18 weeks

This week we celebrated the last week with students until August! We had fun waving goodbye to each bus that left our campus yesterday.  I have a couple weeks of workdays and then a few weeks off with my little boy.  Burke tried out doggie daycare this week, and he did really well!  He was definitely anxious to be in a new place but seemed to interact with the dogs positively.  It is our hope that we have a place where Burke can go if we are out of town in the future.  Friends and family have been so nice to watch Burke for us over the past five years but this seems like another good option. :)  Zander wanted to drive us home after we left the "daycare".

 Just wanted to include a picture of the siblings bonding already.  I have been somewhat more lazy these days so we will come home and watch a little television before daddy gets home from work.  Zander loves Sesame Street, Wild Kratts or any nature show on PBS.

Finally, I had Zack take a picture to document the comparison between 18 weeks with Zander and 18 weeks with "Thunderbird".  You can tell I have two adorable boys (Zander and Burke) that wanted to help join in the pictures the second time around. :)

18 weeks with Zander

18 weeks with "Thunderbird"

18 weeks with Zander

18 weeks with "Thunderbird"

Celebrating Aunt A and Uncle Jay

Zander and I had a "mommy-son weekend getaway" to Atlanta this past weekend!  We had a blast!! Zander was perfect for the five hour drive there and did awesome the entire trip! It was a fun little adventure for the two of us before his little brother (or sister) arrives in November (we find out the gender in less than two weeks!).  He got upset about an hour and half away from home this afternoon.  I am glad we don't have any long trips scheduled in the upcoming weeks.... I think he would like to be out of the car for a bit.  It was so fun getting to meet Jay's family and Amanda and Jay's friends at their luau themed couples' shower.  It got us even more excited about the wedding festivities this fall!!  This is a picture of Zander as we were going to grab breakfast Saturday morning before hanging out with the family.

 Ready for the luau!

Playing tennis/baseball/golf with PawPaw.  I think Zander tried to combine all three sports throughout the evening using that same tennis racket!  (Mommy is planning on getting her tennis racket out of the closet since this was such a big hit all evening).

 Grannie cheering on Zander as he practices his swing!

 My sweaty boy!.... You can tell he had a blast!

 Helping Aunt A and Uncle Jay open presents.....

 With the Soon to Be Stanwoods.....

 Jay's family

 Our family

 Zander did awesome at the hotel both nights!  We don't typically share a room when we are at home or visiting family... so it is always a mystery if we will get a good night's sleep.  Zander loved watching cartoons with mommy in bed for a few minutes before we started our day. 

And a few pictures from the week....
Zander's favorite part of the weekly grocery shopping trip!

 Took Burke to the vet for a shot.....he was an anxious pup!

 17 weeks and counting.....

A co-worker and friend that is having a baby girl about 10 weeks before Baby Houston arrives.... she is so sweet and I love sharing this time with her!

 Leigh and Ethel visited on their way to the beach!  It is always a special treat to see these two.  (I forgot to get a picture with Leigh!)

Unpredictable

That is the word I am choosing to use for the 2 year old we have living at our house!  He will be completely excited and happy about life one moment and the next he is screaming/crying/upset about something....and he won't tell you what.... he probably doesn't even know what..... he just knows he is getting our attention by using his tears and vocal cords!  We have started using time out and a few other methods to help us get some structure in the Houston Household.  I think it is working fairly well but there are still moments that all the strategies you have put into place just don't work!  Zander is starting to be so vocal with a wide vocabulary which is a great new addition to our communication with him.  However, he will get frustrated if you don't understand exactly what he wants and he can't get it quickly.  Pray for us as we enter "uncharted territory" with our little guy.  As any other parent, we are taking things one day/moment/breath at a time and soaking up all the good moments and quickly forgetting the bad ones.  Here are some pictures from our week.....

Zander is reading a book his buddy, Henry, gave him for his birthday.

Being entertained by Uncle Boomer and Aunt Lindsey after celebrating Josh's birthday at Olive Garden..... Zander was so wonderful at dinner this particular evening!

Eating dinner in the car Friday night because Zander was not so wonderful at the restaurant where we were meeting my best friend, Kelly, for dinner.  He screamed hysterically and wouldn't be calmed down no matter what tactic we tried.  So.... I ate dinner with Kelly first and then traded out with Zack so he could eat his dinner...... the joys of parenting. :)

 Checking out the fish after a fun Saturday morning breakfast. :)

Playing at the playground..... he loves when we get there.... he is always sad to say "goodbye" when it is time to leave.

Spending time with Grannie!..... she came to hang out with Z while we attended a wedding Saturday afternoon/evening.  I think they had a blast!

Lazy 5 Ranch

We made our way to Lazy 5 Ranch on Saturday to have a little getaway over the Memorial Day weekend.  It was so fun to hang out with my boys for the day.  We were able to feed many animals and enjoy the beautiful weather God provided for us.  There are tons of pictures! Enjoy!

This is Zander excited on the way there....

 He loves his daddy!

 Daddy loves feeding the animals.... look at the smile on his face!

 Big Z and Lil Z

 Piglets!

 Piglets in the background... both boys ready to feed the next animal... feed in hand!

Zander's favorite part was dumping the food over the side of the wagon rather than hand feeding the larger animals.

 Zander loved feeding the giraffe the most!

 Only attempt at a family picture... sorry Zack! ;)

 Sometimes one handful was not enough.... ready for the next animal!

 Daddy's favorite....

 Mommy was there too!

 Loves feeding some goats!

 Both boys liked the camel.

 Ready for daddy to give him some food.... is Zander bite sized?? I hope not!

 A couple pictures from earlier this week.... we were able to meet up with one of my best friends (since 4th grade).  Her family is moving to Texas so we had to get the kids together one last time before the move.  The boys are about 6 months apart in age, and Lindsey also has a 5 year old little girl who is equally precious.  I will miss them a lot!