Sam!

James' stuffed puppy Sam goes everywhere around the house with him. He has always loved puppies but he really is attached to Sam. This is James and Sam last night right before bedtime.

James and His Cousins

Tuesday was James' second cousin Ben's 7th Birthday ( in the background). He didn't want his picture taken. James and Ella Gray usually play once a week but it has been almost 3 weeks since they have seen each other. As you can tell they were so excited to see eachother!!!

Charles Jr. was a sport and played with them both.

I took so many pictures but it is hard to get a good shot of a 19 month old and a 3 year old.

Ella playing little Mommy to James. They were both asleep by 7:00.

SNOW

The snow finally made it our way. We have already had 6 inches and it is still falling. James LOVED the snow and actually said "snow"! We took him to the farm and he rode the Gator, went sledding, did a little exploring, and also went to see his Great Grandmother Corey/ "Me Me". He has a little cold and an ear infection so I didn't want to keep him out too long. He wasn't happy when we had to go. If it doesn't melt by tomorrow we will be outside playing again.

Daddy's Boots

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Last night we put Gray's first cowboy boots on James. They are too big to wear right now but he will definitely be wearing them next year! James was really proud of them and didn't want to take them off.

Isle of Palms - Charleston

We have been at Wild Dunes wth Molly, Ross and Addie for the weekend. We have had a great time! James and Addie have stayed on schedule and have overall been excellent. The car ride was easy so I know that Gray and I can travel with James now. On Friday we went to the South Carolina aquarium. James was so excited and said "fish" over and over. He has also picked up on a few other words. I think it has helped being around Addie because she talks so much. Thanks so much Molly and Ross for asking us!!! Here are just a few pictures...more to come.

James and Hudson

On Saturday we went to visit James' friend Hudson and give him his 2nd Birthday present. James and Hudson are exactly six months apart to the date and time and were also born in the same room. We had a really good time. They acted like typical boys climbing all over the place and on each other. They had the most fun pushing each other around in Hudson's wooden wagon. James also got to play with a red tractor which is a big "no" around our house.

Back at home...

James is still obsessed with books....Today I found him in his book basket as happy as can be looking at books. Here are a few pictures of some other things he's been up to. I was putting on makeup yesterday morning when James discovered he could take all of the diapers out of the diaper holder one by one and when I walked in, he laughed as he knocked over the diaper genie.

This is a daily occurrence...Books everywhere!!!

The Homestead

Gray and I had a great time on our trip to the Homestead. We tried to ski on the first day we were there but it hurt my foot too bad. It wasn't really painful, just uncomfortable. ..Hopefully it is still healing and I will be able to try again. We had an AWESOME room and still don't understand how we got it. As soon as we checked in we were for sure that Santa had surprised us with an upgrade. If you look at the tower in the first picture, our room was in the middle at the top of the first section. We had a fireplace, sitting area, indoor porch with a great view, and a great bathroom. The Christmas decorations were still up the first two days so that was also a treat. Gray is standing in front of the largest live Christmas tree I've ever seen!!!! I was really impressed that all of the trees and garland were live. After a relaxing four days and four course meals I am glad to be back home and really missed James.

Vacation!!!!!

I won't be posting for a while....Gray and I are headed to the Homestead in VA tomorrow for four nights. I am so excited for a much needed vacation and I really appreciate my parents keeping James for us. Thanks in advance. I hope everyone had a great New Year!!

Christmas in Smithfield

James' Christmas in Smithfield-- He doesn't have a stocking but his train is always filled with goodies.

These are all of my Dad's presents. We were supposed to "cut back" this year!! He wanted us to take a picture.

Kevin and LeeAnna gave James this cute stool along with MANY other gifts. He loves it and has played on it constantly since we've been home. Thanks!!!!

First Christmas as an engaged couple....many more to come!!!