Kansas City Trip

Well, over the Summer, we ventured to Kansas City (in Missouri) to visit our friends Mike, Cathy, and Chase.  They moved there awhile ago from North Carolina and we were so excited to get to see them and their place!
We decided, against my better judgement, to drive there and to go straight through.  My lack of enthusiasm for this drive was not what most of you might think.  Anderson was not my concern...it was me!  I do not do well in the car for long periods of time.  It just isn't fun or comfortable.  We decided to stop on the way to make the drive seem a little less daunting.  Our stop...the St. Louis Arch!
We didn't go up into the arch as the line was forever long and we just needed a nice place to stretch our legs and eat lunch, but we did go into the museum and have some fun there!

When we arrived, in Kansas City, we went to a bar-b-que place (I mean, we sort of had to - it was Kansas City), and then headed to a Royals game! Even though Anderson and I don't love baseball, we do love eating the peanuts and watching the fireworks that go off when someone hits a home run!  While we were waiting to a get our tickets, Anderson had a diaper incident and Richard decided to change him in the tall grass surrounding the stadium.

Although I was fairly embarrassed, mainly for my toddler, I did have to appreciate his resourcefulness in our situation without a bathroom.  That Eagle Scout he earned really paid off!

When we got in, we went to our seats and lasted approximately an hour before Anderson was falling asleep!

We headed to Cathy, Mike, And Chase's house!  The next morning, we woke up to me having a major case of food poisoning (stupid bar-b-que), so we stayed in the house the whole day, but we made the best of it!

The next day, thank goodness, I started feeling better, so we ventured out to Anderson's first time bowling.  Chase was a pro and showed Anderson how to do it.

After  they bowled a couple times, they both became a bit more interested in the goldfish crackers that Cathy brought.  She was very prepared with snacks for the kids - I am eternally grateful for that!

The next day, it was time for us to go back home, but not before we stopped at the Kansas City Zoo!  As hard as Cathy and I both tried, we could not get a good picture of Anderson and Chase sitting still.

It was so nice to visit with Cathy, Mike, and Chase and we are so blessed to have them as friends!

Anderson's Second Birthday

Although it seems impossible, Anderson Parker Parrott turned two years old on June 4, 2013.  We combined his love for Sesame Street and his love for food and created a customized party for our toddler!

There are so many people who love Anderson and who wanted to celebrate his birthday, that we couldn't fit them all in one party.  So...we had two!  Don't worry, they were identical (except for what Anderson wore and who attended).  He enjoyed each person being there and was excited to be a part of it all!

He would open one gift and want to play with that or would want to go play with those who were celebrating with him, so opening presents took some time.  At one party, a family member got him some gummy bears as a gift and Richard was able to bribe him with those to continue opening gifts.  Ha!  We sang to him and he learned to blow out the candles on his cake.  He seemed to enjoy being serenaded.

We are so proud of who this little man is becoming and are lucky to get to be his parents.  I know that each year will just get better, but I also sometimes wish I could hold him right here...for just a little longer.  I love that wipes off my kisses and then kisses me again so I don't feel sad.  I love that hugs me and says, "squeeze" as he does.  I love that he sings his ABCs and during LMNOP, he says, "I gotta pee".  I love that he says night night to Richard and me separately.  I love that he calls most people, known or unknown, friends.  I love that he loves his family and friends.  I love his smile!  I LOVE this boy who has given me a new sense of purpose and identity...this boy, who gave me the gift of motherhood two years ago.  Happy Birthday Anderson!

Back to Florida

That's right...recently, we revisited Florida!  We went down with Anderson's Grammy and Granddaddy to spend some time in the Sunshine State!  It was, in fact, sunny as well as relaxing!  Anderson was so fun to watch as he played in the sand, showed curiosity about the ocean, and was exploring new things throughout the trip!
We were able to spend some time at the beach while we were there.  Anderson loved playing in the sand, watching others build sandcastles, and stomping on said sandcastles.  He was interested in the ocean, but was not super interested in tackling it on his own.  The splash of the rocks being thrown into the ocean was super exciting!

