Walking and stomping

Friday Gray started walking! For the past month he has taken a few steps here and there, but Friday he officially started walking. He is very proud of himself, and it is very exciting.
He has started wearing shoes for the 1-2 yr old class, and he now thinks he has to have them on all the time. We were worried he would hate wearing them- but apparently not. Maybe he thinks they help him walk? All I know is after a year of never wearing shoes, and being my flesh and blood (I would go barefoot everyday of my life if I could)- you would think he would hate shoes! I guess I should see this as one battle we don't have to fight, and not question it.
So now that we have this skill down, we decided to take him to the Grape Stomp Festival at a local winery. We didn't stay in the pool of muscadines very long- Gray wanted to grab them muscadines- and we all know what happens next when a toddler reaches and grabs for something. I didn't want muscadine/toddler toe jam to become the next serving of fruit for the day!


Gray was exhausted after a day of Grape stomping. Fell asleep on his way to see Paw-paw while reading his book.

Visit with Mam-moo in Franklin

The week after Gray's birthday party I was able to take a few days off and head to Franklin to visit my mom before they headed back to Florida. It was great to visit and for Grayson to visit with his Mam-moo. I was worried I wasn't going to be able to separate those two! I'm pretty sure he has Mam-moo wrapped around his little finger- quite literally- we walked around an antique shop, and all the while Gray was insistent on holding onto his Mam-moo's hand the whole time. I loved that they were able to spend time together, I just wish it was more.

Splashing in the water in Nantahala. This was a perfect shallow spot for him to sit and play. This boy loves water!

On a picnic on his actual birthday in the Nantahala.

Did I mention how much Pop-pop and Gray played? Those two had a blast together. Pop-pop kept him laughing.

Gray turns ONE!

I can't believe it, but my handsome little man turned a year old last Thursday. This year has flown by! I cried more the week leading up to it, than I think I ever did during my pregnancy! I just feel like I've missed so much. Hopefully things will change soon though. Either Steven will find a job that will allow me to stay at home or I will find some part time work. Somehow it'll all work out. You just have no idea what it is going to be like until you are actually holding that sweet baby.

Anyhow, for Gray's birthday we just had family (and my extended NC family Mike and Anita). 'Just' family includes over 20 people, so that is about all our little house can hold! We had a cookout, and the kids played outside, then we headed in for Gray to open his gifts. He did so well and had such a great time. We decided to have a professional photographer come in for the pictures- to capture his party rather than having his one year pictures done in a studio. Best decision ever- we got such great photos! I just love this little man!!!

Day at the park

Here's a few shots from almost a month ago. . .I know I've been slow getting these out. Just a tad bit busy.Grady and Myles checking out the storm drain. Such silly boys :).

My sweet boy

Love this face. Grady is so much fun.