Downtown Trick-or-Treating

Tonight the boys and I went trick-or-treating in Downtown Beaufort. It's an annual event that Beaufort puts on .... they close down Bay Street - and all the stores pass out candy. It was SO crowded, but we had such a great time! Cole was not about to wear his costume, b/c it was 86 degrees and so humid (can't blame him) - he put up a huge fight, so I didn't force it, but Jake was all about it - even though he was sweaty and hot! Jake was taking it all in as we walked up and down Bay Street getting candy :-) There were lots of kids (and parents) saying hi to Thomas! We found Casey, too (surprisingly) - and her cousin, Payton, so we were able to snap a quick picture, but since I was by myself .... it was really hard to get a lot of pictures, but I was able to get a few. Jake couldn't stop talking about it all the way home. He was so excited about the costumes, the candy, the trick-or-treating .... all of it :-) It was the first of many fun activities we have going on this weekend!

Sneak Peek ....

Well, I think we may have it right this year! After attempting to be a skunk and a pirate in previous years, Jake was able to CHOOSE his own costume this year - and he LOVES it :-) We have several festivities going on this weekend, so we tried on the costumes last night just to make sure everything was ready to go. There was lots of "choo-chooing" going on in our house before bed! :-)

Cole could've used the skunk costume that Jake didn't really use his 1st Halloween, but since the skunk costume is ridiculously HOT - and it has been in the 80s! this week, we had to go with something a little "cooler" :-)
Daddy and "Miss" Ashleigh helping Jake figure out his costume .....

I love these 3!

My 3 men .... looking sharp!!

It's Starting....

The walking process has started around here. Cole has taken 6 steps (but in this video, he takes 4). Jake has been "practicing" his walking, too - because when Cole takes a few steps, and I get all excited, Jake wants a turn, so.... Jake has been practicing as well (although I like to think he is demonstrating to Cole) :-) Who knows when Cole will be full force into the walking, but for now, he is pretty proud of the few steps he is taking here and there .... and we are proud, too!

31 Words...

Jake memorized 31 important words on Thursday. It wasn't planned - it just happened. As we were leaving base (the Naval Hospital) from our morning walk, the flag was being raised and the National Anthem being played, so all traffic comes to a stop, and as we sat there with the windows rolled down, Jake was asking what the song was, so we started talking about the National Anthem .... Then, I just decided to have him repeat the Pledge of Allegiance after me. He did. Then he said, "again mommy." So, we said it again. And Again. And Again. By the end of the day - he had it memorized (it's amazing the conversations and "teaching" opportunities you have while in the car).

As I thought about the fact that Jake was learning something that makes up so much of who we are - but at the same time not quite being able to understand what the words mean yet, I realized how often I have said this pledge, often not thinking about the true substance of these 31 words. So, I got out this coffee table book I bought several years ago called A Recommitment to America: I Pledge Allegiance by D.K. Webb. The author basically breaks down each of these 31 words and the importance of each word. It was refreshing to read this book - and be filled with pride in this amazing country we live in! It's so easy for people to look at all the things that are wrong - BUT what we forget is that there is so MUCH RIGHT! Jake will eventually learn the importance of what this pledge means, but in the meantime .... I watch my 2 1/2 year old saying this plegde, in all of his innocence, and am filled with gratitude that he has the privilege to grow up in this wonderful country - a country that many have given so much for. I sure am proud to be an American - and I hope Chris and I can instill that same pride and love of country into Jake and Cole as they get older.

"Miss" Ashleigh's Birthday

We celebrated "Miss" Ashleigh's birthday a couple of weeks ago now (I'm a slacker with pictures these days) .... and even though the balloons ended up tangled up in the ceiling fan, compliments of Jake, - it was a fun celebration of "Miss" Ashleigh with sushi and cookie cake! Ashleigh has become a special part of our lives over the past few months. Ashleigh's husband is a pilot and deployed right now (thankfully should be home in less than 2 months - yay - we are thankful and appreciative of his service!), so we've been trying to keep her busy and have lots of FUN on this end to help pass the time for her! She is pretty much a part of the family now (just ask Jake), so we wanted to help make her birthday extra special and let her know how thankful we are for her!! :-) Happy Birthday Ashleigh! We love you!

Prince Charming

Cole was being extra photogenic today, so I snapped a few shots :-) When Chris got home from work this afternoon, Jake was still taking a nap, so Cole got a little one-on-one ... and let me tell you, HE LOVED IT :-) Can you tell?!?! Then, Chris and Cole fell asleep ....