Fun Times with [Old] Friends!

This is Elijah Brooks...

...the son of one of my sweetest childhood friends.

Erin and I started out in the nursery together and went through much of grade school. We spent many a Sunday afternoon at each other's houses eating grilled cheese (that was an after church staple) and playing the piano. We somewhat lost touch through college, but she's one of those friends that you don't have to talk to for years and you just pick right back up where you left off!

We were thrilled when Erin, Jay and Elijah Brooks moved back to Montgomery about 6 months ago. "Aaaa," as Elijah Brooks calls her,  has really enjoyed playing with him! He is a "mere" 18 months and almost popping out of his 3T clothes. He's putting Addie to shame! :) He will have outgrown her before we know it!

We went to play and have lunch with them last week. Addie of course loved his "playground!!!"

He is one serious tractor fan!

But always up for a smile!

...and of course what EB does, Addie wants to do too, but she did NOT want her picture taken!

The little girls slept most of the time right up until when we left at which point they both decided it was best to scream at the top of their lungs...the whole way home!

What I think I love most about Elijah Brooks is his sweet, tender heart! This picture of him just melts my heart! What a precious boy!

Thank you for having us Erin and Elijah Brooks! We always enjoy our play dates with you!

We Just Can't Get Enough of the Zoo!

Really...Addie just can't get enough of seeing her favorite animals and getting to play with her sweet friends!

Wednesday, we ventured to the zoo after her 2 year old check-up (post to come). It was simply a gorgeous day. Perfect weather. Perfect temperature. And even more perfect company!

We met Elijah Brooks and his mama Erin, one of my childhood friends! Elijah Brooks is 17 months going on 2...just like Addie was! He's super fast and super fun, and he and Addie love playing together!

We started at the park, where they ran and played!

I love this picture of Elijah Brooks! Isn't he just so handsome!

Whoa! Love the face! He was ready to go jump on the riding lawn mower and help!

And here Addie has basically the same face...different reason I am sure! I have not a clue what she was looking at! Maybe opening her mouth helped her stay on the swing better ;)

This little guy has turned into quite the climber. He climbed inside the tunnel, and I just love his eyes looking out here!

Great concentration to stay on the frog!

Swinging!

After the park, we walked around and saw some of the animals: tigers, rhinoceros, elephants, monkeys, zebras, cheetahs, bear, and sleeping lions!

And we ate lunch sitting right in front of the giraffes!!! What a treat for Addie!

Our last stop was the train!

Check out those eyes! This was Elijah Brooks first time on the train, and he LOVED it!

He did this totally unprompted! Sweet kisses!

Smile for the camera...

 See ya'll later!

Thanks, Erin, for meeting us at the zoo and letting me take some pictures of your precious little man!