Update from St. Simons

We are having a great time at the beach. We've been blessed with perfect weather and Aiden is having a blast playing with Alexander. Every time he sees Alexander he starts laughing and squealing. They have been playing chase on the beach and baseball in the condos. Aiden loves the water as you can see. I'll have to upload the ocean pictures later, but he even liked going out in the ocean with Daddy and Granpa. We weren't sure he would like the sand because he is not a big fan of getting his hands dirty, but he got pretty good with the shovel this afternoon (after his 3.5 hour nap!). I'll post more later, but I just wanted to give you a little preview.

Playing Baseball

Aiden has been busy playing baseball this weekend. We've always been impressed with his throwing ability (which isn't as evident on this video-- he throws better right handed), but I've never heard of a 17 month old being able to hit a thrown ball. We started off pitching him a bigger, rubber ball, but it only took 2 days for him to start hitting the wiffle ball. I know I'm showing off, but as April Houston says-- my kid, my blog, I'll brag if I want to! I think my sister might be right-- Aiden might be a power hitting first baseman. He is definitely coordinated. Here is another video of him taking some practice swings. It was hard to get him to concentrate on hitting when I had the camera out, but you can see he has his practice swing down and a pretty good natural stance. He uses a cross hand grip, but so did Hank Aaron for a while so I think that's ok.

Mother's Day

This is Memaw's Mother's Day present. She wanted to be able to take Aiden and Drew for a ride together when she keeps them both. I think it was a hit with the boys too!

Aiden and Daddy dressed alike for me in their blue seer-sucker shirts.
Aren't they cute?

Pirates and Princesses Party

Today was the 3rd birthday party for Alexander Rice and Sara Hays Grote. Alexander is my cousin, Chris's son and Sara Hays is the daughter of Christy and Brent Grote. Brent was Andy's best man. Their birthdays are only a day or 2 apart so they always celebrate with a big bash together. This year was a pirate and princess theme complete with a blow-up, bouncy pirate ship and dressed-up, story-telling princess. Another friend of the boys, Ben Sewell, made the bar-be-que for lunch and Chris made the pirate hat shaped cake for Alexander. Aiden had a great time playing with all the other kids. Fortunately he is about their size so he could almost keep up (once we were able to detach him from his father, of course). There were lots of family and friends in attendance so it fun to see everyone and catch up. We can't wait until next year to see what Chris and Christy think up to top this one! Good luck girls!

Aiden and Daddy getting in the pirate spirit.

Daddy, Aiden (playing with his earring), Matt Rice, Brent Grote

Alexander makes a mean pirate!

There's that earring!

Aiden in outfit #2.
(He accidentally peed on Daddy. I guess it is time for size 6 diapers.)

Aunt Pat (Alexander's Granny), Aiden, Daddy and Chris

The birthday duo bouncing away.
Sara Hays still had on her princess outfit at this point.

Aiden loved the playhouse.

Aiden and Alexander (I think he was looking at the goats.)

Aiden in the bouncy pirate ship.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Andy and I celebrated our 4th anniversary on Thursday with a baby-free evening thanks to Granma (now Nana, but more on that in a minute) and Granpa. We had a lovely time going out to eat and buying Andy new clothes that won't fall off (after his 40+ pound weight loss!) and enjoyed just being together. Friday we drove up to Athens to meet the rest of the family and attend the baseball games Friday and Saturday. I won't be discussing the baseball games except to say that Georgia scored at least 6 runs every game and still managed to lose.

Granma's name has been changed to Nana since Aiden called her that all weekend. I'm sure most of you grandparents would agree that you'll answer to just about anything that your grand baby directs at you. All in all we had a fun weekend, but Aiden was worn slap out. He fell asleep on Granpa towards the end of the game Saturday and then slept the whole 2 hours home. He hardly even stirred when we picked up Boss from doggy daycare. Don't get me started, that's a whole other post, but for anyone looking for a place to leave your dogs (or cats) during football games I highly recommend Pawtropolis. They are awesome! (www.pawtropolis.com)

Aiden looking like a little man before school Thursday.

Sometimes you have to read a book before you head off to school.

Nana, Granpa, and Aiden before the game Friday night.

Checking out the grounds crew getting the field ready.

"Is this game ever going to start?"

I think he was watching the hawks that live on the light posts in left field.

Aiden got an important call before the game Saturday.

Aiden with Mommy and Daddy Saturday.

Aiden and Mommy (I think he's texting this time.)

Aiden with Hairy Dawg.

He wasn't too sure about Hairy and wanted to keep an eye on him.

Watching more baseball after we got home Saturday night.

Trying to fit his hat on Daddy.