Always a party

It's always a party when Uncle Michael comes to town :) He had a break between trimesters and decided to take a trip home. And we're so glad he did! JT was on a business trip most of the time Michael was in town, but we managed to hit a nearby (newly renovated) park and have a family dinner together. It was quite the extravaganza. I'm so thankful my kiddos have awesome Aunts and Uncles to play with them and encourage them through life. We love you Michael and it was so nice to have you home!

We went to Pullen Park which has been around since I was a kid but is definitely nicer now with the new renovations. I took a nice walk down memory lane with a few of the old things they left. Exhibit a - the caboose. We think this is the same old train caboose that was in the park when we were younger. It doesn't move but is fun to walk through, steer the wheel, and just experience the "oldness" of it.

Jet Thomas driving the train :)

Walking through said caboose

Michael checking out the latch.. it still works!

Biggest kid there...

The see-saw was a huge hit! And Jet liked it too ;)

The Rimbey's have a few pounds on the deer

Love this man

Deep conversations

Jet Thomas loved the train that rode around the park. This is him pointing and running to it.

The train again

One of my favorite memories I have about this park is the carousel. When we were little it wasn't indoors, but I believe it's the same one. That sucker went fast if you ask me! Jet was a little scared we think. He kept clinging to daddy quite tightly. I think the adults had more fun :)

After the park we headed back to my mom and dad's house. We don't buy Froot Loops so it's quite a treat at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Love my brother! Thanks for visiting and for all the fun Michael. We miss you already!

Learning so much each day!

Jet Thomas is learning so much! 

...

Learning how to sit and rock in the rocking chair

Learning how to pick out a book (OK, maybe this is just pulling them all onto the floor :)

Learning how to brush his teeth 

Learning that lounging is the only way to watch cartoons :)

Learning to cheese for the camera because it makes mama happy!

Can't get enough of this boy

All the tired days added together don't compare to even a moment of his smile. 

So blessed.

We have a driver already

We got this police car for Jet Thomas when he was born (with a gift card). I knew he wouldn't be able to use it for a while but I also knew I wouldn't regret using the gift for such a neat toy. Well, patience paid off and he loves it! There have been times where we can't find him in the house and we'll frantically run to different rooms and he inevitably snuck into the playroom, opened the car door, got in and was waiting for us to push him around. Thanks Paul and Sam for the great gift! This parenting thing is getting more fun by the day :)

Finger painting... fail.

As Jet Thomas gets older I'm trying to do different, new activities with him. Since the weather is getting nice I thought I'd put him in just a diaper and try finger painting outside. If you don't know this about Jet Thomas he doesn't like his hands being sticky. I knew he didn't like them being sticky during eating but I was hopeful it'd be different if he got to play in the stickiness... I was wrong.

First touch...

Ended up putting both hands in the paint. I tried to show him how to "paint" on the paper.

And then the melt down began. Oh well, maybe next time.

So we scratched the painting and decided to play in the yard (a favorite activity) in a diaper :)

But then another melt down occurred. 

So into the bathtub he went!

Much happier to be inside

It's really fun being a mom. I get to experience everything being "new" and exciting (sometimes). Not to mention I get to spend all day with Jet Thomas... and that's just pure joy!

It doesn't get much cuter...

...than a little kid drinking from a straw :)

The Eating Adventures of Jet Thomas

Sometimes I get sleepy when I eat

I can use a fork by myself! (Mommy still has to help me get the food on the fork though)

 I would eat a mountain of cookies if Mommy and Daddy let me

 I like to eat with friends

I really like to eat on Daddy's lap... especially a treat like Jello

Sometimes I give the cutest looks with my cheeks full

And I also cross my feet when I eat :)

We.love.this.boy.

How cool is this?!?!

About a week ago we got a huge box in the mail. I opened it up to find this! You can see the note attached...

The note said this...

Isn't that the coolest?? For those of you that don't know Serena was my best friend in high school. We're talking attached at the hip :) Any good memories I have during those years involve her. Basketball, lunches, field trips, sleep overs, shopping, habitat for humanity, going to Chicago, school projects, just hanging out and listening to music, and so much more. She's quite special to me so I'm thrilled to share in her special day!

 Someone else really appreciated the balloons too :)

He held onto them for quite a while and continues to play with them even a week later.

Thanks so much for including us Serena and Charlie! 

We're so excited for you! Love you!