A Boy and His Truck

I've mentioned before how much Scott loves his pick up truck.


So do you see anything wrong with the picture below? You can probably imagine how long it lasted.


He was actually quite fine when she took his tool box. He was even okay when she climbed in for a second with the door open.


When she started in with the sound effects, he had to put his foot down and remind her that it was HIS truck.

That's okay. She was content with just the tool box anyway.

The Incredible Pizza Company

Last week, we went to the Incredible Pizza Company for the first time with some friends after church. It was our first time there, and we were grateful to have Aaron & Anna show us around. We went in honor of Natalie and Abel's first birthday. They share May 20th as their special day. The big brothers, of course, came along too and enjoyed the action.


Natalie thrived in the stimulation-overload environment. She did not want to be held, but instead went from thing to thing with her arms flapping in delight. Scott stayed near and took everything in with wide eyes. He definitely had fun though and enjoyed playing the games with Daddy.

The birthday girl crashed minutes after we left. Thanks again Aaron and Anna for a fun outing!

At the Park

We now live closer to a nice park, and we've been able to take advantage of it as the weather has been nicer. They have paved trails and a fun (yet often muddy) play area. The kids love the swings!



When the trail gets too long, Natalie snacks on the stroller. I recall Scott doing this too as a baby. Must feel good on those swollen gums??

After a lesson from the expert rock thrower, Scott enjoyed tossing rocks into the creek. We did this once, and he's been asking to do it again and again each time we go. Jon spent many hours tossing rocks in creeks as a kid and is trying to pass on his love for this pastime to his son.


Jon and Scott trekked up and down the big, famous hill one time. Natalie and I waved from the base and took pictures. :)


We look forward to many more hours spent at the park this summer!

Howdy

My mom found my old Howdy Doody doll and sent it home with me a few weeks ago. For some reason, Scott was a bit nervous around old Howdy. Perhaps it was that big smile. Or perhaps it was those mischievous eyes. I picked up on Scott's sensitivity and did what every good mom would do. I made Howdy "talk" to Scott and then chased him around the basement with the big mouthed doll. We did this for several days in a row. Scott actually liked it...kind of like people like big roller coasters. He would scream (with 90% delight and 10% fear) as he ran from the talking Howdy Doody. I asked him to sit down close to Howdy for a picture. Scott didn't want to take his eyes off of him though. That was a little too close for comfort. If he ends up needing counseling someday, we will see why. :)

Natalie had no reservations however, and she quickly tried to disrobe Howdy.


He is a little freaky...isn't he? Or maybe a lot freaky. This is the reason that I returned him back to my parents house. They were thrilled. :)

ONE

Look who is growing up before our eyes...







Okay...actually we all are aging mighty fast. Time sure flies!

Happy first birthday, Natalie! We love you!

"Give me that cake!"

All part of her plan...

If I get enough food in my hair, down my neck, and up my sleeves...

Mommy will have to put me in the tub!

HOORAY! It worked yet again!

Mr. Scott

In a month from today, Scott will be turning 3 years old! His wants for his birthday are ever changing, and his list is constantly growing. Most of the items he is requesting are trains. He is VERY into the Thomas trains right now. He's even suggested that Natalie receive a few trains for her birthday, as well. What a thoughtful big brother!

Within the last few weeks, we have noticed that Scott has gotten a lot better with entertaining himself and playing independently. Jon thinks it's because Natalie is much more of a busy body and our attention has been pulled more toward her. I like to think that Scott is just maturing. Regardless of the reason, it has been wonderful and amusing to overhear him playing all by himself!

He helped Jon build a couple of things with wood in the garage and loved it! It was like Bob the Builder LIVE! Being the cautious soul that he is, he made sure to cover his ears whenever Jon used his saw or air compressor.



He told us that his truck started leaking "trunk" oil and that he needed to take it to a mechanic. There have been too many quotes from him that have made me laugh lately. I usually jot them down and tell Jon when he gets home from work at night.

Today, we were playing in the basement when Scott needed to run upstairs for a Kleenex. He started to head up, but then came back down to very seriously ask me if I would baby-sit Natalie while he was away. I told him that I thought I could manage to keep an eye on her for a couple of minutes. :)

Guess who apparently discovered my camera? When I went to download my pictures, I discovered about 20 shots of the computer printer, floor, and the culprit. He even took about five video clips of these items, as well. I'm not sure where on earth his mother was when all this was going on. Since my camera still seems to work properly, I was able to laugh at my finding!


I always used to think that I'd want my babies to stay small forever, but I am loving interacting with my soon-to-be 3 year old. It's fun to have conversations with him and to teach him things. He was asking me the other day, "So did God put eyes in me to make me?" and "Does God forgive Mommy? Natalie? Daddy? Grandma? Grandpa?" ...the list went on and on... It's so special, and admittedly, somewhat intimidating, to have these small spiritual conversations with Scott. I want so much to be able to answer his questions in a way that makes sense to him, yet is biblically accurate. It takes thinking through each line or phrase and then anticipating his next question. We pray daily that Scott's heart will be open to the Lord and that he will come to know Christ as his Savior.

Enough for now!