tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70851065511282901502024-03-20T17:37:23.721-07:00Sweet AbandonEmbracing the Life God PlannedUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-49765408989552470692017-03-13T13:15:00.003-07:002017-03-13T13:26:59.649-07:002nd Party Animals Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7SGvk0Dw58sfjkx-qj8YWsGzdN8UdPzfm7AJzUOiLOgFao5WvMhkXgAwwB7el8OyLvOErQD9WlgjxnUntr3tcJ9y-rx9fwevUsNtYfofwYsiJ5qoXZI4BJaspGYA_ulmoqLgDfHKWcw/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7SGvk0Dw58sfjkx-qj8YWsGzdN8UdPzfm7AJzUOiLOgFao5WvMhkXgAwwB7el8OyLvOErQD9WlgjxnUntr3tcJ9y-rx9fwevUsNtYfofwYsiJ5qoXZI4BJaspGYA_ulmoqLgDfHKWcw/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Davis loves animals, he always chooses books with animals to read before bed. And some of his first words or mimicked sounds were of animals. So since I completely waited until last minute to plan something for his party, this seemed like an easy and fitting choice. It also was so much fun, and I might have a slight addiction to schleich animal figurines.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj-6MZv54b5K5eModVbJzgz15ycEw84dS_mRNuup1CZtT6oAgmVQqqo240Ed8y9otYyGQ82tQpsfhZ0rV0634Am95G-YT-1b5_SRkkRwDpPPe6GwtvqRNXjH0FAeA2y632et5Qb57IgE/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj-6MZv54b5K5eModVbJzgz15ycEw84dS_mRNuup1CZtT6oAgmVQqqo240Ed8y9otYyGQ82tQpsfhZ0rV0634Am95G-YT-1b5_SRkkRwDpPPe6GwtvqRNXjH0FAeA2y632et5Qb57IgE/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4790.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hLAK8Qn79uGr7up8P1DBUvgu72cVr_kigRvrYXpHV4b9TcjAzY6JQKTXIwqVwnQkUAFRs8lq1KzRR0c4d3Qa1S95MU1tveVQydpG8Uu0Z32q8W6cETwryvMSqO9_AAeJM1xNpp2ilK0/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hLAK8Qn79uGr7up8P1DBUvgu72cVr_kigRvrYXpHV4b9TcjAzY6JQKTXIwqVwnQkUAFRs8lq1KzRR0c4d3Qa1S95MU1tveVQydpG8Uu0Z32q8W6cETwryvMSqO9_AAeJM1xNpp2ilK0/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4845.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIrIJZysrz-yIj9hLXYcQgE01urkRC6QYDm4HKVtqyuye-vhm_2-5ZORLcIMBUjJGGsqYQXRl1bQVn-CLfU8RfIMJIuIyGAlJ1D_zJHzE106EaxSYqp5rpB8rtn6JG0H7oeuiLG6MriM/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIrIJZysrz-yIj9hLXYcQgE01urkRC6QYDm4HKVtqyuye-vhm_2-5ZORLcIMBUjJGGsqYQXRl1bQVn-CLfU8RfIMJIuIyGAlJ1D_zJHzE106EaxSYqp5rpB8rtn6JG0H7oeuiLG6MriM/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The cute little animal birthday parade printable ended up being my inspiration. It's a free printable found at <a href="https://caravanshoppe.com/">The Caravan Shoppe</a>, as well as where I got the printables for the poster sized 2 and the "pin the bow tie on the bear" game. I fell in love with the bear print and actually plan to print up another one to frame and put in the boy's room. If I can ever get around to it....<br />
<br />
But seriously you guys, this shop has the cutest stuff...I plan on frequenting it during the holidays when I need some inspiration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInLmBNR-n8GpNGJwvZFpigrMHbcbqwbp2Bx6cRj1sXVSyDANLLYrZRNv1TYlzB8lqakiypoQsqF2UUwXahw_e48LbDAOKr5zL405tPNKmC1JJXA8BkoKceWQEs1fIrQ0tFwDcsNQQMFk/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInLmBNR-n8GpNGJwvZFpigrMHbcbqwbp2Bx6cRj1sXVSyDANLLYrZRNv1TYlzB8lqakiypoQsqF2UUwXahw_e48LbDAOKr5zL405tPNKmC1JJXA8BkoKceWQEs1fIrQ0tFwDcsNQQMFk/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5exCwi64TF2bQRVDXByKFBXeFsuDFPAkV2iY3lvFez3LmNkdQIJ3XsSK4Xf7FXAkCO3fsRxnRq3mG6hTdpSvVDUB7o4bFNPqqO_EYjx7eL30fkT4D9-f0YypKbKmZBugX81YBysdTsrw/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5exCwi64TF2bQRVDXByKFBXeFsuDFPAkV2iY3lvFez3LmNkdQIJ3XsSK4Xf7FXAkCO3fsRxnRq3mG6hTdpSvVDUB7o4bFNPqqO_EYjx7eL30fkT4D9-f0YypKbKmZBugX81YBysdTsrw/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyMTFChnq5rIFo7Dm4VFUMzuDMRc4eyoWPSalukAyaA3Bq2J3tLsheJzdglWjkyz9YABb2OFy8K5UOu2Q6OvSHCGLhcdQqnbe1nKmkCxOPC3gVJiu6bEsu3oXLul_JdJTcUxkzlX0i7U/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyMTFChnq5rIFo7Dm4VFUMzuDMRc4eyoWPSalukAyaA3Bq2J3tLsheJzdglWjkyz9YABb2OFy8K5UOu2Q6OvSHCGLhcdQqnbe1nKmkCxOPC3gVJiu6bEsu3oXLul_JdJTcUxkzlX0i7U/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4785.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi141LDTVA_JBxozFkqiBRJbEIO5XbEFGUF694EqVJbRZ-ZR8KWqm2WbXGDIPyJRsJ8qvdK4TFfgpTmW87Bd35KFrGwrhYKQkmhqmxVw8gi6HnyMnYhgWEmJxNIx8DiNyvSrcgDGZFArdo/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi141LDTVA_JBxozFkqiBRJbEIO5XbEFGUF694EqVJbRZ-ZR8KWqm2WbXGDIPyJRsJ8qvdK4TFfgpTmW87Bd35KFrGwrhYKQkmhqmxVw8gi6HnyMnYhgWEmJxNIx8DiNyvSrcgDGZFArdo/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4802.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiwG_3rcG1HaA_VwY94W7_Z6Qq86vhmzUGOOOc_O8KryLGIi-jfwcEGBy1sIvnkls1Q3Q203O9UthB6cjbgw6MoOvB6ILjo10SxcxWuW9GfjnoqxJ92Y4YNijqjmhk1OkLQp4XOTLOJw/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiwG_3rcG1HaA_VwY94W7_Z6Qq86vhmzUGOOOc_O8KryLGIi-jfwcEGBy1sIvnkls1Q3Q203O9UthB6cjbgw6MoOvB6ILjo10SxcxWuW9GfjnoqxJ92Y4YNijqjmhk1OkLQp4XOTLOJw/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4810.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
My sister made adorable mini party hats!<br />
<br />
