Fun Times with Pa Jim

It has been so great having my dad here for a visit!  We've enjoyed showing him a few of the sights around town.  Friday, we went to Inner Harbor, downtown Baltimore.  First we went to the Observation Deck of the World Trade Center building.  It is the tallest pentagon-shaped building in the world. 

This is the view of the Francis Scott Key Bridge looking from the Observation Deck.

After lunch, we traveled to Fort McHenry by water taxi.  That was really fun.  Here is your history lesson for the day:  The British attacked Fort McHenry in 1814 at the end of the War of 1812.  The bombardment lasted for 25 hours.  During the battle, Francis Scott Key was being held on a US truce ship in the Chesapeake Bay.  In the early morning of September 14th, Key saw the huge flag flying over Fort McHenry and was stirred to write what would become our national anthem.  Enjoy some of our pictures and if you ever visit Baltimore, I highly recommend a tour of Fort McHenry.  You definitely do not want to miss the short film in the visitor's center, either.  The actual flag that flew over the fort is now in the Smithsonian in DC.

Fort McHenry is the shape of a star.  I thought that was fascinating!

During the Civil War, Fort McHenry was used as a temporary prison for captured Confederate soldiers.  We found a couple of rebel rousers!  They were released later for being so darn cute!

ammunition room

Saturday, after a full day of golf lessons and t-ball, we drove down the road to Annapolis for ice cream at a local favorite:

We definitely enjoyed it!

After ice cream, we walked down to the end of the pier.  We had a great time!

Where did May go?

The month of May seems like a huge blur!  I honestly don't know what happened to it.  I'm sure it was full of life - mostly t-ball, golf lessons, and church activities.  We went to our first Oriole game and pictures will be forthcoming.  The last week and a half we have just known illness.  Pneumonia knocked me off my feet and now the boys are a bit under the weather.  It is a virus, so we will just have to let it run it's course. 

I'm so thankful that today is June 1st.  A new month and lots to celebrate.  First, Jarrell and I will celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss on the 3rd.  I'm so blessed to be married to my best friend!  My dad is coming to visit next week.  We are looking forward to seeing him!  Nathan turns 10 on the 23rd.  Unbelievable, that Jarrell and I are old enough to have a ten year old!  I'm also looking forward to summer activities with the boys; swimming, park, ball games, science center, museums, etc. 

So, here's to June, a new month and the beginning of summer! 

Luke's Fourth T-Ball Game

I'm finally posting pictures from Luke's t-ball games.  He wasn't able to play in the first game because it had not been three weeks past his surgery.  I took pictures at the second game, but I didn't think they were very good and didn't tell the story.  I forgot my camera for the third game.  Tonight, I finally took some great pictures of Luke in action.  He is loving t-ball and doing great!  He does not like to get out so he runs as fast as he can to base.  He usually makes it!  He is a lot of fun to watch! 

swinging in the batter's circle

up at bat

swing batter

on base at first, ready to run

on base at second, ready to run

running to third

scoring a run 

waiting to see some action as first baseman

waiting to make one of his two plays at second base

T-Ball Opening Day

As most of you know, Luke is participating in t-ball.  This is something he has wanted to do now for awhile.  Practices started in March and he was doing great.  Unfortunately, after his hernia surgery he had to sit out for three weeks.  This past Saturday was opening day for the Harundale Youth Sports League.  Luke's team are the Giants. There was a parade complete with the Glen Burnie High School marching band.  It was a lot of fun!  Luke was disappointed that he wasn't able to play in the first game Saturday afternoon, but he will be able to play Thursday.  The following pictures are from the parade on Saturday and of course there will be more pictures forthcoming as we play out the season.  Enjoy!

Luke's 6th Birthday Celebration

The day started with breakfast in bed (donuts), balloons, and first gift of the day; a new game for his gameboy.  For some reason, Luke has started sleeping with Nathan.  That is why all of these pictures are in Nathan's room.

Later in the day, Luke received two cards in the mail.  One was from Mama Jean and the other was from Pa Jim.  Both had sweet green surprises inside!  Luke was excited to say the least! 

Luke knew that we were planning on going to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner, but he didn't know that he would be receiving the royal birthday treatment.  It was fun to surprise him like that! 

Luke and his friend Jacob.  They were playing Luke's favorite game; Brave Firefighters. 

Happy Birthday Luke!

Happy Birthday Luke!

                                                                                       
Today, we celebrate you, our sweet Luke!  I can't believe that you are six years old today!  God knew that we needed you in our family!  He knew we needed someone that would think outside the box.  We needed more laughter and comedy! I feel so blessed to be your mommy!  You are amazing!  You challenge me in so many ways to stretch and grow as a person and parent. 

                                                                                             
One of the reasons we chose your name was that it meant "light."  You definitely have brought more light to our lives with your smile and your laughing eyes.  I love your snuggles first thing in the morning.  I love that you fall asleep so fast because you have lived full throttle all day long!  You are energetic and spunky! 

                                                                                             
As much as I want you to stay little, I eagerly anticipate what the Lord has planned for you in the future! We love you precious Luke!   Happy Birthday!

Our Brave Boy

Ever the scrapbooker, I took some pictures of our experience today at Johns Hopkins.  Everyone was so nice and made the day as pleasant as possible.  Thanks for all of your prayers!  Our Luke is doing great!  In the first picture, Luke is opening his "Sorry you have to have surgery.  We love you very much!" gift.  It was a Star Wars Clone Wars snuggie blanket. 

trying to figure out the snaps to make armholes

When we arrived in the pre-op area, there were already two other boys playing Wii.  So Luke was patiently waiting for his turn.

doing what he does best!

Then we had some surprise visitors...

Luke was watching the clowns do their funny magic tricks.

Luke did great!  We are resting at home and I think that the next day or two may be pajama days!