Eli's Swimming!

He insisted on a swimming cap, since the girl that has classes ahead of him has one (and very long hair) and she's able to swim with her face in the water.

Here's an earlier video of him 'bopping' Miss Melissa (his swim teacher) in an attempt to learn motor control.

Eli Celebrates Mom's Birthday Extravaganza Weekend

Yes, you read correctly. Mom's Birthday. Extravaganza. Weekend.

We stayed the weekend at The Hammock House on the banks of the Wekiva River in Sorrento, Florida. There was plenty of wildlife, horses, tractors, chocolate cake (thanks Gayle!) and canoeing to aid in the celebration.

Here are a few pictures of Eli getting into the party mood... note the John Deere theme:

Happy Valentines Day, love Eli

Eli's First Big Boy Haircut

Eli got his first big boy haircut at King Street Barber & Style Shop, courtesy of Leslie, the day before his 3rd birthday. He was very brave and his new haircut makes him look so much older!

Christmas Lights and Luminaria

Eli got to enjoy Christmas lights extraordinaire this Christmas! Grandma had us meet her in Bostwick. At first we weren't too sure, I mean, Bostwick is known for their blueberry festival, but Christmas lights? There were so many lights, we had a hard time taking it all in! Here's a post with a few details, and a few pictures:

The lights were fun, but the true highlight for Eli was Cain. He saw a barn when we got to the light show and asked Thomas (dressed as an elf) who lived in the barn. Thomas told him his neighbor's cows and horses. Eli really wanted to go see the cows and horses to tell them goodnight. After we saw all the lights and were headed back to the car, he wished them a goodnight in the barn, then started singing Rudolph. Cain (a beautiful brown and black, large horse) heard and headed toward the fence. I'm not sure knew what to expect, but Cain came right up to him and nuzzled his cheek. It was honestly one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. Jimmy didn't want to take a picture since he was afraid the flash would spook Cain.

Eli also enjoyed Luminaria this year, in style. He was very helpful in setting up the luminaries in his neighboorhood (we do the whole block with the help of Jerrod and Jeannie) and in keeping Harper warm in their ride:

Christmas Party, Office Style

Eli really wonders why mom doesn't like going into the office more. I mean, they have a bounce house, juice boxes, snacks, coloring pages and crayons, Christmas themed rubber duckies, reindeer, an elf that does puppet shows and face paints and of course, SANTA! What more could you want?

Here are a few pictures with Santa. Eli was really enthralled with Santa's gloves.

I had to break it to Eli that all that was just for the children's Christmas party, not something there every week. I mean, if there was an elf that does a puppet show and face paints, who wouldn't want to go into the office everyday?

Birthday Tiger!

We celebrated Eli's third birthday today with a some friends. He very much enjoyed having everyone over in his honor and was dressed as a birthday tiger (and later moonlighted as a doctor to celebrate!

Here are a few pictures from his Happy 3rd Birthday Party!

Thanks to everyone who was able to be a part of it!