We served animal trail mix (a mix of animal crackers, nuts, m&m's, choc covered raisins, etc) Fruit/ cheesecake dip, fizzy white grape/lemonade punch--surprisingly different and yummy, and my personal favorite--animal parade cupcakes with white chocolate frosting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_rkVUAFi56kE06iM3cwTnVh-jc9SUuztTdcozBW-slqCvZ0E26uhyQURzb-6ijHOZ_K2fpN6p3HSR4Q7hqP1VMVyOxN0tMCF4zXmNC30YxTetNpsP_kn3s7T4bsbd7wlsC-XPNDafzU/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_rkVUAFi56kE06iM3cwTnVh-jc9SUuztTdcozBW-slqCvZ0E26uhyQURzb-6ijHOZ_K2fpN6p3HSR4Q7hqP1VMVyOxN0tMCF4zXmNC30YxTetNpsP_kn3s7T4bsbd7wlsC-XPNDafzU/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4798.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxVg6V3u-wCbh2gCW-eho7aocme7Q3tRZj-pugsO-K_b6pkoNeAY6FuLFQg5zWlMBBDth1WuH74BGQUUFCGwwzE58pvI3ITPUZ56s3qZh_xzluC3hIo1IOc2Xd6yqciz8IGKv8KjUf9s/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxVg6V3u-wCbh2gCW-eho7aocme7Q3tRZj-pugsO-K_b6pkoNeAY6FuLFQg5zWlMBBDth1WuH74BGQUUFCGwwzE58pvI3ITPUZ56s3qZh_xzluC3hIo1IOc2Xd6yqciz8IGKv8KjUf9s/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4795.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkcRJF_S-QKt8d_0JK0_hIBZsHqfAl6mVYUHIwwKWkjAc9GCM072vjppJ-jTdyq4AqcO_-pOfBnK5ywHBrDRkElBkS0r9aTwnmtq9y0AMQJp8INq9QJXwRVg_8rjMjpJqoGlfTtN-hcU/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkcRJF_S-QKt8d_0JK0_hIBZsHqfAl6mVYUHIwwKWkjAc9GCM072vjppJ-jTdyq4AqcO_-pOfBnK5ywHBrDRkElBkS0r9aTwnmtq9y0AMQJp8INq9QJXwRVg_8rjMjpJqoGlfTtN-hcU/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
YOU GUYS. These cupcakes turned out better than I thought possible...I secretly hoarded the leftovers and ate them with my coffee for like a week straight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFEoixPKculxshYd_9Cjmic16PKTAFmreMqvjfM04a17bEHN5nHTpAOS4WF7vUpWHZWEVCbcI2G33feZd1dxHzLHL__iJwtRYRwoBm5LCJbtTo1JR5ganBvcNX7YQA1HvXhB8Afkezuk/s1600/davis+2nd+birthday-5120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFEoixPKculxshYd_9Cjmic16PKTAFmreMqvjfM04a17bEHN5nHTpAOS4WF7vUpWHZWEVCbcI2G33feZd1dxHzLHL__iJwtRYRwoBm5LCJbtTo1JR5ganBvcNX7YQA1HvXhB8Afkezuk/s640/davis+2nd+birthday-5120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCMy6GuWis-xrEkpjcfyRh6eJ-vLk5RsvdxoRb7zD4uFV7porqCsJmAA1iFekeUCxJR-Dcq2xtLWTRqQTKQwp7vplIp1Gq3hD3Q_6PR90Y0oE4PuGiyQQAh5dY1_py5mxS8WlHKFGqfU/s1600/davis+2nd+birthday-5124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCMy6GuWis-xrEkpjcfyRh6eJ-vLk5RsvdxoRb7zD4uFV7porqCsJmAA1iFekeUCxJR-Dcq2xtLWTRqQTKQwp7vplIp1Gq3hD3Q_6PR90Y0oE4PuGiyQQAh5dY1_py5mxS8WlHKFGqfU/s640/davis+2nd+birthday-5124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
They had actual chunks of those beloved animal cookies in them! I drooled when I first heard the idea and then adapted one recipe to make my own. I also figured this would be the only opportunity I would have a justifiable reason to bake one of my sons a cupcake that was part pink....it was all for the theme, of course. This is the <a href="http://www.dashofgrace.com/circus-cookie-cupcakes/">RECIPE</a> I <i>almost</i> followed, except I omited the sprinkles in the batter and added maybe 1 1/2 cups of cookies to the food processor and roughly broke them up and then just folded those into the batter at the very end. Please, heed the advice and do not use white chocolate chips for the frosting, you need good quality white chocolate (I used lindt) and it made all the difference in the world! ( Davis just pointed to the above photo and said, "I unt oneeeeee" me too my son, me too)<br />
<br />
Ok, must change the subject before I throw my boys in the car to go get all the ingredients to make these Right.Now.<br />
<br />
Let's talk about the birthday boy. He is just the cutest two-year-old around. He took the whole day in and exhibited nothing but his normal sweetness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwUW2WwecdLEAYuwzKDfOCNnkCn877YcMl0rLtuk9lLVv01-dqGNKUAgJ9OwjEY9HY3E-yhMUc1vEvjejbXR3hslkR74YU1ypBStXAEGLeUV1EETCALQFdGP4lwf9PublMUBxjWJtpzY/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwUW2WwecdLEAYuwzKDfOCNnkCn877YcMl0rLtuk9lLVv01-dqGNKUAgJ9OwjEY9HY3E-yhMUc1vEvjejbXR3hslkR74YU1ypBStXAEGLeUV1EETCALQFdGP4lwf9PublMUBxjWJtpzY/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4816.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJTMxaQX4MuU2b92I3j1QYF456NREmw18BgaKfvVh8yr-ufI74Tg272qWKA6jHEy3w1eB2siT_7nKZ7GrFdH1oEGx2Z2_NUMCKVgDdBJoy4aLUDHhJXdY1oPSDv8j23by5JcYjxPGLE8/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJTMxaQX4MuU2b92I3j1QYF456NREmw18BgaKfvVh8yr-ufI74Tg272qWKA6jHEy3w1eB2siT_7nKZ7GrFdH1oEGx2Z2_NUMCKVgDdBJoy4aLUDHhJXdY1oPSDv8j23by5JcYjxPGLE8/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4853.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdjiJLKWoGHRWAXeQ1gSxoEomxM4Gpn9mSwS8TlHKl5c5CNnAnIA5e07K3s3Jaa_IjrtkjEEir_ctyu9HNN7BUqf-6L0AJGL1EpEzAI41qXugEq3lBqicteIqCHDmKA9K85skekoVll8/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdjiJLKWoGHRWAXeQ1gSxoEomxM4Gpn9mSwS8TlHKl5c5CNnAnIA5e07K3s3Jaa_IjrtkjEEir_ctyu9HNN7BUqf-6L0AJGL1EpEzAI41qXugEq3lBqicteIqCHDmKA9K85skekoVll8/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4896.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
He didn't quite get the whole point of the pin the bow tie game....but that's ok, his cousins and brothers loved it. Naturally.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI1XWhvlbEOj7C_RwZAWJQvx3oC6BMvvVMehghAM4as7JwPdGBFR5Ur1We9mnzYDBcfDj7j8qV8t-paZTy582-3rnPZdHkDy-e7xqg0nlj_U8_8MVQbtp2lGmYJwOmyp2K-eW8IqMAaA/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI1XWhvlbEOj7C_RwZAWJQvx3oC6BMvvVMehghAM4as7JwPdGBFR5Ur1We9mnzYDBcfDj7j8qV8t-paZTy582-3rnPZdHkDy-e7xqg0nlj_U8_8MVQbtp2lGmYJwOmyp2K-eW8IqMAaA/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_hCTXKIVQHhRTsEzbfiaJjtxIrYxnGdrCVoZhp11JBSbErI6i3W53C_D5eZQsmLGb6jvfoh918kOd83FPzo3Dph6KXuGHVOYfBQxXkVXDsDaRb6ysScTlcYeK659VSrvCxCkUqQQjjM/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_hCTXKIVQHhRTsEzbfiaJjtxIrYxnGdrCVoZhp11JBSbErI6i3W53C_D5eZQsmLGb6jvfoh918kOd83FPzo3Dph6KXuGHVOYfBQxXkVXDsDaRb6ysScTlcYeK659VSrvCxCkUqQQjjM/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFPUJojc29Bcg7l5G5leSKJL4j03hmrtCN303Fkqij_6OrJaSYkn0N3YTU9Sf5pto233beHiclsJ4px2lH5RTu2U0H2Qy7P2O22BPOzg6KDSu1TaA_CPocsksdrP2Z4TCM7A6StQuAF8/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFPUJojc29Bcg7l5G5leSKJL4j03hmrtCN303Fkqij_6OrJaSYkn0N3YTU9Sf5pto233beHiclsJ4px2lH5RTu2U0H2Qy7P2O22BPOzg6KDSu1TaA_CPocsksdrP2Z4TCM7A6StQuAF8/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4932.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He also took a moment out of his day to try and morph himself into a smurf.....<br />
