Extra Special Day thanks to Day Day!

My Daddy has been planning to get Drew his first Power Wheels and mentioned it a couple of times. We were thinking his birthday or Christmas would be a good time but after seeing him on one a few weeks ago, my Dad figured what the heck. While in Myrtle Beach we checked a few out and fell in love with a Ford F-150 at Wal-Mart. It's a little smaller than most of them and the perfect size for Drewby! Unfortunately the store didn't have any in stock. We looked at another Wal-Mart but they didn't have any either. I figured it wasn't going to work out but sweet Daddy went to a Wal-Mart near my sister's house when we returned and scored the last one!!! He charged it all night and brought it over today for Drewby! It was so wonderful! It didn't take any time for Drew to figure out how to work it. His steering still needs improvement so we have to run along side the truck and assist. I'm sure we would do that regardless. It was such a special day for Drew and we thank Day Day for the great gift! However, I may not be thanking him long if what happened this evening continues. Drew went to the door that leads to the garage three times and hung on the door handle begging to go outside. Of course he headed for the truck each time. I want him to enjoy riding it but wasn't planning on doing it 24/7!

Day Day shows the truck to Drew for the first time!
Day Day shows Drew where the gas pedal is. He only had to show him once!
Ready to roll!

Drew jukes out to the Youngbloods

Drew, Bailey and I picked up my parents at the airport Wednesday evening and headed straight for Myrtle Beach. Winds from Tropical Storm Fay kept us from enjoying the beach but we still had a nice time golfing, spending time together, visiting with Judy and of course playing with Drew and his many, many trucks. He found tons of new racetracks at Mom and Dad's house including a china cabinet ledge, window sill and wicker chest. The world is Drew's racetrack! We laughed at him carrying arm fulls of trucks and cars from one racetrack to the next. He liked to have all the automobiles with him and didn't see the point in making more than one trip. Drew got a big 18 wheeler that holds 20 or so match box cars and thought that was pretty cool! We drove back Saturday and had dinner at Cristie's along with the Gundersons. The food was delicious and even after all I've eaten today, I can't get my mind off of that homemade mac-n-cheese. Mmmmm!!!!

Both of my babies love Day Day!
In a play train at the mall food court.
Sweet kisses for Whitley!
More kisses! Big bruise on his face from a fall last week :(
Loungin' for the photo shoot.

Day Day was twirling his finger to the music and Drew started doing it. We thought it was so darn adorable!!!

Backpackin'

Drew and I have had a nice week so far. He was my little sweetie as we ran a ton of errands. My parents arrive tomorrow and Drew and I are heading straight to Myrtle Beach with them. We will come back this weekend and then leave Tuesday for Destin, FL. I had a to-do list a mile long so was trying to scratch some things off in order to minimize the hectic Monday I have in store. Drew and I made seven stops yesterday and he was an angel the whole time. I will say I go to the end of the earth to avoid a meltdown so who knows what he would do if I just let things be. At one store he gets popcorn, then at another he gets a toy, then at another he gets a balloon, you get the picture. Today we only had three stops to make so we spent our free time having lunch at McDonald's and Drew played in the play area for a long time. I was worried about him climbing to the top but I knew all was well by the sounds of his happy squeal. He makes the cutest noises when he's having fun and I could hear him the whole time. There was silence at one point so I scurried up the fort to make sure everything was okay. It was, Drew was just trying to figure out how to get to the next level. The step was pretty steep. A bigger kid was nearby (by bigger I mean a good foot taller than the "children under 48 inches tall are welcome" sign so I asked him to give Drew a boost. He put his arms around his waste and jerked up but Drew didn't budge. He looked at me and with the most pitiful look said "I can't lift him." I was on my way up another level to assist when an even bigger kid came to the rescue. Thank goodness for children who can't follow the guidelines. Monday evening we went to family night at Johnny Carino's with some friends. What a deal! The whole family eats for the price of one. We were just laughing about how the staff must hate family night and they probably have to draw straws to see who works when...Drew knocked over George's full to the rim sweet tea. Oops. George was not happy and he and Drew were soaking wet (and sticky!). I was out of range thank goodness. I guess even Mom catches a break sometimes.

