Keeping Him Little

If I could keep you little,

I'd keep you close to me. 

But then I'd miss you growing

into who you're meant to be!

Marianne Richmond

The world has grown for Jack in the last few months. With the move to Atlanta came neighborhood buddies. He has already started gymnastics, and in a few days we begin going to MOPS. Of course I consider how nice it would be to keep him little, but more I think about how proud I am of the kid he is turning into. He's kind to friends, his brother, and his parents. He listens to his gym teachers and listens so well at home that he has gained a lot of independence. He laughs at the funny things I say or the silly things his brother does. He chatters excitedly all of the time. He's joyful, and when around him I cannot help but be full of joy too. 

Firefighter Jack

Jack's favorite amusement right now is his imagination. He likes to use dress up clothes and props to add to the stories he spins. The other day he used straws to dig a pipeline into the sandbox. Today the straws were a fire hose, and he was wearing his fireman suit and hat. He likes to wear his apron and pretend to make delicious cupcakes for the birthday party. At his grandparents' house, he sits on the stationary bike and pretends it is a submarine with "instruments and gauges" that Grandpa has attached for him. He flies through the house with his cape and mask almost daily. And, he can still squeeze into last year's Halloween costume to be a dog for an afternoon. His name is constantly changing. Firefighter Jack. Captain Jack. Jack, the dog. SuperJack. Baker Jack. Sometimes it's hard for Mama to keep up! No matter which persona Jack has adopted, I'm always glad I get to spend the day with my little man.

Lazy Morning

Zoo Atlanta

Target (for me) and the library (for the boys) were the first places I found in Atlanta. On our very first trip to the library, I noticed a sign suggesting I ask if the zoo pass was in. Of course it wasn't. But I discovered that if I asked on the right day, I would receive a pass for 2 adults' admissions and 2 children's admissions to the zoo. When I asked if the zoo pass was in last week and found that it was, I felt as though I had won the lottery. 

So, today was our day at Zoo Atlanta. We had an awesome day. The petting zoo was great fun for the boys. John and I were both excited by how close you get to each animal. And, the carousel and train rides through tunnels were fun too. The one picture I didn't think to take that I wish I had was of Jack reading the zoo map. He carried it through the entire zoo and was able to keep track of what exhibit was next. Our family of four hasn't gotten to spend a lot of time together lately. We made up for it today!

Two Little Monkeys in Big Boy Beds

We've always known Luke is a climber, so it didn't take me by surprise when he started climbing out of his crib at naptime earlier this week. In the interest of keeping him safe, I changed his bed from the crib I put my baby in to the toddler bed I'll put my big boy to bed in. Jack gave me 26 months before I came to the realization he was no longer a baby. Luke gave me a little less than 22 months. Booger. And, how appropriate is it that he is wearing a monkey shirt today?

This is Our Life

Throw in a few trips to the pool each week, some bicycle riding, and a trip to the grocery store and you have our life.

Snack Time

While Luke napped yesterday afternoon, Jack and I prepared a delicious snack for the boys. 

He did most of the hard work. I just took pictures. 

I let Jack sample a few while lil' Luke snoozed. 

Admittedly, he was a little messy, but nothing a little finger licking couldn't take care of. 

Certainly nothing like this guy. Haha!

Thorn Family Vacation 2012

There have been times in my life when it's been the support, encouragement, and love of my siblings that has carried me through life's obstacles. I don't know where or who I'd be without them. Since we all live in our own corners of the world, it's important that we get together as often as possible. So, my sisters planned a Thorn family (minus John Thorn's branch) vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was an amazing week of fun, sun, and family time. We went on a dolphin cruise, watched everyone go parasailing, played on the beach, collected shells, swam in the pool, and went to the alligator farm. Jack and Luke were entertained and loved every single day. I'm quite certain that coming home to our lonely house has been a difficult adjustment for all of us.