Happy early birthday Ace!

To celebrate Oliver's cousin Ace's third birthday, we took the Grapevine Vintage Railroad train to the Ft. Worth Stockyards and back.

Although the train ride was long and hot, we made it to the stockyards with only one hiccup: Our train was robbed! It was actually a staged robbery with some pretty funny gun fighters.

An example of one of their jokes:

train robber: that is some mouth you got there, what happened to your teeth?

kid: they fell out

train robber: did you put them under your pillow for the tooth fairy?

kid: yes

train robber: did you get money for them?

kid: yes

train robber: does your mom know your selling body parts?

ha ha ha... I thought it was funny!

As it turned out, it was actually a reverse robbery as one of the robbers came through the train car and handed all the children a souvenir piece of phony money. After the robber came through, the sheriff came through and deputized all of the children by giving them a sticker that looked like a badge. Although the guns firing frightened Oliver, he quickly recovered and enjoyed it as much as the other children.



After arriving in Ft. Worth, we cooled down in an air conditioned shop with root beer floats; Oliver however, ordered a cookie of which he enjoyed every last morsel. While there, Ace had his picture taken with a real cowboy.

We did some looking around and were able to see a herd of long horn cattle driven right down the street in front of us.


Despite Oliver missing his nap, he was an absolute angel all day down to the very last minute when he quickly fell fast asleep in his crib. Thanks for inviting us on the train Aunt Tricia! I also need to thank my mother-in-law for the pictures. Today I accidentally broke one of the cardinal rules of motherhood and forgot my camera...I couldn't believe it! Thanks Francie!

Oliver & Ace's playdate

Grandma & Grandpa Royal were in town this weekend and they brought Oliver's cousin Ace to our house to play for the day on Saturday. First, we went to the park where Oliver & Ace had fun playing on the swings and on the playground; Ace was a pro at climbing the rock wall. Next, Oliver got to show Ace all of his toys; the boys really enjoyed this. We learned that Oliver is a natural at sharing his toys, which was a pleasant surprise. We had to remind him a few times that they were still his, but that it was okay to let someone else play with them while he wasn't. Next, we had some lunch & then it was off for a nap. The nap time started out really rocky for both boys, but ended with Oliver finally asleep in his crib and Ace asleep on Grandpa.

When Aunt Tricia came over to pick up Ace we were able to have him open his birthday presents from us a couple weeks early. The family is actually celebrating his birthday on Sunday at the railroad, but we will have to miss the cake and presents, so we gave him his gifts a day early. Oliver got a couple of gifts too: a cool shirt that lights up when he moves, a recorder, a train whistle for the train ride tomorrow and his first train: "Oliver" from the Thomas the Train collection.

Clayton & I both agree that Oliver loved having everyone over today; he really is becoming quite the social little boy! We are so proud of him!

Oliver loves playing with stacking cups

Oliver received these stacking cups in his stocking last Christmas. This was $12 well spent as they have lasted the test of time. The cups are one of the few toys Oliver still loves to play with even 8 months later. Now that he is taller, he is able to stack the highest ones on top and he is so proud of himself. Stacking is fun, but not as fun as knocking them over!

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

Clayton made a quick run to Braum's this evening to pick up some yummy Chocolate Almond ice cream and ice cream cones. Here are a few pictures of us eating our delicious desert.

Our trip to the Dallas World Aquarium/Rainforest

To celebrate my birthday, we decided to go to the Dallas World Aquarium/Rainforest. After a little fancy navigating to get there, we had a great time. It was so nice to be out of the heat, and we found out as we were leaving that morning was the perfect time to visit. It was so fun to have Aunt Tricia & Cousin Ace join us today. Thanks for a great birthday guys!

First we strolled our way through a lush rainforest complete with a waterfall, birds, monkeys, turtles, crocodiles, otters, and even a snoozing sloth.




Next, we went down a level to the aquarium. The tank had enormous turtles, manatees, catfish, and other gigantic sea creatures I had never seen before. It was like being right beside them in the water. Oliver & Ace loved it!




On next to the shark tunnel where huge sharks swim right beside you. It was an awesome sight.

While there, we were able to view the Mayan Performers in a ritual celebration highlighting the butterfly's symbolic role of elemental balance in Mayan culture. The ritual was very entertaining for all of us.

Last we stopped at the souvenir shop and Oliver picked out this stuffed turtle to take home.

Oliver's new swimming pool

Oliver has really enjoyed playing with water lately, so this weekend we purchased a small swimming pool for him. It was too hot and sunny to use it in the backyard, so instead we put down a piece of canvas, brought out a fan, and let him use it in the garage this morning. He loved it! He had so much fun sinking his plane and trucks, in fact he placed one of his trucks under the side of the pool and told me it was hiding. So cute! Oliver would have enjoyed playing in the pool for the entire day, but unfortunately, lunch and nap time are a necessity.

Oliver's early birthday wish

It's my birthday on Monday and today after Oliver ate lunch he was saying what sounded like "happy" for the first time. When I asked him if he was happy, he said yes. Well, it turned out to be my very first birthday wish from my baby!

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