Why does time pass by faster the older you get?  I just don’t understand it.  This year has gone by so fast!  Wesley is another year older, is halfway through kindergarten, and growing up too quick.  As Thanksgiving is upon us, I’m reminded that we have been really blessed this year.  We have been relatively healthy this year (no broken bones… knock on wood), Wesley’s doing well in school, and the Lord has continued to provide for us.

We took a couple of vacations this year.  Of course we took our annual trip to Gatlinburg in July but we also went on a three day trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama in early October.  That was a pleasurable trip that had things for the whole family to enjoy.  Wesley enjoyed the putt-putt golf and go-carts, while Jena and I preferred the shopping at the outlet malls.  I think we’ll go again next year.

Halloween has just passed and Wesley and I both dressed up for trick-or-treating.  Wesley went as a werewolf and I was a Vampire.  On Halloween night, our neighbors had a little get together for the kids where they played games and decorated pumpkins.  Wesley had a wonderful time as there were about two dozen kids to play with.  We also took a hayride around the neighborhood.  We had a great time!  Jena stayed at the house to hand out candy to all of the kids who came by.  She loves to see all of the kids in their costumes.

I’m going to try and post updates a bit more frequently this coming year!  Sometimes you get so busy that you don’t chronicle life’s events and reflect on them as often as you’d like.  I suppose that will be one of my New Year’s resolutions.

It’s been another great year and I must say this was probably our best Christmas ever.  Wesley is five now and has now fully grasped the concept of Christmas.  Just two weeks ago, Wesley’s daycare class put on a Christmas play at a local church.  He was “Joseph” and one of his little girlfriends was “Mary”.  It was possibly one of the best moments of my life to see him and his classmates tell the true meaning of Christmas.  Jena and I were so very proud of all of them.

Wesley was very excited in the days leading up to Christmas this year.  He made his wishlist for Santa and we promptly mailed it off to the North Pole.  Wesley’s 5th birthday came and went until finally it was Christmas eve.  He was so excited!  He got his bath, got ready for bed, and before going to bed he made sure that we laid out milk and cookies for Santa.  He finally went to sleep then Santa came without a sound.  Christmas morning, 5:37 a.m.; Wesley stirred and wondered if Santa came.  He ran into the living room, Jena turned on the tree, and he quickly scanned the area and determined that indeed Santa did come.  He opened with joy all of his gifts, Jena and I exchanged gifts and just had a wonderful time as a family.  Thankfully, Jena did not have to work Christmas day this year! 

Eventually, we made it out of the house and off to our parent’s house.  After making all the rounds and enjoying good food and the company of family, we were all pretty tired and ready to get back home.  Definitely a good time and one to remember!

I don’t know where this year has gone but already the holidays are nearly here.  It was just Halloween and we had lot’s of things planned for this year.  First, Wesley had to pick a costume to wear from the many that he currently has.  He picked out his Iron Man costume and he wore that to the annual “Zoo Boo” event held at the Hattiesburg Zoo.  He really enjoyed himself this year as he was finally old enough to participate in all of the activities and games.  Jena and I are really enjoying seeing him grow up!  He finds so much joy and amusement in the littlest things… (i.e. the train ride at the zoo.)

Next came Halloween night!  We took him around the neighborhood so that he could go trick-or-treating.  We normally make the loop around our community and hit the houses of the people we know.  Wesley likes doing that, however, he is more excited about hurrying up and getting back home so that he can hand out the candy to all of the other kids.  He acts so grown up… he hands out the candy, talks with all of the kids, tells them how nice or scary they look.  It’s too cute.  Anyway, it was a nice time.  You can see his Batman costume in the picture gallery.

We recently attended the annual Fourth of July Family Day picnic at Nanny's work.  It started about 5pm and it had been heavily raining just prior to the party.  We were unsure if the rain would stop but luckily the weather passed over as the event was starting.  Thank goodness since Wesley was determined to get on the water slide.  He loved it! 

There was also a "kiddie" pool and he also spent a fair amount of time in there as well.  We finally got him to take a break long enough to eat a hot dog, however, he was ready to go again.  It was really a fun event and to top it all off... Jena and Nanny won a door prize; a couple of restaurant gift certificates.  Great day! Wish I had gotten a better picture but you get the idea!

Wesley got his cast off last week; just in time for T-Ball season.  He's extremely excited now that he got his new jersey.  His team is called The Scrappers and he looks great in his new uniform.  I'll post a couple of pictures of him in his outfit when I get home this evening.