Our little trip!

In November, Bateman and I left California for three weeks to visit family and friends back home. Richard Carey came to visit us in the middle. We had so much fun playing! Here are some pictures from the first half of our trip.

We got to see the Tigers beat Ole Miss!

Bateman missed Daddy while he was away!

We got to meet Baby Collins, son of R.C.'s childhood friend, Allison.

And there was plenty of playing time with Nonna and Paw Paw.

Let's Play!

I just received this photo from the little teddy bear's mom. It's from the costume party a few months ago, but I thought it was precious and needed to be shared. I hope everyone finds time to just play today!

So Cal

I've been absent. I'm back. Here are some more pics from our adventures in Southern California at the end of October. Richard Carey and Bateman certainly enjoyed the playgrounds on the beach! We weren't brave enough to let Bateman go near the sand, but we did let him swing over it! He certainly enjoys swinging. And I think R.C. enjoys pushing.

Here is a giant "Sophie" giraffe in the Lego store at Downtown Disney. Can you believe the size of it? It's all Legos! We didn't actually go to Disneyland. We actually went to eat at ESPN Zone to watch a Giants game.

And playing near the water again!

We are so grateful we got to tag along for R.C.'s work trip!

San Juan Capistrano

Richard Carey recently had some training to attend in Southern California, so Bateman and I went along for the ride. I mean, it wasn't too painful since we were staying in Laguna Beach. Aunt Anne Marie came to join us for a few days, and while RC was sitting in training, we visited the only mission in Orange Country, San Juan Capistrano. It was beautiful to see the old buildings and learn about the history of those who devoted their lives to spreading Catholocism in the area. There is still a school adjacent to the grounds and there is a beautiful chapel where Mass is celebrated daily. Sometimes it is difficult for me to get involved at historical sites, but the audio tour provided commentary, music, and storytelling to enrich the experience. Here are some photos from our time there.

Aunt Anne Marie and Bateman at the koi pond.

Bateman as the señor.

Auntie Anne as the señorita.

The giant cacti with only a 24-hour bloom period... and we were fortunate enough to see them!

Daddy is a nice Nooth Grush

Storyville

Tucked nicely in the New Orleans City Park is a precious land called Storyville. It's a place for imaginations and little person energy release. Children were delighted to see stories such as the Three Little Pigs and Jack and Jill depicted in fun, interactive displays. It was a place where Richard Carey's mama took him when he was a tot. We spent a little time there with Granna on our last trip. Bateman even got to ride the giant "Sophie" giraffe. (His toy giraffe's name is Sophie, so we call all giraffes "Sophie.") What a splendid place. I think Bateman liked it.

Grammie's Big Day

Almost a month ago, we planned a surprise family-together trip for Grammie's Birthday.

It was a short trip, but I feel that we were able to have good, quality time together.

Here's Aunt Anne Marie with a very happy Bateman.

Bateman's short Fall photo shoot... he only ate a little hay.

October birthday party at the beautiful Bogue Chitto State Park... you Louisiana people should check it out. Great trails, tent spaces, and really nice cabins.

After a delicious and entertaining dinner,

we celebrated Grammie with cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde.

Sweet Fam

We took our chocolately selves to a baby/family potluck costume party yesterday evening. It was so great to see babies and families from the nursing support group we attended almost every Wednesday for six months! It's been 3 months since we've seen some of them, so there was plenty of growth to discuss. Praise God for the health of all of them. The babies were just adorable in their costumes. Bateman and a few playmates around his age were crawling and scooting all over the place. When it was time for a group photo, the younger babes all sat so still on the sofa, while the older more rebellious cruisers did their thing on the floor. I was both surprised and thrilled that Bateman's costume stayed in one piece with all of his moving around. Sweet little Bateman... can't you just eat him up?

PB Kids

Look at what Richard Carey discovered in Pottery Barn Kids. Does anything strike you?

Let's Go Fly a Kite

On Friday we celebrated Bateman turning 7 months with kite flying. I can't remember ever successfully flying a kite before so it was really fun. We drove to a nearby marina for guaranteed success. Bateman was surely interested in all the fun.

Moving On

As you can see here, Bateman is transitioning from infant toys to scootin' and sittin'! And he's pretty happy about it.

Back 2 School Birthday Party

We recently had a karaoke party for some friends (and us) whose birthdays fell into the virgo birthday timeframe. Since school also starts up during this time, we made it Back 2 School theme which welcomed letterman jackets, drama personalities, college sports enthusiasts, and one really tall KISS fan (tall because he was in 7 inch boots). My friend Kristin and I made a fabulous school bus cake and I assisted her with some homemade pizzas. We sang the classics: Bohemian Rhapsody, Bobby Mcgee, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and an emotional rendition of Puff the Magic Dragon. It was huge fun. Even bigger than 7 inch platforms.

I woke up this morning

with a 6 month old who has a new tooth! We had our monthly photo shoot in the front yard this morning. This time, we brought our trusty giraffe friend Sophie. I even got a picture of the tooth pushing through. I won't tell you how many attempts that took.