<br />
chalk.<br />
<br />
That's chalk....<br />
<br />
Thankfully his Auntie caught him in the act and saved him from a full body chalk down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOdb2qobvvCM-zsMCl6wAAVFN0mp_Q1gIftaFdE5TcfMsIyBD5pKZ78jJSlSWuHh5WSpDfiSl2wuQkxZJ08gcHrQyVv1uoB-Eq6pU_04V2QaFGFtLKTaM9QjQT-NIjGN9J6hyphenhyphenvj_15SQ/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOdb2qobvvCM-zsMCl6wAAVFN0mp_Q1gIftaFdE5TcfMsIyBD5pKZ78jJSlSWuHh5WSpDfiSl2wuQkxZJ08gcHrQyVv1uoB-Eq6pU_04V2QaFGFtLKTaM9QjQT-NIjGN9J6hyphenhyphenvj_15SQ/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4918.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjMufURZiM-WS2ZhguPYBWuU04ilF4_X5c1IzrBcsnjjm9hZwUNTpz3UfStoC0HWNqvtapiiJn2LFmIUmOwSnlqooyNM_lUGVk2ur235UFJfr4kq5BdWOaix047EixZz6ZhajJhyphenhyphenjzzQ/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjMufURZiM-WS2ZhguPYBWuU04ilF4_X5c1IzrBcsnjjm9hZwUNTpz3UfStoC0HWNqvtapiiJn2LFmIUmOwSnlqooyNM_lUGVk2ur235UFJfr4kq5BdWOaix047EixZz6ZhajJhyphenhyphenjzzQ/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jI6GhqcAoT0j9CAjmY8snIyrjKfrwEpwwMwzGiONsleYmRoF0WVTJLQDQGeNIir5PlTMVyakxNERlDbwTG-ogcZT-CyMuKSNELIFiUck12tlr8NXRniBRZvuu89igVACJGqjkNwkMEo/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jI6GhqcAoT0j9CAjmY8snIyrjKfrwEpwwMwzGiONsleYmRoF0WVTJLQDQGeNIir5PlTMVyakxNERlDbwTG-ogcZT-CyMuKSNELIFiUck12tlr8NXRniBRZvuu89igVACJGqjkNwkMEo/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He does make a pretty darn cute little smurf....<br />
<br />
He's also the cutest little cupcake eater and loves them about as much as his mama. I love the eager beaver anticipation and the sweet encouragement from Bennett as he tried to blow out his candles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta7hyY8qQ8wFNTbpKaFGMp0_yExW_txsOdzAzZMKVvMWfj52jobiThNPtxAinFIt-O1KuHTCDlbNvIfl9mdI9Dd_yFXMdJLRSvclgACJQp-MjEkd-dXsYSuZYEL3ChhdFHn_vmJPLxtY/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta7hyY8qQ8wFNTbpKaFGMp0_yExW_txsOdzAzZMKVvMWfj52jobiThNPtxAinFIt-O1KuHTCDlbNvIfl9mdI9Dd_yFXMdJLRSvclgACJQp-MjEkd-dXsYSuZYEL3ChhdFHn_vmJPLxtY/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4998.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOKe5-1tmmu2SHaQ5WO99TWoyXIy6BE-qngjEMqOdUIm6q3pGah8uBUErfUn8RzA2XZiAC6KO8e6zHAuUyZpsaZJty1k4-nT1Y4QiJ84dZK67cI09hMdVVjaROrUJxvXpjKRsyQgbIMQ/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOKe5-1tmmu2SHaQ5WO99TWoyXIy6BE-qngjEMqOdUIm6q3pGah8uBUErfUn8RzA2XZiAC6KO8e6zHAuUyZpsaZJty1k4-nT1Y4QiJ84dZK67cI09hMdVVjaROrUJxvXpjKRsyQgbIMQ/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc998i7J9m7r1Q3wSCvuY5vs11XXag6NsIiEu_K-EzXSy_W9MhbzVwhSDDGMuZYT-aHS43H1aJk1lqfGt6PxOorrljcAKvmGiZbEF2n0cFGXenvqK2SJwIE6FayDmHhRzfZN64Bmlgurg/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc998i7J9m7r1Q3wSCvuY5vs11XXag6NsIiEu_K-EzXSy_W9MhbzVwhSDDGMuZYT-aHS43H1aJk1lqfGt6PxOorrljcAKvmGiZbEF2n0cFGXenvqK2SJwIE6FayDmHhRzfZN64Bmlgurg/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5004.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nzLPuP7aN-iqWmuYkRZEOIOQdVcB0SyDzYn81vU9KmI6DPu3G18F3PRp8-G_Gxb4K_aYQR02x5l7dvBMLhYLF4i1mT1DMw0HYJ0XJO3MAFUsBzEpH1xqXm0u65gnWPEBUVM4sUs5YLk/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nzLPuP7aN-iqWmuYkRZEOIOQdVcB0SyDzYn81vU9KmI6DPu3G18F3PRp8-G_Gxb4K_aYQR02x5l7dvBMLhYLF4i1mT1DMw0HYJ0XJO3MAFUsBzEpH1xqXm0u65gnWPEBUVM4sUs5YLk/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5015.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS4rdg_p2TTMGq6IsetmTAdJfZGKvWrFyiRtgD2dfEs8F524hd7_qfE4JVsZyEjVK5vUf-ol4l-LdXRxSdzq3h5tFk-AoYnwsCKN8fLmyKDRSwSPo2xKtqGgGF8yOj2Urd3XS15SFYiU/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS4rdg_p2TTMGq6IsetmTAdJfZGKvWrFyiRtgD2dfEs8F524hd7_qfE4JVsZyEjVK5vUf-ol4l-LdXRxSdzq3h5tFk-AoYnwsCKN8fLmyKDRSwSPo2xKtqGgGF8yOj2Urd3XS15SFYiU/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5016.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3dkes8J0DRCEQuZc0oGgdQ-vzlVRIKXFeZL40VWa6HF3m0KqY8gGs82o1Z1YWX0FTfq96e6T7UyXSTqU9xtpyDLjFwcQcJp_yoXs1P8x_Gfry1jMGFBy2WwtkhgyOV8z46bIW4S4f8w/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3dkes8J0DRCEQuZc0oGgdQ-vzlVRIKXFeZL40VWa6HF3m0KqY8gGs82o1Z1YWX0FTfq96e6T7UyXSTqU9xtpyDLjFwcQcJp_yoXs1P8x_Gfry1jMGFBy2WwtkhgyOV8z46bIW4S4f8w/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaNNtGAjv8-iqlB9uzpxWjZq9AvNQbKAwr5iRuBKBpq8ztZ39vrSSE0eLmgxlutgn6YWPzWWwO37e9ZngO8zyPoi2oyoeRM4CCErTXhmGe7BLycB8CChRL4wqn5AFztvU71U-Vp5-ssg/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaNNtGAjv8-iqlB9uzpxWjZq9AvNQbKAwr5iRuBKBpq8ztZ39vrSSE0eLmgxlutgn6YWPzWWwO37e9ZngO8zyPoi2oyoeRM4CCErTXhmGe7BLycB8CChRL4wqn5AFztvU71U-Vp5-ssg/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdjzXpP5SP5QXAys4k2zL3qMoUnV7JWMYmW_OkNHUknfXYcvc17uramH8xmFoAdSigPjEpm4uzrsd1imRyyyIO8_f-RI_3tAHgqUtRMWX9PTqGJdlhdaA-PkpNrwRgalWuwc8HqKbTso/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdjzXpP5SP5QXAys4k2zL3qMoUnV7JWMYmW_OkNHUknfXYcvc17uramH8xmFoAdSigPjEpm4uzrsd1imRyyyIO8_f-RI_3tAHgqUtRMWX9PTqGJdlhdaA-PkpNrwRgalWuwc8HqKbTso/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rwbXXB0gw68ACQ5fAUMenD6OjrPTR1GbjpubReEBcQKQ0U1olghX0rwA7jhlD0o5TVk8b4bBni8jy0k8lqCKwk5u92H_h9r4yvIdJVdJ8M4jIC2y4m3drVxlYOcNQ8x6i1XO2z9gvOQ/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rwbXXB0gw68ACQ5fAUMenD6OjrPTR1GbjpubReEBcQKQ0U1olghX0rwA7jhlD0o5TVk8b4bBni8jy0k8lqCKwk5u92H_h9r4yvIdJVdJ8M4jIC2y4m3drVxlYOcNQ8x6i1XO2z9gvOQ/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5028.