Daddy's Birthday

Andrew and I made Daddy's birthday cake. When I asked Andrew what kind of cake we should make for Daddy, he said a "submarine cake." So, voila!
Call me Martha.

Singing to Daddy

Taking a little taste of chocolate icing. Andrew says icing is "so yummy."
I don't know why we don't just eat icing for every meal.
I think they like it. Happy Birthday, Babe!

A Conversation with a 2 Year Old

So most of you know that George has been away this week, and I have been flying solo with Andrew. It is quite interesting trying to carry on a mealtime conversation with a 2 year old, but I try really hard. Our mealtime conversation usually revolves around what we did that day, and what foods we are eating for that meal. So, I have no idea how to introduce this story, so I'll just give you the recap of our dinner conversation this evening:

Perry: Andrew, how are those green beans?
Andrew: I like ham.
P: Ohhh, ham, huh? How about a bite of your green beans, too?
A: Go swimming with Miss Buffy.
P: You enjoyed your swim class today? Do you like Miss Buffy?
A: Jump in.
P: Yes, you were such a big boy.
A: Want cookie.
P: Let's eat a few more green beans. Look, Andrew! [opening pantry] Mamma bought this [pointing at above box] rice pudding for dessert tomorrow. Mamma is gonna make it for us.
A: [pointing at box] OBAMA! Look, its OBAMA!
P: [peeing in my pants] Ummmm, [laughing hysterically] Ummm. Andrew, that is not President Obama. That is Uncle Ben.
A: [laughing] Uncle Ben and Aunt Jamie?
P: [still laughing/peeing] Ummmm. No, not our Uncle Ben. Hmmmm.
A: [mocking me] Hmmmm. Ummm.
P: How do I explain this? Andrew, this is not Obama. People come in all different colors. Some people are black. Some people are white. Ummm. I think this discussion needs to wait a few years.
A: Want cookie. More milk puh-leese.
P: Eat one last green bean.
A: [chomp]
P: Here is your cookie.

Isn't parenting fun!

Like A Fish

Andrew started swim lessons this week and he loves it. I knew that he needed to start swim lessons because he has no fear. He now knows that he needs to try to swim back to the side of the pool, reach with his arms, and kick kick kick. He likes blowing bubbles, too. Mostly, he enjoys chasing the "rubby duckee" around the pool.

Maybe a little Michael Phelps in training??

What Happens When Daddy Goes to Sea

Andrew and I went to watch Daddy's submarine leave Pearl Harbor for a short underway. Andrew and I waved from the shore as the boat went by. Every time we go watch, it is still such an amazing site. We are so proud!

However, it is always the same scenario...
George goes out to sea and crazy things happen.

Here are several examples of what went down last week.Introducing Spiderman Jr.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween!

We started the big day by making pumpkin cookies and decorating the porch with pumpkin decor. We practiced the "trick or treat" routine all day. Andrew was super excited.


Here we are practicing how to trick or treat.
The little train engineer really loves his whistle.

Here is the pre-game meal--- meatballs and broccoli.
My son loves to eat "little trees."

Video footage of Andrew trick or treating---listen closely to hear Andrew say "open the door...let me in." I guess I forgot to tell Andrew that we don't go into everyone's house.
Just take the candy and run!

Going to the Chapel

We are so happy that we were able to attend George's best friend's wedding in fabulous Banner Elk, North Carolina. It was peak leaf season and of course, we were able to sneak in the world-famous Woolly Worm Festival. Elliott and Aimee had a perfect wedding weekend. Aimee is the most adorable, kind, beautiful, caring, and giving woman. They believe in the importance of family, and care so deeply about each other and about their friends. We love you guys and are so thrilled that Andrew was able to stand in your wedding as your adorable ring bearer.

Cheers to a long, happy, healthy marriage!

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.

I'm only half kidding [smile]. All I can say is that we appreciate our family so much and can only say that while we wish circumstances were different, we are so thankful that we got to spend such quality time with our families this summer.

Families are like fudge--mostly sweet with a few nuts

We spent a wonderful few days with George's brother's family. Uncle Ben, Aunt Jamie, and cousin Cameron just moved into a beautiful new house in Wilmington, NC. Andrew and Cameron are such great buddies, and they had such a fun time together. Its a shame that we live so far away.

No, Andrew is not tackling Cameron--- this is Andrew's version of a hug. Unfortunately, this high level of affection can case injury if you don't see it coming. Check out the boys' new boots (Andrew calls them his "cowboy boots"). They are perfect for puddle jumping.

Goin' Punkin' Pickin'

One of the silver linings to being stranded on the east coast was that we were able to get a nice (though brief) taste of fall. We took a hay ride, chased some farm animals, drank apple cider, and went punkin' pickin'.