Off to the beach!

We're off to the beach tomorrow and VERY excited! I'm sure I'll take a million pictures and post many when we return! Please pray for safe travels and fun and relaxation! I don't know how relaxing it will be...that depends on how well everyone sleeps at night!

See you soon!

Love to all!!
Ang

Duke Time

Gram and Rach
Peek a boo!

Here I am!

"SQUAWK!!!!!!"

(poor bird didn't know what to think!)

Today was so much fun! We spent the majority of the day at Nana and Pop's house and had a really good time! The kids played in the basement for the first time ever! Bradley's never even been down there and Rachel doesn't remember because it's been so long. The basement is cleaned out now because of the yard sale, so it was nice sitting at the old kitchen table and chairs and eating popsicles. We also discovered some great toys for the grandkids to play with once they are cleaned off. We played in the den, upstairs, at the piano, in the dining room, in the kitchen and even in the office with the fish tank. The kids ran all over the house and just had a great time exploring! Rachel always loves the old Strawberry Shortcake collection and barbies that used to be mine and Wendy's. Bradley had lots of fun playing on the daybed that's in my room. He's all about laying in a bed with pillows and blankets and getting snuggly.

When we left nana and pop's, we went to visit Gramma. It was great to see her and she looked great. She was very happy to see us and the kids resumed their normal activities: playing in the closet, climbing on the walker and then foraging for food. (Gramma was kind enough to offer us some of her candy and peanut butter crackers.) It had been a very long day for the kids and no nap for Bradley, so we didn't stay very long. On our way out, Gramma wanted to show us the cute little bird that's in a cage upstairs for the residents to enjoy. Rach and Bradley loved it, and were squawking at it rather loudly. The bird would chirp back, very quietly. The kids loved this, but they were very loud and excited and I'm sure they are very different from the visitors that this bird is used to seeing. We left as soon as I could tear them away. But, we had a nice visit and it's always good to see Gramma. I got a picture of her and Rachel, but Bradley wouldn't cooperate. Oh well!!

Bradley's 2-Year Check-up

Sweet, precious big boy asleep in his crib with his many blankies!

We're using the crib until we HAVE to move him to a big boy bed!

Monday was Bradley's 2 year check-up and I was very excited about taking him even though I wasn't sure if he was going to have to get any shots. The kids have always loved our Pediatrician, so the visits usually go very well. First, Bradley had to stand up on the big kid scale. He loved doing this. He weighed 29 lbs. and was in the 61%. Next, he had to stand against a painted height chart on the wall to see what how tall he is. He measured 33 1/2 in. tall and in the 24%, but that may be slightly off since it was hard to explain to Bradley that he needed to stand up very straight and put his heels against the wall. We went to the room next and answered a series of questions from the nurse about eating and sleeping habits and whether we've introduced potty training or not. Next we had to wait for Dr. McCorkle to come in. We only had to wait about 15 minutes and then he came in to do his exam. He did the standard stuff: listening to his heartbeat and lungs, looking in his ears and at his eyes and down his throat. I actually got Bradley to open his mouth in the "AAHHH" position. During the examination, Bradley sat perfectly still and cut his eyes up at Dr. McCorkle. He was very cute. Rachel was, as always, my big helper and the social bug. She loves seeing all the nurses and Dr. M and chatting with them. Since Bradley is up to date on his immunizations, we didn't have to get one at this visit, which made for a very positive ending!

By the way, Bradley went pee-pee on the potty for the first time last night. We have talked about the potty, watched everyone in the family use the potty, flushed diaper poo down the potty and sat on the potty, but never used it. So, last night right before bath, I sat Bradley on the potty on the Elmo seat that he loves and he pee-peed. He was very excited and was so proud of himself. We all clapped and made a huge deal out of it. It was quite adorable seeing him sitting there using the potty!! We'll see if he gets the whole potty trainign thing quickly or not! :)