This picture is guanteed to make you smile!

"Self, Self"

Cole decided to pick out his clothes for school yesterday. He chose a nice blue button-down shirt to go with...swim trunks! He very clearly said "No, self, self" when I tried to put on the blue shorts that actually go with the shirt, so we went with the trunks. White socks and sneakers completed the outfit. His teacher said he received compliments all morning on the look and was so proud of himself. I'm a little worried that he got his dad's "style" gene.

Our Loooooong Little Guy

Jay had his 2-month check up a few days ago. He is 25 1/4 inches long, which puts him in the 95%. He weighs 14 lbs 8.5 oz, which is the 80%. I'm not surprised since he can no longer wear 3-6 month outfits with footies. Dr. Powell commented on how strong he is for his age and what good head control he has. He has already managed to roll from his tummy to his back! Can you tell we are proud parents! !

Puzzles and Blocks

This picture shows the way our family room floor looks every day--Puzzles and blocks all over!

Cole loves puzzles! He has mastered all the wood puzzles with the separate cut-out pieces, so we bought him four real ones. They have 12 big interlocking pieces and are much harder. This afternoon we did all four. Cole needed some help, but was able to do a lot by himself.

He also has a puzzle of the United States, which he is very good at putting together. He can say the name of most states then put them in the correct space (the board has the outline of the states on it). It is so cute to hear his 2-year-old pronounciation of the states--"hokama" (Oklahoma), "hasa" (Alaska), "Meeseepee" (Mississippi).

Behind him in the picture is the block house he made this afternoon. He said "I make big house" and started stacking them. He also likes to make tunnels and bridges. He could play with blocks for hours.

Our Trip to Arizona

On April 22, 2006 we traveled to Phoenix for my sister Robyn's wedding. We were nervous about flying with two young children, but they both did a great job. Jay slept most of the time and Cole was kept happy with endless Blues Clues videos and crackers.

The first few days we were tourists. We went to the Pheonix Zoo where Cole enjoyed seeing all the animals he's only seen in books. At McCormick Railroad Park, we rode a little "choo-choo train" and played at a playground covered with sand. Cole loved digging in the sand but didn't want it touching his bare feet so he put them on a block. It took us a while to figure out what he was doing--what a funny guy!

We celebrated Rob's birthday on April 25 with our good family friends Lou and Marianne Walsh. Cole loved their condo because it was filled with toys for their grandkids.

Jay also had a birthday while we were gone--his two month birthday! During the trip he really started smiling and interacting with people. He would look into our eyes and coo and gurgle. He completely melted our hearts! He got plenty of attention from all the friends and family visiting for the wedding and it was fun to show him off!

At Grandma and Grandpa's new house Cole loved the cacti. He was cautious around the pool, until the day he decided to go swimming--fully clothed. We had been dangling our feet in the water and he said he wanted to go in. I didn't want the moment to pass while I got our suits on, so we both jumped in. It was one of the best times swimming I've ever had.

The wedding weekend began on Saturday with manicures and pedicures with the bride. In the afternoon mom and dad hosted a pool party for the families. That night everyone who was in town met at Greasewood Flats for beer and burgers under the stars.

The wedding was Sunday night. It was a beautiful ceremony in the Garden Amenity at Desert Highlands. The reception was held outdoors at the clubhouse. We had a lot of fun! Robyn and Paul are a beautiful couple!