Disney Day 4

Today we journeyed to Disney's Animal Kingdom.  Thomas was a wild man today.  James and I are both battling a cold, so that made it harder on us to keep up with him today too. Poor Thomas still has his cough and runny nose too.

My boys!

Thomas playing drums in "Africa"

The Tree of Life

We did run into Mary Pat and her family as we entered the park.  It was nice to meet her and her family. This park didn't have many rides for little ones do, more things to look at and shows to watch.  James said he did enjoy Kilimanjaro Safari.  On the Safari there were elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and many other animals.  We went to a bird show and I had to take Thomas out early because he wasn't interested.  We rode on a Dinosaur that took us "high."

We went to see the show Finding Nemo, which Thomas had been talking about all day.  The show was 40 minutes long, and Thomas only lasted half of it.  James took him out midway through, and when we met up after the show, Thomas was fast asleep.  He slept for about an hour.  While he was sleeping we ran into Dan and his family and Ken and his family.  It was so nice to finally get to meet everyone!!

We had dinner reservations at Rainforest Cafe with TIA families.  We were a party of 21, with 11 of those children.  We didn't get to all sit together, but it was nice that we all were together at one time!  I can't believe I didn't get a picture of us all together!!!

Disney Day 3

Today we went back to the Magic Kingdom.  This park has so much for Thomas and Jordan to do we wanted to spend the most time there. 

 

The three of us and a big baby belly!!

Jennifer, Shawn, and Jordan

When we first arrived we went straight to Mickey's Toontown Fair where Thomas rode his first roller coaster.  I wasn't able to ride that ride so he rode with his daddy.  When the ride was over he was ready to ride again right then!  He really loved it.  Then we rode a train that takes you all around Magic Kingdom.  When the train dropped us off back in Mickey's Toontown Fair we toured Mickey's house where we met Mickey and Minnie.

After lunch we went back to Fantasyland and wrote several rides there.  James had to leave early to go back to work the booth, but the rest of us stayed and continued our day of fun.  We went through a Haunted House (which didn't scare Thomas at all and I was surprised at that!) and rode a honey car through The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  

We were also able to met Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Rafaki today.  Thomas didn't like Rafaki and only would say to him, "Bye, Bye."  Thats what he said when he was ready for them to go away.

We headed to eat and then went back to our room to hang out.  Day came over and hung out with us for a while tonight.  It was good to get to spend some time with him.

Disney World Day 2 Hollywood Studios

Today we woke up early to make it to Disney Hollywood Studios.  Our day started with breakfast with June and Leo from The Little Einsteins, and JoJo and Goliath from JoJos Circus.  The second Thomas saw JoJo he couldn't take his eyes off of her.  The characters came around to greet us as we ate a yummy breakfast.  From time to time they would sing and dance.  The boys were so cute trying to imitate the characters.

Before breakfast

Us with JoJo

After breakfast we high-tailed it to Toy Story Midway Mania to get FastPass tickets.  One of James' business partners, Ken, told us if we wanted to ride that we needed to get FastPass immediately. We were there right when the park opened and our FastPass was still for 2 hours later.  Our first stop was Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage.  Thomas and Jordan loved it!!  We watched Muppet Vision 3-D, Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage, Voyage of The Little Mermaid.  The Toy Story Mania was awesome!  It was also in 3-D and thankfully Thomas wore his glasses while we were in there.  He didn't want to wear them during the Muppet show.  

James and Thomas during Toy Story Midway Mania

We had to leave around 2 so James and Jenn could get to the booth.  The boys napped, then we took them to the playground.  We had pizza for dinner!  It was another wonderful day in Disney World!!

James, Jordan, Thomas, and Shawn

Tomorrow we are going back to the Magic Kingdom.  There are so many things to do there we are going to spend 3 days there!!

Disney Relaxing Day

James and Day talking to someone at the booth.

Today James and Jenn had several times they had to be at the Exhibit Hall so we had a low key day.  The boys and I needed a day to rest up so we would have the energy for the rest of the week. Shawn, Jordan, Thomas, and I went to Wal-Mart to get food for the week.  The boys were still tired and sleep deprived so it was quite a trip.  We went to eat lunch at Bob Evans and then brought the boys home for an afternoon nap.  

James and Jenn headed back to the Exhibit Hall.  After the boys woke from their nap Shawn and I went over to the Outlet Mall that is walking distance from our room.  There was a playground the boys could plan on over there.  They really liked that the playground had recycled shredded tires as the playground mulch.

After the playground we went to pick up Jenn and James and see their booth.  The boys enjoyed visiting different booths to see what freebies they were giving away.  They loved playing with the Slinkys.  We headed to Chili's for dinner and made it home in time to get the boys in bed at a somewhat decent hour!

Disney World Day 1

Friday night we (James, Thomas, Jenn, Shawn, Jordan, and I) flew down to Orlando. This week is the Actuarial Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.  James' company has a booth in the exhibit hall and all employees are here for the trip.  We came down a day early to get a good jump on some fun!

Friday night the boys were so excited to fly in an airplane.  Thomas and Jordan both acted like Little Einsteins at take off.  All 6 of us were pat, pat, patting, and then "Blast off!"  If you haven't seen Little Einsteins then you have no idea what I am talking about!!

