Zoo Day

Jack and Ben got their flu shots on Friday. The angst of knowing he was going to get a shot was relieved, somewhat, by the promise of a trip to the zoo afterward.

Jack and John, at zoo's Teton Trek exhibit.

Ben was asleep about 3 minutes after we pulled out of the parking lot. Riding in a stroller will really do you in.

Getting Cooler

Greetings from Memphis. As we settle into fall, I thought I'd share some photos from today -- Jack's first soccer game.

Since I last posted, the Mettees have been on a wild ride. Ben is running. Jack is now tonsil-less and our house is for sell. My mom and Don finally tied the knot, we had a great extended family vacation to Hilton Head and the boys started new schools. And then, I got to help open Memphis' new $340 million children's hospital.

We are getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year, aka football season. John and I both have Fantasy Football leagues, and I'm just dying to teach Ben to say "Go Big Orange" and, of course," Go Titans Go!"

We're also awaiting the arrival of our newest nephew, Mason Hancock. Jack has already asked Aunt Ruby why she can't just take him out already. We did, after all, have a shower for the baby last weekend and he didn't even get to come to the party.

Anyway, thought I'd share some pics from today. Gotta go make cupcakes with my favorite soccer player.

Easter

For the first time in a long time, we had a warm Easter -- started the day with a church breakfast, Easter egg hunt and then church. Some pics from the day:

No, we're not crazy

I've posted a slideshow of our trip to Washington D.C. to see the cherry blossoms. Yes, it is possible to take your 4-year-old and 10-month-old to the "big city," as Jack calls it, without losing your mind.

I have said more than once this week that if I live in a city with sweltering 100-degree summers, I thought I got a break on winter. Not this week. Our city has turned frigid and we've spent a lot of time just hanging out a home.

Since I last posted, Ben has become my BIG baby, nearly weighing 20 pounds and already crawling (I've got video to prove it). Jack loves his new preschool, and I'm reminded daily of what a boy he's becoming.

John got me a Flip camera for Christmas, which I'm still trying to master. This is a video from tonight, right before bedtime. Note the play by play by big brother in the background.

(I can already hear Grammy and Granna watching this video, wondering why I don't pick that poor baby up!)

Swim Lessons

Jack has just finished his first week of swim lessons. Luckily, he managed to stay in the pool most of the time, despite an unsteady start to the week. Not sure if he'll be the next Michael Phelps, but he sure likes blowing bubbles!


First, Ben says "hi!"

Me and My Boys

What a big couple of months we've had at the Mettees! Since I last posted, we've been blessed with a new baby boy, adjusted to having a newborn back in the house and learned that we may never sleep again! Jack celebrated his 3rd birthday and started a new preschool at our church.

I thought I'd post some of the highlights -- with the best intentions to do better with posting in the future.


Benjamin Tyler Mettee -- 7 pounds, 13 ounces and 20.5 inches long ... and growing.


Big Brother meets Baby Ben

Jack's first day at preschool. He LOVES his new Thomas the Train lunchbox.

Before Jack headed off to preschool, he celebrated his 3rd birthday at LEAD -- the center he's been at since he turned 1.

Jack and the boys wait on their cupcakes.

Waiting on cake at his home birthday party

Jack also took his first field trip in May -- his class went to the park. Most importantly, they rode the bus. Here they are having a picnic. Of course, Jack polished off his boxed lunch in no time.