The Vineyard

OK, I know I said that I would have pictures from today at the vineyard, but I FORGOT MY CAMERA!!!! Bummer. Just know that I have the best behaved and sweetest boy on earth...even when he doesn't get a nap...as long as he is able to watch his daddy play drums and has plenty of space to roam around! :) It was a great day, with a strong forecast of storms that actually turned out to be sunshine and a nice cool breeze!

What a fun time!

Mommy and Abbott day

Ryan is in Alabama for the weekend having a "mancation" with some friends (some guys rented a cabin in the woods and are going to grill out and smoke cigars all weekend before one of them gets married). Anyway, while Ryan is gone, Abbott and I have had some big fun! This morning, we had a breakfast date at one of my favorite restaurants, then we headed straight to the zoo. We got there about half an hour after it opened so it wasn't too hot, we got a decent parking space and best of all, there were NO CROWDS...yet.

Here, Abbott is meeting alpacas for the first time. They were more interested in the sound on the other side of the fence than in meeting Abbott, though.

This part of the zoo is called "Critter Encounters." Fancy name for a petting zoo, but it was so fun to watch him be able to get so close to the animals. He had no fear...just walked right up to pet a goat!

This was kind of the look on his face the whole time we were there. He almost fell asleep on the way there so he was a little dazed. There were a couple of exhibits where he perked up, though.

Isn't it beautiful?

The bamboo trail...my favorite part of our zoo.

This is one of the baby tiger cubs. When we got there, they were both at the very back of the exhibit. There was this photographer there who has come at least weekly to photograph them and chronicle their growth. He has gotten to know them and calls them by name. He got one of them to come to the front of the fence, where I was able to get a pretty good picture and she made Abbott laugh when she ran towards the fence!

This is both of them at the very back of their exhibit.

A nice lady took our picture by the elephants.

I love the elephant savannah. It's so open and spacious.....you know, for a zoo and all.

When we came home, Abbott took a three hour nap! The zoo sure wore him out today.

This afternoon, I was doing some dishes while Abbott was playing and exploring his newfound freedom in walking. I must have left him alone a little too long because when I was done, I discovered that he had emptied out an entire package of diapers and loaded them all on my bed. I don't know why we get the kid toys. It seems that a package of diapers is all he needs to keep busy!

We have had fun with just mommy and Abbott time, but we sure are ready to see Daddy! He will be home tomorrow morning and then he is playing at the vineyard tomorrow. I am sure we will have some pictures from then too!

Thanks for reading!

Picture catch up

I know it's been a couple of weeks since we went to Texas, but I just unloaded the camera and there are some pictures too good to miss! I will make the commentary pretty quick because after I finish this, I have pictures from today to put up. WHEW! Let's get this show on the road!

Two boys and their Great-Poppa.

Silly Jack!

Best way to let two boys eat popsicles?? Strip 'em down to their diapers and let them go to town, of course!

Poppa and Abbott had fun getting to know each other this trip.

Here, Poppa is telling Abbott all about farming.

Most recent family shot.

This great old tree recently succumbed to a strong storm. It's still beautiful to me, just in a different way now.

My two guys checking out the cattle.

Abbott got a mysterious swollen ear the day of Rebekah's shower. We figured out later that it was a bug bite.

My artsy shot with Jack in the fuzzy background.

The boys of the next Meredith Hill generation.

How did I stay in Texas for a week and come away with no pictures of Wannie?!?! Well, here are her hands working tirelessly on the cute apron she made for me. Thanks, Wannie! I love my apron.

Stay tuned for pictures from today!

A whole mess of videos

I unloaded the video camera tonight and felt the need to make a whole post of videos. Here they are...in no particular order whatsoever....3 of my favorites! Enjoy!

1. Abbott shows off his verbal skills.


2. The best laugh fest ever!


3. On the road from TX to TN with 2 sleeping boys, one of them without a functioning nose at the time.