Keeping busy and having fun!

Greetings from Minnesota! Even though I am not working, I still find it difficult to find time to sit down and update this blog. So, to catch you up on the past month, enjoy the pictures below. Activities include a trip to Wisconsin to see some of our closest friends who traveled from Knoxville, a camping trip to Lake Carlos State Park, a day at the beach with friends, a trip to Lake Mille Lacs, and a few from our new home in Shakopee, MN. Things are going so great and we are enjoying Minnesota so very much. Even though we miss our family in TN so very much, we cannot wait for them to come and visit so we can show them our new home and city.
Eli is everywhere these days. He has been on two wheels now for a few weeks and it is so much fun to see him discover his new talent. He is also identifying animals and pictures books and his favorite word and animal is a "fish", he can spot them a mile away. He and his dada have so much in common already.
We are so blessed to be where we are today.

Sending much love!!!!

The McCarter Family


Eli and Sam...Eli's buddy from Knoxville

Eli and I on Lake Kaubashine, WI

Happy to see our friends from Tennessee!

Shannon and I on a morning paddle...what a great start to the day!

"Ooks Dada, Ooks!" He loves his "ooks"!

Eli watching the rain

A date night on a fishing charter on Mille Lacs

Can I mention that I was the only one who caught a Walleye?!?!?!?

Eli and his friend Ella at the Minnetonka Beach

Hamming it up for the camera...the day he started saying "CHEESE" when I pull the camera out.

Sleepy Eyes

Lake Carlos State Park...Eli's First Camping Trip

He loved sleeping in the tent!

Helping Daddy unpack

WALKING!!!!

After 5 months of cruising around on furniture, walls and walking with mommy and daddy, I am walking all by myself. Everyday I go a little farther! I am having so much fun in Minnesota. I have already bee to the Minnesota zoo, met new friends, and this weekend I get to go camping for my first time ever!
Mommy and daddy are doing well too. I get to spend every day with mommy and I love it. We take walks to the park, play games and read books. When daddy comes home from work, we get our special time that usually includes a bath cause I get so dirty.
Miss you Tennessee!!!

Much Love,
Eli

St. Augustine

In April, we took a much needed get-a-way to the beautiful St. Augustine. We not only saw the city, but spent a few days on the beach as well. The trip was filled with yummy seafood, great company and wonderful weather! Eli loved playing in the sand and taking morning walks on the beach.


Eli and Daddy swimming

Building Sand Castles

All smiles:)

Taking a walk with Nana

Three generations

The Alligator Farm

Looking for seashells with mommy

Life is wonderful!!!!

Painting, reading, parties, hiking and the zoo...I'm a busy boy!

You can't stop us once the weather turns warm. We have been pretty busy. Eli took his first couple of steps last week, but no more since then. He is learning and developing so well. He signs the words "more, please, daddy and food". He is also saying "mommy, daddy, bubbles, Tyson, Gabby, dog, duck," and the very latest, banana.

I love My Truck!

Eli and Aunt Ashley

Walking with Jacob

Finger Painting with Mommy

Reading with Daddy!

Watching the VOLS go to the Elite 8 with Sam

All the boys

Meeting Plex and Brobee

The Wee Play Zoo

Petting the goats

The mommies and the boys

Enjoying the warm day at Ijams

Gabby and Tyson love this weather!

Peek-a-boo

Tonight Eli learned how to play Peek-a-boo and after daddy bought him a new drum, Eli has learned how to make a noise like an Indian. He is picking up on actions and words so fast that it is blowing us away. Enjoy the video:)

Spring is here!

What better way to enjoy the first beautiful weekend of the year by heading to the mountains for much needed get-a-way. Brad took Eli and I to Wears Valley this past weekend where we stayed in a cabin with a great view. Eli was a little under the weather, but such a trooper and I think the fresh air did him some good. We took a little hike Saturday morning and caught up on some much needed rest.





Finding pebbles by the river

Loving the hike with Dada

Enjoying some mac and cheese while taking in the beautiful sunset.

Morning coffee

A much needed nap!

Rocking away

Playing in the yard

Taking in the sunshine

Walking in the park

Eli - 13 months

Eli is growing right before our eyes. I have been meaning to update this, but everytime I think about it, something new is happening. He has more teeth, walking (with assistance), learning where his head, belly button and feet are, and he is also learning how to sign. Whew, I cannot keep up!!! Here are a few of our favorite moments with Eli this past month.


Fun time with food!

Big smiles

"Eli, where is your head?"