Football Season...

starts in 66 days

Roll Tide!

Playtime

A few videos captured while Joshua played the other night...

This one is a little long but the NFD (Nolen Fire Department) prevails in the end and saves the polar bear and the goat from the roof.

"have fun at the fire station!"

"I'm going to Texas."

Lupus Walk or Bust!

Aunt Beth invited us to be apart of the Lupus Foundation of America Mid-South Walk for Lupus in Birmingham last weekend. She has been living with lupus for many years now and we were excited to participate in an event that encourages research for lupus. The entire Gladney clan was there.

Not only was family there to support Beth in the walk but lots of friends came out too. Thanks to all our friends who joined us for the walk Saturday and for making donations!

even baby Luke braved the 1,000 degree heat

a bounce house is always a hit

be sure to hydrate!

Abigail danced to the music while eating her post-walk banana.

Abigail and Chad entered the dance contest in hopes of winning a pair of sunglasses.

Here she is with her prize sunglasses.

A bounce house basketball game is quite possibly the greatest thing ever!


To learn more about lupus please click here.

Family Ties

After last week's blog posts about activities from our recent trip to Jackson, this week we will focus on the fun we had with people.

Baby Luke! Joshua loves to hold Baby Luke.

The three kiddos sharing a rare quiet and still moment.

The big man hanging out watching Joshua and Abigail run around the yard.

Playing sweetly together

After some sprinkler time at Aunt Glo and Uncle Chad's house

Tanner and Tee played with Abigail and Joshua too. Tee was a good dog and allowed the kids to pet him, throw tennis balls at him and take toys from him.

Driving Ms. Abigail in her hot ride and cool shades.



As you will see from this video, Uncle Chad gets the MVP award as he had to chase the car around trying to keep it on the road. Steering apparently does not come naturally. But both Abigail and Joshua had a blast driving up and down the street...almost as much fun as we had watching them.

Stop by next week for tales of our walk to cure lupus.

From Ronald McDonald to Big Boy

Joshua and I visited Jackson for an extended-long weekend while Dave was out of town for a conference. We had a great time in Jackson and there are many many pictures to share. I will make 3 posts today and save a couple more for next time.

Joshua's hair has been growing and getting a lot curlier lately. A couple weeks ago Dave and I realized that we were going to have to get his hair cut because there were days when Joshua's hair rivaled Ronald McDonald. Uncle Chad and Coach graciously contacted their trusted barber to arrange for a trim.

Before

I was concerned about how Joshua would handle a hair cut. He has a complete mental breakdown when I cut his fingernails so I had no idea what a trip to the barber shop would hold. Thankfully we were able to watch a couple other people get their hair cut before it was Joshua's turn. He watched intently and cheered, "Yeah, you're finished! Good hair cut!" for each patron as their were getting up from their cut.

Mr. Casey was super nice and did a great job cutting Joshua's hair and Joshua was fantastic throughout the whole process.


Coach came along for moral support and even better was good for a SnoBiz afterward.

After

The curls are still there and he looks much more like a big boy now.

Mississippi Children's Museum

Jackson recently opened a Children's' Museum.

It is a very fun place and a bit overwhelming for a small guy who loves to explore.

checking out animal noises


"driving" a tractor

sitting on the library desk from "Between the Lions"

playing on a computer is fun no matter what situation

sitting inside the capitol building

driving a shrimping boat

"Come on Nana, let's go."

crawling in a tunnel in "Underground Mississippi"

The Music Room was a favorite.

"Look mama, a buitar."

Even though this was a build your own sculpture station, Joshua was still feeling the beat from the music room and played drums and danced for a while.

expressing his artistic side

beep beep, here comes the produce truck

Joshua the Builder

just one more nail

a lesson in animal care

(this cow produces what I hope is only water)

getting ready for a dance lesson

The Next Food Network Star

We highly recommend this museum. There is something for everyone.

Splash Park

Not a lot has to be said to accompany these pictures.

Joshua and Abigail had a blast at the Splash Park!

What a treat on a hot day!