Swim Lessons-September/October

In September Pierce began his very first class--swim lessons! He enjoyed it just as much as we knew he would and was a great splasher and kicker. I think the favorite part of his lessons were the songs we got to sing.

I've picked out some pictures from the whole month of swim lessons to share.

The water was so cold every time we first got in, but by looking at Pierce you wouldn't know it. What a trooper!

Getting ready to jump in!

Singing a fun song at the end of his first day.

Pierce and his very first teacher, Miss Kelley! He was such a flirt with her. Look at his Casper-white body next to her tan self!

Months 11 and 12--A Little Late!

Being that I am overwhelmingly busy with schoolwork, I have been neglectful to our blog. Here are months 11 and 12 of our angel!

11 Months

Getting his feet licked by Fancy--what's new??

12 Months

Goodbye Illinois

So, I'm still not done blogging about our vacation in July. This is the last post, I promise!

The day before we had to leave we went out for some yummy Mexican food. On our way back, we passed a park (and what a beautiful park it was!) and couldn't resist taking Pierce for one last swing. He sure is glad we did!

Everyone wanted to swing this happy little boy!

All in all it was a great trip. I know I'm leaving tons of things out and just writing about the pictures. But my brain is full of the 55 page proposal I am writing (or supposed to be!!). My dad has tons more cute pictures, but hasn't sent them to me yet (hint, hint).

Levi had tons of fun working on the Corvette. I have no idea why I never took a picture! It's too bad that my dad wasn't able to fire it up until the day after we left.

One memory I'll never forget happened one night when we were sitting out on the patio. It was dusk and we were just sitting out there chatting. All the sudden, Levi gasps and says, "Look! What? Am I tripping?" I looked over toward the woods where he was staring, trying to figure out what he was talking about. I thought maybe he saw an animal. I asked him what in the world he was talking about. He told me he saw a light flashing in the woods. "Look- there's more!" he said. My dad starts laughing and asked Levi if he had ever seen lightening bugs before. It was hilarious. Being an Arizona boy, he had never in his life seen a firefly in real life. It still makes me laugh just thinking about his bewilderment at the flashing "lights" in the sky. He's so cute. Later, he said he had thought maybe he had seen like a cat's eyes reflecting in the woods.

And funnily enough, when we got back Pierce and I watched a whole Sesame Street that was devoted to fireflies.

Reunion and Lunch

I was so happy to learn that my grandma was in Peoria at the same time we were! So we made a point to get together for lunch. My aunt Amy and my cousins Will and Reagan joined us. This was the first time Pierce had met any of them!

Pierce loved his great-grandma right away.

I love how Reagan is flashing the peace sign--too cute!

Pierce found an immediate friend in Reagan. I'm sure they could have played all afternoon together!

Looking oh so sleepy. He couldn't be more comfortable in the arms of his cousin. I sure wish we lived closer so we could do this more often!

More Vacation Pics

Pierce had such a good time at his grandparents' house.

Had to get a butt-shot in there.

We went out to dinner to the Olive Garden. Pierce kept himself amused by this straw the whole time!

Wildlife Prairie Park

The day after we went to the zoo, we decided to go to Wildlife Prairie Park as well. I have been there many times as a kid, but was surprised my dad had never been there! And I was so excited to show Pierce, especially since he doesn't get to go outdoors much in scorching AZ!!

I have a picture of my sister, my cousin Michelle, and me circa 1986 on this same train. Wish I could find it! I'm starting to think it's not in my possession.

Riding the train

Pierce had fun in the train museum! He even has the same train set, although the conductor (his favorite) was missing!

I wanted to get a picture with the Thomas the Tank mural because I'm sure he will love Thomas when he is older!

A black bear! And possibly the one who mauled a man last year. Morbid, I know.

Outside the old school house was posted the Rules for Teachers 1872. Obviously I got a kick out of that!

So awesome! As Levi and I left the school house (my parents and Pierce had walked ahead toward the petting zoo), Levi found a ten dollar bill. As we were marvelling over that and walking toward the petting zoo, this horse came galloping toward me. I was walking near the fence and he seriously ran to me. He wanted attention and treats so bad! He was the most darling thing. I felt so bad because flies kept landing in his eyes so I was doing my best to shoo them away. I loved him so much and didn't want to leave him!

Bison and deer

So tired!

So much fun! Can't wait to go back and see that horse!

First Trip to the Zoo

On our vacation, we went to the Peoria Zoo. It was Pierce's very first trip, but definitely not his last! Here we go, ready to see some animals!

I found it mildly amusing that the tigers played with bowling balls.

Look closely--Levi caught a picture of this hog peeing!!

Mommy hog with her three little babies. So cute!

Outside the zoo was a park, so we took Pierce to the baby swings. He LOVED it. He was cracking up and was just purely and completely happy. He's been swinging before, but last time he was super tired. He enjoyed it so much this time.

I love to swing as well, so I hopped on beside him. He really got a kick out of that and wanted to watch me the whole time.

Passed out in the car on the way home.