Summer is here... Yay!

Hello!  Happy summer!  We've been enjoying the start of summer and Reid's last few weeks of freedom - so, apologies for not posting more often.  Things are going well here in SLC.  I've been out of school for almost two weeks and I am loving every minute of it.  Reid is at the lab for the last time today!  He is gearing up to start 3rd year rotations on July 6th.  We have been spending a lot of time together and having lots of fun - because life will be busy in just a few weeks!  We've gone on dates, lots of walks, to a Real Soccer game, a Bees game, out to eat, played outside with James, gone to the Farmers Market, Park City and more... we've been busy and it's been great.  In fact, we're off on a grand adventure this next week: IRELAND!  We're so excited and we promise to take (and then actually share) lots of pictures.

Here are some pics of the little man just doing what he does.  I have a lot more that I hope to post later this week... seriously, I'm going to do it... so check back soon. The most exciting new event in the life of James is that he is walking!  We have some great photos; I'll get them  up soon.  But for now...

Aviators... lookin' good Mr. James.

Sweet buddy playing in his pj's.

Our friends, Kim & Amara!  Amara just came home from Ethiopia a couple weeks ago!  We love her.  She is not only so beautiful, but has the cutest little personality.  The first time James met her, he hid behind a little rocking horse that he has and kept peeking around it to check her out... because she is oh, so cute.

Yes.  The little dude still likes to eat.  I think in this picture he is contemplating the blackberries he just ate - which added some lovely color to the mac & cheese he had previously smeared all over his face.  It is truly fun to watch this kid eat.  He is very good at it.

The following pictures show one of James' newest discoveries: lacrosse.  We're not really sure how he figure out what to do with the ball and the stick.  Reid has maybe thrown a ball twice using the lacrosse stick.  Apparently we have a smart little guy who picked up on this little trick.  It was so funny to watch him get the ball, put it into the net, try to pick it up and attempt to "throw" the ball.  He usually just dumped it behind his back, but he would simply turn around and try again.  The only time he got frustrated was when I tried to help.  Clearly he does not need our help.  He can do it all by himself... a theme that is starting to occur more and more often.  Seriously, where did he get this stubbornness?

And then there's the hat.  Numerous mornings, James wakes up, starts chattering in his crib, we eventually go in and get him, get him out and enjoy a great morning hug... and then he just wants his hat.  That's right.  He signs and grunts and wiggles his way down to the ground so he can get his hat.  He is eating breakfast in his hat... and probably his shoes.  

He loves his hat and his shoes - he is my son.  

Muah!