Braxton thought the dogs were hilarious today. As they would jump on the couch while he was 'reading', he would crack up! So, I started playing rough with Bevo by pushing him into the sofa cushions - this made Braxton laugh for at least 30 minutes. ;-)
After the Chip Festival, Mawmaw and Pawpaw came to visit. They arrived on Saturday afternoon and we spent some time hanging out and playing with Braxton. Of course Mawmaw brought gifts for Little Man...two adorable outfits, shoes and sunglasses. Again, we went and ate at Ramos' that night. I guess it's becoming sort of a tradition :-) Afterward we enjoyed watching a movie, well, David stayed awake anyway. (Sorry)
On Sunday, we decided to take Braxton to the pool and try out his new float from Mawmaw....he loved it. Oh, and his new shades, too! He was so 'cool' just chillin' in the float. 
We ate Bill Miller's bbq and fried chicken after swimming (so much for trying to eat healthy) But, I must say, it is TOTALLY delicious and worth every calorie! We stayed up late playing games - tribond, spinner and are you smarter than a 5th grader. It was lots of fun and so nice to spend time with my family! 
Monday came too quickly, and it was time for them to leave. We love you and thank you again for visiting! David and I took Braxton to the pool again, and he actually got a slight tan! We invited some of the playgroup ladies and their families to church on Sunday, and it looks like they are interested in coming! Yea!!!
Then we went to Lowe's to buy flowers for the front yard and to Walmart for some necessities.
It was time for Braxton to eat when we finally made it home, and he got a little confused as to which bottle was his. He is so hilarious. 
As I tried to feed him his solids (sweet potatoes), he decided he was big enough to feed himself. He started screaming when I wouldn't let him have the spoon - so I let him have it! He did quite well with it until he couldn't get enough on it. 
So, he put the spoon down and picked the bowl up. I must agree, that is definitely more efficient. Needless to say, the day concluded with a big boy bath for Braxton and a glass of wine for Mommy.
On a serious note: I want to personally thank everyone who loves this country and those brave enough to 'fight' for it (and fight for us). Past, present and future US military men and women - my heart is filled with gratitude, love, joy, sorrow and hope. You all don't receive near enough credit in my opinion! I realize I am alive, and safe, and able to live my life in a way where I am not afraid, in part, because of you. Ultimately God is in control, but protecting our country, our freedom and our lives is a very noble and honorable profession. Thank you for all you do & have done. I am forever grateful. God Bless!!!
Saturday was the annual chip festival in Manor. They had all types of chip events: chips and salsa, cow chips (pooh), golf chipping and more. For the older kids, bouncy houses and slides, a petting zoo and other games were available. We were there working a booth for Manor Fellowship, our new church. We are having our very first service next weekend and were trying to spread the word. David calls Braxton the worlds youngest elder.
Braxton experienced his first time in a swing, down a slide, hanging on monkey bars & sitting on the jungle gym. He seemed to enjoy it all! We love our neighborhood - this is just across the street from us (as is the pool). You can see where my days will be spent as he gets older!!!
He had lots of fun, as you can see. Who knew he would want his mixed veggies and rice cereal so much!?! (I love the sigh at the end of the first video.)
I've got this - who said sitting up was hard?
Whoa!!! Help, I'm falling.
Just sittin' up in Mom & Dad's bed & lovin' it!
Look at that drool. Think there might be teeth in the near future?
Last night we had a scare in good old Manor! We had some serious thunderstorms with 4" hail and several funnel clouds heading our way. So, we hurriedly moved things in the garage and were able to squeeze David's car in & gain access to a twin mattress (for the tub, of course). Then we put Braxton's car seat in the tub - ready to put him in if the storm got close.
Saturday evening, David's parents and Papaw came to visit. The men prepared dinner for the women, and it was delicious! That night we decided to be a little crazy and stay up until 3am playing Yahtzee. (And Lulu thinks she is human, so of course she was in on the action.) It was such an enjoyable time - even though I had to wake up at 6 with Little Man. Papaw (& Bevo) and Braxton slept through all the excitement. 
Yes, Papaw is in there - somewhere!
So, our neighborhood had the grand opening of the pool today. Braxton got to sport his new duds and hang out with his friend, Jack. It was his first time in the pool (which was very cold). We hope he acclimates well, because we will spend many summer days there!!!
This is so precious and hilarious! I must be pretty funny - or funny looking :)
Braxton went to the doctor today for his 6 month check up. He has been growing like a weed lately and jumping from one percentile to the next. He started out below 3% and is now between the 25th and 50th percentile. He weighed 16 lbs 10 oz and was 26 in long. His eye is doing much better!! Thank you so much for all the prayers. He also received 4 shots today :( That has to be the worst feeling I've experienced as a mother thus far. He is always so happy and trusting of everyone...and then we poke his little legs and he screams out of control! I feel heart broken and helpless. I have only had to hold him once and that was enough! David comes to the appointments and is in charge of helping with the shots. I wait until it's over, and I cuddle him, feed him, rock him and sing to him until he is back to his happy self. Poor baby! Thank you, David, for being the best Daddy ever. You are always there when we need you, and we love you!!!!
Braxton had many first experiences this weekend. On Friday, we realized he had a blood blister on his pinkie toe from jumping like a mad man in his doorway jumper.
On Saturday, Mawmaw had to leave us and head back to Rockwall. So, on her way out we went with her to Salado. It was a new experience for me and Braxton. We shopped, ate and just enjoyed seeing Mawmaw (and Sharon) a little longer.
Since we were already north about 45 minutes, we decided to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa Chaplin in Killeen.
