Trains, boats, trucks, and "Cahs"

Daniel has a love of all forms of transportation. He frequently points at other cars on the road and says, "CAH!!!" If he sees a fancy sportscar in a parking lot, he runs up to it and ooh's and aah's over it exclaiming, "Cah." We are working on "CaR," but he hasn't picked up the "r" sound yet. We were at the Galleria not too long ago and he was mesmerized by the train. He stood in front of it for several minutes making the "choo choo" noise.  Welles convinced me to take a ride with him. Below are some pictures and videos of Daniel's newest obsession.

Galleria Train

"Driving" Uncle Steve's boat

At a toystore in NC

Future Football Player

We went to the mountains of North Carolina this past weekend.  We had a wonderful time in Waynesville and Asheville taking in the cool mountian air.  We stayed at a golf resort - a Christmas gift from my parents that we finally took advantage of.  We couldn't have asked for better weather! 

Welles had a great time teaching Daniel all about his favorite sports - football and golf!  See the videos below - Daniel is learning to jump from the line.





One day at lunch, Daniel decided it would be cute to "play" with his food. He took two shoestring fries and dangled them from his mouth. For about 3-5 minutes, he twirled, hit, and threw them around with his hands - all while they were hanging from his mouth. It was the funniest, most spontaneous moment, and my mom and I laughed til our sides hurt!

Fingerpainting with Friends

I picked Daniel up from school one day last week, and his teacher went on and on about how much he loved fingerpainting that day.  The center's newsletter came out last week, and lo and behold, there is a picture of Daniel fingerpainting and having the time of his life! 

He is singing (or yelling) and painting away!  I love how two of his classmates are watching him in awe.  We love our silly boy!

18 month portraits

We have an 18 month old!

Daniel had his 18 month check up last week.  He weighed in at 31.5 pounds and was 34.2 inches tall.  He has changed so much in the last month!  He is mimicing us a lot more, able to say several words, follows simple commands, and understands most of what we tell him.  He's a lot of fun, even when he tries to be independent! 

Last week, we walked around the block with him in his wagon.  About half the way around, he decided that he wanted to "push" the wagon.  I call this next video, "Iron Man, Daniel!"

This next one was taken tonight.  Daniel LOVES cars.  Everyday on the way to work/school, he points out the window and yelles, "cahhhh!"  Welles bought Daniel a new toy that races matchbox cars down a race track.  He loves the new toy and even uses sound effects.

Last night we went out for Mexican.  Somewhere along the way, Daniel has learned to feed himself with a fork.  Unbelievable--we had no idea until he picked it up and, well, started feeding himself!

Summer Fun

Daniel recently spent time at my parents house.  He loves their newly renovated back yard.  There is a pond that he loves to throw rocks into and dangle his feet into.

I used to play in my grandparent's pond, too...

It's funny how the simple things in life make the best memories -  generation after generation.

Uncle Max (Welles' cousin) came for a visit and as usual had his guitar in tote.  He sang to Daniel and attempted to teach him a few chords.  I love how patient Max is with Daniel.  Welles, Daniel and Max have a special bond - they all love "ROCK N ROLL!"

Another older woman

After dinner we took Daniel out for ice cream.  He fell hard for the girl behind the ice cream counter.  He smiled and said, "Hi!" the minute we walked into the door.  After we paid for our ice cream, we would hand him a bite with the small "taster" spoons.  He would literally walk as quickly as he could to her - show her the bite, eat it and then talk in gibberish to her.  She would smile and play along, that sweet little high school girl.  Then he would run back to our table for another bite and the whole drama would start again!  He had competition, though.  In some of the pictures you see an "older" teenage boy who was quite jealous of all of the attention this sweet girl was getting.  This kiddo keeps us in stitches, y'all!