A Walk in the Park

This summer we've had lots of fun playing with all of our friends.  It is so nice to have a group of friends with babies around the same age.  Getting together at least once a week is an absolute must throughout the summer.  Last Wednesday we met Logan, Lily, Caroline, and their moms at a local park.  We had planned on going swimming that morning, but surprisingly, a "cold" front (I use the term loosely as it was about 80 instead of the typical triple digits).  We wanted to swim in the morning before naps, etc. but figured the water might be a little chilly since it was a toddler pool.  We settled for the park instead which turned out to be wonderful.  The weather could not have been more beautiful and the park was covered in big trees that provided lots of shade!  Preston loved the sticks and dirt- what else is there at a park?

These two are exactly one week a part!  (We even had our work baby showers together)!

"Speak softly and carry a big stick." -Teddy Roosevelt

Trying to get a picture with all four looking at the camera and smiling= impossible

They were over it....

My favorite of the day!

He LOVED walking around and playing with every stick he could find.

 Just swingin'

Father's Day 2011

I know I'm a little late on this post- but Father's Day was such a blessing.  Good friends, Good family, Good food, and FUN! 

We started the morning attending our first church service as a family... I know... we should have done this a long time ago, but we are doing it now and that is what counts!  Both Brad and I decided on a Methodist Church in our town.  It was a wonderful service and made me really miss my childhood memories.  Of course, we only stayed in the actual service for about 5 minutes (after Preston had tried to rip a bible, ran from us and laughed, and a few other mishaps), but we were able to sit right outside on a little bench.  We could see through a large class window and they had the audio playing throughout the church.  It was nice because Preston could run around (and visit old ladies by the donuts and give them the look to earn just one more because Mama had cut him off), but we could also hear the sermon.  Both Brad and I are not ready to send Preston to a nursery where we don't know anyone, but maybe, in a couple of months, we could actually sit through the entire thing.  We witnessed a baptism of a sweet baby boy- and this really got me thinking how we need to do this soon.  It is definitely on the agenda, I just want to become more familiar with the church beforehand. 

This is Mr. Preston Robert himself looking so handsome for church!

After church, we came home and Preston took a great nap.  When he woke up, we immediatly packed up and headed Daddy Steve and Sherry's for a pool party/ cook out in honor of these amazing Daddy's!

The Emerson's- Father's Day 2011

The two most important men in my life!!!

Dad helping son, helping his son...

Ava- the fish!

Michael (Phelps) <as we called Justin throughout the day because he did not take these goggles off once>.

Two of my favorite ladies!

My boo

Ava could not be a better big cousin!

Still playing games like they were 7.

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

- Unknown

SWEET Summer Time

How can THREE weeks of summer already be over?  WOW!!!!  We've been enjoying every moment (well except for those moments when Preston decides to become a monster)! 

A couple of Sundays ago, Brad had finished doing some yard work (when is he not doing yard work should be the question), and Preston had just woken up.  We decided sweet Popsicles would be a nice treat for everyone to enjoy (except for Mom who had photo taking duty instead).  I got some super cute and fun pictures of my son being just like his daddy.  AND these days he is doing that a lot. 

ANYTHING Brad does, Preston tries to mimic.  In fact, we were trying to get out of the house the other day and both Preston and Brad were walking to the door.  Brad stopped and sat down to put on his tennis shoes.  About three feet behind him, his little mini me, also stopped and sat down to act like he was putting his shoes on (which I would like to point out were already put on him about 5 minutes before hand).  When Brad pulls weeds in the yard, Preston follows behind pulling lovely chunks of St, Augustine.  It is so neat to see how much Preston wants to be just like his Daddy.  And based on stories I've heard of Brad as a little boy, we are headed RIGHT in that direction... Lord help me now!

Now- onto enjoying SWEET summer time....

Adding a little blueberries into the mix!

P LOVES water!

Like Father Like Son!

Take a Picture- It Last Longer!

Here is a picture update (which I know is the most important part) of the happenings in Preston's life!

Mid-May Aunt Candace and Ava came to take care of Preston while Aunt Katie was out of town-

Aunt Candace got some super cute pictures:)

How about a milk beard instead of a milk mustache?

He loves to blow kisses!

Personal opinion alert: I think they look just alike in this picture- but that's just me!

Playing the WII

Tooth brush and all...

We incorporated "teeth brushing" into Preston's bed time routine right when he turned one.  Let's just say he LOVES it- so much so he carries his tooth brush everywhere with him and screams when I brush my teeth because he wants to join.  SO I'm guessing the whopping SIX teeth that he has are very clean!

Things brings new meaning to the term "bed head," or should I say "crib" head?!?

Preston got a leather chair.  Oddly enough, his Daddy has been wanting one for years, but he got one first!

I know, I know.   We swore we weren't turning around his car seat until he was TWO- or even 18 months at the earliest- BUT things change... reference "Never Say Never" post.  Preston was turning into a monster in the car, so when he turned 13 months (as he met legal standards at 20 lbs and 12 mo), we turned him around.  Life is SO much better- until he throws things at me....

"Yes mom, I have your wallet... I am very used to spending your money already."

This is supposed to be a race track toy that little cars go around (Sissy's Easter present to P).

BUT Preston thinks it's so much more fun to ride on it:)

The pictures above and below were taken right when Preston started taking independent steps.  Please notice how his hands are straight up in the air.  How do I explain to a one year old that doesn't help with balance and is the main reason he gets carpet burn on his cute little forehead?

He has become obsessed with his Daddy's ties- LOVES them!

One morning, when I woke up, I couldn't find the two of them- after looking in the back yard, this is what I found.  I don't know what got more water- the plants or Preston?  BUT he does love it- and now, every night, we all go outside to water the plants (and Preston)!

Swimming and Watermelon (and a cute toddler too)!

And finally- our first OFFICIAL day of summer.  Headed to our first swim lesson (June 7, 2011)