Happy Thanksgiving and Welcome Walter

Last weekend Drew, Cole and I enjoyed a four-day holiday weekend together. We had so much to be thankful for this year with Drew's homecoming at the top of our list. We missed being with our family and friends back home but were thankful to have good military friends to share our Thanksgiving dinner. I even attempted my family's famous dressing balls and gravy and did them to perfection! Everyone loves my Mom's balls! Something about that just doesn't sound right. :) Anyway, great day with Drew's close work friends.

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving we welcomed our newest family member, Walter! He is 1/2 Jack Russell 1/2 Border Terrier born on 10/7/12. He was only 3lbs 12oz when we took him to the vet. He should be about 15-20 pounds. Jake is still back home with my parents so we can't wait to be reunited! Drew and I are SO not used to little dogs. Everything from his dog bed to dog bowl is so tiny. It's rather convenient! Walter has been great. He sleeps all night, is quiet in his crate, has yet to go to the bathroom inside, and is great with Cole. Cole cannot get enough! We are happy to have him.

 

Walter will be a great runner when he gets a little bit bigger but he can't go that far yet. We let him run then put him in the bottom of the stroller while we run. He loves it.

 

I've said it before but I am so thankful to have these guys together again. Here they are checking out the ducks on the lake.

 The other night Drew put on a head lamp to grill. I then look out and see Cole had one on too.

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Tybee Time

Last weekend we were on nothing but Tybee Time. We couldn't have asked for a better way to spend Drew's birthday and Veteran's Day. We walked on the beach, rode bikes for hours, ate great meals, fished, and had fun friends come visit. The Sparks (Drew's good work friend, his wife and four month old son Chance) ended up staying for nine hours on Saturday and Beas (another one of Drew's good work friends) hung out for eight hours on Sunday. Time flies when you are having fun. So relaxing. And we were SO not ready to leave but were thrilled with how easy it was to pack up and travel with the camper. Loved it.

First Night 

 

Cole loved the bike buggy.

 

 

Tybee Lighthouse recognizing Veteran's Day




 

 

 

Last Night

15 Month Stats

On Tuesday, Drew and I took Cole to his 15-month well baby appointment. We were a couple weeks behind but that was their first appointment. Cole is now 25lbs 6oz and 31 1/4in long. The doctor said he is built like an athlete! He was also a champ when he had to get more shots. The highlight of my day was that WE were able to take him to his appointment. So great having our little family together.

Hedgehog of a Halloween

We  had one hedgehog of a Halloween! In reality, it was rather calm and we had to wake up the little guy to make it out on the town but it was a nice time. Cole was also able to wear his costume for his school parade. He was the cutest little hedgehog I know.

Looking a little sleepy as we headed out.

On our way to our old neighborhood to join friends.

More excited to see the dog than the candy.This year it was more of a nice wagon ride in costume than trick or treating.

 

We have been enjoying our family time. The other night Drew made homemade guacamole and Cole LOVED it. Here he is licking the bowl clean. Such a cute mess.

 

It has also been fun to be back on the water. Saturday morning we went to Fort McAllister which is just down the road.  

 

Sunday we headed to Hilton Head.

 

Cole couldn't stop saying boat. Now that I think of it, neither could Drew.

 

Love having my boys together again.

Welcome home, Drew!

At 4am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, I got him! Does anything else I have to say really matter? Well one thing does...Cole saw Dad for the first time after 9 months around 6:30am. They were all smiles for each other! Okay, now does anything else I have to say really matter? Our little family is complete!! This past week has been an adventure! My parents helped us with the 12+ hour car ride and move on Saturday. Cole was a champ.

Here we are stopping for lunch at the park...parking lot that is! Yes, we found this joke funny after 10 hours in the car.

 We had a few days before Drew arrived so Monday we headed to Tybee to pass the time.

HOME!

 Cole was at my parents' cabin while I picked up Drew. I brought Cole over to our camper when he woke up. Here they are catching up over breakfast. It was perfect.

 Dressed in civilian clothes to enjoy the day. Thanks to Wade for getting Drew this Boulevard shirt.

 Checking out the ducks on the lake.

 Didn't take us too long to wonder to Crystal Beer Parlor, a Savannah favorite!

 Was telling my family it's really too bad Cole took so long to adjust to Drew. Look how uncomfortable he is. ;)

 Friday night we joined two of Drew's good buddies and their wives/girlfriends for dinner at Crystal Beer Parlor. Yes, we were there again. Miss Charli Rae is only 5 weeks old. Absolutely darling.

Cole couldn't stop hugging and kissing her.

 Group shot: Kayla, Beasley, Taylor and Joey.

Saturday morning we stopped by the pumpkin patch.

Got a good thing going here.

Counting Days

For nearly 9 months this has been my phone's background picture. Cole has more than doubled in age, started crawling, walking, running and talking. It's ABOUT TIME I take a new pic. Only a matter of DAYS now. :)

Out on the Town

Cole has been going strong on the St. Louis scene since Thursday. He kicked off his weekend by calling all of his girlfriends together at the Benoist house. He had a few things to learn from Miss Josie.

 And was so happy to meet little Gretchen. (He was at school the last time I saw her.)

 And Miss Natalie always makes him smile.

Then, Gigi and Pop spoiled him with two amazing days. First up, Grant's Farm on Saturday, followed by Purina Farms on Sunday. Cole had a fun, animal-filled weekend at two classic St. Louis establishments. He wanted to make sure he made the rounds before he moves next weekend. Thank you so much, Gigi and Pop!!