Pulling Up

Ohhh, so it's like that...ok

So, when I went to get James from his morning nap today, I found him like this....
I told him "Ohhh, so it's like that...ok." I swear, he is growing up so fast. Sometimes I can even see it while I watch him play. It's crazy! Glad Steve lowered the crib mattress last week.










James likes to play in his diaper sometimes and I have a hard time telling him no. He's way too cute when he's down to his skivvies.

I tried to catch a picture of James pulling himself up to stand. He's getting so strong. He still needs my help to stand but I don't think for long.

All I want for Christmas...

All James wants for Christmas is his other bottom tooth! Ha. Right now, he is just a snaggletooth with one bottom tooth in.
James enjoyed decorating for Christmas today.

James hung the first ornament on the tree. His great grandma Kamps made this one for him.

Here is our Chrimmas tree this year.

Here are our stockings...I got them on sale for $4/piece. Score! Now, Santa just needs to fill it with diamonds, gold, jewels, or money.

Paw and Bons

My Paw Paw and his friend, Bonnie, came to visit us in Nashville. While they were here, I tried to show them all of the highlights of Nashville/Gallatin.

The first highlight is surely James. However, since he is such a wiggle worm, none of paw paw's pictures of him came out clear.

One of the beautiful things to see in middle Tennessee is the color of the trees in the fall. Paw Paw looks like he is enjoying the fall colors in this picture.
On Wednesday, we went downtown Nashville. After lunch at one of the restaurants on Broadway, we walked to the river. LP Field is on the other side of the river from the honky tonks and is the home of the TITANS!
Bonnie, James, and I posed for the picture on the riverfront.

Here's Paw and Bons posing for the picture on the riverfront.

Nashville built a commuter train about 4 years ago that has a very limited route. The beginning of the line is in downtown Nashville and there is a really cute train station there. Here is a picture of Paw and Bons by the clock outside of the station. I like this picture because you can see part of the batman building which is sort of landmark of Nashville. You can also see what gorgeous weather we had that day.

On Thursday night we went to visit the new and improved Opryland Hotel. The hotel was badly damaged in the May flood and had over 8 feet of water in some parts. They opened their doors for the first time since May this past Monday and the hotel looks great. Here is a picture of Paw, Bons, and Katie by the giant christmas tree.

After we walked around the hotel for awhile, we went to eat at the new Italian restaurant in the hotel. I forgot the name of it but it was a very nice meal. We enjoyed the visit with Paw and Bons and hope that they come visit us again.

6 Months

Here are some 6 months pictures of James.

Sometimes the nights get a little rough and this is how I find James in the morning.

My little man is learning to crawl.

His sweatshirt from the Smokies is so cute!

New-to-us Table

Nashville has a flea market once a month and I've wanted to go for over a year now. Steve never took me soooo I went by myself...well, with James. The experience was extremely interesting and at times, a bit scary. I couldn't believe the amount of crap and freak-a-zoids at the flea market. However, there were a few booths that were worth going for. The prices were pretty unbeatable and I will definitely go back to future markets. It is a great place to go for all sorts of random stuff. You can get children's books, door mats, rugs, stained glass, furniture, antiques, and even socks for dirt cheap.
I found a really normal dealer and her furniture was shabby chic and super cute. I loved the kitchen table she had for sale and was shocked to find out she was only charging $125 for all 5 pieces. I think this table works perfectly in our little breakfast nook. I think I'm going to buy an upholstered chair to go at the head of the table for a little pop of color. Steve isn't used to "used" furniture and really isn't into "shabby chic" but, I get to do the decorating around here sooooo...

Cherokee, NC

Monday morning, we got up bright and early to get ready to head off to Cherokee, NC. James packed his bags and got on Pops motorcycle. Since we didn't have a helmet small enough, he had to ride in the car with Nana and me. It was a longbeautiful ride through the smokies and through the Dragon Tail. James slept most of the way and was a good boy.
When we got to Harrahs, it was time to unpack and stretch our legs.

Time for bed! We had to get our sleep since we were going to drive to see Melinda and Matt in Franklin the next day. Pops really thought these pjs were cool. Looks like James likes them too. Thanks Aunt Chalon!

On Wednesday, we went to Gatlinburg! Here is a picture of Pops and James waiting for our car at the Harrahs valet. We packed up tons of stuff and headed to Gatlinburg for the day. It was a little chilly that morning so James had to wear his new hat.

Our first stop in Gatlinburg was the Aquarium...see it in the background?

This is us outside of the aquarium. It was such an amazing and gorgeous day.

James was fascinated by all of the colors in the aquarium.

The penguin exhibit was so cute and so cool...or should I say....cold! :)

Nana and Pops had fun too!

I couldn't resist taking a picture next to the Pi Phi philanthropy, Arrowmont.

Nana and Pops bought a few souvenirs at the aquarium and James sure did enjoy them while we ate at the Hard Rock. Nana was like a tornado through the gift shop! You should have seen how many things she thought James just had to have.

Back in Cherokee after Gatlinburg, we needed to relax. James decided not to wear his jeans and just hang out in his diaper. Ahhh, the life.

James spent Thursday morning mapping out the trip back to Nashville. Thanks Nana and Pops for a wonderful vacation!

Jackson's Orchard and Bonfire

Hayride at Jackson's Orchard with Shante, Tyler, and Emma. We had FUN!

James with his Auntie at Bill and Amber's house for the bonfire. It was pretty chilly so he had to wear his Titans sweatshirt and his new knit hat.

James with his mommy at the bonfire.

Grandpa's House

James loves his Grandpa! He has so much fun when he gets to hang out on Grandpa and Grandma's back porch.

Chaney's Dairy Farm

A few of the other mommies I hang out with and I took our boys to Chaney's Dairy Farm on Thursday. We had lunch and ice cream and then spent a good amount of time sitting on the back porch of the barn. The weather was pretty hot but it felt decent in the shade under the porch. The boys were very well-behaved and were precious as always!

Nana in town!

Nana came to visit James...oh and Steve and me. She brought James a bunch of treats and spoiled him while she was here. She is welcome any time and we miss her.

AndFin...