Saturday morning we woke up and headed to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.  Every little thing get the boys excited.  We rode a "train" (shuttle) and then a ferry to get to the entrance.  Once inside we watched Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and friends dance and sing as we were welcomed to Magic Kingdom.  We went into Fantasyland and rode the Tea Cups, Dumbo, It's a Small World, and many other rides.  We energized with Hot Dogs and Pooh and Tigger walked by while we were eating!

After riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Riding in the tea cup

We visited Tomorrowland and cooled off in the Carousel of Progress.  Buzz Lightyear's Space Rangers Spin was a lot of fun too!!  Afterwards we had a picture made with Buzz and we got his autograph.  Thomas was scared to death of Buzz.  He didn't even see what we were doing until we were about 2 people away from meeting him.  

After a few more rides in Tomorrowland, including driving a car on the Indy Speedway, we headed over for dinner in Liberty Square(Thomas took a little nap on the way over and while we were waiting to eat) at the Liberty Tree Tavern with some friends.  Minnie Mouse, Chip and Dale, Goofy, and Pluto stopped by our table while we were eating to meet us.  Thomas did get his picture made with Minnie and Chip (they were the last two that came by).  He even gave Chip a high five!

Thomas with Minnie Mouse

After dinner we found our spots for the parade while James and Jen went to ride Space Mountain.  I couldn't ride because of being pregnant, and they wouldn't let Shawn take the stroller go through the line.  It started to sprinkle right as the parade came through, and went away shortly before it started really raining.  We loaded up and started to head out, but it only lasted a few minutes and we watched the parade from another spot in the park.  We decided to hang out to watch the fireworks before we called it a day.

Needless to say everyone was worn out that night.  We went back to our room to rest up for another fun day! Sunday James and Jenn have to set up the booth for the exhibit so we will have a very low key day.  The boys (and me!!) need a day to relax!

What 2 years old looks like to us!

I now believe all the people that have told me he would grow up so fast.  Its true and he is growing up too fast!!  

Here are some things about our two year old!

*Thomas loves to play outside.  He loves to ride his tricycle and his 4 wheeler.  He also loves to go hit golf balls with his daddy.  James enjoys it too!!

*He talks all the time.  Unfortunately he has been on a streak of telling people they are "Mean."  I hope that ends soon!

*He wants Coal to go everywhere we go.  When we are getting ready to leave he asks "Coal us?"  Sometimes he throws a little tantrum if Coal can't go!

*He loves to see his family.  He will ask about different members of our family and want to go see them.  He is so sweet!

*Thomas likes to go to school.  I say like because when we drive past school he gets excited and talks about his school, but when we turn into the school parking lot sometimes he says, "NO!"  When we get there to pick him up he isn't quite ready to leave!  We know he has fun there.  His teacher, Mrs. Donna, is wonderful!!  He even went poopoo on the potty for her!

*He is still obsessed with Lynleigh!  He tells me out of the blue sometimes, "I want dat Lynleigh Mommy."  

*He can count to 7!

*He refers to himself as "Me."  He will not say Thomas, but he was say T-a-mas.  Silly boy!!

*His favorite movie is 99 Puppies (aka 101 Dalmations!).

As any mother could I could go on and on, but I'll save more for another time!!  I'll end with a picture of our handsome man! He is saying "Cheese".

Baby #2

The face is on the left.   The baby has its elbows up with its hands behind its head.

Sweet little feet!!

Another face shot!

We had our 20 week ultrasound and had a chance to see our sweet little one!  The ultrasound technician was very nice and let us watch the baby moving all around.  The baby was stretching, moving its mouth, and wiggling all around!  Best of all the Dr. said that the baby is growing perfectly and that everything looks great!  We did not find out what the baby will be, we are having a surprise delivery!!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

We cannot believe our little boy is two years old!  He has brought so much excitement to our lives. What did we do before we had Thomas? It is amazing how much he has grown up over these past 2 years.  

At his 2 year check up he weighed 30.10 pounds and is 37 inches tall.  Our pediatrician said he looks great!  Thomas talks all the time now.  He says some pretty funny things.  Anytime I talk to someone on the phone or in person he says, "Who dat?" when I answer him he say "oh."  When he falls or bumps into something, he tells us everytime, "I fine."  I guess he doesn't want his mommy to worry he was hurt!  

We had a birthday party with some of Thomas' friends the morning of his birthday.  We rented a Moon Bounce for the kids to jump in.  Thomas wouldn't get in it, but all the other kids enjoyed it!

The next day we had family over for BBQ and more jumping.  It was a great birthday weekend!

Buddies Jordan and Thomas

Friends

Family

Thomas reading his Alabama book while Pappy opens his new puzzles!

Mimi and Aunt JoJo

Ma and Pa

Gymnastics

Thomas started Gymnastics class a few weeks ago.  He loves it!  He cheers for everyone after its their turn.  During class they jump on the trampoline, crawl/walk over an obstacle course, work on the beam, and practice on the low bar.  Here are some pictures of him during his first class.

