Jumpy Carson

Crabs, Sharks, and Sting Rays Oh My!

Yesterday we took a mini-vacation (in East Tennessee that translates to a trip to Gatlinburg). After a meal at one of our favorite restaurants in the Smokies, Cherokee Grill- we all headed to The Aquarium. Tyler absolutely loved everything!!! He especially was taken with the crabs and stingrays, both of which were on exhibit to touch. Carson also was enthralled with all of the colors and could not take his eyes off the jellyfish exhibit. We will be going back soon, especially with it being so hot outside- this was a perfect way to spend a night getting to sight see indoors.

Carson!

Little Ponderosa

Today we went to one of our friends son's 3rd birthday party at the Little Ponderosa ranch in Clinton TN. Tyler had a blast seeing all the animals, but his favorite thing by far was the unlimited pony rides. We were trying to figure it up on the way home and to our best estimate, Tyler rode the poor animal between 8-10 times! Tommy said next year we needed to look into enrolling Tyler in pony camp (yes, a real camp offered by this place). We had a wonderful time- thanks Michelle, Kevin, Andrew, and Davis!

Thumbsucker

Bed Buddies

This gives new meaning to 'just hanging out in my crib'. Tyler loves to climb in and play with Carson right when Carson awakes from a nap. Hope the crib can withstand a little weight over the years.

Photo Outtakes

Most people would download the beautiful, perfect pictures of their children taken at their professional portrait session...but what fun would that be? No, those pics hang on our walls and are mailed out to family. These cutting board classics are the ones that we love dearly (but not enough to order 200 wallets of) and were given to us courtesy of Portrait Innovations via CD (if you are a big enough sucker to order 5,000 pictures of your young ones then they will send you home with a complimentary disc of your entire session). This was Tyler and Carson's first photo session together and it only took two weekends of appointment to capture some good shots!

Diagnosis...Outstanding!

Tyler is in the 95% for both height and weight for his age. The doctor confirmed that he would not only remain a big kid for his age, but would also be an above average adult. Look out organized sports!!!!

Poor Overworked Doctor

When Tyler woke up this morning, we started immediately getting him dressed. I guess he sensed that we had somewhere to be, and this is the dialogue that followed:

Tyler: Where we going?
Tommy: To the doctor.
Tyler. Oh. (long pause)
Tyler: Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Tommy: Tyler, it is just for your 3 year checkup, there will be no shots.
Tyler: Doctor too busy to see Tyler today.


*It has been explained to Tyler that the good doctor has been kind enough to work us in to his busy schedule long enough to just check out Ty's eyes, ears, and growth. George The Monkey is also accompanying Ty and Tommy on this visit for moral support (compete with a band aid on his belly).

Couch Time

We are all moved in at our new place and Tyler and Carson have adjusted beautifully! It seems that as of late Carson is actually enjoying playing with Tyler and not flinching every time he comes within 2 feet of him. I am excited to see how they interact together over the next year.

Carson & Ma

I'm happy to say that one of my grandmother's favorite things to do while we are in Oak Ridge is to hold Carson. I'm also pretty confident that the feeling is mutual.

Tyler Woods

Last night my sister Becky, her husband Hal and their kids, plus G-Ma all met up at Sir Gooney Golf in Farragut with Tyler and me. Being Tyler's first time ever holding a club- he did about as expected (envision a baseball swing only lower- with the club turned the wrong way). Tommy was busy working on his dissertation, but got the play by play when we got home.

Oak Ridge Boys - New & Improved

I was busy putting things away in our new place, when I heard Tyler saying in the next room, "Your turn Carson- sing!" Naturally, I ran with camera in tow into the living room to see Tyler have his microphone out and holding it up to Carson's mouth. After about 10 seconds of silence, Tyler took back the mic only to remark, "That was a good job Carson- real good."

Happy Birthday Tyler Andrew Hodges!!!!

Today is Tyler's 3rd birthday! Three years old- I am in shock over how fast time has gone by. To celebrate, we threw him a Dora the Explorer pizza party today with family and friends. He received so many cool gifts and loved being surrounded by so many of the people he loves. His big present from Tommy, Carson, and I was an Artic Cat Power Wheel. He is going to have a big time riding all over campus this year and driving around his playmates. Thank you for everyone who helped to make Tyler's birthday so special! We love you Tyler "T-Bird".

Trip to the Cape

Cape Girardeau, Missouri that is. Four states in one day all to visit Tommy's Grandpa Haman - it was well worth the trip. It was the first time Carson got to meet him. The day was spent visiting, eating, playing ball, and, of course, taking lots of pictures. The boys felt right at home and did not miss a beat. Below are some of the highlights of the day.

Many Faces of the 4th

I'll preface the pictures with the fact that Tyler did eventually warm up to the fireworks show we watched at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Pleasant View, TN, contrary to the expressions during the first 20 minutes. The colors and loud noises were talked about for the rest of the weekend. I hope everyone had a great 4th of July!!

As the night went on ...

Putting the "Pee" in Piano

While on our trip this weekend, we stopped in Paducah, KY to stretch our legs and get a bit to eat. Fortunately, Tommy found a tree nearby to "relieve" himself. Tyler asked what Daddy was doing and I told him that daddy was peeing on the tree. For which he replied, "that's funny!"

Fast forward to this morning when we got up at Tommy's parent's house. Tyler removed his diaper, handed it to Tommy, and took off for the piano that he loves to play when we visit. Tyler returned to the living room three minutes later for the following conversation:

Tyler: Ty peed, Ty peed!!!
Tommy: Where did you pee, Tyler?
Tyler: On the piano. (referring to the piano bench)
Tommy: You peed on grandma's piano?
Tyler: Yes.
Tommy: Should you have peed on the piano or in the potty?
Tyler: Daddy peed on the tree.
Everyone: (Laughter)

And thus, another potty training opportunity lost.

Day At The Pool

Tyler with cousins Sophia, Dawson, Daniel, and Samantha

Carson did not enjoy the cool water- he did however enjoy his 2 hour nap on the table while we swam.

Tyler lounging in the crab float intended for Carson.

Tyler, Dawson, and Sophia taking an ice cream sandwich break.

Ridin' G-Ma's Horsey

Everyone Loves Books At Bedtime

I was trying to remember the other day when we introduced Tyler to books on a regular basis. I know it was very early, which is probably why he insists on reading at least 7 books a day-but I know we were not reading bedtime books at 4 months of age. Carson is mesmerized by bedtime stories and is still as a mouse while being read to. Another nighttime routine of Tyler's is to horse around with Carson before he goes to sleep. A month ago it seemed like Carson had this annoyed look and just tolerated Tyler's presence. As of late, I have noticed Carson actually interacting and smiling when Tyler's face comes into focus. I can think of nothing more awesome then watching them grow close and play together as the age gap closes.