Delicious!

Parker went to bed before Daddy's birthday ice cream cake was brought out, but tonight Daddy shared some leftovers. I think Parker liked it...

New Favorite Food

Parker has decided that he shares his Mommy's love of clam chowder! He got to try it for the first time when we were in Oregon and has been a fan ever since!

If you build it...

Parker has taken over the title of most spoiled 17 month old and was indulged in his first Build-a-Bear experience...



After you make your bear you "fluff" it at the wash station...



Parker then used the brush to remove any extra fluff from the stuffing.



Here is our final product! A lovely bear we call "Doggie" because that is what Parker decided his name will be - I voted for "Tex" but was over-ruled. Doggie the Bear it is...making memories!

Beep Beep!

Parker loves trucks, tractors, really anything with wheels. He calls them "beep beeps". We were shopping and he spotted this "beep beep" (lawn mower) and his Daddy let him drive it for a minute.

Trying to sing

Parker loves the ABC song. Once in awhile he even tries to sing along!

Who Is That Handsome Devil?

While Parker and I waited in the hotel for Ma Pat and Pa Lar Parker managed to find a way to entertain himself.

Tubes

Unfortunately Parker has been cursed with his mom's bad ears. He has had way too many ear infections and so the doctor decided it was time for tubes. Parker was the first patient of the day for surgery, so we had to get to the hotel at 6:15AM! Luckily he was in a good mood!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Playing with the stroller while we wait for surgery - got to love that peek-a-boo gown!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Still waiting...

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Isn't it time yet???

We did have to wait a while for the surgery to get started, but once they took him back it was very quick. Everything went well and after some recovery time we were allowed to go home. The tired kid fell asleep in the car on the way home and slept for almost three hours! Getting tubes is hard work!

Quick Oregon Trip

Parker and I just took a quick trip to Oregon for my friend Kim's wedding. We had a great time and got to spend some days enjoying the Oregon weather....

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Parker loved to play in Grandma and Grandpa Culver's backyard. He would climb up the steps by their hot tub.

From Photos of Parker Year 2

And then his cousin Anika would bring him down...over and over again!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Parker really liked hanging with Anika.

From Photos of Parker Year 2

We were really lucky on this trip because Andrea was in Portland all the way from DC - what luck! We had a great day on Wednesday hanging out and having lunch.

From Photos of Parker Year 2

We had dinner with Ma Pat and Pa Lar at Macaroni Grill for their anniversary! Parker loved it because the tablecloths are paper and he could color!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

On the ride home we were lucky and Parker had his own seat! He felt like a big boy sitting alone with the seat belt on. I had already decided this was the last trip Parker would be a "lap kid" and this flight validated that decision!

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa Culver

We were lucky enough to have Parker's Grandma and Grandpa Culver in Oklahoma for about a week. We had a lot of fun while they were here - so much that I forgot to take a lot of pictures!

Parker had so much fun because Grandpa loved being outside in the OK heat and so he took Parker on lots of walks - and he even showed Parker how to hunt for golf balls by our house (we live by the golf course). Now whenever we walk down the road where all the golf balls hide Parker starts shouting "BALL" and wants to go hunting!

We also had a really great day out on the boat!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Sitting on the boat with Grandpa - he was always willing to share his lap!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Daddy taught Parker where the horn is on the boat - and he pushed it...a LOT!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

It was such a great day and it ended with a Meers burger!

Proud of Daddy

Life has been pretty crazy around the Culver house lately. In June Parker's daddy relinquished command of Charlie Battery in 2-18th Battalion and just 8 days later he took command of HHB in 75th Fires Brigade!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

First Daddy received an award for all his accomplishments as the Battery Commander.

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Then we had a punch bowl ceremony where some "informal" speeches were made...Parker really wanted some punch but Mommy said no because it was red and he was in a white shirt!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

But, he did find some snacks in the stroller...

From Photos of Parker Year 2

This is what the ceremony looks like - Daddy giving over the guidon...

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Parker loved the ceremony - especially because Mommy brought muffins!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Daddy had to give a speech - and Daddy hates giving speeches - but he did great!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Parker's Grandma and Grandpa Culver were in Oklahoma to see the Change of Command of Charlie battery, so we got a great new family photo!

Summer Fun

Parker loves to play in the water with his friend Joselyn, and he is so lucky because she has some great outside toys. They love to sit in the pool and play with buckets and floaties.

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Joselyn even has an outside play cottage where they can go for some shade.

From Photos of Parker Year 2

Sometimes they get bored with the water and walk around the yard...Joselyn loves to hold Parker's hand.

Recently Joselyn even got a great new water table! They LOVE it! So much fun out in the sun!

From Photos of Parker Year 2

And just in case we want a little extra excitement, there is always the Spray Park across the street from our house!

Parker vs. The Laundry Basket

This one speaks for itself. As Ben said: "the laundry basket defeated him..."