Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving was in Dothan this year. We were back and forth with the family about where Thanksgiving would be held. But, since all the sisters were in Dothan, we made the trek down there. Mom hosted everyone at her house. Last year was my first time hosting and I have to say, it's way easier being a guest.

The plan was to eat Thanksgiving lunch and then celebrate Jude's bday with pumpkin pie before his nap. Well, you know how your best laid plans go when you have a two-year-old. Poor guy was beat from missing his nap the day before. We pushed him to his limits, but he didn't even make lunch. We put him down for his nap and he didn't wake up until after everyone left.

Joyce, Aunt Bobbie, and Aunt Karen

Jeremy and Justin in almost matching shirts. Too bad Jude outgrew is from last year.
Justin, Julie, and Jude reading his new favorite book in Dothan. Can you believe it's about trains?

Gramps and Jude reading previously mentioned book.

Jude finally got his birthday present from Grandma and Gramps. He was in a much better mood this time around. He loved his tricycle!

Grandma showing him how to use the pedals while Gramps pushed. This tricycle has it all. We can push him and steer while he learns how to ride. And no bending over!

Gramps, Grandma and Jude enjoying some cuddle time. Jude loves blankets these days. It's pretty sweet!

Alabama vs LSU, Game #1

Before the football season had even begun, I was told by my husband that he would be giving my ticket to the LSU game to his good friend Dave from college. Dave is a big LSU fan and it was a bit hard to take. But, I said it was ok on the condition that Dave's wife and kids came to visit, too. They are some of the funniest people that Jeremy and I get the chance to hang out with. Christy and David make me laugh whenever they are around.

It was a fun visit. While the men attended the game, we had our own PG fun at the Moss Rock Festival, not that I took any pictures at the event. But, the highlight was the cake tasting we were able to enjoy. The kids enjoyed the day outside and got along well, despite the varying ages. I got a taste of what it would be like with two young children. Christy handled it with ease. I had a hard enough time watching my one. I've got a lot to learn. Lucky for me, it's not something I have to learn any time soon!

The fun began early when Christy scooped up poop in our backyard. We really need to be better about that chore. Kind of embarrassing when you're guests are your pooper scoopers!

Dave showing us the hot dog dance from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He looks just like Goofy!

Christy and Libby

A few years ago, Christy and I challenged eachother to feats of strength contest. Let's just say we had had a few glasses of wine when it started. Well, I guess the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree. Not the wine part, but our kids certainly carried on the tradition of testing their strength.

Here's Jude hauling around a gallon of bubbles. Check out the concentration in his face.

Here Libby is carting around the booster seat.

We hit the park before they got on the road. Wald Park is so much more fun than our neighborhood park. Not that I'm complaining, because having a park in the neighborhood is certainly a luxury that I appreciate. But, it's nice to get out and try something new.

Mom gets to join in the fun! Gotta love the static electricity in the wintertime.

The family unit: Libby, Christy, Libby, and Dave

Don't they make a great new-age couple?

Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins....oh my!

My parents moved to Dothan, AL when I was two years old. That means they've lived there for over 30 years. Most of their family lived back in the Illinois area. Well, that has changed over the past few years. My mom's sisters moved to little, old Dothan. They moved to be closer to my grandmother, who also moved there many years ago.

Jeremy and I traveled down for Troy's homecoming in November and got the chance to visit over lunch that Sunday. My cousin, Chris, was down visiting Aunt Karen. It is so rare that we all get together, Jeremy hadn't even met Chris before. And we've been together for almost nine years! It was a nice visit!

Jude, Aunt Karen, Jeremy and Chris

Dad, Uncle Sam, Aunt Bobbie, and Mom
Can you tell they are sisters?

Aunt Bobbie, Joyce, and Aunt Karen

Fall Festival

I love our neighborhood! They hosted a fall festival for all the families back in October. Yes, I'm still playing catch-up. They had carnival rides and games just for us. No lines and small crowds of people that we knew was a great experience. We pushed Jude's nap and hoped for the best. He loved it! He ran straight for the rides.

