Vacation!

 Clint had a week off of work and the family took a much needed vacation.  We had so much fun having Clint around. Thomas just adores his papa. He follows him around and picks up all kind of mannerisms and funny habits from his dad.  These two boys are two peas in a pod.  Thomas is much more likely to mimic Clint than me.  First, we drove up to the Air Force Museum.  Thomas of course loved all the airplanes, or "Ba-panes" It was a fun little start to our vacation.

 Next, we took a trip to the zoo. We saw all kinds of fun things, like baby tigers and brown bears fighting in the water.  The sting ray exhibit was also a highlight.  Thomas was very interested, but a little apprehensive about the sting rays slippery skin.

 Next up, our first Allred family camping trip.  We had so much fun and the little boy just loved it.  Of course he had to help his dad set up the tent.

We went on a lovely little hike to a lake. Thomas was a little bit upset that we didn't let him lead the way, but he eventually cheered up. We had to sing the Thomas and friends theme song along with a few other tunes along the trail to appease him, but he did ok.

 He was especially happy to get to the lake and throw rocks in the water. I'm pretty sure these two boys could have stayed here all day skipping rocks.

 Of course with all the bugs around, Thomas was in heaven!

 And I was in heaven getting to snuggle with this little cutie all night long! He looks a little grumpy here, but he really did great sleeping in the tent.

 Just look at that boy!

 He deserves a round of applause for his rock throwing abilities!

 We took a little scenic railway ride and Thomas loved riding on the "Choo-Choo". IT turned out to be a little less scenic in some places, but overall a good time, and it was all for Thomas anyway, and he loved it.

What a handsome boy.  Don't mind me, This is what happens when you co camping and dont bring make-up.

Our family vacation was a big hit! If only every week we could just hang out with each other all day everyday.

Summer Time Fun & Thomas is 18 months old!

 This has been a summer to remember.  This little boy has had A LOT of fun and has had many fun experiences.  Lets start with the 4th of July.  Little Thomas loved the parade, seeing firetrucks and floats and all kinds of things that go.  He was mesmerized.  He tried very hard to make it through the firework show but fell asleep and even slept through the very noisy finale!

 Ah playing in the warm summer rain. Catching them on his little tongue makes it even better! What a little cutie.

 It is so hard to get a good pool picture!!! But you get the drift. Thomas loves the water and the pool. He squealed and shrieked with delight. He played and swam until everyone at the pool got kicked out because some little toddler puked in the pool. Bio-hazard! Oh yeah and it was Thomas :)

Thomas LOVES his garden boots. He loves to put them on and explore the garden.  This is a picture of Thomas and his Dad inspecting the gigantic caterpillar we found in our yard. Check it out!

 Look at that thing! He was huge!

 This little boy had a very shaggy little mane.  After I took this picture I realized it was time for a little trim :)

 Little man threw a nasty little tantrum when I scolded him  for picking some un-ripe tomatoes.  In order to calm him down ( He was ANGRY!) I let him pick the rest of the blueberries on our little bush.  He was so happy! :)

 He even ate the green ones!

 Just look at those big blue eyes.

 Silly Thomas! You are too big for that Tractor.

 We decided to have a little fun weekend and set up the ten in the basement. The little boy went nuts! He bounced and bounced and played and played and had a grand time. 

 Of course he loved his smores. He kept saying Mmmm. Mmmm

Story time with Papa in the tent. We tried to all sleep in the tent, but Thomas was so hyper he was literally bouncing off the walls of the tent.  Clint said, "Its like we caught a wild baby animal and let him lose in the tent."

 We took a little outing to the pet store. Thomas loved the kittens!

 And of course he loved the puppies! Here he is panting like a dog.

 He kept pointing and saying  "Turtle! Turtle!"

 We went on another fun outing to the Children's Museum. They were having a special tractor exhibit outside. As you well know, Tractors are this little boy's favorite thing in the entire world. So he basically went nuts.

 Two little boys and one very big tractor

 Just look at that grin!

He drives like a pro.

What a silly little monkey! I love saying that because he always makes a little monkey noise when I say it. Ahh ahh ahh! Thomas is such a joy to have around and we just love him to pieces.  He is at a very fun stage and is learning and growing so quickly. He is really growing up fast! Can't believe he is 18 months old now!