September happenings

The months just completely seem to fly by these days. I haven't been back here since September 10th...oops!

Since then, we had a great time at the Lake for our Annual Stokes Lake Weekend. The boys had such a fun time together and they really played so good too. Just a few minor squabbles over the same toys, but all and all they did great. It was very enjoyable for us to spend time with everyone.

Doesn't he look like he is on his way to high school :)

Loving on Baby Harper...they would just not leave him alone...they are ready for him to play with them!!

On the run!

Watching for ducks

Best buds...I think Beth got a better picture than I did!!

The last weekend in September we went to Oktoberfest in Old Munichberg with Nana and James and Jaime. Chase had lots of fun playing the different games and riding in the fire truck. He won enough tickets to get some books and a pinwheel, so he was happy. He actually got into the bounce house, which is a big first for him, but essentially froze when he got inside. Maybe next time bud!! I got a cute video of him dancing to some German music too.

Holding his ticket and waiting in line to play a game

Spinning the wheel for prizes

Riding in the fire truck...he probably had all the switches and buttons messed up when it was all said and done.

His newest dance video is below....:)

We have been spending time blowing bubbles at Gamma's lately after I pick him up at the babysitters. He loves to chase them and pop them and run into them with his head too. Crazy kid!

A video of him "chase"ing bubbles!!

Weekend fun

Labor Day weekend was a nice vacation, although not near long enough! Seems like the weekends should really be longer!!

On Saturday, we had one last pool party at Stephanie's mom's house, but only a couple of the kids got in the pool. I didn't even bring Chase's trunks (although now I am discovering that they are no where to be found...). But the kids did enjoy running around and playing. Chase loved every single second of it! He was the youngest one there but he loves playing with the big kids and they were great about playing with him too! They played ball, blew bubbles, danced and chased each other. He definitely paid no attention to his parents!!

The all star at work...notice he slammed the tee of the ground in these shots!!

Chase and Harper enjoying snacks (Harper didn't want me to take his picture)

Susan blowing bubbles with the kids

Then the guys decided they needed to show off their basketball skills! I think they probably couldn't walk the next day though. Lots of pushing, shoving and a few falls!

Look at that pro form from Famous!

Sunday, we enjoyed dinner with Nana Joan and Aunt Kay. They barbequed some yummy steaks, beans, pasta salad and more. Very good. We enjoyed sitting outside on a beautiful day!!

Monday, we got out for a little while in the morning but spent the rest of the day at home, relaxing and vegging. Overall, a beautiful and fun weekend for all!

CWC - conversations with Chase!

More CWC from this morning!!

Chase was snuggling in bed with Famous when I got out of the shower this morning. He was yelling "mama, mama, mama" until I finally came out. He then proceeded to tell me "I need a bar and milt" (nutrigrain bar and milk). I told him I needed a kiss first. So he went to give me a kiss but got distracted in the meantime, then he said again he needed a "bar and milt". I asked him "well where is my kiss" and he pointed to his cheek and said "right here mama". Such a stinker! So I stole my kiss from him and told him one of these days he was going to have to get his own bar and milk and he said "nu-uh, I too heaby (heavy with a b)", but stopped in the middle and said "no I too short". He can open the refrigerator on his own but can't reach the shelves yet!! What a smarty pants!

Summer is ending.....

So I can't even believe that summer is ending. It seems like the days fly by (at least the weekends do!!) and it will be fall before we know it. This morning's weather was just fine by me. If it could be fall all year round, I would be a happy camper!!

We spent a little time downtown a couple of weekends ago and I snapped a few shots of the boy. He loved walking around exploring and of course playing in the water fountains!

Chase got his big boy bed this week and he is just doing awesome! I think it really was time for it. He seems to really like it. The transition was a breeze and completely surprised me, as I expected our stubborn little man to be a little more difficult. But he has gone to bed relatively easy each night, sleeps later than he ever has in the past, most mornings we have had to even wake him up! I really expected him to be up and playing after we put him to bed, but he hasn't....at least not that we know of!! Hopefully that all continues!

Ready for bed
Snoozing away!

The potty issue has not been revisited yet. When we tried about a month ago, he went through 11 pairs of big boy underwear in less than 5 hours. I just got the feeling that he is not ready. I feel inadequate in this area with working with him and the sitter doesn't seem to think he is really ready either...so we feel a little lost in this area. I am sure we will try again soon though because he is getting more and more difficult with changing diapers. We try and rationally discuss that if he went pee in the potty we wouldn't have to change diapers...but yeah, not working!!

It amazes me the conversations we have with each other and how darn smart he is. The things he discovers on a daily basis and reports back to us is just amazing. Lately, he has been on this kick where he is noticing "noises" around the house, on TV or outside. We hear "what dat noithe?" about 50 times a day (his pronunciation of S's is pretty cute!!) now and he is so inquisitive. His next favorite question is "what is it?" when he fully knows what ever it is that he is asking about!! So then I have to ask him what it is and he tells me....what a turkey. He loves for us to record him singing or talking and then wants to watch the playback over and over. His expressions watching himself are so funny...he really gets a kick out of himself!!

His favorite things right now are transformers, monster trucks, blocks and sports. He loves to throw the football, kick the soccer ball and try and hit the baseball. Daddy even has him asking to watch Sportscenter in the mornings. Poor kid doesn't have a chance!!

Last weekend, Famous and I went with friends to the winery to celebrate my birthday. We enjoyed sitting outside and chatting and then decided to go play mini golf at Turkey Creek. We had a lot of fun...except for getting eaten alive by the mosquitos...it was terrible!

James and Jaime

Steph and Adam

Looking forward to the Lake this weekend for the Stokes get together! We always have a good time. Hope the weather is nice and we get some pool and lake time!

Conversations with Chase

I have a feeling there are going to be a lot more posts like this soon....the conversations I have with Chase are just so dang cute. I love being able to talk to him and we both actually understand each other!!

This morning after seeing a commercial for "Baby All Gone"

Chase: Me want baby doll mommy.
Me: No, only girls get baby dolls (sounds like his father, huh?)
Chase: Mommy get baby doll?
Me: You want to get Mommy a baby doll for her birthday?
Chase: Un huh, then me play with it.

Way to outsmart your mom Chase!!

Question and Answer

Here is a short video of Chase...we have been teaching him his name, address, city, mommy and daddy's name and of course, how old he is. See if you can decipher.....the answer key is below if you can't! I just love his little voice and the way he pronouces things!

Name (Chase Thomas Lewis)

Address (Rainbow Drive)

Where do you live (Jefferson City)

Mommy's name (Mandy)

Daddy's name (Famous)

How old are you (2)

Officially 2 1/2 years old....

Can you believe we officially have a 2 1/2 year old boy? I can't.....in some ways, it seems like he was just born! Chase is just getting so grown up, talking up a storm and becoming quite the big boy. We've not been doing a whole lot lately, seems like it is has been so dang hot, that you can't do anything outside unless you are relaxing in some water!! So we have been hanging around the house and going outside for short periods to play, water the flowers and ride the tractor with Daddy.

This past Saturday, our neighborhood had a block party (1st one in all the years we have lived there). We went over for a couple of hours, enjoyed meeting some families and watching Chase play with all the kids. I bet at least 5 people asked us if Chase was 4 or 5 years old....nope...just 2 1/2! Oh well...!

Chase watching Daddy kick the football on the roof.
Football, golf, football, golf, football, golf, which will it be?

Hanging at the mall play area

Cheese!

Chase and Daddy wrestling

Mama and Chase

Mr. Hollywood