Labor Day at Three Falls Cove

Last year our family had a reunion over the Labor Day weekend at Three Falls Cove and everyone had such a great time we decided to do it again this year. Last year Courtney, Chris and Bryson were only able to come for a few hours as that was the same weekend Angela was getting married. This year they were able to come for one night and one day. Here are some photos from the weekend.

This is the lodge at Three Falls Cove. It is hard to believe it is only 45 minutes from home.

Chris and Bryson with other family members enjoying the paddle boats. 

The zip-line is always a big hit. Here is Chris taking off.

And Chris dropping into the water.

Courtney decided to give it a try. Notice Chris giving her a little "push."

Courtney finally did step off the roof and made it safely back to shore. She even said it was fun.

I'll have to take her word for it.

Courtney and Bryson enjoying some fun time in the lake. Bryson loved his little boat.

Coming in after a swim. I love this photo of Courtney and Bryson.

Courtney enjoying the floating chair. 

Cousin S*mi watching over Bryson. So sweet the way she was tenderly playing with his ear.

Serious boy. Looks like he was thinking, "Enough with the camera Leelee."

My most favorite photo of all. I loved this one. Bryson was cracking up at his daddy on the zip line. I bet by next year Bryson will be thinking he's big enough to try it.

A Growing Boy

The other day, well actually two days in the past week, Courtney and Bryson have been over. I thought I'd post some photos for those of you that live out of town or don't Facebook so you can still see how Bryson is growing and changing into a little man. He is so precious and is all boy if there was every any doubt. He loves to play with the ball and is very good at kicking the soccer ball. I think he gets that from his daddy Chris. He is a little brown berry and has a great time playing in his wading pool in the back yard. I haven't been over to take pictures of that yet, but will before summer is over. Bryson likes to come over to Leelee's and Kevin's but only if Mom or Mallory are staying. Enjoy the photos.

This hat that came with a Lego set has seen lots of play over the years. This photo reminds me of another one of my favorites that I took of  Kevin's nephew. You can see it here.

I love the look on his face. This would make a good "caption contest" photo. What do you think Bryson is thinking?

Dad in training . . . "Honey, not now. I'm watching the World Cup Series. Got my remote. Got my soccer ball. Yep. All ready."

This was a couple of days later. We went out in the front to play with bubbles. I'm pretty sure Bryson thinks Leelee and Uncle Kevin are pretty crazy. That look . . . . "What are you talking about Leelee?"

Bryson had a good time and was insistent that HE do the bubble making. He never did get it though, but sure had fun trying.

If one bubble wand is good, two must be better.

Forget the bubbles. Me and Uncle Kevin will just have a sword fight.

And my most favorite photo of all . . . my two favorite baby boys . . .Bryson and Hans.

Can you say "Awwwww." By the way that motion he is doing with his hand is his own invention for the sign for "more." I'm not sure what he wanted more of, but more of something.

As you can see Bryson is doing great and growing rapidly before our eyes into a fine young man. I love that kid.

Bryson's First Haircut

Well, it seems Chris could stand it no longer and got the clippers after Bryson. I must admit I'm sad to see the curls go. The first haircut seems to be the stepping-off point from baby to little boy. Who knows why Chris did it? Maybe it's because people have been calling Bryson a girl. Maybe it's because people like me have been commenting on 'those cute curls.' Those words probably sound like nails on a chalkboard to Chris. He makes sure there is NO femininity around Bryson. Anyway, here is the picture I took off Courtney's Facebook page. It's not the best quality, but I'm sure it is from her iPhone. Anyway, you can be a witness to this first. So . . . . goodbye curls, hello little dude.

A Growing Boy

Last week we visited South Georgia Baptist where Chris is the Youth Minister. After church, we were standing around trying to decide where to go eat lunch and  Bryson struck out on his own. Chris caught up with him and grabbed his hand. Bryson didn't like that and started crying. After all he is one you know.

He made a break from dad as soon as he could. He ran crying looking for someone to help him.

