Hangin' with his dawgs.

Carter loves to have his picture taken with the camera on my computer. He gets a kick out of getting to see himself on the screen. This time he wanted his picture taken with two of his favorite dogs - Murphy and his tiny stuffed replica of his other favorite dog, Rosie Wright (the real Rosie was unable to be photographed at this time).

Compliments

We started our quest to find a church this past Sunday - it shouldn't take too long as there are only a handful of churches here. After church we were visiting outside with some people Ryan had met before and their elementary school aged daughter.

Carter, who loves to give people complements looks at the little girl and starts mumbling...

Everyone listened carefully as he was speaking, but I was the only one who understood what he said.

Thank goodness, I thought.

That's when the girl smiled and I realized what Carter was referring to.

He said it again, "I wike your orange teef!"

The school colors are orange and black and being the school spirited little girl that she is, she had orange and black rubber bands on her braces.

She smiled again and seemed flattered. Whew!

Great Friends and Cute Babies!

We recently enjoyed a visit from my dear college friend, Carmie, husband Marc, and sweet baby Isabella. Carter especially enjoyed baby Isabella and trying to completely exhaust Marc by chasing him around the house and having him make paper airplanes. I enjoyed catching up with Carmie, and the Tres Leches cake she made!

Carter practicing his big brother skills

Taking care of babies is exhausting!

Sea World

Below is a series of posts about our recent trip to Sea World!

Sorry, the posts listed in the wrong order...still trying to figure that one out...any suggestions are welcome! - Nevermind, thanks to Marc (the computer guru) I've got them in order now! Thanks Marc!

Sea World!! Part 1

We hit up the Riverwalk first. Carter was thoroughly entertained by the river, boats, and ducks. If only every restaurant we ate at had that much entertainment - we might actually get to eat a meal.

Carter waved and yelled "hiiiiiiii!" to every boat that passed by.
He was able to get almost every boatload of people to wave back.
Carter and Dad cruisin' down the riverwalk.
Our hotel had Smore's available (for purchase, of course).
Have any of you roasted marshmellows with our son before?
Ryan handed him the stick and he knew exactly what to do with it.
Smore's are messy.

On to Sea World....

I had my camera next to a bottle of cold water in my purse -
here's what happens when you do that:

Friday morning was great - hardly any people there! We went to feed the dolphins first.
You can buy a tray of fish for $3 and hand feed the dolphins!
I purchased and carried the tray to Ryan and Carter - for those of you who know me well,
you should be impressed I handled a tray of dead fish.

Carter loved the dolphins!

They were so close!
Also, check out that adorable curl at the nape of Carter's neck.

Sea World Part 2

Next on to the seals & sea lions...

Carter was especially excited to see the seals - in particular, the star of one of his favorite books, Sammy the Seal. They put on a great show. Very playful bunch - they raced, jumped, and tackled one another - three of Carter's favorite activities.

Next, the penguins...

Best to check them out around noon....the penguin exhibit is indoors, air conditioned, and you can stand on one of those moving walkways to view the exhibit.

Who's watching who??

Sea World Part 3

Shamu!!

We had great seats. Technically in the splash zone, but we didn't get wet (yippee!) We were right behind one of the platforms, so we got to see the whales up close.

Wow!

Applause!

Waving goodbye. So sad :(

Sea World Part 4 (After a long morning at Sea World and a good nap)

We hung out at the hotel pool
Sunscreen is best when applied in large amounts to your stomach.

Carter enjoying a nice glass of cold water.

Carter after pouring some of that cold water on his chest...

Carter snoozing after a long day.

Sea World Part 5

Back for more action ...


We went to the water park portion of the park first - lots of fun, but not really conducive to photos. Plus, I was in a bathing suit - even more reason not to take photos.
(Ryan's shoulders and neck were quite sore after this trip)
Next, back to the main park to catch the Seal and Sea Lion Show.

Which, of course, Carter thought was hilarious.

We were tired. Headed back to the hotel for more Smores - per Carter's request.

Forced picture of Mom and Carter at the bar. I had a non-alcoholic pina colada - yum!

That's it! For those of you who read the whole series of Sea World posts -
glad you're still with us!

A few notes for our next trip:

1. Go during the spring / fall
2. Go during the week (Friday was actually a great day - Saturday was packed)
3. Bring lots of water
4. Remember to bring back that $6 souvenir cup you bought - $1.99 refills! Oh yes, and the souvenir popcorn bucket too.

Stay tuned....

Sea World pictures will be posted soon....

Apparently, we need to buy a boat...

Carter and Dad's conversation on the way to school this morning (crossing a bridge over the lake)

Carter: What's that?
Dad: That's the lake.
Carter: What's that?
Dad: That's a boat.
Carter: Daddy need to buy a boat.
Dad: I would have to work a lot to buy a boat. Its very expensive. I don't have the money.
Carter: No buy big boat, buy tiny one.

I may need a sedative...

I'm really excited about the thought of being a mom to 2 boys. Carter is so sweet and loving - and always up for an adventure (so long as its on his terms). However, as he gets bigger, so do his ideas. My blood pressure rises proportionately. Our last trip to the park was no exception - I had to be extra quick on my feet (that's not easy 6 months pregnant in August).

Don't worry, I just snapped a picture and ran to his rescue...

He has been watching the big kids on the playground and taking great notes

The last time we were at this park, his little legs didn't seem like they could traverse the steps. I was a little nervous about letting him attempt this, but he was determined....

My thoughts...."We are only a few blocks from the hospital...where we live, we are only a few blocks from anything...gosh, I would love to have some Pei Wei sometime soon, it would probably take an hour to get there...focus on your child who may need you to come scoop him off the ground in a few seconds...I really hope he doesn't fall, I can't believe I'm letting him do this..."

"Ok, he made it!" I was relieved. Carter screamed, "Look at me! I did it!"
And then he did it again and again and again....

Making his mother a nervous wreck made him extra smiley, so I took lots of pictures.

What a handsome boy!

He will rarely pose for me...too cute!

A rare picture of Carter and I. The only way I get in the picture with him is to take the "awkward self portrait"

Boys like to patrol their territory...

Aunt Summer, did you get your letter?

Carter's favorite Aunt, Summer, sent him a "Big Percy" in the mail last week. Carter made Summer a lovely thank you note.