Smoke, laughes, and prospects in Cookeville

We had quite a tip to Cookeville. On the way there, about 20 miles outside of Cookeville, our 2001 Saab's oil light came on and Chris tried to make it to the next exit to get off of I-40. We did not get very far before smoke started coming from the engine and the car shut off. This happened at a spot were there was just enough shoulder to squeeze the car over so no one would drive into it. We were so close to the rails I thought about getting out through the window. Our friend Mark Duggin rescued us from the side of the road and we had the car towed to a shop. All this at 5 o'clock on a Friday. No one was going to look at it till Monday at the earliest.

We rented a car and enjoyed our stay at the Duggins; especially Thomas. Liza, Mark and Julie's 13 month old daughter, and Thomas had a great times playing together. Liza even tried to "read" to Thomas. This was just opening a book, pointing and some babbling, but Julie and I loved to watch such a sweet thing. The two of them really liked shaking washcloths in the kitchen.

Chris also had a wonderful talk with a local doc who told him of some job prospects in town. All in all the trip was a great time in spite of our sad Saab story.

Good morning

July was a great month for our family because Chris was able to get most weekends off and flexible hours during the week. This meant mornings with Daddy for Thomas and boy did he soak it up. Thomas played with Daddy while Mommy slept or made breakfast. (The latter happened more. Ahh blessed sleep.) Chis has been trying to teach Thomas how to make a farting noise from a bare back on a hardwood floor. Thankfully he has been unsuccessful so far, but I no it wont be long till the two of them are goofing off together.

Settling In St. Louise

We were able to visit Chris' brother Andrew and his wife Tiffany at there new place in St. Louise. They just got back from there trip to Bora Bora the day before and were full of stories and picture. I loved hearing about the place. Check out there blog for the whole scoop on the place.
There new place in St. Louise is darling. Tiff and Andrew did such a good job making it a comfortable place to live in. Props to you Tiff on the fast and great decorating!
It makes Chris and I a little jealous, as we are ready to be out of Memphis and into a more permanent place. Oh and if you notice the Band-Aid on Thomas' head. The tried to do the steps on our front porch and ended up skinning his forehead with minimal tears and lots of blood. But all better now. Babies are so resilient.

AquaMan is back and he is better than ever.

Beach Baby

We went to the beach this last weekend in Lillian AL. This was Thomas' first trip to the beach. Chris and I had so much fun we decided to go back as soon as he can get a few days off. However Thomas was less than thrilled by the ocean waves but came around to tolerate me wading in the water by the end of the day.

Stuck on the Pot

Thomas was so cute one morning while I got breakfast ready that I just had to put him in the pot. He usually entertains himself banging on pots and pans (Thanks Cindy for this great idea.) and looked like he wanted to get inside.... so I am to please. He was not pleased and wanted out right after this picture was taken.

Nashville visit

Thomas loved hanging with the guys (Jake and Cas Norris) while we visited friends in Nashville.

Memphis Botanic Gardins

Thomas and I love the Botanic Gardens here. They recently put in a new children's garden and we just love it. This will be a big hit for Thomas when he gets to walking.

His favorite thing now is Zeek the swan who hangs out around the Japanese garden.

New high chair!!

Crazy Hair

Congratulations Andrew!!!

All three of us are going to miss Andrew and Tiffany. We will have to make lots of tips to "The Gateway to the West" to see Uncle Andrew and Aunt Tiffy. Andrew got a great job in St. Louise, MO and the two will be heading out there in August. We are so happy for you guys and have enjoyed watching you go through the job hunting process. Chris and I have learned a lot from you guys and feel more prepared to start our job hunt after June 1st.

Warm weather = picnics

Lovin that Daddy!

He sits up now.. well...

He is sitting up now.

My wonderful sister-in-law took these pictures of Thomas. It was so hard to choose just a few because they all came out so great. I hope you like them. And check out all those teeth. I just spotted two more just popping out on the top can you see them?