On the obstacle course

Thomas on the bar

Two loves!

Here is a picture of two things that Thomas loves!  Thomas loves my brother, Doug.  He calls him Gunkle.  He talks about Gunkle all the time!  One morning Thomas woke up and was talking to himself in his crib.  He was saying, "No, No Gunkle" over and over again.  I'm not sure what Gunkle did, but Thomas was telling him no, no.  If you know Doug, then you know that Thomas isn't the first one that has told him no!

Thomas also loves cutting grass with Gunkle (or just riding on the lawnmower!).  He watches him while he edges and does the weed eating.  When Doug is mowing Thomas rides with him.  He loves it!!  Anytime Thomas sees or hears a lawnmower he says with a smile, GUNKLE!!!

Getting caught up!

I know its been way to long since our last post.  We have been super busy with things going on in our lives.    Heres a top 10 list where we've been and what we have been doing!

10. We took a trip to Washington D.C. at the beginning of April.  James was there teaching a seminar.  My parents, Thomas, and I headed up at the end of the seminar.  Below is a picture of us during a tour of the Capitol.  

9.  We took Thomas to the A-day game to watch Alabama play football vs. Alabama.  We met our friends Matt, Marina, and their little boy John Wallace at the game.  We also got to visit with Josh and Mikey before the game.  Heres Thomas with Uncle Mikey.

8.  My good friend Brandy got married!  I was honored to be a bridesmaid at their beautiful ceremony!  Congrats Brandy and Jonathon!  Here is a picture of me, Miranda, Brandy, and Nolan.

7.  Some terribly sad things have happened too.  My Uncle Danny was diagnosed with cancer back in April.  He was fighting it, but had a stroke and passed away on June 5th.  We all miss him dearly.  No one could deliver a joke like Uncle Danny!!  Heres is pic of Aunt JoJo and Uncle Danny.

6.  Another bit of sad news involves my sweet dog Shadow.  Shadow had to go live with my parents a little over a year ago because of his aggression.  He loved being a country dog!  Unfortunately Shadow had very had arthritis in his back that put him in daily pain.  This pain caused him to become even more aggressive.  My parents knew he couldn't handle the pain so with agreement from the vet, Shadow was laid to rest on June 13th.  Oh how I miss that silly dog!! A few weeks after Shadow was put to rest a kitten showed up at my parents house. Doug named our new "sister" Oreo.  Shadow hated cats.  I guess someone though my parents needed a kitten.  My sweet Shadow:

5.  My parents took our family and Dougs family on a trip to the beach.  Thomas loved everything about it!  He still talks about wanting to go back to the beach.

4. James dad and Mary came up and we went with them to a wedding in Germantown, TN.  It was so nice seeing James dads side of the family.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures on this trip.  

3.  James won a seat to play in the World Series of Poker for the 2nd time.  He was pretty much in Vegas for a week and a half.  He did great in the tournament and even made some money!  Way to go James!!!

2. We celebrated Sherri's 50th b'day!!  We had a great pool party for her with BBQ, cakes, margaritas, and her favorite fruit watermelon.  For her birthday she wanted us to all to the beach and have a family portrait made.  The pictures turned out fabulous!  We had fun at the waterpark while at the beach too!

1.  James and I found out in May that we will be having another baby in mid January!!  I am 13 weeks pregnant now.  I haven't felt good at all, but I think I am finally feeling back to myself.  We are not going to find out what we are having.  We are very excited!!!

Thomas' Picture

We went to Portrait Innovations today to have Thomas' picture taken.  Go here to see most of the shots:


http://gallery.mac.com/james.washer#100038

Our Nephew Alex

I know it has been awhile since the blog has been updated.  We've been busy (more on that in later posts).  I wanted to brag about our nephew Alex.  He's a great kid.  He just got his report card and had all A's again!

He is also a great soccer player.  He had 4 goals last game and 6 goals in the game before that.   Here he is in action:

We are proud of you Alex!  Keep up the hard work.

Where does the time go?

I know its been a while since our last post. We have been very busy.

Thomas continues to grow taller, say more words, and climb on anything and everything! He is happiest when he is outside. He loves riding his car, four wheeler, and pushing his wagon. He also loves to swing at golf balls.

Here is a picture of Thomas at the park a couple of weekends ago.

Meet Thomas' girlfriend!

Well maybe they won't be girlfriend and boyfriend, but thats what we all have been saying they would be one day!

Lynleigh Brooke was born January 30, 2008. She weighed 8lbs, 1oz, and is 20 inches long. Isn't she beautiful!! Congrats to Shawn, Jenn, and big brother Jordan.

I didn't take a picture of Jennifer but I should have. She looks fabulous, you couldn't tell she had just had a baby. She said she pushed for "maybe 5 minutes." Poor thing!

Snow storm 2008!

Well it wasn't really a snow "storm," but I'll call it that for fun! Here are some pics from the snow we got this morning! Unfortunately most of it has melted away already. It was fun while it lasted.

Our house with the snow falling.


Thomas as he stepped into the snow for the first time!


Thomas and his mommy!

Our little froggy

Serious Frog:


Happy Frog: