Christmas!!

I think I was more excited about Christmas this year than Hunter.  I talked to him about "Jeez" birthday and "Claus."   He wasn't afraid to tell Claus very matter-of-factly that he wanted "toys."   Let me tell you, Christmas did not disappoint this year.   

Let's just say that I've always been good at opening presents . . . really good.  Nothing excites me more than ripping paper (who needs bags anyway!).  I have wondered if this was environmental, a nurtured instinct perhaps.  NOPE!  It's genetic!!  And my boy's got talent!  I think he opened everyone's presents, including his own, during all the festivities--no help needed.  (We couldn't even put presents under the tree before Christmas this year because he wanted to open them.)

He loves his car from Grandma and Grandaddy.  Santa Claus brought him a very cool tent (that now takes up half my dining room) and Pop got him a "basset bawl" goal (which by the way, he needed no instructions on how to use.)  He loves his new books and "tate head" (mr. potato head) too. 

I can hardly wait for next year (my checkbook is another story). I know that the magic of Christmas will continue to live in our house forever....it can live in yours too...just BELIEVE. 

Christmas in Blue Ridge

We spent a few restful days in Blue Ridge, Georgia as we celebrated Christmas with Mama.  Restful is a relative term--Hunter took an hour to go to sleep each night and fell and hit his head hard enough to need ice at least three times.  Nonetheless, it was a nice change of pace and forced me to get my Christmas shopping done early.

The weather was cold, but the views were great.   Hunter had a blast riding horses, and we ate some really good food.   Uncle Seth spend most of his spare time in the hot tub, and it didn't take long for Hunter to discover the "bawls" (pool table) in the loft.

Horshhh! Wide!

Hunter got to ride his first horse while celebrating Christmas with Mama in Blue Ridge.   Mr. Fearless didn't want to get off--ever.   I thought only little girls wanted a pony?????

Thankful!

I am more thankful everyday for this little boy that God has blessed me with.  I laugh out loud more than once everyday, and my heart is warmed just from his presence.  I am thankful for a wonderful husband who is a great provider and who entertains with a never-ending wit.  I have a wonderful family, my health and blessings beyond what I could ever deserve. 
Happy Thanksgiving!


P.S.  I am also Thankful that Mrs. Debbie is such a good cook, especially on Thanksgiving!  YUM!

So sweet and innocent

Harrison, Hunter and Raleigh

Brad, Mema, and Courtney

Taking a ride in Grandaddy's new boat

The Zoo!

Hunter loves animals, especially all the sounds they make.  So, we decided to take him to the zoo in early October.  I have to say that Brad and I had just as much fun as he did.  We went around twice.  The Riverbanks Zoo was not crowded and half the price of Atlanta.  Here are a couple of my favorite pics from the day. 

My Favorite Things 18-21 months

At eighteen months, Hunter Blackmon decided that it was time to talk.   I laugh out loud at your antics everyday.  It never ceases to amaze me how much you know.....

1.  You will squeeze me (hug) on command.
2.  You love to play the guitar and "sing"
3.  When you are "sneaky" it might be the funniest thing I've ever seen.
4.  You pick things up off the floor with your mouth like a puppy dog.
5.  You have NO fear.  For example you try to take the Nestea plunge in the middle of the floor on a regular basis.
6.  You had your first play date with the girl next door at 18 months.
7.  You really like to be rocked to sleep (never thought I'd see that day come)
8.  We love the way you turn your hand when you want to be held.
9.  You love love love your bath.
10.  When you spilled my tea glass you yelled...."MAHHH!  MESSSSS!"
11. You try to jump.
12.  When you got new shoes, you showed them to everyone.
13.  You wanted to ride in the new car just so you could push "butts"  (buttons)
14.  You say new words everyday.
15.  You will cock your head to the side and smile at me when you're in trouble.
16.  You think that it is the coolest trick to stand the crayons on end.
17.  KK was the first person other than me to put you to bed at night (not even your Daddy)
18.  You love KK, GACK, and TY TY
19.  You say un-huh when you can't say something.
20.  Uh-huh!  It is so cute the way you say it when asked a question.
21.  MAHHH-MORRR-EHHHS  (Mama, more eggs!)
22. You want to share your food with your stuffed animals.
23  You say mama in a monster voice.
24.  Yights!  (lights) 
25.  You like knocking blocks over with your hiney.
26.  "Mama Hold"  While it can be the sweetest thing I've ever heard, more often than not it is a way to get out of your current situation into a place you'd rather be.
27.  You are such a monkey.  You climbed into your high chair from the front only after climbing from the chair to the table to the high chair.
28.  You will tell us "hiney big," after we've told you that our hiney is to big to sit on something.
29.  You say "muah" when you give kisses.
30.  Haa-Haa-MOOVVE   (Hadley move!)
31.  You love using a ppork  (fork).
32.  Whe asked what Santa Claus is bringing you, you lean forward and lower your head and say "toys"
33.  You discovered my candy stash and had been told "no."  So you told me to "moove mah"--then when I pretended to leave the room you went after the candy.
34.  You got a spanking for coloring on the wall.  So, now you point to the spot and say "NO, NO, NO cur WALL!"

Summertime!

We had a busy and fun summer.   We went to the mountains, took swimming lessons and played outside a lot.  Even with all that we still had time for mischief.   Here are a few pictures....

A rare, quiet moment waking up from a nap.

First Day of swimming lessons!

Wet, sandy and happy!

"Ahhhh!"

That tiny hiney can fit just about anywhere.

The aftermath of playing in Mama's Cornstarch!

"Wock!"

My vanilla wafer duck!