My Favorite Part of the Day

Since Hayden has turned 3 years old his vocabulary has increased. Sometimes I wonder where he has heard certain things. Something that has become my favorite part of the day is to see and hear the interaction that Joey and Hayden have. Just to hear their conversations is so sweet and yet sometimes funny. I like to be walking through the house and glance out the back window to see Joey and Hayden running through the backyard. (both acting the same age! Ha!) One game I was able to see them play was like finding Easter Eggs; except they were finding toys that were hidden in the tall grass. (Joey mowed the next day)
Joey has been a wonderful father. I'll be honest it didn't come natural for him when Hayden was a baby (he was still wonderful) but now to watch them together playing, interacting, and talking has become the best part of my days. Days like this are the days I cherish with my family. Time to enjoy a few pictures.

He likes to call himself Chaplain at Dollywood


First day at Mother's Day Out


Hiking Clingman's Dome; Hayden did the whole mile with very little help!

Something I am thankful for.....

I think back to when Hayden was just a very small baby....even before I had gone back to church with him. I literally read all the books that were on Hayden's shelf to him in just a couple of sittings. Then I think also back to the times he would play with books by himself as he bounced actively in his bouncer seat. Fast forward to now.....Hayden will sit in his room (during his playtime) and read books. We currently read a book (or 2) at naptime and also bedtime at night. We check out about 10 books each week from the library. Hayden also gets 1 new book each month (till age 5) through the Imagination Library Foundation. (google that or ask me about it) On the airplance this past week I had brought about 5 small books....we read them all. On the way to Longview from Fort Worth, my mom read books she had gotten from the library plus all the books we had already read while on the plane. (which last pretty much the whole trip) One evening while here in Longview my mom and Hayden had gone upstairs to get his PJ's......about 25 minutes later they come down the stairs. They were in the spare room (now Hayden calls "Book Room") reading books from the collection there. (which is a big collection) Hayden has been reading books in the car as we are driving somewhere, has Mamaw read him books, has NeNaw read him books, and papa and I of course too. So if there is something I am truly thankful for (along with some many other blessings) is that my son loves books!! He is hungry to learn and listen and point out what he sees. It took me a longer time in life to love reading but I'm soo thankful that he has caught on earlier. I truly believe it started from that one day that I read and read to him while he bounced away in his seat. So if you ever are having a hard time thinking of something for Hayden.....a book will do the trick.
I Love It!!!

Hayden is now 3!!!

Here are a few pictures from Hayden's Birthday party. We had a friend taking pictures as we helped move things along. We had about 15 people there. We did have some that had to leave early. We had a great time, especially Hayden. He just enjoyed playing with his friend that came and showing people his bedroom. Joey and I filled his room up with balloons when he was taking his nap that afternoon. While Hayden opened presents we were able to skype with Nenaw and Papa! There are also a couple of pictures as we were leaving for his first day at Mother's Day Out today. He had a great time. Enjoy the pictures!