Baby #2 is a ....

When we first found out we were having "Baby #2" we talked about names.  We decided that night on both a girl and a boy name.  We decided not to tell anybody to keep away from thoughts/reactions and just for fun. 

Last Friday I told my students that I was pregnant.  I told them I was going to teach them how to play a game to work on spelling (hangman).  The phrase was "I am having a baby".  Both classes read the sentence and looked surprised.  I explained to them it was going to be awhile and I was going to have my baby at the end of February.    One didn't understand why I was going to be out for a few weeks at the end of February after having my baby.  Just like with Drew, I had my students guess what they thought I was having.  They all signed a poster and we kept it up until I told them. 

We found out what we were having Monday afternoon.  We then went to dinner with some friends that insisted on finding out together and couldn't wait until I figured out how to tell them.  I had some ideas but gave in to the idea of a dinner.  As much as I love throwing parties for others, putting something together for myself was weird to me.  Plus, our schedules are really busy and we just couldn't plan anything elaborate.  I had a sweet friend plan the location and it worked out great.  Very low key but fun as always. 

Jason and I came up with the idea of making scratch offs for everybody to find out on their on.  I wanted to do something different then what most do.  All but three people guessed girl.

I then had dinner with some co-workers Thursday night and all but one thought it was a girl.  They scratched off the answer to see what we were having.

I finally got to tell my students on Friday.  The class was so anxious to find out and just couldn't wait any longer.  I told them what I was having and the ones that guessed correctly were so excited.  One little girl told me that she told her sister on the phone who's in college that I was having a baby and her big sister guessed a boy. 

So for the reveal...we are having a .....

 

Drew is going to have a baby brother.  Camden Lee Cate will make his debut around February 24th.  We are so excited and can't wait to meet him!

Preschool

Drew started preschool this year and couldn't be happier.  He loves to learn and play with friends. 

I didn't get to get any more pictures of him that day because he walked right in and went to play, like he owned the place.  I hear that he is a friendly person and has to say goodbye to all the teachers before leaving with his sitter in the afternoons.  My biggest worry was him napping there and he has had complete success.  They work on a letter a week and a color and shape per month.  I can't wait to go to his Halloween party and see his cute Thanksgiving feast that are both coming up. 

Vacation Time

At the end of July we went on a family vacation with my family to Branson.  We stayed in a condo right outside of Branson.

The first night we got there and went to eat at their local Bass Pro's restaurant.  It was on the water and just a nice setting to be in.  The next morning we woke up and went to ride the Branson train.  I knew Drew would like this and he was so excited once we got there.  My parents bought him a cute hat for the ride.  We rode in to Arkansas and back.  It was a pretty route.

After the train ride we walked up to the main street area and had lunch.  After that we visited some shops on the street and then it was nap time!

After nap time we hung out around the condo and cooked dinner there.  We then all went to "The Price is Right".  My dad offered to stay back and hang out with Drew and then put him down so Jason and I could both go.  I have to admit I was nervous about being a contestant and thankful that I didn't get picked.  None of us did but it was a neat experience.

 

 

Wednesday morning Jason went golfing on the property.  Drew and I went swimming with my sister.  He loves the pool and keeping up with him was a task.  We also got to catch Jason golfing and Drew had fun in the golf cart.

That night we drove into Springfield to the main Bass Pro.  Drew really enjoyed this place and I am sure just like his daddy could have stayed there all day.  On the way back we stopped at "Lamberts" right outside of Springfield to eat.  My dad had heard many great things about it so we decided to try it.  We are all glad we did.  That was the neatest dining experience I've had.  Drew loved it.  If you want a role, they throw it at you.  Once we got our rolls we shared them with Drew.  Well, he thought you were suppose to throw them like they had been thrown to us so he threw his roll to everybody at the table.  It was fun and everybody enjoyed the good home cookin!

 

 

Thursday morning the guys got up and went on a guided fishing trip.  Jason had never been on one and I know he remembers his dad going on one when he came when he was little.   This time he got to go.  He caught many fish!  We went into town to a cute little shopping center and looked around and did some shopping of course!

The girls went swimming and once they got back we cooked hamburgers by the pool.  We ate lunch after swimming and then off to take a nap!

 

That evening we went to eat on the water and then watched a water show.  Drew enjoyed that and it was a fun thing to do with the family.

Friday morning we headed out to Big Cedar Lodge for breakfast.  That place is beautiful.  They had a mini beach area that we had planned on staying a playing at but it started raining.  So we just drove around the property. 

