Date Night with Joey

Joey is headed to Nana and Papa's for a few days, so the two of us headed out for a dinner date. We went to McDonald's, ate chicken nuggets and played on the playground. I even got Joey to say "Date." =)

Joey's First Friend Birthday Party

Today we headed to Joey's first non-family birthday party at My Gym. It was Ella's 3rd birthday (Ella is the daughter of one of my co-workers). We had a blast! I will definitely remember this place for a future birthday party for Joey. He loved the ball pit and trampoline the best! I got some great shots of the little man and another co-worker snagged some shots of Joey with her daughter, Stella.

Joey: 21 Months

Joey is 21 months old and a little over 21 pounds. I feel like he's grown quite a bit height-wise.

Joey's appointments with the occupational therapist continue and we're seeing some real progress. He's becoming more and more comfortable on his feet, still not ready to take those steps without holding onto us or something else. His ankles are strengthening and we're seeing increased mobility. We're hopeful that it will happen soon. =)

Vocabulary, on the other hand, continues to grow. Joey is continuing to ask for things - water, milk, snack, etc. He will ask us where the doggy or kitties are. He's also started to say "I love you" which completely melts my heart!

No real change in sleeping or eating habits with this little guy. His favorite parts of the day seem to be bath time and story time. Since we're in the height of the summer, we've been spending a lot of time outside in Joey's baby pool. He loves it! Most of the time, I'm ready to come back inside before he is. He loves to splash, play with his toys and is obsessed with the hose. I've started to put a nozzle on in a light mist mode so he can continue to play with it after the pool is filled.

I've realized how much Joey's starting to look like a "big boy." This month's photo confirms it.

Headed to see the Lippens'!

After the reunion, we headed over to see my Aunt Linda, Uncle Dave and cousin Katey. Joey enjoyed them and playing!

Portz Family Reunion

It was great to see so many faces at the Portz Family Reunion! So many we hadn't seen since Joe and I got married five years ago, and some others I have no memory of meeting. It was an emotional, but great time.

All of my cousins kids and Joey - 23 and at least two weren't pictured.

8 cousins with 23 children!

More Family Fun

My Grandma, Uncle Fred and Yihan came over for dinner. Fred and Yihan got to meet Joey for the first time. He had a great time with them!

Smith action

Joey really enjoyed spending time with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Travis!

Grandma fed me ranch

We went to see Aunt Stephanie for lunch at Nick's and while we were there, Grandma fed Joey ranch dressing. He loved it! He went from dipping fries in it, to drenching them, to skipping the fries and sticking his whole hand in the dish.

Iowa - Here we come!

We headed to Iowa for the weekend for the Portz Family reunion in Eastern Iowa. We got to see a lot of family in a very short amount of time. We had a blast and realized we need to make another trip home - soon!

Joey had his first plane ride and was an angel! He was quiet and content the whole way there and slept the entire way back - score! The next few posts are pictures from the weekend.

Uh oh!

So this is what happens when Joey is left unattended, with his milk, after he's full...

 

I guess mama can't go to the bathroom anymore. And, it's time for some new sippy cups.

Happy Father's Day!

Joe, Joey and I hung out and had a great day on Father's Day. Joe slept in a little, we had breakfast together and hit the road for the day. Our original plans didn't work out so well (Top Golf - everyone does this on Father's Day), but the back up plan was a success.

We went to Cabella's and Joe picked out some fishing gear. We had lunch at Logan's Road House, then he came back to the house, got his gear in order and headed over to the lake to fish.

5 Years - Happy Anniversary!

Joe and I were married five years ago today - on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Iowa.

Five years later, we are one member stronger and oh so in love! This year the three of us headed out to Benihana for dinner. Joe and I have always loved going out for sushi and hibachi and we decided it would be a great time for the little guy too. Joey had a blast! He loved watching the chef cook. He didn't eat a whole lot, because he was so enamored. Maybe next time.

A little park fun

Joey and I went to the park this morning. He loves the swings and the slide.

Then, later in the afternoon, we went for a walk around the lake with Joey's tricycle. He loves moving the handle bars from side to side and say "Round and round." He thinks it's hilarious.

Taking a break in Hot Springs

After the Sturgis family reunion, we decided to take a trip over to Hot Springs, Arkansas just the three of us and hang out. We had a great time, although it went too quickly.

The Arlington - Beautiful, historic hotel we stayed in

Lobby inside The Arlington

Bathhouse Row - this one was my favorite

Inside a wax museum

Joey was obsessed with the fountains!

Natural hot springs. They were hot!

A couple more cute ones

Here are a couple more cute photos others took and sent to me.

A little blurry, but a good shot. Getting Eli & Joey to take a little snooze. =)

Joey & Daddy in the lake - Joey loved the water!

Sturgis Family Reunion

This weekend we headed to the first annual Sturgis Family Reunion on lake Ouachita in Arkansas. We headed up for a long weekend to enjoy the reunion, family and spend a day in Hot Springs, just the three of us.

The reunion was on Saturday, which is the only day it rained while we were there. Not only did it rain, but it poured all day long. Luckily, there was an indoor facility for us to enjoy.