Introduction to James, Elias, and Cora

We have enjoyed a wonderful summer full of traveling! Here is James showing how a pro gets his naps even when on an airplane! We flew to Missouri and stayed with my mom for a few days before driving her car (thanks Mom) up to Minnesota. We were in Minnesota for a week before heading back to Missouri. We were gone for about 2 weeks! Love vacation time, and since James is such a great traveler it makes it so much more fun. Life just doesn't get much better than the Polk County Fair in Fertile, MN! There are lots of rides, including this roller coaster, and lots of cousins to ride the rides with! And ponies too! Ride 'em cowboy! James' favorite ride this year with the giant slide - woohoo! Grandpa Mel met us in MN and he and James had a great time together. In addition to the fair, we also spent lots of time at the Walters' family farm. James was able to use the old pump that still stands where my dad attended school in the days before everywhere had indoor plumbing. James...

We were able to take a trip back to Jacksonville with another Navy family. Two moms and 3 kids under 4 loaded up the minivan and headed South! The dad's were able to fly down, but drive wasn't too bad. We stopped for some treats along the way, of course. The kids were great in the long drive. They even took a couple naps along the way. James loved being back in Jacksonville, including have some great beach time. James was also glad to spend some time at the Jacksonville Zoo. It was great to see our dear friends again too! Since we've been home Jame's social calendar has been full. He's been lucky to make so many great friends here in MD. Watching Tangled with his buddies! The boys having some man to man time. We enrolled James in private swimming lessons that he loved. He is a great swimmer. James also enjoys showing off his swimming skills in the bath tub. We've also enjoyed some great family outings. We were fortunate enough to attend the circus when it came ...

Happy Easter! This picture makes me giggle - James is always doing something funny. He has a great personality. Bat? Bunny? Or boy? Tobias and James are enjoying our backyard and the beautiful weather. Tobias is teaching James how to grow a garden. First they built the garden. Then they planted their seeds in little pots inside and waited for the seeds to grow. James would get excited every morning to see how big his plants were growing. Once the plants were large enough they transplanted them outside to the garden. James has quite the green thumb and is growing sunflowers, corn, peas, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini. In between the gardening, James is also enjoying the new sandbox Tobias built for him. Fun times with his buddies playing and building in the backyard. To celebrate Easter James participated in an Easter Egg Hunt the base chapel hosted for the kids. James loved to gather up all the eggs! Look at all those eggs! Nice job James! We also took some time to dye eggs....

Three years ago James' adoption was finalized. We honor this special day by celebrating Walters' Family Day! We started out early in the morning and drove to Washington D.C. We found one of our favorite restaurants from Jacksonville, The Original Pancake House. James finished his entire plate of pancakes! We took the Metro - James' first experience with public transportation! He was so excited to ride a subway train. We went to the National Zoo in Washington D.C. James has been asking about going to the zoo for months! He was so excited. The National Zoo was a great experience. James even had the opportunity to use a microscope for the first time. So many animals to enjoy! A metal anteater - what could be cooler? James and Tobias getting ready to head home. It was a wonderful way to spend a wonderful day. James was so tired by the time we headed for home. Nap time!