2 Years Old

After our trip to Branson I was glad for a couple of extra days off to spend with Zander, especially since it was his 2nd birthday. We spent the day together getting ready for his little party, meeting Devin for lunch, and stopping at Toys R Us so he could pick out a gift. He is getting so big and I am constantly amazed by the things he does and says. I love his big personality and how he is still willing to cuddle with me. Here are some highlights from our Mr. Z this past month. 

* He is getting so tan with all our trips to the pool and lake. Definitely the Polynesian in him coming out. * Hates getting his hands dirty and immediately wants me to clean them off when they do get dirty. * When you ask him how old he is, he'll say two and then hold up 5 fingers. * Still not interested in the potty, but will point at me and say "eww" if he watches me go. * He has so many new words (phone, ipad) and is starting to put together sentences (i'm ok. see you later.). *  New obsessions include youtube and pandora radio. It's hard to resist giving him the phone when he bats those big brown eyes and says please. He is a master at accessing the Pandora app, finding his Yo Gabba Gabba station, and then skipping songs he doesn't like. * We noticed that when he walks, his feet turn inward slightly. Hopefully this will self correct as he gets older, but we will be talking with Dr. Jones about it during his two year appointment. * Went on his first airplane ride to Branson Missouri. * Fits size 18 month - 2 year shirts, but his short legs and small waist still call for 12 month pants and shorts. * We've been working on counting to 10, learning his ABCs, and recognizing animals and the sounds they make. * Favorite songs include Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO, Rain Dance Maggie by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5. * Prefers to come down the stairs by piggy back. *

Memorial Day

Grandma Betty would have loved all her great grandsons.

I couldn't think of a better way to spend Memorial Day then thinking of the ones that have passed on before us. We spent our last day in Arkansas visiting Grandpa's high school in Ashdown, touring around Great Great Grandpa Will Reed's house, and placing flowers on the Reed family graves in the Alleene Cemetery. 

While our trip was short, it was great to spend quality time with family. It's a trip that we will definitely cherish.

Alleene, AR

After two days in Branson, we headed to Grandpa's hometown in Alleene, Arkansas. It is a small town with one main street, gas station, and post office. We stopped in briefly at Grandpa's family home which is now a museum. Since it was locked up, we planned on going back the next day for pictures and a tour. We were able to attend the Alleene town reunion. It was started 40 years ago and occurs each Memorial Day weekend. Grandpa was able to see his sister and a few old friends. I'm glad we were able to be there with him on his last trip home.

Shows, Shows, and More Shows

Zander dancing at the front during intermission. The audience was clapping for him.

 We saw 4 shows in two days and they were all amazing. Now I know why they call Branson the family friendly version of Vegas.

* Six - 6 LDS brothers who perform using only their voices. They are so talented. I don't know how they do a show every night. It seems so exhausting.

* The Brady Lunch - Devin's sister, Lauren, stars as Marcia Brady in the show. It was great to see her perform and do what she absolutely loves.

* #1 Hits of the 60's - Lauren's good friend from high school, Ashley Jo, is in this show. They cover 90 hits from the 60's in the show. Zander felt the groove and wanted to dance the entire time. Grandpa was chosen to be apart of the show. He got on stage with Ashley Jo and the audience gave him a standing ovation afterwards.

* Joseph - Amazing depiction of the story of Joseph in the Bible. We sat a few rows from the stage and were in awe of the huge sets and music.