the blackmons in chicago

Summer Visit to NC

Last week, we made the trip down to NC to visit my family. We hadn't been since Thanksgiving, which was way too long, so we had lots to catch up on. Baker has changed a lot since then so it was great to see him interact with our niece and nephews. He really held his own with the boys and did his best to keep up with them. We had an awesome time, as we always do! Actually, Lindsey, our 12 year old niece, came back with us to DC and has been with us for the week. I'm taking her back tomorrow and I'll spend another week there while Brad is in LA...bittersweet trip.

On the trip down, we stopped at one of our least favorite places, McDonalds, for a fast breakfast. Baker got his very first Happy Meal and was thrilled with the panda bear he got in the bag!

Shannon's sister, Mandy, brought Avery over for a little play time with Baker. They were funny together and had the battle of the strollers!

Drew squeezes a hug out of Baker.

Seth takes a sweet walk with Baker in the backyard.

Then they went for a drive in the Jeep. Wow, cruising already at 18 months.

Avery thought she would give the boys a push in the Jeep since it was going so slow! For some reason, Baker insisted on sitting in the floor.

Seth then took Avery for a ride. I love his wave here...he looks so cool.

Bleeker was so exhausted after a few days of running free in their backyard!

Uncle Brad went for a bike ride with Ben and Drew around the neighborhood.

Shannon made one of my favorite meals for dinner one night...chicken pastry! It's been my favorite since I was a kid. This is Baker's first taste of it and he seemed to like it too but I think he got more of it on his fingers and face than in his mouth.

Papaw (my dad) and Baker - going for a round of golf.

Learning at a young age!

Like father like son. I thought it was funny when I looked at my dad and brother and saw them standing the same way, wearing almost identical outfits!

My dad, the golfer takes a swing in the backyard...four!!

Brian, me and daddy - only thing missing is mama.

Baker loved when Brad took him for a ride on the big boy bike!

He just couldn't get enough of all of the big boy toys outside - the scooter, the bikes, the golf clubs. What's a toddler to do?

Drew riding a bike without training wheels!!

Baker looks as if he is pleading with Ben to let him ride on his scooter! Ben would make the scooter hop...

then Baker attempted it with Lindsey's help.

Getting awfully close to Nestle for a kiss. He is not afraid of animals at all! I think he was just shocked that she allowed him to get so close because Bleeker darts the second Baker gets remotely close to him.

We all went for a swim at the pool on Friday.


Baker playing with pool toys. He is still a bit unsure of getting in water, unless it's the bath. He tries to climb out of it constantly. I'm hoping next year he'll feel more confident.

On Friday night, the boys had a soccer scrimmage to play in at their church so we all went to watch. They were so cute out there playing!

How cool of a picture is this?! I love that they are all in action. Seth is in green on the left, Ben is in the middle in blue, and Drew is in navy on the right.

Baker with his Papaw, itching to get on the field!

Little Beckham - I love this picture!

He finally got the chance to run the field when he game was over!

We spent a good portion of the time out on the playground. Baker had a blast out there!

Papaw was acting like he was going to get him and Baker just laughed!

Going down the big slide!

Our new little puppy. Baker loved Bleeker's little dog house that he slept in at their house.

He always climbed in it to play.

Uncle Brian and Baker

At Papaw and Mamaw's house, Baker was in awe of all the model cars. My dad's house is a like toyland for little boys - cars, trucks, guitars, cowboys and horses.

The kids had a blast with the cars and airplanes that Papaw gave them.

Later, back at Brian and Shannon's house, some of us were outside and Baker had the most pitiful face, wanting to join us. We were getting the popsicles ready for the kids to eat, so of course, he joined us!

Baker runs naked free with his popsicle. It's as if he was afraid we were going to take it away from him! Naked is the only way to dress him when eating something so messy!

The kids enjoy the popsicles out back!

How cute is he eating his 1st popsicle? He devoured that thing!

Our pretty boy

Video: A few weeks back, I posted a video of Baker saying "no, no, no". Well, he has since mastered the art of answering "no" for every single question you ask him, even if the answer should obviously be "yes". He actually started this while we were in NC and the family got a real kick out of it. At first, we thought it was really cute but now it's getting a bit old. We have got to teach him how to answer "yes"! This video shows Baker having his snack and then Brian and Shannon started asking him questions. He was cracking us up...I think it's his tone when saying it. Enjoy!