Slumbering with His Bribee

One of the funny things about two-year olds is the way they come up with their own way to pronounce words, including the names of people they see every day.

Briley...translated "Bribee" according to Macklan's pronunciation.

He loves his big cousin, and I can't say that I blame him. She is very funny, sweet, nurturing, and entertaining. She is a great example for him.

Macklan and Briley have a great time spending the night with one another. They love each other so much and can't stand to be apart. They spend every day together and nights too whenever they can convince Kristen and me. I hope they are always as close as they are now!

Watching Ice Age after enjoying a bedtime snack of Goldfish crackers and milk...


Sacked out on their pallet cuddled close and holding hands...


I loved this moment. It was the sweetest thing watching them fall asleep. It's obvious that Macklan and Briley could pass for siblings with the blond hair and blue eyes; however, they act like brother and sister too. Loving each other unconditionally, but also aggravating each other at times. These two share a special bond.

Deep Sea Adventure

Macklan's TWO!!!

My baby boy is now a toddler. Growing into a little person with his own personality, voice (which he wants everyone to hear), wants and needs, and opinions (which sometimes translates into attitude). It's hard to believe that Macklan is already two, but I'm enjoying every minute of it. Two isn't just always "terrible"; it's really proving to be the best stage yet!

I started planning Macklan's party at the end of June, deciding first on a theme. I debated between several ideas, but settled on "Deep Sea Adventure" which I ended up loving. It was perfect for Macklan too, since he had developed quite a love for fish and water during the summer. The vibrant colors of the fish, octopus, shark, dolphin, turtle, and crab brightened up the party environment and looked so kid-friendly. Macklan, his cousins, and little friends had a blast during this amazing ocean adventure. They discovered many mysteries of the deep blue sea as they fished for prizes, tossed bean bags through the submarine portholes, and pinned the turtle on the underwater scene.

This theme ended up being a great choice for Macklan's 2nd birthday. He really enjoyed seeing all his family and friends in one place, and it didn't take him long to warm up to the crowd. He loved his cake and cupcakes, was embarrassed during the singing of "Happy Birthday", and insisted that Mommy help him blow out his TWO candle. He was much more independent on unwrapping gifts this year, and he actually got excited about tearing the paper and pulling out the tissue paper. Surprisingly, Macklan didn't get nearly upset (compared to last year) after opening each gift just to have Mommy swipe it away in order for him to open another gift.

Macklan and Briley ready to get the party started with their cute inflatable turtles.


Anticipating a piece of birthday cake as we prepare to sing "Happy Birthday" to Macklan. He wasn't happy with me when I told him he had to wait a minute for cake!


Isn't this dolphin adorable? The kids enjoyed eating these yellow and chocolate cupcakes! I was extremely pleased with his cake and cupcakes. Perfect and delicious!


Gifts galore!!! Macklan received a tremendous assortment of gifts and loved every one of them.


"What's in here? Once I get all this tissue paper out maybe I'll find a toy!"


It's gift time...a book and sidewalk chalk from Kate!


It's an Elmo DVD from Mark. Macklan loves "Melmo"!


Happy Birthday to ME!!! He was so excited about every aspect of the party.


I had to bribe Macklan with mini M&M's (his candy gift from Aunt Judy) so he would sit still and continue opening his gifts! Whatever it takes, right?


Macklan was upset when I made him give up a gift in order to open the next one. I tried to keep him moving so he wouldn't loose interest.


Uncle Birdy and Aunt KeKe got Macklan this really cool tool box. He loves the hammer!


Cash register from Briley...great for teaching colors and cause/effect!


This gift made me cry. My uncle brought the horse he rode as a little boy for Macklan to enjoy until he outgrows it. It was so thoughtful and special, and I know that Macklan appreciates his "Yee-haw". Thanks Uncle Terry!


*Notice the baseball in his hand? This is nothing out of the ordinary. Macklan carries around balls everywhere he goes...including bed. Unless his interests change, he is bound to play at least one sport which excites Scott and me.

Be Creative @

Your Library...

And that's exactly what Macklan did during the months of June & July at our public library on Thursday mornings. Macklan was a "Doodler" with about five other regulars in his 18-30 month old age group. On occasion the group would expand to ten or so, and Ms. Sharon would have her hands full with energetic little ones. It didn't take Macklan long to learn our library day routine and his way around the library. By our second visit, he knew his way to the preschool book room and knew that Sonic was just across the parking lot from the library.

Showing me his spot on the "Reading is Fun" rug...next to the puppy of course!


Hanging out on the bean bag in the preschool book room...


Creating a piece of art out of modeling clay. Macklan chose to make a fish, and after it dried and hardened it looked pretty good!


Macklan really enjoyed the snackin' day at the library. His eyes grew to the size of saucers when Ms. Alisha filled his plate with goodies.


This poor puppy couldn't escape Macklan's rough love week after week...


The Be Creative Finale' was for every child who participated in the summer reading program. It was a packed house! Macklan and Briley listening to the final story of the summer.


Macklan's poodle and Briley's flower made by the balloon man at the finale'.