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We love having the whole family there. After presents and getting all the kids hyped up on sugar, we were able to take the party outside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQKsytsx4_oVkJJTM7IFif4-BPWV3PHeUHFOVO9c9dpH4HQgFvQsJ7MN2zQoSVGOPfuMN4m57ZL34xhk0pydYFmuWkZygynUY1Nir0F-G_YPJ8yGqfSSFgnQ4h3fB7mQUfGA-rLcmg_0/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQKsytsx4_oVkJJTM7IFif4-BPWV3PHeUHFOVO9c9dpH4HQgFvQsJ7MN2zQoSVGOPfuMN4m57ZL34xhk0pydYFmuWkZygynUY1Nir0F-G_YPJ8yGqfSSFgnQ4h3fB7mQUfGA-rLcmg_0/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5035.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBezZazZKXjhIgIszrBFTcrBokNbpuxUzLyhi0ayIXp8FgjRmsavlD3k0HtvvWEVWzOThlfV4-wNrQP6kyjEeEJIW-oh6QZlxJHlLtKrfiMwn0o8zryiIdEFHfdDDO8wN1nmbUfRLAQ4/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBezZazZKXjhIgIszrBFTcrBokNbpuxUzLyhi0ayIXp8FgjRmsavlD3k0HtvvWEVWzOThlfV4-wNrQP6kyjEeEJIW-oh6QZlxJHlLtKrfiMwn0o8zryiIdEFHfdDDO8wN1nmbUfRLAQ4/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5039.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUDkXvv92DIqHN0qT3M4QinWvbZ2TN6Ec9NSxXJHTkrNXJA004STShIw9-YuWVJsgIWr6khGoDUqv8GuaT1H3UnhLdONCUNGTKbmqoVW8qVBmyeFrLbuxuzXQtgT8ab-jAWlVh3mAIE4/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUDkXvv92DIqHN0qT3M4QinWvbZ2TN6Ec9NSxXJHTkrNXJA004STShIw9-YuWVJsgIWr6khGoDUqv8GuaT1H3UnhLdONCUNGTKbmqoVW8qVBmyeFrLbuxuzXQtgT8ab-jAWlVh3mAIE4/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM7Udm19Q571tV6IdMvgS8rGoumGqVmTUyBurEmfBIyWUuiK4_oD4FPcOQh2hWw3p5m0_-IqCGMUiQIaf7sRDTi4MNZNjoYMUL505m0VfiN-Tm0NHAOYJFwjp7NPOy0_29jnLgsq7M3g/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM7Udm19Q571tV6IdMvgS8rGoumGqVmTUyBurEmfBIyWUuiK4_oD4FPcOQh2hWw3p5m0_-IqCGMUiQIaf7sRDTi4MNZNjoYMUL505m0VfiN-Tm0NHAOYJFwjp7NPOy0_29jnLgsq7M3g/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33yvgG3aXQknAYHcTz98RB9H9_6yMRu5mE-E6n0IUKb_lJY9UwE6NDp96b1qEwtRnkrnYaZlnC1Ojgt_DA9qpcHF_wpiqDjNh6yKXq1Dm9GMO0OJESsUGww5SaLI3MFgng3fQeyJRUDk/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33yvgG3aXQknAYHcTz98RB9H9_6yMRu5mE-E6n0IUKb_lJY9UwE6NDp96b1qEwtRnkrnYaZlnC1Ojgt_DA9qpcHF_wpiqDjNh6yKXq1Dm9GMO0OJESsUGww5SaLI3MFgng3fQeyJRUDk/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5050.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq1L62UFsoqxdrUUPagkzU_odmwmyexmQhZDKw857PVoAYacXpiqPO0EKk6y8JcOV4EffwrJr66WJI9wTLFhAPimqYVV26pvyu6llGrRjWw6txBfF902uCuIQAuTiwAHmBTBjko-Or1s/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq1L62UFsoqxdrUUPagkzU_odmwmyexmQhZDKw857PVoAYacXpiqPO0EKk6y8JcOV4EffwrJr66WJI9wTLFhAPimqYVV26pvyu6llGrRjWw6txBfF902uCuIQAuTiwAHmBTBjko-Or1s/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5067.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1h3oOjL4POj6Vl_RohiUQh3JfFpJEwfbw-_ZG42vANfzNZR4ggqAESNz0QBIVuTjQ0yUJEKRPkcFPJvyWdGSm10IrjSr-hrlCHt0sveXs6AHg61BoPoNfJbUoDwCJPE6LBXX9hyphenhyphenEisM/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1h3oOjL4POj6Vl_RohiUQh3JfFpJEwfbw-_ZG42vANfzNZR4ggqAESNz0QBIVuTjQ0yUJEKRPkcFPJvyWdGSm10IrjSr-hrlCHt0sveXs6AHg61BoPoNfJbUoDwCJPE6LBXX9hyphenhyphenEisM/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWth3XN2M_2QVUCx5ZQunJh1wrUZ8n5nPWxXIf0lAZnem2Pr_KD-AhSKF3eHGmB7WSyjS5Wm5yzT6Sdz6LbGHCd4TuUDd1uVl4_DYzYOYY-CG-t12q4rq8GIcERj3bL2aiFN4FkYkcaQ/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWth3XN2M_2QVUCx5ZQunJh1wrUZ8n5nPWxXIf0lAZnem2Pr_KD-AhSKF3eHGmB7WSyjS5Wm5yzT6Sdz6LbGHCd4TuUDd1uVl4_DYzYOYY-CG-t12q4rq8GIcERj3bL2aiFN4FkYkcaQ/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDYLfo4prb4Vxc_IsRYhpvj0HATMXXhsxUB2yf8y4xnUKDxDX9l_BKBQ1v2N1_6aCrNk1mii-z9nbYwKvNrdWE7c_fU1aGaqbOJ4gm12P8wX_g8MXNi_bbTSaAIzF9d0_HCaVm0m8I-o/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-5076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDYLfo4prb4Vxc_IsRYhpvj0HATMXXhsxUB2yf8y4xnUKDxDX9l_BKBQ1v2N1_6aCrNk1mii-z9nbYwKvNrdWE7c_fU1aGaqbOJ4gm12P8wX_g8MXNi_bbTSaAIzF9d0_HCaVm0m8I-o/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-5076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh and all the boy's wore their Modern Moses King Judah t-shirts....because you know, it's a lion....with a crown....theme perfected.<br />
<br />
Every year I feel like birthday and celebrations just get more and more fun. My boy's truly are such a blessing and I love being able to make a super special day catered just to them. They are blessed to have some amazing family, cousins that are best friends and friends that gather with us to celebrate them.<br />
<br />
I'm also realizing that I now need to start letting go of party decorations for 1st and 2nd birthdays as this will be the last time they will be used....not gonna lie....it's hard on this mama's heart. But it's also exciting, I feel like we are entering into this next phase. The phase with more independent little beings, less diaper changes, and a whole lot more brawling and we've added face punching....yeeeeaaaaahhhh, raising boys. They need to make a body armor for that.<br />
<br />
