Nathan is Two Years Old!!

The Panda Bear turned two years old on the 27th. We had a small family party for him at the house. We played games and went to the pool. Nathan loved seeing his cousins and, of course, eating cake. The leftover cake has been sitting on the kitchen counter and he keeps waving to it and patting my arm. I think my son has a sweet tooth!
















We can't wait to see what this year has in store for our little guy! Happy Birthday Nathan!

Nathan's Day at the Beach

Nathan has always had a rough time when he experienced something new for the first time. We didn't know how he would react to a trip to the beach but he loved it! We were so surprised and happy! Here we are waiting for the boat.




We took a boat ride to get to the beach Ron's family prefers. Nathan didn't like the life vest but he didn't cry. He frowned at the boat's noisy motor for a few minutes and then relaxed and seemed to enjoy the ride. I was so shocked! I was holding him tightly so I didn't get any pictures of the boat ride.









When we got to the beach, he was a bit clingy but soon decided to investigate this sand stuff that was everywhere. He was cautious at first and Aunt Penny showed him how to dig in the sand. After he got over his trepidation, he went nuts and dug like a dog, threw sand, and even tried to eat the sand. The sand stuck to his sunscreen lotion and he looked like a sugar cookie.











After a while he started to wander so I took his hand and said, "Show Mama what you want." He pulled me across the beach toward the water and, to my amazement, waded on in. Nathan enjoyed walking in the wet sand and watching the tide. It was his first time in the ocean.














He later discovered sea shells which were everywhere and enjoyed throwing them into the water and putting them in his little bucket.














The next day we went to a different beach and played again. Overall the ocean was a hit with our little panda bear.

Going to meet Grandpa and Grandma!

This is a picture of Nathan and Daddy waiting to board the plane that will take us to North Carolina. Fortunately this plane trip was MUCH easier than the last one. This is the first time Nathan will meet anyone from Ron's side of the family.

He wasn't thrilled about getting on the plane. I think he remembered the last trip but he settled down and enjoyed looking out the window.



At the end of the journey was the best part -- Grandma and Grandpa! Nathan has been getting in some good snuggles since we have been here.



Mom and Dad's Shitzu "Buttons" has been following Nathan around since we arrived. They were nervous about how Nathan would interact with the dogs but he has had LOTS of experience at our house and they are getting along great. Nathan was a little distressed about being in a new house at first but now he is enjoying having a new place to explore.

Happy Birthday America!!

Nathan is showing his patriotic colors.




















Nana (Mom) put on a great feast! All my life, I've never seen my Mom use a grill. I didn't know she knew how. Here is the proof!





Nathan gets a hug from Aunt Jennell. He poses with his cousins Daniel and James.








The Redhawks played and we braved the crowds to go to the game. It was Nathan's first baseball game! He stared wide-eyed at the crowds of people and I wished I could read his thoughts.




When the crowds would cheer or the music would play suddenly he would leap into our arms, like he is doing with Nana in these pictures, and squeal. In about the fourth inning he started to enjoy the noise and began dancing to the music much to the entertainment of people around us. He had a great time and was exhausted by the time we left downtown.


After the game came to an end, the fireworks started over the ball field.















We were concerned that the fireworks might scare Nathan but he loved them. After a while he began to "Ooh" along with the crowd.