500th visit to the Zoo

Not really, but it feels like it.  We live a stone's throw from the Zoo, and go all the time.  Like really ALL THE TIME.  I love it there, Jude loves it there, and it's an easy activity for us all.

On our 500th visit to the Zoo, Jude moved the world.

Rode the carousel - imagine that.

Stared at his favorite animal - the giraffe.

Looked at some "du's" aka ducks.

Drove a pretend bus.

Went to the petting zoo - where we didn't pet one animal, but instead washed our hands for ten minutes.

And played at the Splash Park - this doesn't capture the activity too well, but I promise we were there...Jude just decided that the only picture I could get of him at the Splash Park would be him doing a head stand on concrete....my boy :)

And that's a wrap!  I am caught up, officially, for the first time since I started this blog.  I need a drink!

Precious boy

I look at these pictures and I thank God for the little angel I have.  And then I remember what he's like when he's awake.  Still an angel of course, but a pinching, tantrum throwing, pacifier obsessed, picky eating, dog hitting, head butting one.  I'm pretty sure Jude's one of the roughest 18 month olds on the block.  But, that's ok!  He keeps us all on our toes, he truly loves us all to pieces.  He makes my heart melt every day, and has shown us all how deep down we can love.  I love you my rough and tough angel!

Typical Saturday Morning

I think I found Jude's Halloween costume.

It's Mario!

Not really, but I had a mustache from a work event (don't ask) that I brought home.  He clearly hated it, and lasted in it for 2 minutes.  Oh well.

The Fair!

Ok, I will admit it...I LOVE THE FAIR!  I love the fried food and lemonade, I love looking at the 'interesting' people (I'm trying to be nice about it), I love the talent contests, I love the random cooking exhibitions, I LOVE the farm animals and their stink, I love the rides - the cheesier the better (who doesn't want to see a half woman half gorilla? really?!), I love the dance competitions, I love all of it but the price to get in and park.  I was so thrilled that Jude would really partake in the fair this year.  And there's so many cool things to do with your child.  Lonnie and I had a great time watching Jude enjoy the Kentucky State Fair.

Checking out the livestock.

Checking out the kids' stage - they had a musical act that Jude LOVED!

 Taking a break.

BUBBLES!

What are those people doing?

crazy....

We had a blast!  I can't wait until next year!

Waller Harris Austin

Kitty finally gave birth Waller Harris Austin on August 18 - nearly 2 weeks late.  He was 20 in, 8 lbs 13 oz of sweet boy (I guessed he would be 8.14...so close!).  We were so excited to meet Jude's first cousin!

Jude met him a few days later after he got over a little cold.  He appropriately welcomed him to the family by head butting him, and yanking his arm.  What a sweet big cousin.

July/August Stuff

Of course I am a month and half behind on this blog!  It's going to be the death of me.  Have I mentioned how hard it is keeping this thing updated - it's hard!  Who finds time to work, take care of a kid and husband, do household chores, spend time with friends...eat?  A year and a half into this whole motherhood thing, and I still don't feel like I have any balance.  It's worth it of course, but lots of things fall by the wayside, and as long as it's not time spent with Jude or Lonnie, I think I'm doing ok.

So, to speed up catching up...here's what we did in July and beginning of August.  I thought I'd just get down and dirty with the title of this blog...keeping it real!

We thought Jude might be old enough to enjoy a visit to Gattiland - we were right!  He loved the cuisine - we call him a little guido because he loves everything Italian - pizza, spaghetti, lasagna. 

We knew he'd love this.  A little carousel.

I think I've mentioned his obsession with driving.

We also headed to Eastern Parkway & Bardstown Road, where they have live music in the Summer.  Here's Jude just relaxing and listening to music.

Just some cute pictures.  Look a tall those teeth.  He looks like such a boy!

Hanging out at the Zoo and spending his first time in the petting zoo.

Playing with new toys.

Trying corn on the cob.

And there you have it!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July.  It's such a throw-back holiday, that holds so much nostalgia...especially when you have a little one.  I remember 4th of July as a kid - it was usually at the lake, with close friends and family, with s'mores, sparklers, and lots of fireworks.  Since Lonnie and I are not big lake people, we knew we'd have to do something a little different for our 4th of July's.  We don't have a tradition just yet, but so far we're doing just fine changing it up every year.  This 4th of July, Lonnie had to work during the day.  So, Jude, my mom, sister and me, spent the day together. 

What could be more American than starting the day with a Happy Meal?

This...spending the day at an Old Fashioned 4th of July picnic.  We saw old cars.

Loving some watermelon.

Unfortunately, those are all the pictures I took at the picnic.  But, Jude played musical instruments, we looked at arts and crafts, watched a unique dog show, and ate lots of great food.  We went home and took a nap, then headed out for part 2 - at the baseball field!

Now the baseball field has a carousel, and this was the first time Lonnie and I had taken him on one (K Pa had taken him a couple times before at the zoo).  Now, I admit this child is completely spoiled.  But, this was a sight to see.  Jude didn't go on the carousel once or twice, but four times, because he loved it so much.  

Here he is with me.

With Daddy.

With K Pa.

And with Mimi.

On our way to our seats.  He gets wearing his sunglasses at nighttime from his Dad.

One of his favorite things -- when you ask Jude where his belly is, this is what he does.

And watching his first fireworks show.

It was a beautiful day and night.  I had such fun with Jude and our family.  It's so wonderful to celebrate holidays with your child.  To see how everything is so new and exciting to them, makes it a little more exciting for you too.