Johnny is, at 27 months:
* saying 4-5 word sentences
* refers to himself as I
* eats like a horse - anything and everything
* is very active, (to say the least)
* has more energy than mommy's little toe
* talks more than mommy and daddy do in a day
* loves tractors with a passion
* travels better
* wants to investigate everything - how it works, how it's put together, why it does what it does
* plays outside in the garden with us for countless hours
* still loves his daddy fiercely

After graduation, Gaga, mommy and John traveled to Atlanta for a week. Grandma and Grandpa Neal came to stay at the house and do lots of work while we were away, so we returned home to lots of finished flooring, working locks, closets and walls upstairs, AC upstairs, freshly mowed grass and much more. Below are pics of our week and I'll include pics of the upstairs soon!


My little man in Pottery Barn Kids


He loved the *pink* kitchen! Color didn't matter...he spent almost 45 minutes working in the kitchen. Yes, that long...maybe he'll be a chef.


We went to my folks downtown park in Duluth and played in the water fountain!




A new friend

The month of May flew by with loads of activity. John got sick at the end of our stay in Atlanta, and he's still catching up on missed sleep! When he's awake, he goes full steam ahead. But, for the moment, he's blissfully sleeping and I have a few minutes to myself. In the coming weeks we are preparing for Charley's brothers visit! We are so excited to see him - it's been several years since they have returned to the States from teaching ESOL in Macedonia. It will be the first time we will meet Kayla, their 6 month baby girl! We are over the moon with excitement and anticipation!

Hope your week is great!

Well, the month of May flew by without a single post. I, however, did not even take the time to change the dry-erase calendar on the fridge! So, we're still looking back on April every time we fix a meal. Oh well. Time really does fly when you are having fun, I guess. I should add that there was mayhem, hours spent driving, drama, laughter and tears along with the fun. Oh, and, the phrase, "no, John, please do not do that," spoken from my mouth A.L.O.T. Mom and I traveled Nashville again for my cousins graduation from Vanderbilt. And, might I add...sans John! Mommy liked the two day respite! It was great to catch up with family and celebrate. The flood had just receded the previous week, so it was an experience to eat from plastic ware in all of the restaurants, etc. The mud on trees and shrubs was visible and Opryland's doors gaped open with huge funnels pumping the water out. The parking lots were filled with Service.Master vehicles and clean-up crews. Graduation on campus went off without a hitch, though! It was held outside on the lawn and though we anticipated rain, the clouds held off and we were even thankful we were sitting near a tree with a little shade from the sun. Here are a few pics of the day.




The graduate, Steve!





The garden is calling, so that is all the blogging time I have for now. But, there is so much more of May to share soon! Love ya'll! Enjoy the first weekend in June!

Spring Meet

Here are a few pictures of last weekend at the Keeneland Spring meet...

My men

Happy Birthday Meme

I was not privileged to grow up with either of my grandmothers...but, mom and dad talked about each special lady as if they watched from the windows of heaven every day. So, I love both dearly and want to remember my Meme today, as it is her birthday. If she was here today she would be 106! Below are her favorite flowers, violas, growing in our flower boxes on the front porch. Happy Birthday Meme!





The chicks arrived today through the US mail! John and I traveled down to the Lancaster P.O. to pick them up and heard them chirping as soon as we entered the building. See how they have settled in well...




And, I saved the best for last...Aunt Kim came to visit this week! We had a wonderful time together as she met John for the first time! He was "taken" with his beautiful Aunt and they bonded in such a sweet way...he was fascinated with everything she did and said. It was so sweet to watch! I think she had a little fun going in to him when he woke up in the morning, reading him books, feeding him breakfast and playing with his new farm toys. I also have the funniest surprise for another day...a gift she found for him at Cracker Barrel. The weather was perfect, we took a walk and Jeeped around the farm. Then she was off to visit her son in Nashville who will graduate from Vandy this spring. How time flies.





Happy Easter all! Many blessings as you celebrate the Risen Christ!
Charley, Jackie and John