He first ran to Ethan, but Ethan didn't know the signal for "Please pick me up. I'm being so mistreated."

Then Bryson spotted Blake and ran to him with arms stretched up. Blake knelt down to pick Bryson up.

It was so sweet. Bryson was just cuddling with Blake. Sweet boys. Cousins.

Bryson Is One

It's official, Bryson is now one year old. We had his first birthday party last weekend and all the family came. There were about 40 people at the party and of course Bryson was the center of attention. I took some pictures the day before out at Courtney and Chris' house of Bryson eating his cake, and some of him playing in the snow. The next day more photos of Bryson at his party and eating more cake and opening presents. It was a great weekend for a very special young man. Happy Birthday Bryson!


I loved this photo I took of Bryson looking out the window watching his daddy shovel snow.



We went out to let Bryson experience the snow. He looks like such a big boy. I can't believe he has grown so much.

After playing in the snow for a few minutes we went in to let him have his birthday cake and make the biggest mess he wanted to. He knew exactly what to do. He dug in to the cake with both hands.

He kept looking up at Courtney as if to say, "Mom are you sure this is all right?"

Then we let in Bryson's puppy Embry. He immediately went right for the cake too. They were both covered in icing. I was worried they both might get sick from all the sugar. I guess they didn't. Courtney didn't ever say.

Then my favorite photo of the bunch. Bryson decided the icing on Embry looked pretty good, so he leaned over and started licking the dog. Priceless!

I told Courtney it looked like he was reading the ingredients. "Let me see. Yes, sugar, corn syrup, fructose, butter, eggs, milk. Mom are you sure I can have this?"

This is the next day at his official Birthday Party. The happy little family. Just think about where you were a year ago today. My how time flies. Cute cake by the way.

It's my birthday. It's all about me. I'm so cute.

That's my Nonna cutting my cake. Be sure and save me one with lots of icing.

Now it's time for presents. Didn't we just have Christmas? Wow! I'm one lucky boy.

More sugar. Thanks Aunt Angela. I like ice cream.

That's me with all the big kids. I'm a big kid now. At least I think so. Didn't I get some cool presents?

Aunt Leelee insisted I wear this silly hat. She had to be quick with the camera as I jerked that thing right off.

Ummmmm. Didn't we do this yesterday? I remember just what to do.

One thing we have learned about Bryson, he loves to sing. After the party when we were cleaning up, Chris turned on the P.A. and Bryson was just singing his little heart out. It was so cute.

That wraps it up. What a great day with family and friends. Thanks everyone.

In the past year...

Well everyone, it has been one year since it all began, a year from yesterday was the day I got put on bed rest. Looking back at the past year I have realized how blessed we are... blessed with a wonderful family and a wonderful church family that prayed for us, fed us, loved us and who helped get us through the, what seemed like forever, five weeks I was on bed rest. Blessed to have those five extra weeks that allowed Bryson to grow bigger. Blessed with amazing doctors and nurses that cared for both me and Bryson. We are extremely blessed to be parents at all. Blessed that our 3 lb 13 oz baby has been strong and healthy from day one. I am blessed to be able to stay home and spend every single wonderful day with my little man. We are blessed that Bryson has fully caught up in size. Blessed that the first time he has been sick all year was when he was 11 months old! Blessed that the big bump he got on his noggin ended up to be nothing! And we have been blessed with a beautiful new home. We are very thankful for all of God's blessings, we are so undeserving!

On another note, it's so hard to believe that that tiny little baby is such a big boy now, learning how to walk and talk. Since I probably won't be posting again until after his birthday, I wanted to remind everyone to leave a comment for Bryson because I am going to attempt to print out all the posts that have been written throughout the year. I thought it would be neat to make him a book of his beginning because he had a very unforgettable one! I also wanted to post a few of my favorite pictures of him that we have taken in the last year. Enjoy! (and don't forget to leave your special notes to Bryson)

*** Update***

Bryson's party will be on Feb. 6 so put it on your calendars!

I will get the invitations out soon!