"A Whole New World"

Brent started taking steps about 3 weeks ago. He went back and forth for a while trying to decide if he preferred walking or crawling more. Well, just a couple days ago he discovered that if he walks, he can carry things as he travels-goodbye crawling! Brent walks all over the place now carrying anything from stuffed animals to buckets of who-knows-what. So everyone has warned me that it is "a whole new world" once they start walking. Well, hello "whole new world" here we are....(now, I just need to buy the poor kid some shoes!)

"1 Year Old" Photos

Brent turns one in a little over a week now and we went and had photos taken today as a family and some just with Brent. I am so pleased at how they turned out. He is really starting to look and act like a toddler now instead of a baby. It's exciting and sad at the same time. Enjoy the pics (to the right), I know I will for years to come!

Bambi

Some friends of ours recently came across a fawn who had been separated from her mother near their house. She looked malnourished so they took her in to nurse her back to health. Now, whenever they release her she will leave for a day or so and then come back to their house. They named her "Bambi"! We took Brent over to their house to meet Bambi the other day. I'm pretty sure he just thought she was a funny looking dog but he loved her! She is so affectionate, and beautiful! She followed us everywhere we went-even out on the dock!

A Preview to Halloween

Brent and I were in Michael's the other day and they had just put their Halloween decorations out on display. In the isle, there was a life-size skeleton that moved and made noises when you touched it. I was curious to see how Brent would react to this since he's never seen anything like it before and I just happened to catch it on camera.

There were moms all around staring at me. They must of thought I was a terrible mom for filming it but I thought it was pretty darn funny. So, this Halloween should be lots of fun!!

A trip for 2

Right after we got back from our vacation to the beach Brandon and I left to go to Asheville, NC on a business trip. With Brandon's new position, there are a couple of business trips a year where the wives are invited. This was my first time attending one. Yes, my first time away from Brent. I have to say, the anticipation of leaving Brent was a lot worse than the actual being away part. Don't get me wrong, I missed my little guy like crazy, but I think I did great! The crying spells occured the day before leaving him when I was packing his bag and calling my mom every hour to remind her of something.

Brandon and I stayed at the Grove Park Inn (wow!). That place was absolutely beautiful! It's been a while since I've been to NC mountains and I was just blown away by its beauty. We were wined and dined (minus the wine) and really, really enjoyed this time alone.

The second day we were there we went on an adventure to Mt. Pisgah's National Forest. I absolutely love waterfalls and I was told this was the place to go to see one. They have over 20 breathtaking waterfalls in this area and we were able to see a couple of them. It was so nice to be out in nature and to spend this much needed time with my best friend and husband!

Pics to the right-->

Waves, NC 2009 Vacation

The Cutrell Family started a tradition 3 years ago where we all get together and stay at a beach house for 1 week in the summer at Waves, NC. The beach house is huge and sleeps all 12 of us plus it has its own private pool, hot tub, and golf cart. We spend as much time at the beach as we possibly can and eat as much food as we possibly can. We all come back fat and sun-burnt but with big smiles on our faces.

Last year when we went, I was 8 months pregnant with Brent so I was not "allowed" to swim in the ocean. Well, this year, you couldn't pull me out of the ocean. All the boys and I enjoyed getting beat up by the waves and stung by jelly fish as we boogie boarded for hours every day. Brent turned into quite the little beach baby and showed no fear as he played in the sand and the ocean. He absolutely loves playing with his cousins Kara and Deanna and they were such a big help with him.

Since we live the furthest away from Brandon's family, it is really nice to look forward to this vacation every year. It's a great time for Brent to bond with this side of the family and learn new things. This year, Brent learned to spit and give a high-five (thanks, Uncle Chad) We look forward to all the new things Brent will learn from this annual vacation :) There were too many pics to post up here so to the right is the album from the whole week.