Our little hiking buddy

A few weeks ago, we hiked Yellow Mountain. 

It was an awesome hike, and breathtaking once we reached the top....complete 360 degree views of the Appalachians. 

It was a bit chilly, especially at the top, but Henry was happy to ride with Daddy on the way up and Mommy on the way down. 

A gorgeous morning with clear blue skies and a tinge of fall on the leaves

Henry thought the observation tower was so fun! 

Here's a bit of the trail. 

And the view from up top.

If you're looking for a less-traveled trail and a fun, challenging hike, we highly recommend this one! 

Henry in the Mountains

I just can't get enough of this lump of sugar! 

He's the sweetest, happiest, most fun little man! 

Farm, Home, and a Christening

At 15 months, Henry is really into cars, trucks, and tractors. He has a few books that show pictures of them, and currently, these are his favorite ones to read. When we pass a car, truck or tractor, he says "caaar", "ruck", or "racta" and sometimes makes the "vrmmm vrmmm" noise. 

It makes me so proud to hear him remembering words, trying to pronounce them, and making the noises! 

Of course, I think he's the smartest baby ever. ;) 

With all of this car, truck, and tractor action, it seemed like a trip to the farm was in store soon. So, the last time we visited the grandparents, we had an afternoon full of tractors. 

It was cute to see his eyes so wide at the tractors in "real life"! 

He even got to ride one with Coot. Made. Henry's. Day! 

There was a lot of action at the farm that day...pivots were on, they were picking corn, the combines were working, and we fed the fish. Not to mention it was a gorgeous afternoon to ride in the truck! 

Back at my parents' home, the hay had recently been baled. 

This seemed like the perfect photo op to me. 

Henry, not so much.

He seemed to enjoy it at first....

...but changed his mind pretty quickly. I had to do the "crazy mommy dance" to try to get him to smile. 

And even got up there with him.

It didn't work.

:/

While at home, we celebrated Grayson's Christening with a service at church and lunch at Vicky's. It was all wonderful! 

Henry Starts School

Earlier in the summer, we let Henry participate in a short May/June semester of Mother's Morning Out. It was a nice way for him to be acclimated for the fall, and I think at Open House he felt more comfortable kinda knowing the little school a bit already. At least it made this mommy feel better. :)

He's attending the Children of Grace preschool at Grace Episcopal here in Gainesville. Its a great program and many of our friends' children attend Grace too. 

Henry's in the toddler class with about 6 other babies. He's going Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 1pm. Before school began, we attended Open House. Henry was happy to see his friend Trap! 

This morning, we got up bright and early to get Henry's bag packed for school and to have breakfast. He had his usual - a waffle and blueberries. 

Then, we took a few pics to mark the big day! 

Henry had a great first day! He seemed very comfortable there, and likes his teacher, Suzanne. He went right for the trucks and was fine when we left. Of course, I love how excited he gets when I pick him up too!