We met my parents back in town and said our goodbye's.  We stayed until after nap but they headed back.  After lunch we headed home.  Our intention was to stop half way but we just drove all the way home and Drew slept in the car.  That's a first, but I am sure he was tired from the long, fun, crazy week.  He was a great traveler and hardly any tears.  I think we have a road tripper on our hands and that makes this momma happy!

Sea World Round 2

After July 4th we decided to head down to San Antonio to visit Jason's grandmother for a long weekend and head to Sea World again.  This time we got to do all the shows we didn't get to the first trip and a new one about pets.

First stop was the penguins...

 

 

We then headed to the new pet show and Drew enjoyed watching the animals do some fun tricks.

 



After that we grabbed some lunch and then headed to see the boat and ski show.  This was pushing it into nap time, so we left soon after and headed back for a nap.  After Drew woke up, we headed out to see Elmo Rocks!  We couldn't make this show last time and I am so glad we could this time.  Drew loved it.

We then grabbed dinner and went to see Shamu Rocks.  We didn't get any pictures but it was as always a great show!  We love Shamu!  We are hoping to go back during Christmas to see all their Christmas shows and decorations.

Party time!

We celebrated Drew's birthday with all his friends and family this past Saturday.  We had it at a local church that had a fun area for the little kids to play and even a game area for the older kids and adults.  The set up was great and room for everybody. 

This candle came from New York.  When Jason and I visited I saw this and safely packed it away until his birthday!  Might have to order one for him every year. 

Brady and Drew trying out the cool red chair.

Kenzie, Brady, Caleb, and Hudson

Lily, Aubrey, Hudson and Brady

Sweet Graci

Playing air hockey with Caleb

Singing Happy Birthday To Drew!

Opening presents in the cool red chair!

 It was so good to see everybody that could make it out.  I know Drew had a blast running around and getting a lot of fun new toys to play with.  Thank you to everybody who came and made our sweet little boy's two year old birthday party a hit!

Drew is 2

Drew turned two on Father's Day.  We had a jam packed day full of fun for both Drew and of course Jason so we had to start our day off early.  We woke Drew up (which I rarely do).  I felt bad because it was his birthday but I also knew that we had a awesome birthday present waiting for him and that he would be happy to see.  He wasn't cranky when he woke up, which would break this momma's heart if he was because after all it was his birthday so I wanted it to be the best day it could be for him.  We took him outside and....

 

He loved it and still does.  We have since then had to show him how to get in and get out because that was a bit of a challenge. 

 

We had to end the fun to come in and get ready for church.  Which he loves and every time we go to a big building he thinks it's a church!  He also enjoys all his friends that he gets to play with and his super sweet Sunday School teachers.  We stopped by a donut shop to get some donut holes for his class to celebrate.

 

After church we went the Whataburger to get him some chicken and fries, one of his favorites and daddy's too!  Drew then went down for an early nap because we had tickets to the Ranger game with my family.  Sadly I didn't get any pictures from this game but we did all make it on the Jumbo tron!  Drew loves the Rangers and go to see the horse (Captain their mascot) up close.  He always asks for him when we go.  We also met up with some friends at the end and it was good to see them too.

 

After the game we headed to Spaghetti Warehouse where we all celebrated Drew's birthday.  Drew LOVES spaghetti so this was a no brainer as to where to take him.  He loved it!  It's been forever since I have been to Spaghetti Warehouse and I have to say, it didn't disappoint...just ask my mom :)

 

We took Drew home and let him play a little while longer on his trampoline.  I'd say after all he had a great day.  I am thankful for a sweet husband who let us do more celebrating for Drew then himself.  He told me that Drew is the reason he is a father and he is ok with celebrating him too.  I think they shared the best Father's Day/Birthday they could have.  I am sure there will be more to come!

Summer Preschool

I was asked to work a one day a week summer preschool class and was able to bring Drew with me.  I didn't want him in my class and the director agreed.  Drew and I both had our first day last Tuesday and he did really well.  I was afraid there might be tears if he saw me but couldn't go to me or if other were crying he would join in.  Thank goodness none of the above happened.  He was in heaven on the playground and I was told he did great in class.  He even painted the world and learned about God's creation.  I can't wait to see how much he grows in his learning this summer.

Jason did such a good job and sent me this picture on their way to the school.  I had to get their early for the first day!

 

I had to add this picture.  We met my parents at the Rangers game last night.  I didn't tell Drew because he would talk about them constantly until he saw them.  When they walked up the stairs to our seats, his eye got really big.  You could tell he was in shock to see them there and not at their house.  He had a blast with them and of course they bought him all the kinds of snacks he would want.  I don't think he is going to enjoy going back with just Jason and I anymore!