every captive thought

Only a few more days until Brad is home for good but James and I couldn't wait any longer...we had to go visit him and see where he's been for the last few weeks. So today James, my Dad, and I went out to Camp M.K. Brown. I don't know who was more excited to see who. Brad was pretty excited to see James. He's missed his little guy. Brad gave us a tour of the camp. It was really cool. This is the dining hall. James and Daddy chilling in the dining room. This was a chicken or rooster or something. I had no idea these things were so big! I thought it was a turkey or something. James clued me in when he gave his very best "DOODLE DOODLE DOOOOO!" upon seeing it. Translation: "Cock-a-doodle-doo". All I know is I'm getting gypped at the super market because the chickens I get are totally not this big. And what's up with the furry hobbit feet? I had no idea. Yikes! Understandably, James had a few questions of his own. Next we got to see

Here is an update on my baby birdies. They are growing almost as fast as Jamesie is. I particularly love the little grumpy one in the bottom left corner. ~~~~~ Yesterday, Mom, Dad, James and I went to go visit my sweet little grandmother, Dee Dee and Aunt Donna. James is at that stage where he mostly just likes to be in familiar surroundings with familiar people. So he hung pretty close to his Nana for awhile. And by "pretty close" I mean...glued to her side. He finally got his nerve up to go check out some of the interesting tchotchkies around Dee Dee's house. I remember being fascinated by these same things when I was little. He even tried to get the kitty to play with him...but she kept her distance. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of Dee Dee yesterday! But here are some from a visit we had with her a little over a year ago. Dee Dee hasn't changed a bit but Jamesie sure has.

Someday Jamesie is going to hate me for taking these kinds of pictures. But I just can't help myself. He is just too cute and irresistible.

Happy Father's Day Sweetie! We miss you and we love you so much!

We've had a busy week! It was great and kept our minds off of Brad being gone. Will, Grant, Brock and James went to the pool one day. James mainly watched from the sidelines while the big boys swam. But they were sweet to include him in their fun. He was interested in the goggles. Will and Brock helped him try them on. Then sweet Grant helped him out when he lost a shoe. What great cousins! Carrie, Andy, Morgan and Madison came in the same day that Christi and the boys left. Saturday we celebrated Morgan's upcoming 16th birthday!!!! Morgie is on the right. Goodness...aren't my nieces breathtakingly beautiful! Today we celebrated Father's Day! We went to church with Dad and Mom then came home for a yummy Father's Day lunch. Dad and Andy opened presents after lunch and James watched spiritlessly from the side. He would much rather be the one opening presents. So he decided to suck on his toes. Then he had all the waiting he could handle and decided to go help.

Happy Father's Day Daddy! I love you so much!

My sister, Christi, and her three boys are in town. James has been in heaven! He loves when the boys are here. He doesn't stop smiling the whole time. Will flew James around like Superman! James loved it! It's great to have big cousins around! From left to right, this is George, Grant, James, Brock and Will. They are great cousins! They sure know how to take good care of James. Gosh...George is the only one whiter than James. George approved of all the fun. Later Christi and I took James and Brock to the mall with us. Brock kept James entertained. They are the youngest and they are good buddies. After so much fun...James was beat! He needed a nap. More fun is ahead for tomorrow! Can't wait!