Aaron Recently

Aaron has been so happy lately!  He smiles and coos and waves his arms around, especially after he eats.  His reflux is much more under control now as well.  Connor absolutely loves him and is so sweet to him.  We can't imagine our lives without our little cuddle-bug!

New Bibs!

Connor has been very interested in wearing Aaron's bibs this week.  He will go into Aaron's room and bring one out for him and one for Aaron as well!  On Monday, he wore one to school all day.  He gets very upset if I try to remove them, so for now we'll just let our 28-month-old keep sporting newborn bibs!

Watching the Navy game...in a bib...

Playing with Aaron's crib aquarium...in a different bib...

Relaxing in Aaron's bouncy seat...watching his crib aquarium...in a bib...

Before school on Monday!

After school on Monday!

Visit from Pop-Pop

My dad spent a few days with us "on the way" to the Navy vs. South Carolina game on Saturday.  He got to take Connor to school, take lots of walks with Aaron, and spend a special morning with Connor at the zoo while I was at Mom2Mom.  We had a great visit with him, and we're so glad that he has such a special relationship with our little boys!

Attempt #1 to get a group photo... 

Finally got some good ones!

9/11 Heroes Run

On Saturday, we participated in the 9/11 Heroes Run at the Jaguars' stadium.  The run supported the Travis Manion Foundation.  Travis was a 2004 USNA grad and Marine who was killed in Afghanistan. We walked in the 1-mile "fun run" as a family.  Connor saw everyone start walking, then he said "ready, set, go" and took off!  He ran for at least half of the mile, stopping to look at "animal holes" (storm drains), watch a firetruck go by, and run up and down the mulch piles around the trees that were along the route.  When he wasn't running, or otherwise occupied by one of those activities, he was being carried by Daddy.  Chris put him down with about .1 miles to go, and everyone who was lined up for the start of the 5K started cheering for him.  He sprinted as fast as he could into the finish chute, and he even got a medal!  After the race, we enjoyed a fun sushi dinner with the Courseys and watched the Navy football game on tv.  It was a great afternoon as a family, and we are so glad we got to support such a wonderful organization!

Connor wasn't too sure about having to pin on his running bib...

Team Purcell is ready to go! 

Off to a good start!

Connor racing past Mr. Chad.

Connor and Aaron each got a medal! 

"Is this thing real?"

Checking out the firetrucks.

Good post-race hydration is the key to recovery!

Big Boy Bed!

Last week, Aaron moved out of the bassinet in our bedroom and into his crib!  He has been sleeping from 10:30-7:00 for the past two weeks, and he seems to like his crib.  Connor is still sleeping in his crib, but we know it's just a matter of time until he figures out how to escape from it. 

First Day of School!

Wednesday September 7th was Connor's first day of preschool!  He is attending school two days per week at Fruit Cove Baptist Church, which is about five minutes from our house.  His class has ten kids in it, eight boys and two girls, including his friend Sladen!  His teachers are Mrs. Amy and Mrs. Rachel.  Their schedule is great - he attends Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30-1:00 and eats lunch at school.  The days are filled with activities such as music class, science, library time, playground time, and more.  I think Connor is really going to love it.  Here are some pictures of him ready for his first day with his new choo-choo and dada plane lunchbox in tow!

More USNA Photos

On Monday evening, we headed back to USNA to take a few photos of the boys.  We have photos of Connor in Memorial Hall when he was seven weeks old, and we wanted to get a few with Aaron (at nine weeks).  It started pouring the rain while we were there, which made our adventure even more fun!  We got some great shots!