Drew carrying his toys and crayons in a backpack to dinner. Can't you picture him going to school? Boo hoo!!!
Another shot of him and his backpack. Check out his new kicks. I got them on sale a month or so ago and planned on saving them for the fall/winter. Out of the blue none of his shoes fit anymore so we had to bust out the new NB's. They are 8 1/2 wides!!! If you're not up on toddler shoes sizes, that is insane for a 20 month old :(
Wearing Katelyn's (our sweet neighbor) shoes. Drew had some friends over and we were all playing inside. When I opened the door to the porch Drew put on her shoes immediately. I love how he does things so matter-of-factly. He didn't hesitate at all; he went outside, saw a pair of shoes and put them on. Notice they fit him but she is three!

Born to Boat!!!

Drew and I had a big afternoon on Saturday boating with the Gundersons! It was so sweet of them to invite us! George had a fantasy football draft so couldn't make it unfortunately. I wish he could have seen Drew on that boat! It was absolutely precious!!! I have so many wonderful boating memories from my childhood and always loved being on the water. I want Drew to enjoy it as well and from the look of things yesterday, that won't be an issue! George and I enjoyed having a boat for a few years before Katrina destroyed ours. We really miss having one and after yesterday I have major boat fever! Aunt Mary, Uncle Ralph and my cousin Stephen showed us a great time! We stopped at a beach/campground area and Drew played with the biggest toy dump trucks I've ever seen. Then we rode around for awhile and enjoyed the beautiful scenery, calm lake and gorgeous weather. Shortly thereafter we got started with the skiing and wake boarding. I was tickled to see my sweet Aunt Mary on skis! And let me tell you, she is good! Uncle Ralph and Stephen were amazing on the wake board which didn't surprise me one bit. They are good at every sport! I wake boarded as well even though it has been three years since I've done it. I guess it's just like riding a bike because I got up on the first try! I never fell but eventually had to let go because my arms, hands, thighs and lower back were hurting. Geez! I may need to alter my workout! One of the highlights of the day was when we all jumped in the water in our life vests and just swam around. We got the biggest kick out of Drew while in the water! He laughed and laughed and loved it when Stephen went under water. Drew caught on real quick and kept trying to dunk Stephen. He loved watching Stephen pop back up. Drew and Stephen were inseparable the entire trip - by Drew's choice that is, I'm sure Stephen would have appreciated a break! Drew wanted to eat with Stephen, sit with Stephen, play with Stephen and even rest with Stephen on the way back. It was a lovely day all around! Thank you Gundies!!!

Captain Drew! He was really into the fish finder and CB. He made sure to check out all the gadgets on the console!

Drew and Aunt Mary in Jordan Lake!

Drew and Stephen sharing watermelon. Stephen picked out all the seeds for Drew and fed him little bites. He was so sweet to my boy! Notice Drew wanted to make sure Thomas the Train wasn't left out.

Stephen and Drew snuggling on the ride back to the dock. Sweet boys!

Pesto Pasta and Pullen Park

Our week started out shaky. Drew got sick at the beginning of the week and then I got sick for a couple of days as well. I took him to the Doctor Tuesday because I thought he had an ear infection. Fortunately he didn't, just a bad cold. They weighed him and he's 31 pounds even! Wow! Everyone is back in action now and we've had lots of fun the last couple of days. Thursday we met our neighbors at Dairy Queen and Drew played with Blake and the many toys Blake brought with him. Then we went to Ace Hardware and got Drew his very own watering can to help me with the plants. He pretended to water every plant in the store before we left. It was so precious! After a long nap Drew woke up with a big appetite and ate his weight in pasta and garlic bread. He didn't eat much all week since he wasn't feeling well so I guess he was making up for it. Then Drew played all evening with his neighborhood friends and got a ride home in Blake's green jeep. Drew was sweet as pie all day and night but got a bit upset when Blake pulled out of our driveway in the jeep. Drew had tears pouring down his face. I guess he couldn't understand why his idol would drive off in the dream jeep without him. Poor Drewby.

Today we met Cristie, Tom and Whitley at Pullen Park in Raleigh. They have a train, carousel, and other fun stuff. Drew and Whitley were super sweet as we strolled around and they enjoyed all the activities! Then Drew and I hit Sam's Club for a few things and took advantage of their samples. Nothing like a well balanced meal while strolling the aisles. Their chicken quesadillas aren't half bad. Here's a few pictures from this week. Have a great weekend!