Regardless, we love them. And will gladly invite you into our wild circus any day. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-48245180245800104652017-03-02T12:51:00.000-08:002017-03-02T12:51:48.502-08:00My baby is twoIt's been two years since our eyes first met.<br />
<br />
He is nothing short of sweetness...all around, bursting at the seams, sweetness.<br />
<br />
I can't even imagine life without him in it. He's been a soother to my soul from the second I met him. He's like this calm, constant force that makes every crevice of my heart smile.<br />
<br />
My how he has grown and changed in the past two years, but I would say, his personality and easy-going demeanor have remained the same.<br />
<br />
He loves me. His first words, or the way I used to be able to really get him to chat it up were when we played the game "I love you more....no, no, no....I LOVE YOU MORE". We would say this to each other (still do) over and over again, each time getting louder and giggling along the while.<br />
<br />
He is by far my quickest talker and articulates many things well. His voice is soft and raspy, and he usually will half whisper his answer when he says "Yeeeeah". If I walk in the room in the dead of night or after his nap, he reaches for me and says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah."<br />
<br />
Speaking of the dead of night....we've been seeing waaaaay too much of it lately. He's making me a bit crazy with the amount of time he seems to feel the need to get up. I seriously feel worse now than when he was a newborn. Every night I pray that this will be the night he sleeps through or only wakes up once...twice even.....three times would even be a charm.<br />
<br />
I blame it on his molars (he just cut his bottom and hopefully the top are on their way in)<br />
<br />
And breastfeeding.<br />
<br />
Back in the day, I thought I would never be an extended breast feeder.....two years later....and absolutely zero interest in dropping one or any of his feeding sessions. In fact, some days I swear he is tricking me into MORE. Because, you guys, he's just so gosh darn cute and sweet, I have such a hard time telling him "no".<br />
<br />
He calls it his "Mmm-mmm" and will walk up to me and say "Mmmm-mmm, peeeeeaaaassssseeee?" yeah, try saying "no" to that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OMNP1526vLDSucxiHLDxl57TagEzd_uJJ9wyItDbr5HBE4w95xX-n158091TbWwsVIOcSMG2UQYy_8PcifSKkI0pCq24Xh8cC4ee-_h6z9OoJRq3kb5rPRZ707jG8R0CcIpz0N2Eqr0/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OMNP1526vLDSucxiHLDxl57TagEzd_uJJ9wyItDbr5HBE4w95xX-n158091TbWwsVIOcSMG2UQYy_8PcifSKkI0pCq24Xh8cC4ee-_h6z9OoJRq3kb5rPRZ707jG8R0CcIpz0N2Eqr0/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He's my singer, and really belts out the song "Be, just be. Come and rest, at my feet." There isn't anything sweeter than hearing a little voice singing in the backseat with so much enthusiasm, especially when he sings the word "be" and "feet" he draws them out way longer than the song...but it is so cute! I much prefer his version any day.<br />
<br />
When he dances he always does so by nodding his head up and down to the beat, always.<br />
<br />
He is almost the same width size as Bennett, and I'm pretty sure will pass him up soon. They are only one size away from where the same size pants. His thick little thighs and slowly thinning ankles are the cutest. At his two year check, he rang in at 23lbs and 33 inches (I think...I need to double check...because my brain....) which made him 12th percentile for height and 22nd percentile for weight. He grew 1 1/2inches from his 18th month check. Crazy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhPj72-uhaKD_HBV0p7WmVKgLcI5A19GhQpNloG1NNjc8CxcL81ps_u7h5d0A1JwaAuaivM38E1CdzNWJa34CXnYr43l-Hs7tyBsRQoJ8Kj_rkmdFakGKWnz2n0heiQMFpi1QfqT3v8A/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhPj72-uhaKD_HBV0p7WmVKgLcI5A19GhQpNloG1NNjc8CxcL81ps_u7h5d0A1JwaAuaivM38E1CdzNWJa34CXnYr43l-Hs7tyBsRQoJ8Kj_rkmdFakGKWnz2n0heiQMFpi1QfqT3v8A/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4824.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He's my little love, seriously. This kid will cuddle until he won't. He is always happy but even happier when in my arms, or holding my hand, or sitting next to me. We've finally gotten him to go into his nursery during church. It's pure torture for me leaving him there.<br />
<br />
The other week, he was having a particularly hard time letting go of my hand. So I squatted down in front of him and said, "Buddy, mommy needs to go to church, I promise you I will come back"<br />
<br />
He nodded his head and said, "Otaaaaaayyyyy"....while his lower lip made it way out and his eyes welled up with tears. With every statement I said like, "You have your buddy Sawyer here.....my friend Aleah is your teacher" He would nod and say "Otay" but that little lip got bigger and bigger until I scooped him up and held him close. He tries so so hard to be a big boy and buck up when he needs to. But there is absolutely no denying that he would rather just be with me. And I'm more than ok with that (secretly, I kind of love it).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h_VIql3IbWZRjZGE-9-kB9GjnBe2Z_eMxIDlXjewipSkc4Zo5s79BEVGWFeTliFOUVO5Fip6h-ASQQtz-oomiw3-AbflVm1EwRqR4TRfdVYkq5HpcITbLqe42IKa0miOzN-i_scpefs/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h_VIql3IbWZRjZGE-9-kB9GjnBe2Z_eMxIDlXjewipSkc4Zo5s79BEVGWFeTliFOUVO5Fip6h-ASQQtz-oomiw3-AbflVm1EwRqR4TRfdVYkq5HpcITbLqe42IKa0miOzN-i_scpefs/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4984.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He attempts to do whatever his big brothers do. This is both amazing and scary. He has no fear....none. I find him jumping off of couches, chairs, if he can jump from it...he will try. We took the boys to a place called Dizzy Palace....it lives up to its name, in case you were wondering. Little did I realize upon going that I would be having to crawl around and climb up that whole dang, germ-infested palace right alongside, because Davis was determined to do EVERYTHING. (I earned mom of the year award that night--completely re-tweaked my neck all in the name of fun!) His favorite were the giant slides. The first time he went on my lap and squealed all the way down. After that, he would push me away and say "me own" and would go down by his big boy self! So we would race down all the slides. All of the them...even the ones I was scared of!<br />
