Countdown to the Big O.N.E.

11 months old today...let the official countdown to one begin. 

Looking up at daddy holding something interesting...

Come back, daddy. I wasn't done looking at that...

It Had To Happen Sometime...

RF has figured out that he can walk. He teeters and totters and will drop to his knees when he starts to loose his balance, but he now knows that he can do it.

Saturday morning on a number of occasions he took between 5 and 11 steps unsupported.

This video is from this afternoon. Not only does he walk in this one, but you can also hear him say "gie" - his version of doggie - before he sits down to play with Gracie.

Man, I love this kid. :-)

Natchez, MS

RA, RF and I set out on our first family get-a-way last Friday afternoon. Our final destination was Natchez, MS with an over-night stop in Brookhaven, MS to spend some time with my grandparents.

We had the best time. It was so much fun hanging out together in a new city (for RA and RF - I've been to Natchez before, although it has been a long time). We explored, ate good food, took lots of photos and made memories that will last forever.

RF and I woke up early on Saturday morning (nothing unusual for us, RF is up at 5:00AM everyday...). We played inside for a little while and then decided to go outside to watch the sun rise. We spent a good 30 minutes outside - watching the sun rise, listening to the birds chirp, and walking around my grandparents yard. Once Mamaw and RA came outside it was time to play. We drank our coffee while watching RA and RF have loads of fun riding the tricycle. RF let out the most pure, joyful and excited laugh as RA pushed him around the driveway. It was such a sweet moment.

Saturday morning we attended a family reunion for my grandfather's side of the family at the local VFW. RF did really well and was willing let all of the ladies hold him. He was also really interested in the other children that were there. You could see it in his eyes how bad he wanted to jump down and go play with them. All in good time, little boy. 

Daddy touched the tank, so...

RF had to touch the tank, too. 

Smiling with Mamaw and Papaw

We made the hour drive from Brookhaven to Natchez and our first stop was the Old South Winery. RF loves to look around and observe everything, so he was in heaven during our tour. He even did well while RA and I sampled a few of the local muscadine wines. 

RF was so happy we made it to our hotel. Time to play with our toys... 

We set out Sunday morning on a historic homes tour - beginning with a home that has a family connection --- Glen Auburn. My grandmother lived in the home as a child with her family. I've had the privilege of going inside and it is just as beautiful on the interior. 

Stanton Hall 

Cherokee

RF being silly while RA reads a historical marker...

Choctaw 

View of the Mississippi River 

Natchez Under The Hill

Longwood

RF did well on our tour of Longwood Sunday morning. Although we are trying to teach him to distinguish between 'inside' and 'outside' voices. There were a few times that he got a little loud. Luckily we were the only ones on the tour and he didn't cause any distraction to other guests. 

Auburn

D'Evereux

Walking all over the place while holding on to the furniture...

Melrose 

We toured Melrose Sunday afternoon and again, RF did well. Although I did have to step to the back of a few of the rooms in order to quiet him down/distract him in order to keep his attention. Although, on this tour we were part of a large group and a few of the ladies were making him laugh and smile. 

A happy baby taking a bath in the big-boy bathtub...

We love our Franklin...

Rosalie 

Our Junior Ranger at the Natchez National Park 

Hallway of the William Johnson House - daddy is so funny...

Dunleith

Mama and baby boy napping on the way home...