Happy Birthday Brady!

The birthday boy dressed as Woody.

Mooooo!

Uncle T-Rav looking serious.

Buzz in action - hard to catch a photo!

Yum.

We know what Tad is hoping Santa brings - vrooom, vrooom.

Monkey William.

Andrew - grrrrr.

Cow down.

Happy 2nd Birthday Cousin Brady! Thanks for inviting us to your fun costume party with your buddy Charlie. We all had a blast, especially Tad - bouncey house, pizza, cake and a fabulous swing set! Brady kept the adults entertained by singing Happy Birthday to himself for a while before falling asleep. You are adorable and we look forward to many adventures with you in the coming year.

Tad's First Haircut

It didn't start out well. Lucky for you we don't have the audio with this photo.

My attempts to distract Tad failed miserably.

We admitted defeat and resorted to the pacifier.

Looking dapper.
Tad got his first haircut two weeks ago and traded in his long, surfer curls for a more refined look. As you can see, he did not enjoy this experience. Fortunately, the hairdresser was very skilled with squirmy toddlers and the pain was over quickly.

Mini Me

Tad and Daddy recently sported matching outfits. Tad is looking more and more like Johnny these days.

The Scholar

After sixteen months, Tad will now sit still for a book, albeit a very, very short board book... Johnny captured the moment as we have been wondering for months if this would ever happen. Maybe it was the preppy rugby shirt. Harvard here we come!

Bowles on Board

Coop is a bit dizzy after the twirly seat.

Peak-a-boo Brady!

Coop on the go.

Tad trolling for trouble.

Johnny attempted to capture a group shot.

The oldest and youngest (not for long - baby Bowles will be here soon!) Gaffney cousins.

Tad adores Coop and B.

See ya later!

Big foot! Tad got his first pair of sneaks on Sunday afternoon and loves them. Daddy found a matching pair.

Fall arrived this past weekend and the Bowles crew came to town. After delaying the inevitable, they purchased a mini-van from one of Johnny's customers. They are now ready for Baby Bowles to arrive and he'll be riding in style. As usual, the boys had a blast with each other and we didn't take many photos until a visit to the park on Sunday morning. On Saturday night, the Dial family joined us for dinner and an Irish victory - go ND!

Swinging with the Thompson girls

After the ND crew left on Sunday, we met Elsie, Kit, Beth, David and Grammy for dinner in Bluffton. The kids loved racing around the restaurant, while we were able to enjoy the seafood dinner and catching up with Beth, David and Grammy. Happy 4th Birthday to Elsie! We were disappointed that we couldn't make it to her birthday party the day before, but loved hearing about the cowgirl themed party and pony. Yeehaw!

Cookie Monster

We spent last weekend at Hilton Head with my roommates from Notre Dame and seven children! Unfortunately, the Martin family wasn't able to make it because of Erin's September due date. The decision not to come was a wise one as Daniel "Danny" Martin arrived on Saturday, September 18th! Danny is in good hands with sweet big brother, Tommy, and Tad can't wait to hang out with his Denver buddies. Congratulations, Erin & Mike!

The reunion was great and more pictures will follow, but here are a few I snapped with my phone while at The Salty Dog. We treated Tad to ice cream for dessert and ordered a small cup of "Cookie Monster", advertised as the flavor of the week. It should have come with a warning - blue food dye. Despite much scrubbing, Tad was a mess and blue for the next two days. He, of course, loved the ice cream and was determined to eat it on his own. All grown up.

Labor Day Fun

We had some technical difficulties inflating the pool. Johnny was determined and the shop vac did the trick.

The First Annual Jacksons Creek Boat Parade.

Tad's favorite seat (poor Abby). Hanging with Claire at a Labor Day BBQ.

Tad enjoyed cooling off in his deluxe baby pool, a gift from Joseph & Erica that Tad has loved this summer. This Labor Day Weekend, we participated in the First Annual Jacksons Creek Boat Parade, organized by our neighbors that live on the lake across the street. We won "Most Imaginative" with our Luau theme boat. The parade was followed by a fun BBQ and we look forward to this event in years to come.