Drew taking a break from a yummy meal. He ate so much Trader Joe's red pesto pasta that George and I had to share ours with him :)
Thinking about whether or not to have a 3rd plate of pasta.
Swing time with cousin Whitley.
Riding the red truck!

Watson family on the train.
Drew and I on the train. Drew was biting on his finger (we're still waiting on the 2nd molars).
Sister, sister, cousin, cousin picture on the train! Drew still biting that finger.
Carousel time. There's that finger!

Cousins Galore!

We had a big day today! Drew and I picked Cristie and Whitley up and headed for Ringgold, VA where we saw our 3rd cousins Sydney and Allie and their parents Bev and Nancy. It was only an hour drive so we are determined to get together more often. Cristie and I have always loved Sydney and Alli very much and cherish the fun times with them growing up. My Dad and his cousin, Bev, were quite the manly-men so were in for a shock when each of them had two little girls. In order to keep us tough, we endured the "de-wussification process" each summer. Dewussification consisted of various sports, outdoor activities, and anything that could be considered rough or would make the Mom's squirm. It was all in good fun and probably kept us from crying or whining (as much!) later on in life. We had a wonderful time visiting all of them today and enjoyed watching the kids play together. As always, we had some laughs, good food and warm hugs. I'm already looking forward to next time!

Drew and his pretty cousins, Whitley and Lila! You can see the bruise on Drew's face from the big fall on Friday. Sad.
Bev was looking for someone to drink with and Drew jumped on that! At one point he put his leg over the side of the cooler, guess he thought it was a pool. Oops! Maybe I should put a stop to the redneck pool idea.
Bev and Drew raking the yard. Bev has quite a resemblance to my Dad and I'm pretty sure Drew thought it was his Day Day at first.
Sydney, Cristie, Allie and I. Are we looking dewussified?
3rd, 4th and 5th cousins... I think.

The Parker Pack!

My friend Melissa and her family came to visit us for a night this week. Melissa and I have been friends since high school and were college roommates as well as sorority sisters. It was such a treat to have her visit all the way from Jackson, MS!!! Did I mention she has three kids, one of which is 4 1/2 weeks old? Yes, that was "weeks," not a typo! What troopers they are! They were visiting two other families in the Carolinas so I can't be too flattered that they came all this way to see us :) Her son Will is the same age as Drew so it was fun to watch them play together. Her oldest daughter Hailey is a wonderful big sister and very helpful with baby Olivia. It was wonderful to see them all and catch up. Here's some photos from their visit...

None of the kids wanted to be a part of our photo shoot.
Take 2. A little better but still not great.
Sweet baby Olivia!
Hailey, Drew and Will checking out Drew's CD player. Hailey was showing them how it works and they were hanging on her every word!
Of course my son was the one without a shirt on. Watermelon chunks and juice from lunch were staining his shirt and I was trying to get it out.
" Let us out!!!"
Drew loved Hailey's Dora couch!
Attempting another group picture the next day.

Sorry so long since last blog

Sorry I have been tardy on my blog updates. We have been keeping busy the last couple of weeks with toddler time at the library, play dates, a happy birthday visit to my Aunt Mary's house, a trip to the pool, lots and lots of errands, a visit from my friend Melissa and her family (separate post to come) and a wonderful girls weekend at the beach for me! Drew has been his typical funny self and continues to keep me on my toes. I had to pause from starting this post because he had a bad fall in the living room. He hit the floor so hard that an LSU bottle opener in the wine cabinet starting playing the flight song. No joke! The good thing is that the song completely distracted him and he didn't even notice that his cheek turned bright red, then purple and swelled instantly. Poor guy! Here's a few random recent photos...

Silly boys wearing paper plates for masks! The sound effects were priceless! Drew thinks all animals sound like a cow or tiger.

Big gulp! Drew loves drinking out of cups with straws and insisted on having mine at Sam's. No worries, I drank all the Diet Coke and filled it up with water before giving it to him.

Getting rough on the floor with Daddy.
Getting rough on the floor with cousin Stephen.