and land. I think the next time we need an activity on a rainy day I should just pack up and head to the airport for the day!

This is actually on the way home... he slept from the time we got to the airport until we landed in Nashville. He was a bit bummed that he missed the whole thing, but Kyle and I couldn't have asked for an easier ride home!

 

As opposed to last year, we spent most of our days on the beach instead of the pool. He loved playing in the sand and looking for sea shells. It took about 4 days before he wanted anything to do with the waves, but since the water was freezing I was perfectly fine with that.

 

The guys got really serious about their moat making skills...which the kids appreciated playing in

 This was about the time he decided that the water wasn't so bad... in fact, it was pretty cool. So he slowly got closer and closer until he wanted to be right in the waves.

We ran into a fisherman who let Mason look at the fish and taught him all about the art of fishing. Good thing he did because that is one thing he probably wouldn't learn from Kyle.

 

We are so grateful that my parents allow us to come stay at their place every summer. Mason loves spending time with Go Go and Gramps, Uncle Bobby and his aunt/uncle. He especially loves hanging out with his cousins... it is so cool to see them play together and start taking affection for each other. 

 

A summer to remember...

With a new baby coming in LESS than 2 weeks, I decided it was past time to update my blog with the past couple months. The last thing this OCD mom wants is to worry about updating her blog in the midst of pushing a baby into this world. So here we go. (I have found it increasingly difficult to carry around my huge camera to capture special moments, so unfortunately I've either missed photo opps or resorted to taking them with the dinky iPhone).

I'm pretty sure that Mason knows life is about to drastically change for us... why else would he decide to start potty training and crawling out of his crib within weeks of baby brother coming. Needless to say, we have bought the pull-ups and "big boy" underwear and taken this potty thing head on. I should define head on... I have days where I press it really hard and he does fabulous and days where I could care less if he never sits on the potty a single time. Way to be consistent, mom. I must say I am shocked to find that he actually understands the concept and enjoys going potty in his very own toilet. The poopie thing.. not so much. Which I must admit, I'm okay with for now.

He has also decided that he doesn't want to be contained in a crib any longer. One day I looked at his monitor during nap time to find him missing. Of course I freaked out. This is only days after I found him outside in the grass with the dog at 7 in the morning (despite having to open 2 baby gates and a "babyproof" front door). Another morning I found him in the bathroom sink at 5 AM brushing his teeth. Needless to say, we have ordered the toddler conversion for his crib. Not that it is going to keep him contained... it just means he doesnt have to do cartwheels to get out of it.

Now that we have warm weather, Mason and I spend a lot of time outside. It is his favorite place to be, regardless of what we are doing. We have loved our weekly zoo outings with friends, trips to the pool, and we are learning to ride a "bike" (tricycle that is) and play baseball.

Mason attended his first Auburn football game. He was absolutely worn out and ended up falling asleep for most of it

Mason LOVES building forts with Kyle. He really loves when Cali crawls in with him, but this usually involves enticing her with a treat

I mean, how can you get mad at that face??

When Kyle travels, Mason and I head to chik fil a for dinner. We love going on family night because mr. balloon man makes animals AND we get free ice cream. Whats better in life than that??

With all our home projects we've undertaken lately, Mason has become a big fan of Home Depot. He loves riding on the lawn mowers... Im pretty sure that the people who work there hate us. It's just a 2 year old on a 2,000$ piece of equiptment..no biggie. They havent kicked us out yet...

one cool boy.. who still requires a paci

 

 We also went to the beach with my whole family, so I'll have pictures of that in the next blog.