Memorial Day weekend

James found these boots in his closet this week and refused to take them off Sunday morning. I had to do a little distracting to change shoes before church. They are a little too big; therefore, he falls a lot while wearing them. This does not discourage his efforts. They look particularly good with his pj top and diaper.

 The Byrd family ventured out to explore the city yesterday afternoon. We sweated, we were a little disappointed, but we were glad to get out of the house. James, Isaac and I went downtown to Mud Island River Park. They have a model of the Mississippi that you can walk through. What I didn't plan on is that the Miss River has varying depths, which makes it challenging for a toddler to maintain balance as he walked down the stream. I also didn't calculate all of the "big" kids that would be playing in the water with no awareness of those around them.

 It was fun to watch the barges pass, oh so slowly. James has learned to say "boat" (although, Isaac reminded me...it's not a boat, it is a barge).

 Here James has arrived at the "Gulf of Mexico." He really wanted to get into the swan paddle boat...we firmly said no.

It has been a treat to have Isaac home today. He has worked hard in our backyard and it is looking pretty good! Happy Monday!

we know who has the green thumb in this family...

it is not me. Isaac and a couple of friends have labored long and hard at their Shelby Farms community garden plot. They plowed, planted, watered, weeded and have this week begun to see the fruit of their labor. James and I have "helped" a few afternoons/mornings. James is good at weeding until he mistakes a "real" plant for a big weed. This morning, I was excited to see this...

 So, we hurried home and make a little of this for lunch! I don't know if it is just knowing that your veggies were literally picked hours ago or if they really do taste that much better...but these were quite yummy. James even tried them (which is impressive considering his anti-vegetable stance).

Thanks to my mother-in-law, I'm learning to love cooking with a cast iron skillet. I may never go back to non-stick.

While gardening isn't quite as fun as sitting by the beach (Mom/Dad and Ed/Emily), we are enjoying a nice/slow day at home (only slightly jealous).

Hope you all are having a wonderful long weekend.

I can remember having a 6 week or 9-week session at school and thinking, it was such a long time. Six weeks goes by in a blink of an eye these days. We are in a busy season of life at the Byrd house. It seems that there is constant activity, which makes time go even faster. James is growing and changing weekly. He is becoming more verbal by the day. He has added "no" to his repertoire (oh goodie!). He has spent time with cousins from near and far.
We celebrated ZD's 100th birthday.
We watched the final game of the Grizzlies playoff season.
We showered Halley Williams and the twins with gifts, food and fun.
We celebrated birthdays and mother's day.
Life is full.
I hope I am soaking it up and not just getting through it.

My computer is acting up and I can't seem to find my pictures from the last few weeks. So here are some photos to make you smile!

 James gave himself to Katy for graduation.

 He has discovered his creative side. Maybe he will be into body art...his Big Daddy and Poppie will love that!