Tricks at the breakfast table

Matt is learning so many things it's hard to keep up.  Here are a few tricks after a nice oatmeal breakfast.  Can you tell he fed himself?  The background noise is our fans working overtime to keep the 102 out of the house.  So far so good! 

Keeping Cool

In our crazy 100+ weather we have had to find ways to keep cool. Matthew has enjoyed playing in the bay.  
His favorite thing to do is pick up a rock, lick it, then throw (rather, drop) it into the water.
Even Six the cat has found ways to stay out of the heat.

Story Time

This morning's story was inspired by Shannon ...

Happy Friday!

What is he trying to say?

Matthew has a lot on his mind these days, what with all the reading, toys, music, and walks we've been doing.  He tries to communicate his thoughts with me, but sometimes I just don't understand.  

Dogs Go

Matthew has a new favorite book: Dogs go...  It's a riveting story about the different sounds dogs make.  Here is Matt reading along with me - he actually does very well knowing the sound each page describes.  Since this one is a library book, we may have to break down and buy a copy because he is so cute wanting to hear it again and again and again and again ...

Eating Oatmeal

Did I mention that Matt turned 1?!

My sweet baby boy turned one last month.  ONE!  I cannot believe how fast the year went.  Time really does fly when you are having fun!  We celebrated Matt's birthday at the beach with my extended family.  Nothing special, just a round of "Happy Birthday" around the campfire.  We did let him sample some Rice Dream (rice-based ice cream) the night before (no dairy or wheat yet, so cake was out ...).  He stuck his face in it and then cried because he was cold.  Happy birthday Matthew!  We love you!

Beach Fun

While we were in CA we had the privilege of staying with my cousin and her family at a beach house in Huntington.  Matthew enjoyed reading with Grandma,
napping on Grandma, 
digging with Grandma,
and hanging out with Mom!

Giggles with Grandma

Visiting the Greats and Great Greats

Matt has had the opportunity to get to know some of his great and even great great aunts this summer.  Aunt Beth is quite the entertainer as you can see!
Today we had lunch with my mom's Aunt Donnie and Aunt Stella.  Matt absolutely adored them both and flirted with them all afternoon.
The royal treatment:  Lunch spoon fed while kicking back at the table!
Aunt Beth gave Matty a new hairdo today.  He doesn't look too happy about it!

Busy

Matt has been very busy while on vacation.  One of his favorite things to do has been emptying Grandma's pantry.  Each object gets a "shake test" before being thrown to the floor.
He also really enjoys getting the computer accessories like the keyboard, mouse, and speakers.  He decided yesterday to rip his diaper off, but couldn't finish the task before racing over to the computer desk.
Patty and her girls came over for a swim day.  All three kiddos were busy "swimming" in the boats.
Last but not least, Grandma's recycling bin has provided hours of entertainment.  Yesterday's treasure was a coffee creamer lid/clown nose.  Who needs toys?