Slides and "Story"

We spent 4th of July weekend with Barbara and Doug in Kansas City. The weekend consisted of relaxing, taking Sawyer to a couple parks so he could slide and then hitting a Sunday matinee of Toy Story 3 in 3D (more commonly referred to by Sawyer as "Story"). He had a blast and hasn't stopped talking about "story" since we left the theater.

Fishing with Daddy

Chris had his first attempt at teaching Sawyer how to fish a couple weeks ago. Sawyer was really interested for about 30 seconds and then he got distracted. He kept trying to throw his pole into the lake. I guess he thought that would be more fun than standing still waiting for a fish to bite. Things got really exciting when Chris caught one and reeled it in. Sawyer thought it was really cool at first until Chris picked the flopping fish up and tried to let Sawyer touch it. He went running to the ramp and wanted off that dock as fast as possible! Everything was ok when Chris put the fish back in the water and Sawyer spent the rest of the time looking for it. We had a really funny video of the whole experience except somehow it got deleted off of Chris's phone. Huge Bummer!

We miss the pool!

It has been rainy all week and we haven't gotten to go swimming one time...sad for me and Sawyer! :(

Maybe next week...

Sawyer has been getting a little braver when it comes to the water. When summer started he wasn't really sure about the whole swimming thing, but now he will jump and splash and go all the way out until the water is just under his chin. He has come a long way. He loves the slide at the rec plex pool and we are almost to the point where he will go down without holding my hand. Hopefully taking the week off didn't set him back!

The latest escapades!

Here are a couple little things that have happened lately that I feel are worth mentioning:

First...the incident! Yep, it happened. I had to give Sawyer a true spanking for the first time. What did he do to deserve such a thing? Well let me tell you. We were driving home from a long day at work and he asked if I would roll his window down. I thought that was a great idea because it would keep him from wanting to watch Elmo for awhile. So I rolled his window down. Just when I turned slightly to check on him I see him chuck his full sippy cup out the open window. He looked at me with the ornery surprised look of "oops." I saw a truck drive past and I heard the cup shatter, thankfully he didn't hit a car! He totally knew what he was doing and he totally knew that it was wrong. I pulled over and "talked" to him very sternly about not throwing things out the window but he didn't seem to be concerned by my tone. I called Chris and he said, "yes, you definitely need to give him a spanking when you get home." Stink! I really didn't want to do that, but I agreed it needed to be done. We pulled into the garage and I go to get Sawyer out of the car and I say "go straight inside and stand by the couch until I get there." He did as I asked. I sat down and stood him up in front of me and reiterated what I had told him in the car. Me, "did you throw your cup out the window?" Sawyer, "yes." Me, "was that a bad boy?" Sawyer, "yes." Me, "do you need a spanking for that?" Sawyer, "yes." I had to do it. I swatted him on his bumper with what I thought was a pretty firm hand. He did not cry. He just stood there and stared at me. I then said, "ok, now go sit on your time out mat." He walked over to the mat but refused to sit down. Here we go again, time for another spanking. I swatted him again, this time a little harder. He stared at me for a second, his lip started to quiver, and he started wailing! He sat on his mat and wailed for a good 3 or 4 minutes. Then I asked him if he was going to be good and he said yes and I let him up. That was it. It was over. I survived. There have been no more "incidents" since.

Second...today when I took Sawyer to the babysitter's I went to get him out of the car. When I tried to pick him up to carry him in he said, "no mommy, I have shoes, I walk." Awww, he is getting so big and doesn't need me to carry him anymore. (which is probably a good thing for my back!!) I miss my baby!

We Relayed All Night Long!

We spent Friday night into the wee hours of Saturday morning honoring and remembering those who have suffered and suffer from Cancer. Relay for Life was a very humbling experience and I am so glad to have been a part of it. It was so special to see my mom walk the survivor lap and I definitely got teary eyed when I took a moment to remember those that didn't make it to the "survivor" stage. Just for a moment I want to pay tribute to those closest to me that I have lost due to this terrible disease.

Grandpa Hancock- Though I didn't know you for long, I have the fondest memories of you. You were an amazing father to my dad and I know that you had a lot to do with him being the incredible man that he is today. You were a loving grandpa and I will forever cherish the memories that I do have of you!

Grandma Hancock- This is the hardest one to type because I truly miss you every day! You were such a constant love and support in my life and I always felt like you were my biggest fan. You could make anyone feel like they were the most special person in the world. I love you so much and miss you always!

Uncle Gary- Your laughter and love is greatly missed at every Bryant family gathering. You were such a fun person filled with so much joy towards your family. I miss your happy spirit and smile!

Adam Seth- You were taken from this earth so quickly, but you made such an impact while you were here! Your faith and your love touched the hearts of so many. You were an amazing best friend to Chris and you will never be replaced. I am so glad that I got to become a part of your life and that I was able to call you a dear friend. We wish you were here to see Sawyer grow up. You would have loved him with all your heart! Miss you so much!!

We will keep "relaying" with the hopes and prayers that this list does not continue to grow. I want to say a special thanks to my mom for fighting hard and staying strong even when she feels like giving up. I will be forever thankful that your name is not on the list above. I love you with all my heart!

Thank you to all the faithful Team Hancock members who sacrificed their time, money, and sleep to make a difference for this worthy cause. You are all amazing! Above is the picture of the remaining team members Saturday morning. Wow, very impressive! Love you all so much!!!!

Laundry is Fun

Sawyer loves helping me do laundry, he loves putting the laundry in the wash, pushing the buttons to start the machine, and sorting the laundry out of the dryer. However, his favorite part is when I pull the clothes out of the dryer. He either runs and jumps on the warm pile of clothes or he sits on the floor and has me throw the clothes on top of him. It is a weekly activity at our house!

Dress Up

Sawyer loves Kloey and Kaylor and he will do just about anything they tell him to do. However, I will say it didn't take much convincing to get him to play dress up with them, in fact, I think it was his idea! These pictures will be great on his wedding photo slideshow someday! ha ha ha