He's so, so good!

So today Parker and I spent some time at the revenue office. A lot of time. Like over an hour. Of course, I put renewing my tags and getting a new license plate off until the last possible day of the month. And of course, I waited so long that I couldn't do it online in order for them to come in in time.

Anyway, I have to brag on Parker. He was so well-behaved. In the span of an hour, he played on my phone, "wrote" P for his name (I use that term very loosely), and did lots of role play. He was Alvin (from Alvin and the Chipmunks), Kristi (the lady who cuts our hair), and a fireman. Now, I'm not that mom who is ever going to pretend her child is perfect. I've been in education too long for that. But, I will say that today when I really needed him to be good, he delivered.

Being home with him this summer has made me fall in love with him even more (if that's possible). I feel like I'm always learning something new, and I love to watch him and observe his personality. I'm learning that he's really a calm child. Now, don't get me wrong, he plays like a boy and definitely has moments of craziness, but sitting still and focusing on a task is the norm for him, not the exception. I'm also realizing how shy he really is. I have no clue where he gets this, but he's very hesitant in new situations and with new people. He will hide behind me when someone's talking to him. After he gets comfortable, he's good to go.

Disclaimer (I reserve the right to rescind all this after we return from vacation in 2 weeks).

1st camping trip

A few months ago, Parker started talking a lot about going camping. He wanted to roast marshmallows and fish. So for his birthday, Marmee and Poppa got him a tent. I mean, isn't that what every 3 year old needs....a tent that sleeps 7 people?

A few nights before they were to set out, Phillip decided to set up the tent in the backyard.

 The camping trip was scheduled for 1 night since Poppa and Phillip weren't too sure how this was going to turn out. When they first got there, they set up the tent and laid Parker down for his nap. I don't think he actually slept, but they said he "rested" in front of the fan.

 I'm pretty sure he spent the rest of the trip throwing rocks. They said he probably threw 400 rocks over the course of the trip. I don't think he did much to help Poppa and Phillip's fishing attempts.

Parker actually did really well (according to Phillip), and he says next time they'll stay for two nights. When it was time to go to sleep, Parker told Phillip to turn off the moon because it was too bright.

The next day, they went to MASM and enjoyed the pirate exhibit.

All Aboard the Birthday Train!

We celebrated Parker's 3rd birthday with a train party. We held it at a local garden/nursery that you can rent out for events. We had a train ride, bouncy house, swing set, plasma cars, and tractors to ride. We're so blessed that so many of our fabulous friends came to spend the day with us.

My talented friend, Cara Beth Buie took all the pictures. I love every single one of them, but I'm not going to post them all here!

 Phillip and I made the train cake. :) In his words, "I don't think anyone's going to be hiring us to do their kid's cake anytime soon, but it looks fine!"

 Talented Aunt Coco spent countless hours making the cookies.

The cookies outshined our cake!

 During the train ride, "Bad Bart" held us up. It was so funny! Parker took it very seriously, and he's still talking about it today. A few kids did cry, but Parker didn't flinch!

Bad Bart isn't really that bad...he gave the birthday boy one of the coins he stole.

So apparently our child DOES NOT like the birthday song sung to him. He FLIPPED OUT.

 Have I mentioned how completely in love we are with this 3 year old little boy?

Our best attempt at a family picture.