Party at the Farm!

This year we held Reidy's Birthday party at the Mississippi Agricultural Museum. Of all the birthday parties I have thrown for the boys (and there have been a few!!) this by far was my very favorite. That's not to say Reid cooperated and rode the ponies, but it was the perfect place to celebrate our little boy turning two!

Our guests waiting for the ponies to be saddled.

OH what promise! We thought for sure that Reid was going to love riding the ponies. Here he is eagerly pointing to the pony he wanted to ride (or so we thought).

So eager, he tried to scale the fence.

The beautiful Morgan children.

So cute I had to post it again. (Besides, pictures of Reid smiling were few and far between)

Okay, first let me start by explaining Mr. Jerry. If you're wondering about the striped pants he is wearing, and you think you might know why he is wearing the striped pants, the answer is yes--he is wearing the striped pants for the reason you think he is. When he is not at the "county facility", Mr. Jerry works at the Ag Museum and hosts the parties. I was a little thrown off at first when he introduced himself and told me he would be helping me with the party. But let me just tell you, he was as much of a reason for the party being a success as the place itself. He was absolutely wonderful with the children and as nice as nice could be!! I'm sending out a call to Haley this week for a pardon!

Anyway, here is Mr. Jerry trying to convince Reidy to ride "Pebbles".

So far so good....

Yeah, not havin' it! Two seconds later Reidy had a fit and I was called in to come fetch him.

Oh well, it will give his guests more opportunities to ride. (Of course, all I'm thinking about are the cute pictures we will be missing out on!!)

Little Miss Ellen couldn't keep off of the ponies. She loved them. A natural beauty and a natural born rider!

Jake saddling up!

Ride 'em Jake!!

Our guests!

Cousin Blake at his first birthday party. He was semi-amused......no, not really!

Poor little Reidy. He stuck pretty close to his Daddy through out the party.

Mr. Jerry getting the train ready for a ride around the museum and a stop at the Carousel.

Gee Reid, try to contain your enthusiasm-will ya!

The Carousel!

I think we finally found something Reidy liked!!

He loved the carousel and did not want to get off!

Party Favors.

Reidy's cake turned out sooo precious! This is another Dream Cakes cake and not only was it cute as can be, it was moist and delicious too!!

Complete with a little mouse peeking out of the hay loft!

I opted to make the cupcakes this year. I thought they turned out pretty good. I had to search the world over to find farm animals for toppers. They just don't make toys like this anymore.

Reidy blowing out his candles (with a little help from Momma).

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

After we had cake, most-if not all of the children, were green!

After a fun filled day at the Ag, Reidy was tuckered out!

Right before we left, he got his second wind to eat some Cheese Puffs.

We opened his gifts the next day on his actual birthday. He got some of the cutest things!!

We had the very best time at the Ag Museum. The place was perfect, the weather was perfect, and mostly the company was perfect. I better get crackin' if I want to figure out how to top this years party when Reidy turns 3!

Hooray for 2!

Today our little Reidy turned 2 years old!! He's our little sweetie pie and has been the perfect addition to our family!

Happy Birthday Reidy, We love you!!

(Birthday party pics from the Ag Museum to follow!)

Happy Blogiversary!

It's hard to believe that it has been an entire year since I started "The Vineyard Family" blog. I have enjoyed it much more than I ever thought that I would and I hope our readers have too!

2009 promises to bring new posts with the boys birthdays, summer trips, Jake starting Kindergarten, and Reidy starting preschool in the fall.

I hope you will continue to keep checking in with us!!

A Must Read

Now as my readers, you all know that I never try and peddle things off on y'all. My blog is designed to keep you on the up and up with my boys. But recently, I had the privileged to read a wonderful book that has really touched me, so much so, that I think everyone should read it!

Go out, get it today, you won't put it down, and then comment back to me and let me know what you think. You won't be sorry you did, I promise!

"L" is for Lollipop

Last Friday I was in charge of making the "L" snack for Jake's preschool class. I tried hard to think of something, but all I came up with was something to do with lemons. I didn't think lemons would go over well with 4 year olds, so I enlisted the help of Bon Bon. She, as always, had the answer in an old children's craft book. We thumbed through the index and found "Lollipop Cookies".

Sure, they aren't perfect, but I know they were a bigger hit with the preschoolers than lemon squares would have been!

When planning these cookies, I thought for sure icing them was going to be the biggest obstacle. Wrong---getting the stick to "stick" was the hardest part. After a dozen tries and then consulting the book that originally gave me the idea I figured it out.

They were a success!!

Mississippi Blues Marathon

As many of you know over the past 4 months I have been training for my first Marathon. Well finally after many miles, much sweat, and a injured leg my big day finally came and I crossed the finish line in 5 hours and 42 seconds! It really was such an awesome experience. The Lord really took such good care of me through the week leading up to the race and of course, as I ran the race. Philippians 4:13 will forever be my anthem and I thank God for showing me the fruits of putting all my trust in Him. I truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!

Here I am coming closer to the finish line.

I cannot express to you my delight in seeing the finish line and knowing I was going to be able to STOP RUNNING!!!

26.2 miles of hills and humidity!

Okay y'all...where's my medal?!
The medals were in the shape of guitars!

It's true, I looked like I had just been run over by a Mack truck, but in a way I think that might have been more pleasent. This is my sweet friend Missy. This is her 8th Marathon and she has been a real support to me through my training. Thank you Missy!!
It was hard, it was very hard, but I can't wait do it again. I am already scouting out my next one!

A Very Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Jake really got into this year and Reid liked it pretty good too although I think next year he will like it even more!

Here are the boys watching TV Christmas Eve morning eagerly waiting for the festivities to start!

We spend every Christmas Eve with the Vineyard side of the family. We always have filet and twice baked potatoes! We have a feast and then we open presents!

Santa Bon Bon and Santa Pop Pop brought the boys a table of their very own.

After dinner, Jake jumped into his pajamas and was ready for presents.

Reidy being Reidy

It didn't take Reidy long to figure out how to make the Jack-in-the-box pop out without turning the crank.

Both boys got a new pair of boots.

This is Reidy's new friend "Doggie". Of all places, Doggie came from a the clothing store Anthropolgie. Where else can you get a cute sweater dress and stuffed puppy for your son all in the same place?!

Jake played Mouse Trap while we were in Destin this past fall and loved it. I had it when I was a little girl too.

In true Vineyard style, Reidy lined all the chairs up in front of the TV.

Since we moved and are not in a house yet, I purchased a small tree for us this year. It really turned out pretty cute. On Christmas morning we opened presents from Santa and then had both families over for Christmas breakfast. My parents came up from Florida. We had a wonderful time with them (especially since every time my mother is in town she lets Xan and I have a couple of date nights!) Thank you Momma!

Santa brought a football field for Jake.

Tinker Winks left his traditional letter by the door letting the boys know that he'll miss them until next year! We'll miss you too, Tinker Winks!

Dinosaurs ...Rahhhh!

Santa's big gift this year was a Wii. It has been the most fun and Jake has done better with it than we first thought. Here he is boxing. I, myself, am the bowling Queen and Xan is King of the Tennis courts! Reid, for now, is every one's biggest cheerleader.

Mouse Trap in the kitchen. We would get it all set up, let it go, and realize we left out one step. This happened over and over and over again. After all these years, this game is still so much fun.

Jake with his Leapster. He played it in his bed that night until he went to sleep.

We had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to another year full of the Lord's blessings.