<br />
Speaking of big brothers, he loves them. LOVES.THEM. I still don't get this because they run him over all day long, and are always knocking him down, taking things from him, convincing him to do things they wouldn't do themselves. And yet, there he is, right next to them, big cheeky grin on his face. Gah, he is too cute for words.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_v9Ia2TJ1sUPkd9REyXfQl2jGva4foG0UBoZurifj-Hos9PZklva3cLSb_a18eSEQsiQIAvIlBl2zveiIUkLi-V4AOGy9e3C3RCyp6-ovcOhpdtIQkx1jYGyNkQUyYh1EATRaeES6FY/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_v9Ia2TJ1sUPkd9REyXfQl2jGva4foG0UBoZurifj-Hos9PZklva3cLSb_a18eSEQsiQIAvIlBl2zveiIUkLi-V4AOGy9e3C3RCyp6-ovcOhpdtIQkx1jYGyNkQUyYh1EATRaeES6FY/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
He is a comforter. If someone gets hurt, he runs up and puts both arms around them and gets his big sorry eyes right in front of theirs. Sometimes he pats their heads and will lay his head on their backs to make them feel better. Both Kyle and I can't figure out where he learned this, because it's definitely not reciprocated from his brothers when he gets hurt....which is hardly ever, might I add. This kid is tough as nails. When he actually cries, I know that it's serious. But it's usually fixed with a kiss or "tiss".<br />
<br />
He loves to read books and has many of his Sandra Boynton books memorized. Currently his favorite are some little farm books of animals...hence why we ended up doing an animal themed birthday (details to come).<br />
<br />
He loves Mickey Mouse and Peppa Pig.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWAUL-ZZzLWtTj3kZephlAVjTeHARtQ6LCnuZfL-koJy-QXYE1cpukRq4pFbE02fc1Y0nqU-jXlpTs_3a9gj6vsKt5Dk3Wu0RNgZoBTnuQeK_hNK_aRDSuyioplb-AFp1ZLZzILl-7h8/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWAUL-ZZzLWtTj3kZephlAVjTeHARtQ6LCnuZfL-koJy-QXYE1cpukRq4pFbE02fc1Y0nqU-jXlpTs_3a9gj6vsKt5Dk3Wu0RNgZoBTnuQeK_hNK_aRDSuyioplb-AFp1ZLZzILl-7h8/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLskUIH2Fc2l3RPMxdivUtz9b0vjExGPADGJ__rfNIY-3feAuabjctMyxzTCRlHmyWZz2TO9AHuo2qaqMbM9pSDKS7WWw2LoYPM4vSYnARGAOJvCz4S5-cxMo-XElTzg1PjBj7vLZHgqk/s1600/Davis+2nd+bday-4992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLskUIH2Fc2l3RPMxdivUtz9b0vjExGPADGJ__rfNIY-3feAuabjctMyxzTCRlHmyWZz2TO9AHuo2qaqMbM9pSDKS7WWw2LoYPM4vSYnARGAOJvCz4S5-cxMo-XElTzg1PjBj7vLZHgqk/s640/Davis+2nd+bday-4992.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He hates, HATES hang nails. If he finds one, he comes running at me screaming "FIT IT, FIT IT!" He will not continue on with his day until I fix it, usually resulted in me cutting his nails really short.<br />
<br />
He cannot be trusted with markers, paint, crayons....anything that can potentially add color to my walls and furniture. He is worse than Bennett....I never though that would be possible, never. Which is why I have a serious love/hate relationship with letting my boys paint. I always know it's going to cause me to lose my marbles...because....this.<br />
<br />
It all starts cute and creative.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatk-4pL9Gh4CnNRIldDTMEXUMijfLOgKz2_PgADYCAnyqKWhGadKYR6BIk0guifb9XEe9R301d-6WyRTN3UbUzgicxhkdRNHKgA59GTxMZQXuoE_99OIRaJOIxjvhb6qIn1tIOPHvVuE/s1600/my+boys-4608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatk-4pL9Gh4CnNRIldDTMEXUMijfLOgKz2_PgADYCAnyqKWhGadKYR6BIk0guifb9XEe9R301d-6WyRTN3UbUzgicxhkdRNHKgA59GTxMZQXuoE_99OIRaJOIxjvhb6qIn1tIOPHvVuE/s640/my+boys-4608.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WJUAt4t_otG6HV0SEFxa5waEwn65M5buBdN938I56jOB2wRStUhb77rfVMoBjLkxdjQz8BlouFMNijOTpRXlGrMz0DtoqwkgmEXlyNZhreuDa1lLGTGbP6K0ZR9GYI4jT2jybj-STfk/s1600/my+boys-4611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WJUAt4t_otG6HV0SEFxa5waEwn65M5buBdN938I56jOB2wRStUhb77rfVMoBjLkxdjQz8BlouFMNijOTpRXlGrMz0DtoqwkgmEXlyNZhreuDa1lLGTGbP6K0ZR9GYI4jT2jybj-STfk/s640/my+boys-4611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaFC4lDhTsUMpOEMm4DeWa7nzJJIXG2Z6u-9ppMsClSOL3DdPEb91HbYAJviq-hLkHYxJ3RYg5SL3SMf0NpEK3zp4vuGgI71WDm9_hc9hfoQcOHVVqr8GgBnOe7ni5p62eevjFz6WbHc/s1600/my+boys-4617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaFC4lDhTsUMpOEMm4DeWa7nzJJIXG2Z6u-9ppMsClSOL3DdPEb91HbYAJviq-hLkHYxJ3RYg5SL3SMf0NpEK3zp4vuGgI71WDm9_hc9hfoQcOHVVqr8GgBnOe7ni5p62eevjFz6WbHc/s640/my+boys-4617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtZw_7JInhfYg0DY9vnpVn97WkEJ9TdAgNLaQOY_6BR-U7TmwgUVKJSjwWwbTWp6_d0Zxd7pQQycCClDy9-646k04sWbDGk5k4Yo4m1BknpoS1UWzr4MZvLv8UGVZHs2VAZWeQVMlMYs/s1600/my+boys-4618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtZw_7JInhfYg0DY9vnpVn97WkEJ9TdAgNLaQOY_6BR-U7TmwgUVKJSjwWwbTWp6_d0Zxd7pQQycCClDy9-646k04sWbDGk5k4Yo4m1BknpoS1UWzr4MZvLv8UGVZHs2VAZWeQVMlMYs/s640/my+boys-4618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvwLBC36JzQtgbXujuA6hS-S1HhGhWCzIPFB75_q_D178nkKAlSt4ItocYqe6EHSTyAn5xsVIi6sNDvelv7leigAcw1aHEydgefKqQhr3F81rpock4zhL7xejoyGxjoDOc1jXX_tlTYM/s1600/my+boys-4651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvwLBC36JzQtgbXujuA6hS-S1HhGhWCzIPFB75_q_D178nkKAlSt4ItocYqe6EHSTyAn5xsVIi6sNDvelv7leigAcw1aHEydgefKqQhr3F81rpock4zhL7xejoyGxjoDOc1jXX_tlTYM/s640/my+boys-4651.