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.

Oregon trip

I haven't had a chance to upload the pictures and write until now- what a busy past couple of weeks! So glad Steven has off during the summers- though we seem to somehow be busier! We have been busy planning Gray's 1sy birthday, completely gutting and re-doing our main bathroom, school, and helping with family. Thank goodness I booked our vacation so we were locked in to go away!
For our summer trip this year we headed out to Oregon. I have two girlfriends that I haven't seen in years that I wanted to visit- and I just really wanted a trip out west. We stayed for almost a week, wished we could've stayed longer. We both loved it so much and can't wait to go back and explore some more.
Grayson did so well on the plane, and he had such a good time while we were there. We went to the aquarium, several state parks, toured the coast, had a couple vineyard stops, and visited friends. It was a great time- not to mention perfect weather. The 99% humidity we came home to, made us want to get back on the plane!

Gray could have stayed here all day throwing rocks. He had so much fun!

Grayson loved the aquarium and the fish. There were lots of ohs and ahs.



Gray's 1st time coloring. Artist Dad of course wanted to make sure I got a picture. As you can guess the next step was sticking the crayon in his mouth. . .

My friend Destiny from grade school. She now lives in McMinnville and sleeps, eats (drinks), and breaths the wine industry. Gray loved her and we had such a great time!

I'm ready to work Pop-pop

Steven and Gray came back from maw-maw and paw-paw Hoke's today with a new toy. At first I cringed at the thought of any more toys in our house. Trust me just as there is no shortage of love for this child, there is no shortage of toys.
One second watching Gray with his new little toy bench and I couldn't even think about worrying over another toy! Gray loves nothing more than 'doing stuff'. He loves being busy and is always working on something, so this new bench is just up his alley. Great find maw-maw, he love's tinkering on his new work bench.
Pop-pop, he'll be ready in no time to help you out. Instead of Mangino and son, it'll be Pops Mangino and Grayson!

Sunday Supper

What a crazy couple of weeks! Steven's mom had surgery, I've started back to school for Horticulture (though I am pretty sure I am already going to change my program), work has been chaotic, everyone around here keeps getting sick, and we sneaked in a quick trip to Florida! On top of all this I lost my camera- my life line!
The class is going well, but now I'm not sure that it's the best option for our family. So I may actually look at switching to some sort of allied health field. My mom asked today what was my dream job. . .my answer. . .part-time so I can be home more with Gray. So we'll see what the future holds. I'll finish this class up, and then figure out what to do.
Last weekend Gray and I flew down to Florida to visit for my sisters baby shower. My nephew Kaleb is due at the end of August, so the boys will be just a little over a year apart. It was good to see her and for everyone to get the chance to visit. Grandmoo and Pop-pop had such a wonderful time with Gray. Thank goodness it will be less than two months before they are up here and we are able to visit again. Sorry no pics from the trip- that was when I lost my camera. :(
Gray was an angel on the plane, and I am so thrilled. We have a big trip planned in July, with a much longer flight, so I was really hoping this would go well. I even had two ladies come up to me and tell me he was the best baby they had every flown with. Go Gray!

Well, with all that has been going on, it was nice to head to my best friend Nita's house to visit for Sunday Supper. Grayson got to ride in the wagon, eat fried squash, strawberry shortcake, play with Uncle Mike, and be doted on by the whole Herman clan. It was a great day!