All the children designed a quilt block about a favorite book. Macklan's favorite book is The Wide-Mouthed Frog: A Pop-up Book. His quilt block is the orange one in the upper right corner.

On the Boomerang Express...

Macklan liked LOVED Vacation Bible School this year! Being only two weeks shy of turning two, Macklan was welcomed into the 2 & 3 year old class at Second Baptist Church. It thrilled me that he would get the opportunity to move from place-to-place and participate in various activities with almost twenty other children his age instead of being confined to the nursery. VBS ran from Sunday evening to Thursday evening at the scheduled time of 6:00-8:30. Macklan's nightly rotation consisted of crafts, music, snack, recreation, and Bible story. He had his favorites just like any other kid. He really enjoyed marching, singing, and playing instruments in music, of course he loved the classic cookie snack, and cried each night when his class had to vacate the playground so the next class could play. Crafts on the other hand...not so much! I ended up finishing his crafts after failed attempts to get him interested. And as for sitting still and listening to the Bible story...well, let's just say I'm glad we're not receiving a VBS grade card for it would read, "Needs improvement." I can't even tell you what most of the stories were about because I was too busy shushing, chasing, taking away, and corralling Macklan back to the over-sized ark rug. All in all, we had a great time and were both exhausted by the time we arrived home each night.

Mama Kangaroo = Briley
Baby Kangaroo = Macklan


Leading his group to the next destination as they link onto the rope...a few times he thought they were playing tug-o-war! Boys will be boys I guess.


Try getting fifteen 2 & 3 year olds to pose for a picture...close to impossible. This is what I managed to capture...


Playing in the water table...Macklan's favorite activity.


Grilling fish with Bryce and Charlie


1st time with Play-Doh


On the Boomerang Express...
it all comes back to Jesus!

Christmas in July

On occasion, Christmas comes twice a year...once in December and once in July. I can remember looking forward to family trips to Holiday World as a child and feeling the excitement of seeing Santa Claus even in July.

To round out our family camping trip, we spent a hot summer's day at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana. This was Macklan's first trip to the #1 park for family fun!

A side note: Another convenient perk of camping at Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Park is that it is located on the acreage adjacent to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

Beautiful Briley on the Star Spangled Carousel...


Macklan and Briley loved floating around the gentle river in their bright yellow canoe. It didn't take long for Macklan to figure out how to reach down into the water and SPLASH!


Macklan's favorite ride of the day--Indian River Canoes--without a doubt!


"Swimming" up and down and around on Salmon Run made Macklan a little queasy as you can see by the expression on his face. I snapped this right before asking the ride operator to stop the ride that I was certain he would love...considering how excited he gets about fish.


Scott, Kristen, and I conquered the world's tallest water slide Pilgrim's Plunge. 131 feet descent + 45-degree angle = lots of screams & a big splash!!!


Macklan's feet never stopped as he ran from jumping jets, spray arches, and geysers at Jungle Jets.


Briley took Macklan down this water slide at Crocodile Isle.


Macklan wanted to go down the built-in slides on these colorful jungle animals over and over "gain"...(again!) And he did, laughing every time!


Future pilots? Both enjoyed a gentle ride in a circular-motion on Blitzen's Airplanes.


Macklan was hesitant about riding the Star Spangled Carousel, but he was all about showing his independence on Prancer's Merry-Go-Round.

Camping at Lake Rudolph

I've grown up camping and couldn't wait to take Macklan. It's great family bonding time and so much fun.

Along with us came Pappy, Nana, Aunt KeKe, Uncle Birdie, and Briley. You need numbers when you camp; it's more fun! After arriving and unloading the van full of "stuff", we wasted no time setting up camp. Macklan was in heaven just being outdoors, and Briley loved the bunk beds in the camper. Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort is recognized as the 2008-2009 National RV Park of the Year. Conveniently located on the property are 121 RVs available for renting. This makes a camping trip a little bit easier, and it was clearly evident why the campground had been identified as the best.

Macklan and Briley lounging by the fire pit in their new chairs.


Roasting marshmallows with Nana


Eating marshmallows with Daddy


Sparklers with Momma...which we later found out were illegal at the campground. Rule breakers!!!


Playing on the bunk beds with his flashlight


Briley ready for some beauty sleep in her adorable monkey gown and sleep mask.


Speaking of monkeys...


This picture just cracks me up. Briley riding her bike like daredevil Evel Knievel, with a helmet of course!


Macklan and Briley enjoyed riding in the paddleboats. Here they are after boat-hopping to ride with Nana and Pappy.


Golf anyone? Since a ball was involved, Macklan was into miniature golf. He even got a hole-in-one all by himself. Amazing!


Where did that ball go?


Miss Priss even had fun on the miniature golf course.


Catching bubbles


Pappy, Briley, and Macklan swimming in Baby Blitzen Kiddie Pool since Blitzen Bay Family Pool was FREEZING! I'll spare my family the embarrassment and refrain from uploading the pictures of all eight of us in the kiddie pool. I'm sure we were quite a sight, but we could not bare to dip our toes in the family pool.


Nana and Pappy with their kiddos!


What a great 1st camping experience for Macklan!