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jpUYjgcidF8aAwG1sVmJsxYaypyVtHGJsJ0mwgEFkHnPc44_615RB27rB1ODcb3aKoZUVsMal0xDN8WW3SRAK0mbMKCj2y9Ag4Zo7bmwJAZwOdfxkKPP5f0ggoz9X-FfVof8xKW4Ev0/s1600/my+boys-4664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jpUYjgcidF8aAwG1sVmJsxYaypyVtHGJsJ0mwgEFkHnPc44_615RB27rB1ODcb3aKoZUVsMal0xDN8WW3SRAK0mbMKCj2y9Ag4Zo7bmwJAZwOdfxkKPP5f0ggoz9X-FfVof8xKW4Ev0/s640/my+boys-4664.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Before I can say stop, someone has painted their hands and tummy...this particular day was not one of my finest. I ended up cleaning green hand prints off of chairs, walls and crevices of the faucet handles....<br />
<br />
But then talking to the pancake kind of makes up for those days where my sanity is tested.<br />
<br />
"Can you hear me now....."<br />
<br />
"Good."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh_qrZ7X7U4MaEb8hTSXSjHJ4UjkGNsnLapT3miCiqPelKmx3w94OXB-0M7kLTKjq57TI37kIkunSxQvpOSR_SvkPUIrZWjLhTll35u9fhcm34R4i41nE2wa6vkcVCluo0MmZtjIKaEw/s1600/my+boys-4670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmh_qrZ7X7U4MaEb8hTSXSjHJ4UjkGNsnLapT3miCiqPelKmx3w94OXB-0M7kLTKjq57TI37kIkunSxQvpOSR_SvkPUIrZWjLhTll35u9fhcm34R4i41nE2wa6vkcVCluo0MmZtjIKaEw/s640/my+boys-4670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7dx1dYfDnWIBopJAx_Nx_HIv4bI1oYgH1pwVqsvi67bS-XSLo8IN81no_YUqMocwu3oIrQIWv4orjPqK5wmRW1XfmEWmgrZDWLGL0HU2wheF1a8jzUUguTa_IVW5VzZM9UlEBAKchRw/s1600/my+boys-4672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7dx1dYfDnWIBopJAx_Nx_HIv4bI1oYgH1pwVqsvi67bS-XSLo8IN81no_YUqMocwu3oIrQIWv4orjPqK5wmRW1XfmEWmgrZDWLGL0HU2wheF1a8jzUUguTa_IVW5VzZM9UlEBAKchRw/s640/my+boys-4672.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBj60bhXrhhpSaMi1Wio3vdJv2W1xn36yTNFX1fD94XTBueX9GinZ1iMCSxWM0LdjLbkHGy843izR8DQ6LoBf4V-ufK0WrtU8bgkedxK6xJX5X7mBSv0j22epwDbhsGWdEdh1DszmOMc/s1600/my+boys-4675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBj60bhXrhhpSaMi1Wio3vdJv2W1xn36yTNFX1fD94XTBueX9GinZ1iMCSxWM0LdjLbkHGy843izR8DQ6LoBf4V-ufK0WrtU8bgkedxK6xJX5X7mBSv0j22epwDbhsGWdEdh1DszmOMc/s640/my+boys-4675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMaaxD11LA7O4bEnNqKkJDA5iuUnssOxNg97xQSOyTN8RwpmTO7Vp3h3CmhxVz7hToTODzg4LuP7t0PK-NROKJMkEiLXq6KZ437cDPwtpKtU1YMrGj_STBXDiJ0ecpbXuHm2j0-fk7mU/s1600/my+boys-4679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMaaxD11LA7O4bEnNqKkJDA5iuUnssOxNg97xQSOyTN8RwpmTO7Vp3h3CmhxVz7hToTODzg4LuP7t0PK-NROKJMkEiLXq6KZ437cDPwtpKtU1YMrGj_STBXDiJ0ecpbXuHm2j0-fk7mU/s640/my+boys-4679.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqpIgRetT6sn2FdQVqFGlwXElV7tFQAeZfx8m6tlVr0CsDYIWr0hBbIrRo6gq_-4Y61n5BPzO2mrJuc3wwgAH1gHF__LJeLu8wRLO-8FSbs8K5M-HZ72rgXhRLIe8OBVJsovSGJx_iOM/s1600/my+boys-4689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqpIgRetT6sn2FdQVqFGlwXElV7tFQAeZfx8m6tlVr0CsDYIWr0hBbIrRo6gq_-4Y61n5BPzO2mrJuc3wwgAH1gHF__LJeLu8wRLO-8FSbs8K5M-HZ72rgXhRLIe8OBVJsovSGJx_iOM/s640/my+boys-4689.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Pancakes. His favorite. (notice the black finger....that would be the markers....)<br />
<br />
He is the most compliant little person I have ever met. He shocks me sometimes. Every once in awhile he will get this teeny-weeny, slightly naughty streak and will shake his head and tell me "no" when I ask something of him. But then all I have to do is say, "Davis, look at mama's eyes....can you please obey mama and do (whatever it is he said no to)" Almost always he will look me in the eyes immediately and say, "Oh, otay" and scamper off to do the requested task. He is quick to help, and quick to remedy a situation in which he has wronged someone. I call him my little people-pleaser. I often wander how much of the sweet little personality will carry him through to adulthood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9ZdPFpbUvpco2annL7CktuEfmLdYAQ9RM_IQGFJQvoUzo8-fTIkUJRO8Q8P4y2zYKLu5xLjmsSM1ZjCz_FZpWtofeDbziKTu1ruewkebI2_pXn0l-ZsXpru9sI0HwI7OaJlEUJw9SXs/s1600/my+boys-4695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9ZdPFpbUvpco2annL7CktuEfmLdYAQ9RM_IQGFJQvoUzo8-fTIkUJRO8Q8P4y2zYKLu5xLjmsSM1ZjCz_FZpWtofeDbziKTu1ruewkebI2_pXn0l-ZsXpru9sI0HwI7OaJlEUJw9SXs/s640/my+boys-4695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX0UNPruvWW9MUP85nwWLVZIEs-IpljTttY8hIR9FR_ft7MKKkQOh9oMI4J3EqwApI6yN-sfQAl7pUK8W1ZxXPlKWuhbzyNtSUKoknXiKrcqmJrORrbW_NuKNRY8SrLboPaBvPOX9pG0/s1600/my+boys-4715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJX0UNPruvWW9MUP85nwWLVZIEs-IpljTttY8hIR9FR_ft7MKKkQOh9oMI4J3EqwApI6yN-sfQAl7pUK8W1ZxXPlKWuhbzyNtSUKoknXiKrcqmJrORrbW_NuKNRY8SrLboPaBvPOX9pG0/s640/my+boys-4715.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While he is pretty much attached to my hip, there is a very special place in his heart for his daddy. He gets all heart eyes when he hears the garage door open and knows that daddy will walk through the door any second.<br />
<br />
