Thoughts

My brother and his wife became proud first time parents today. They were chosen for adoption about 3 months ago. He is a very cute baby! They named him Sawyer Reed, and he has the same birthday as his Daddy. What an amazing birthday present my brother received today, becoming a Daddy! What an amazing experience adoption is! I can't express how excited and happy for them. This is a wonderful gift that not many people can give. 'J', the birth mom is such an exceptional person. As an adoptive parent we see the one side of the spectrum. How blessed we are that this amazing women is so selfless and does what I would consider one of the hardest things in the world, placing their child for adoption. Having two sons with birth families I know that their end of the spectrum is much different. They are so thankful and grateful to have found the perfect family to raise this wonderful child. It is crazy how birth parents and adoptive parents need each other so much. I LOVE it!!! We are so grateful to have 2 wonderful birth families! We are looking forward to meeting Sawyer in person.

Swimming Pool

Ashley got Alex a swimming pool for his birthday. We decided to invite a friend over to play in it today. Jason and I put it put last night so it would have the morning to warm the water up. DJ wanted to go outside all morning, but I successfully kept him inside and happy.

Here are the boys getting into the pool.

We put the slide into the pool and they loved sliding into the water.DJ and Alex playing in the water.

DJ had no hesitation getting into the pool and playing. He loved every second of his time in there today. He slid down the slide about a million times. He enjoyed sitting in the water and playing with the toys.

Alex hesitated going into the pool. When he first got in he wanted to get out again. Soon he got used to it and enjoyed playing in the water and with all of the toys.

Here are the three amigos playing in the pool.

I like how the two little boys are cheering DJ on.

A lot of splashing occurred.

I got out simple cups which entertained the boys quite a bit. Here is DJ trying to throw water on the other two boys, but it looks like it is going to get him instead.

They had so much fun playing.

They took a break from the pool for awhile and rode bikes,

played with bubble toys,

and had a water fight.

This picture of DJ sliding cracks me up. It was the first time he went that far in the water.

We had an amazing day with our friend. We are so happy the boys love water so much! We are looking forward to many more water days!

July Family Dinner

We had our family dinner for this month and it was a blast. Kurt and Shai hosted it in there backyard. There was great food, fun games, and good company!

They put out their Mexican Horseshoes to play with .Where there is Carson, there is baseball also!

Bret and Hilarie gave Alex a fun tunnel for his birthday. Everyone had some fun in the tunnel!Funny Faces

We celebrated Kurt and Alex's birthday. We ate lots of cake and ice cream.

We love getting together with family!

Happy 2nd Birthday Alex

Alex turned 2 years old! He is getting so big and learning so much. We have only had him for a short 8 months, but can't imagine life without this little fireball. He is such a fun and playful boy. He loves his older brother DJ and tries to do everything DJ does, especially when DJ is being naughty. Alex has learned so much these past 8 months. He talks up a storm, although a lot of the words sound the same, but he sure tries hard! He climbs on everything.

Alexander Ames - age 2

Alex opening presents and playing with family.

He got so many fun things to play with.

His momma Ashley spoiled him!

He got some new shoes from 2 wonderful ladies at Jason's work. Alex LOVES shoes!We had cake and he gobbled it up.

I gave a lesson in church last Sunday and one big point was that little children teach us. Alex has taught me so many things! He has taught me to love life more, always be happy, try until you succeed, and many other things. I am so grateful I get to call him son!

Happy Birthday and I love you Alex!

Swimming

We went to Seven Peaks tonight with Grandma Sue, Grandpa E, Madison, and Carson. We had a blast! Here are some highlights.

DJ really enjoyed riding on the tube with Grandma and swimming in the lazy river. He learned how to swim all by himself again. He was swimming last August but hasn't dared to since. What a big boy!

Alex had a fun time with Madison. He loved jumping over the waves, riding on the tube, and floating in the water. He also enjoys going under the water when you count to 3, silly boy!

Both of the boys LOVE playing in the water!DJ and Grandpa E

Alex throwing everyone one last kiss being 1 years old.
"See you tomorrow when I am 2"

Blanket

If anyone knows DJ really well they know that he LOVES his big blanket! I am not sure how he got so attached to this particular blanket, but he is! The other day I was super sick and couldn't get out of bed (not sure what I had). While I was crying because I was in so much pain DJ saw me and immediately ran out of the room. He brought me his blanket. What a thoughtful little boy I have. He saw me in so much pain and he did the first thing for me that he would have wanted for himself. I was given his blanket many times during the day. And Alex gave me so many kisses better. What sweethearts I have!
Here is DJ with his infamous blanket.

What a huge gift he gave to me that day, giving me his most precious possession!

Surprise for Alex

Alex waiting patiently for his surprise.

Santa sent Alex a birthday email. What a lucky little boy!

He loved seeing the picture of himself with Santa.Thanks Santa for remembering Alex's birthday!

Discovery Gateway

We were very lucky today and were able to go with our friend to Discovery Gateway. We had so much fun there and there was so much to see and do. What a fun place to explore! Mom took a lot of pictures so these are in no real order, but enjoy!
DJ looking in a mouse hole.

We played the piano.

It was neat that the piano was just our size.

We played with so many fun things.

It was fun watching the balls go up the tubes.

Alex played in the boat.

He slid down a slide very creatively.

Alex rode the horse, his very favorite thing.

The boys played together.

We took a break and had a drink, there were so many things to do.

The boys favorite part was playing in the water!

There was a little bird house that the kids loved playing in. It was fun how the couches were all perfect sizes for the boys!

The boys had fun playing in the building area.

Riding on the bulldozer.

Building a tower.

Gathering blocks

Playing music

They loved the real helicopter outside that they could play in.

These boys are best buddies!

We are lucky to have such a great friend to play with!
(Sorry for so many pictures)