Against our better parenting judgement, we let Jude get on the first ride he saw. We didn't take the time to watch what the ride did before he got on. Needless to say, it was a bit advanced for him. He liked it and wasn't scared at all. But, he won't be getting on that ride again until he's a bit bigger. I about had a heart attack while watchng them.

I think I was more scared than Jude. This mom isn't too big on rides, even little ones. But, I can't let Jude know that because I don't want him to be afraid. So we climbed on in. It was lots of fun!

BB, Emily Grace, Jeremy and Jude

A model train hobby group set up a big, battery operated train in the town hall. Jude loved it!

Our neighbor, Mr. John is in the group that builds the train sets.

We played a few carnival games trying to win a prize. This was the only thing we scored. And I think the lady gave it to us out of pity, more than anything.
Jude of course found the row of golf carts and went straight for them. Luckily, our neighbor's was there for him to play on. Hence the Auburn colors.

Playing with rocks in the parking lot. Boys will be boys!

Luker Antics

Notice anything odd in this photo? I'll give you a hint, there are two things.

Life with Jeremy is always funny. He always makes me laugh....case and point. I was cooking or cleaning something and had my back turned. This is what I found when I was done.

Pumpkin Patch

We made what is now an annual trip to a pumpkin patch in early October. We tried a different one this year in Clanton and I think I like the other one better in Harpersville. This one was definitely a more commercialized version. But, Jude doesn't know the difference and we all had a good time. We met up with some friends from the neighborhood and also ran into one of Jeremy's old roommates. It's a small world when it comes to these family outings, I'm finding.

I just love this picture. The colors and lone Jude heading off to the hay wagon is too cute!
We could probably have skipped paying for the hayride. As soon as he spotted this wagon that wasn't in use, he headed straight for it. We were able to climb on and take pictures to our hearts content. And isn't picture taking what these little outings are all about?

Jude and his Daddy

Jude has gotten so much braver. I really attribute it to MDO. I've seen a big difference since he started back. Normally, he was scared of the jumpers if there were a bunch of kids inside. But, he had no problem with it on this day!

Mom and Jude braved the jump zone slide. You all who know me know I'm a big chicken. But, I have to keep that in check. I don't want to raise a sissy. I braved the inflatable slide and actually had a good time. I don't know which was harder, climbing up carrying a 30 pound kid, or sliding down. And most importantly, Jude loved it and kept asking for more.
This was before we were even to the pumpkin patch. He picked one out and figured he could handle carrying it. Look at those muscles!
Taking a seat on our chosen pumpkin. Look at the little grin!

Visit with the Fire Truck

So, in honor of Jude's 2nd birthday that just passed, I'm going to do some back-blogging. Having a 2-year-old on the loose is definitely not conducive to lots of blog updates. I'm too busy chasing little man around.

Back in early October, Jude's MDO invited the kids to come meet the local firemen and their truck. Jude had just started back to MDO and so far had been doing really well. You never know what you are going to get when Jude gets around a new situation and people. I didn't know how he would handle the firefighters. Well, I needn't worry at all. While all the kids were lining up and trying to decide if they were excited or scared, Jude ran right up the firetruck door indicating that he wanted up. The firefighters were so nice to him and immediately put him in the seat. They showed him how to ring the bell, which he loved. My shy guy was not so shy on this fun day. Normally, I would have attempted to keep him back so as not to disrupt the other kids. But, they were also being reticient. So, I figured why not let him loose.? I'm sure the fire department didn't come there to just stand around, right? That was my justification, at least.

They were really great to all the kids and I so appreciated their enthusiasm. Thanks Hoover Fire Department!

One of the friendly firemen showed Jude that he could ring the bell. Well, that was it. He didn't want to keep his hands off it after that. That firemen was probably sorry he was so friendly!

Jude got first dibs on sitting in the fire truck.

Emily Grace and BB ringing the bell
Jude finding himself looking back when looking at the bumper of the fire truck. I knew that firemen washed their truck every day. Now, I see the proof!
Not our best photo, but at least we are in it together. We don't get too many of those.
Taking a moment to splash in the puddles. He will find any puddle within a mile to splash in, no matter how small. I have no one to blame but myself. I taught him about puddles one day and now he loves it. Boys will be boys!