Mr. Literal

A Conversation today on skype:

GeeGee, "It's been raining a lot here! Is it raining there?"

Paul Thomas, "Yessshhh." (No, indeed we were a cool 98 with a heat index of 105)

GeeGee, "Ohhh, it is? Did you have to wear your boots?  Or bare feet?"

Paul Thomas really thinking this one over said, "Nooooo, we don't have any bear feet.  Just people feet."

Proper Avery Removal

Water Park

Everyone enjoyed our day at the water park this year and this time I can truly say EVERYONE. For the first time in many, many years I sucked up my self-confidence, or lack there of, and played with my kiddos in the water in my brand new "swimming soup".  I have always been pool side, missing out on the splashing and fun because I haven't had enough grace to embrace my new mommy body, but this year I wanted to be in the mix more than I wanted to hide my thighs. Plus I got a little boost with the current swim suit trends leaning towards the more modest swim skirt.  So this year I took a lot less pictures and had a lot more fun.  Here is a slice of the action.  

Luci and her fabulous hat!

I have a hard time deciding how old he is here...16 years or months?

Forget about the waves lapping up on the beach; you can fling as much water as you like without any reprimanding.

   

  

Luci found a safe place with Uncle Matty to survey the action. 

Wave surfing with Uncle Matty.  Paul Thomas was much more daring this year!

(Remember last year's choke hold)

Doodle Dan and his Daddy.

Any guesses on what Uncle Matty is telling PT?

Well executed!  

Avery enjoying a ride with his Daddy!  

Check out those little feet!

Wave running with Izzie.

Now how to enjoy a wonderful wet day?  With a Birthday celebration for Uncle Matty.

Paul Thomas and Daniel did the cake decorating,

and sampling.

A perfectly sprinkled cake!

Just like Pop Pop

While at Pop Pop and Gia's house PT was the recipient of a much needed trim.  Afterwards, we were marveling at how much of his thick hair was gone when he piped in, "Now, I have little hair...just like Pop Pop!"

Friday Photo Favorites

Our goofy THREE YEAR OLD on his birthday.

"How's Your Day?"

This is PT favorite question to ask when we are at the table for any meal. He seems to think that one ought to ask it after every bite or every drink, just in case your day changes after he has some more "twisty pasta." It is actually very encouraging to think that my son is gleaning some resemblance of good manners and social etiquette from meals with a 3 and 1 year old.

What is most interesting is his own answer to the question, "how was your day, PT?" So far, we've only noticed two answers.

Here is an example of a "28" day:

 

Here is a "24" day:

Notice the red and blue "phys" falling into the black abyss.  He had a difficult time smiling for the remainder of the day, but is now fully recovered.  Even Avery seems a little concerned, probably having premonitions about being on the receiving end of any post traumatic phy disorder behavioral manifestations.  

Learning Curve

Two things I learned this weekend:
Too much peanut butter can cause a three-year-old to vomit for three straight hours and even the White House has battled bed bugs.

Friday Photo Favorites

Avery Robert you are my little clown, that brings joy to all!

Welcome to the Dallas Zoo

We got to celebrate Uncle Matty's Birthday with him this year with a four day visit.  Since he is in seminary now his time to visit family has decreased as he is focusing on his new vocation.  His summer's are filled with pastoral help and retreats and many of the other school breaks are just as busy.  It is always such a blessing to spend time with him.  On his first day here we headed to the Dallas Zoo along with the Ellis clan.

First things first: ride the carousel!  The Ellis family has a season pass to the Zoo, so all the rides are included.  

Where else can you find a dinosaur and elephant in such great company?

Peter soaring on eagles wings...hmm is that hymn in your head now?

There was many wonderful enclosures where you could get up close to different animals.  Paul Thomas didn't know what to think being so close to these birds.

Izzie getting a closer look.

Now it's Luci's turn.

Now for the ultimate bird experience.

Peter

Isabelle

Daniel was a definite no on bird handling.

Uncle J-Dub is a pro: a bird, a Luci and no cross-contamination.

After birds of the cage we went to fish of the...

tank.

Where are they?

There they are.

Just like the reflection with this one.

Yes, even the pony rides were included in the zoo pass.

Joy.

Not too sure about this.

PT was a little nervous too.

Getting encouragement from his cousins.  

Good job, Uncle J-Dub handling two kiddos.

This is why I love the Ellis family, they are as excited for Paul Thomas to ride as they are for themselves!

If asked, he will rave about riding a pony.  Can't you see the excitement!

Daniel found something more his speed.

Avery had to try the lamb out as well.  This was Avery's favorite part, or at least he threw the biggest fit when we had to say bye-bye to the lamb.

On to see more...

WARNING: Pictures of Reptiles are in the next section.  (Mom, you can stop here.)

We went to the Reptile house next were there was an awesome exhibit, "Ghost of the Bayou."  All the reptiles were albinos, and somewhat errie.  Do you see that white bump behind Izzie's head?

An Albino Alligator.  He was huge!

Checking out Al.

Who knew that turtles could be albino as well!?

What in the world could Izzie be holding so gingerly in a reptile house.

The same thing Peter is...a cricket.

We happened upon lizard feeding time.

Luci the great Monitor tamer.

Who could deny this cute face a picture slot.

Finally, home from a wonderful day at the Dallas Zoo, what is the logical thing to do?  Put on a fleece dinosaur and cuddle with Uncle Matty.

It was a good thing I ran out of battery power at the reptiles.  There were many more animals visited.  We saw a snake who opened his mouth as wide as PT's head. and a cheeky gorilla who gets his kicks from scaring unaware zoo goers, and we rode a monorail train!  Paul Thomas is pretty sure we will be traveling to Michigan by monorail now.