A Day at the Park

This blog, of course is long overdue.  One Saturday Michael, Nana, PawPaw and I went to see Derin at the park.  It was a fun day!  A day full of food, sun, bugs and snakes.  As I noticed the caterpillars and little creepy crawlies, I saw a glimpse into my future.  I know one day as I do the laundry and empty Michael’s pockets I will find many such creatures. 

We first went to Central Market BBQ and picked up some super yummy food and then headed out to see Derin.  It was such a fun day.  First we had a picnic out by the lake where Michael had his first taste of pickles, sausage, brisket and pork ribs. I really think he liked it.  After we ate, we hopped on a golf cart and Derin showed us the new trails and different sights around the park.  It was such a beautiful day!  The snake guy was there showing the kids at  the park all of his reptiles and spiders.  Luckily, the spiders were all put away when we got there.  I am NOT a fan of those, but he got out some of his snakes for us to look at.  Of course I was the only one who wanted to see the snakes.  Either way, it was a GREAT day and Michael really enjoyed being outside and hanging out with family at Daddy’s park!

Police Academy

Well, if you would have told us that Derin would be graduating from Police Academy, we probably would have laughed.  It is interesting how life takes you to places you didn’t think you would go.  Anyway, Derin’s job required that he become a police officer.  It was an incredibly hard six months of sacrifice, tons of studying and little sleep.  I have to say, it does make me feel safer knowing what police officers have to go through and learn before pledging to protect us.  Overall I believe it was a good experience and I know that Derin learned a lot.  I also know that he is happy that his alarm clock is now set for 5:45 instead of 4 am!  Derin was elected Vice President of his cadet class, so he led us in the opening prayer.  I must say, I was pretty proud of him.  He wrote a beautiful prayer. Michael was PERFECT throughout the entire graduation, (it might have had something to do with the football PawPaw bought him from the gift store) even during the presentation of the flags when the bag piper played.  It was pretty awesome.

One of the best things about graduation was that it was at the state capitol building in Austin. I haven’t been there in about six years, but the capitol is still as awe inspiring as ever. Grandaddy Dean was a State Representative there so GG showed us where his office used to be.  We then went outside to see Derin’s Great Grandaddy S.B. Nunez’s name on the Firemen memorial statue.  He died in the Texas City Disaster. I think it is awesome how Michael will forever be linked with our state capitol because of his Great Grandaddy and Great Great Grandaddy. 

So any of you interested in becoming police officers, just know that for six months you will sleep less and study harder than you ever have in your life, but if you finish and graduate, that is definitely  something to be proud of.

Ten Months Old

 

Well my little darling you are ten months old. In fact, in about six weeks you will be one year old! I always knew that time flies by but now that you are here I can truly feel it. I have to be honest it has been a rough few weeks. It seems that just when you start to feel better, you get sick again. If only hugs and kisses could make things all better. Regardless, your daddy and I give you plenty!

1. You crawl like golom from the Lord of the Rings, with your right leg tucked under. You also slap your hands down really hard on the floor when you crawl. I think you like the way it sounds.

2. Kaya now has a game with you. She crouches down like she wants to pounce and waits for you to see her. When you spot her, you squeal causing her to spring up and run.  Of course, you follow her and she just loves it. She may not act like it to us, but she enjoys the chase. Just wait though, you will catch her soon enough. 

3. You are getting much better with the sippy cups. Sometimes you get so mad though that you tuck your chin into your chest and stick out your bottom lip. Such a little temper.

4. You suddenly love your sweet potato puffs, pepperoni, bread and of course pasta sauce. (you little Italian you) You LOVE limes and lemons. And Saturday daddy gave you some pork rib and brisket. Welcome to Texas little guy!

5. Not a big binkie fan anymore. Only when you are falling asleep do you want a binkie. I guess you would rather squeal and talk.

6. You are SO LOUD, and you talk A LOT. I wonder where you get that from? You just love to laugh and squeal and babble. I swear you said kitty the other day, probably just wishful thinking.

7. You weigh 18 lbs! You have met your goal weight for 12 months. Way to go little baby, 2 months early!

8. Bathtime is an adventure. The bigger the splashes the better with you little man.

9. You stand up every chance you get. Well, you pull up on everything. You have been trying to stand up in the middle of the floor but there is nothing to hold on to so you usually face plant. :( You like to pull up on the ottoman  and take a few steps with it before falling down.

10. You love anything with farm animals. Nana and PawPaw got you a See 'n Say and you love how it plays "Old MacDonald" and all the farm animals. Mamalu got you a farm book and you squeal and slap the pages. Should we move to the country...?

11. You are trying to clap and it is so cute. Instead of slapping your hands together, you just slide your right hand over your left. Honestly, its hilarious.

12. You are beginning to wave. Just all of a sudden, you started waving. Crazy!

You have grown so much that before I knew it, you turned into a little boy. You don't look like a baby anymore. That's okay, because no matter how old you are, you will ALWAYS be my little boy. I love you so much sweet pea that everything else fails in comparison.