While we were at the beach, Richard taught Anderson a really "fun" game.

We also went to get ice cream at our favorite place...Strahan's!  Their mascot is the cow, which Anderson thoroughly enjoyed.

We LOVED our trip and spending time with Grammy and Granddaddy!  We left sunbathed and relaxed!

Mother's Day 2013

This Mother's Day will from here on be known as "The Year Of The Tie!"  Not only does it have a catchy ring to it, but it embodies all of Mother's Day 2013.  My day started with sleeping in, only to be awakened by the sound of Richard and Anderson coming up the stairs.  I heard Richard whisper, "When we get in there, you say 'Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!'"  Anderson practiced it perfectly, "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy!"  As they approached, I snuggled under the covers so he could "wake me up".  He came in, and with a huge breath yelled, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!"  I "woke up" giggling with a big thank you!  They brought in the breakfast they had made me and it could not have been more perfect.
As we have a lot of moms to celebrate, we began to get ready for the day and, as I got myself and Anderson ready, Richard put the finishing touches on his tie.  Anderson watched and asked, "What's that?"  To which Richard responded, "Dad's tie."  Anderson immediately walked straight up to Richard and said, "Anderson tie!"  So...

Once everyone was good and tied, we headed to lunch with Anderson's NayNay and Great Grammy.  We went to The Forum's dining room and had a great time getting to see everyone!  Anderson was thrilled that everyone there was commenting on his tie!

Following our lunch with Great Grammy and NayNay, we made our way to Anderson's Grandma's house to celebrate.  We changed clothes (Anderson was devastated to have to take the tie off) and took some family pictures!

Anderson LOVES getting to spend time with Lily...and Max and Skipper!

Finally, we ended our day spending time with Anderson's Grammy!  She was happy to see us and even had a present that she and Anderson had made for me!

It was a fantastic Mother's Day and I so appreciate all the mothers in my life who made me who I am today and who will also play a role in shaping my son's future!  We are truly blessed!

Preparing for Derby

That's right...it's that time in our "Old Kentucky Home" again.  Time for Derby!  Personally, I have never really understood horse racing (blasphemy, I know), but Anderson really seems to be getting into the spirit of things.  So, as the old saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them.

His daycare, which we love and adore, celebrated its 24th anniversary with pony rides and cake.  It turns out, Anderson is a fan of both!  His cute little class sat down on the "magic blanket" to wait their turn!

When it was Anderson's turn, he jumped right up and wanted to pet the horse.

Once he pronounced the horse "soft," he was ready to ride!  He held onto the saddle and did not stop smiling from there!

He was very excited about the sound the horse made!

After riding the horses, Anderson got a piece of cake from Sandy ("Sanny") who is one of his favorites.  She definitely solidified that title after this cake...it was fantastic!


On Sunday, April 28, we went to the Chow Wagon (because, let's face it, you haven't really prepared for Derby until you have had a corn dog as long as your right leg and an elephant ear that could cover your pillow).  Anderson loved it!  These deep feelings didn't come from the food or from the rides, but from the people that walk by dressed as different characters.  Anderson met a duck...

...and he met a giant Subway sandwich, who gave him a free subway card...

...and he met a giant bottle of shampoo ("shampoop"), who he tried to give his free sandwich to.

Once we got our free sandwich back, we headed to check out the fountains.  On the way, Anderson noticed a huge dog making its way across the grass.  He was very focused on the process of inflating the dog.  He wanted to pet him, so we headed that direction only to see a group preparing their balloon for the parade.

Once the novelty of the dog wore off, we were able to make our way to the fountains.  Anderson is convinced that he conducts the movement of every fountain.  And...he might.

On the way back to the car, Anderson met a friend (and again, had to pet him).

Finally, we were ready to go.  As we left, the band was starting to warm up.  When Anderson heard it, he just had to keep the beat!

I am beginning to think there is something more to this whole Derby Season thing!  I am in!