Abuela

 We went over to Abuela's house for dinner the other day. She and Belton had a GREAT time together!

 I just love the pure joy in these pictures!

Swinging

 We took Belton and Claire to the park last weekend and let Belton try out swinging for the first time.

 We didn't really push him in it, because he is still a little wobbly when sitting on his own. 

 But he had fun anyway!

I adore this looking off into the distance facial expression. <3

By the way, after we went to the park, we went home and ate lunch. Belton was sitting in the bumbo on the table and playing with an empty water bottle. As he tried to eat it, Matt noticed something resembling a tooth in his mouth. Matt stuck his finger in there, and Belton has his first tooth!! We could hardly believe it!! It's barely there, but it has definitely broken through the gums! No pictures yet, he doesn't open his mouth for long. But I'll work on getting a picture soon! 

Claire's Birthday Party!

We went down to College Station for Claire's third birthday party last weekend. It was so great to get to visit family and enjoy the party! Dad and Matt worked on putting together Claire's present the night before the party!

 This is Claire on the morning of the party. She put on Julia's boots over her pajamas. I asked her to smile and this is what I got! Cute girl!

The theme for Claire's party was sprinkles. Every time anyone asked Claire what she wanted for her birthday, she said, "cupcakes with icing and sprinkles!" So Julia took that and ran with it! It was so cute!

 The kids had fun with some activities.

 Our little family!

 Mel and Mom

 He's such a sleepyhead!

 Steve and Padre

 Sweet Claire with her presents!

 CUPCAKES!

 As Claire said the next morning, "we have a park back there now! It doesn't have any swings though."

 Marsh and Jenn

 The Hervey's that were there.

 Belton hung out in the grass for a little bit!

We had a great time, happy birthday Claire-girl!

Claire's Visit

Julia and Claire came up for a couple of days last week, and then Julia went home and left Claire with us and Grandmom to take care of her! We had a great visit! Claire LOVES babies, and pretty much wanted to be involved with everything pertaining to Belton. It was so much fun to watch her with him!

She helped keep him happy and entertained during tummy time.

 She asked to hold him many, many times, as you'll see during the post!

She helped hold his bottle several times. (Can you tell that I'm not used to having a toddler around, I forgot to wash her face off after dinner! It's a good thing bath time was soon after this!)

 Claire loves baby Belton!

When I put her to bed at our apartment, I laid her down with her blanket and one of Belton's and told her it was his, but she could use it if she wanted to. She said, "I want Belton to have it." in a very concerned, sweet voice. When I explained to her that he had enough to share, she happily used it for the night. She is such a sweet, tenderhearted girl!

 Belton certainly has been getting better at tummy time lately!

And when he got mad, Claire entertained him with the hamburger card. (I'm a hamburger, hamburger, hamburger....)

 Belton has gotten BIG!

Marcus spent the day with us on Friday, and he asked to hold Belton for the first time! Plus he was SUPER sweet to him all day, helping Belton play with his toys and entertaining him. I think he's going to be a great big brother!

 Look at those three cute cousins!!!

Belton had a fun time with Grandmom at the park! Love it!

Austin with Oncor

 Last week, Matt went to the state capitol with Oncor's group of new engineers. Oncor's governmental affairs group took them on a tour of the capitol. Being a public utility, there are many aspects of Oncor that are governed by state laws.

 Philip, Justin, Sam and Matt in the capitol building.

 A view of the dome from the inside! That star is eight feet wide, crazy!

 Matt standing in front of our state senator's office.

 Matt with a great view of the capitol building from Oncor's office balcony.

 Matt with some electrical equipment used as decoration in the office. It's usually on a pole outside!

138kv 795acr conductor

(You can ask Matt what that means if you're curious, I certainly don't know!)

Laying with Papaw

A few days after he was laying with Dad, I told Papaw and Grandma about that sweet moment between Matt and Belton. A few minutes later, I came back into the room and saw this.

Belton was again just fascinated and really enjoying it! He grabbed Papaw's shirt and didn't let go for a long time!

Laying with Dad

 Matt and Belton laid together while Matt threw a ball in the air.

 Belton just watched in amazement. He LOVED it! So cute!!