He loves being around his brothers so so much. And when he's not with them he's usually tailing behind me...but sometimes He wanders off on his own. And I find him playing quietly, building legos, doing puzzles or doing non-destructive drawing. (our motto is always, "only on the paper")<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UIS3yXC76HEdbc-YcFfchaXM0XUiBZJwXs6SXsEyrtS8Sf8oWyzRo0WIBf_oVzPJIXZOZE8r0YAabDyfEJa4rXk0_9QzC3k3Cg17SpUPM3Sam_qxJfFXZorIro3G3lPqNgrEuL0jFnk/s1600/my+boys-2992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UIS3yXC76HEdbc-YcFfchaXM0XUiBZJwXs6SXsEyrtS8Sf8oWyzRo0WIBf_oVzPJIXZOZE8r0YAabDyfEJa4rXk0_9QzC3k3Cg17SpUPM3Sam_qxJfFXZorIro3G3lPqNgrEuL0jFnk/s640/my+boys-2992.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQG7Q84HdEu6AulrqIIal_vJ7vLSSlfkDywhHEUP3SBkje0MgSqhmHX92xj4ZfCNvb4a1wiVlRsB5figBOTW4YiHSalUnjrFp1tw-KyG9fSi7CjNEZWZCmpN6TTeGwXc92Gq8MLITRXy0/s1600/my+boys-2997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQG7Q84HdEu6AulrqIIal_vJ7vLSSlfkDywhHEUP3SBkje0MgSqhmHX92xj4ZfCNvb4a1wiVlRsB5figBOTW4YiHSalUnjrFp1tw-KyG9fSi7CjNEZWZCmpN6TTeGwXc92Gq8MLITRXy0/s640/my+boys-2997.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There is so much more I can say about my littlest dude. He is simply the sweetest human being and adding him to our family is one of the best decision we've ever made. He just completes us in a way that only he can. I have said over and over that he softens me when I need it the most, he calms storms in my soul in his own quiet way. He seems to know when I need one extra kiss or a little squeeze. He crawls into my lap and snuggles when I fear I've lost all my boys into boyhood. He reminds me of God's grace and commitment to hold us in His big big hands. I',m forever grateful for his tender heart and the kindness that flows from it. It is more of a blessing than he will ever know. He makes me excited for what he will become one day. I have no doubt he will lead others in a soft-like strength. Because that's how he does life. Always.<br />
<br />
Ah, baby boy....your mama is infatuated with you. Everything about you. Words cannot describe how in depth that love is.<br />
<br />
Happy two years sweetheart.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-9021871133060074732017-02-02T12:18:00.002-08:002017-02-02T12:18:36.257-08:00SnowmageddonWe got dumped on this year. Personally, I have kind of secretly loved it. I loved how it slowed down our mornings, we got to hang out in pj's and make cocoa and pancakes. I'm kind of a homebody, so being cooped up didn't bother me--for the most part.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7EW3yro2H6Eat-yEUPUOigwdHczruVcwlygCduMgmXGPgKCBvo24RVAfjiovMX7qCqfS5UDbN8K49lcrFIoSoCpNkUukwBSxLIVI5TdGeCRpIEdh5nWTuu3BCUPQQz_imKrA9cWek6A/s1600/myboys-3844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7EW3yro2H6Eat-yEUPUOigwdHczruVcwlygCduMgmXGPgKCBvo24RVAfjiovMX7qCqfS5UDbN8K49lcrFIoSoCpNkUukwBSxLIVI5TdGeCRpIEdh5nWTuu3BCUPQQz_imKrA9cWek6A/s640/myboys-3844.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZywp2Ye2Y78LPQGWfv6_Pj-nsaQlCoWbIhdoeQABBnuWN4C3VQtPDnNnOJcCiWWx4bS7IW10zkMW1BldnGnJ6ng6y5JYQA2w9ngiOlcI5ku_JBQ4m0pFYLCu_5U4JPRH0A-VyEmKJmg/s1600/myboys-3845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZywp2Ye2Y78LPQGWfv6_Pj-nsaQlCoWbIhdoeQABBnuWN4C3VQtPDnNnOJcCiWWx4bS7IW10zkMW1BldnGnJ6ng6y5JYQA2w9ngiOlcI5ku_JBQ4m0pFYLCu_5U4JPRH0A-VyEmKJmg/s640/myboys-3845.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite day was when Kyle's work was closed, so he got to stay home with us all too. Which also meant I had extra hands to help with the bundling and un-bundling....you know, for the whole 5 minutes that they play in the snow! He is also the best sled puller up and down our deserted streets. They all piled in and I can't even express the joy it brought to my soul to watch all of my boys playing with their daddy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0Kay4oIcKfHHyj2sROnSDVTGN3WXqX-9yCpp-97iYi13zPCL-M5v3l21tPuUZb9px3pNOabCVn6P72NZcAZ8xsBBjQH8XuCN6D2m1qbuIULtT2qadHLIkBm2NXyVRkIcZzTMRnallfQ/s1600/myboys-3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0Kay4oIcKfHHyj2sROnSDVTGN3WXqX-9yCpp-97iYi13zPCL-M5v3l21tPuUZb9px3pNOabCVn6P72NZcAZ8xsBBjQH8XuCN6D2m1qbuIULtT2qadHLIkBm2NXyVRkIcZzTMRnallfQ/s640/myboys-3723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8NXNSD7IcDxbv_nq1540EfogzCcc6Na3me0_3GEWBOGcltq9VQdJUykazSrYiE2Qy_ZBrZoOuiXJlB4QufJHYZLy7FAydsMPb_cioxfk5gtvGTQjHKJPB1L1opBchO1U63E0C5v70B4/s1600/myboys-3744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8NXNSD7IcDxbv_nq1540EfogzCcc6Na3me0_3GEWBOGcltq9VQdJUykazSrYiE2Qy_ZBrZoOuiXJlB4QufJHYZLy7FAydsMPb_cioxfk5gtvGTQjHKJPB1L1opBchO1U63E0C5v70B4/s640/myboys-3744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQSofJa9l2n3oD6bKqppSCg5F_lYpsRS2v7Pxei-DfB3iFRwbWO5B9IZRhsIYKa7-DvdZFV8lx0nQa8v1EgMtD5q9cf71XUNu2d-9CYU0GsXFx3tUtQBxu2s8A9yXJO80Cx3B7fO75nk/s1600/myboys-3747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQSofJa9l2n3oD6bKqppSCg5F_lYpsRS2v7Pxei-DfB3iFRwbWO5B9IZRhsIYKa7-DvdZFV8lx0nQa8v1EgMtD5q9cf71XUNu2d-9CYU0GsXFx3tUtQBxu2s8A9yXJO80Cx3B7fO75nk/s640/myboys-3747.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmYl7tKnICvo_lzZQ6Sb5OFsUbv8nYv5UAA8yqGm4551yu7zuQOlT1aFj6XL4muNIUxkcOnriNTyqrgO0X7wYU_ghbpKqhBSfYM91l0xHO7aMi-AQApDSxj7EWQJ4rf5gzKm_olpLfQ/s1600/myboys-3784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbmYl7tKnICvo_lzZQ6Sb5OFsUbv8nYv5UAA8yqGm4551yu7zuQOlT1aFj6XL4muNIUxkcOnriNTyqrgO0X7wYU_ghbpKqhBSfYM91l0xHO7aMi-AQApDSxj7EWQJ4rf5gzKm_olpLfQ/s640/myboys-3784.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This year they all lasted a long time--definitely outlasted their abnormally cold blooded mother. I was inside downing as much coffee and chocolate I could before the stripping of the boots, millions of layers, socks, socks, socks, and boots accumulated with snow that missed being stomped off were left all piled by our back door.<br />
<br />
Someone plum wore himself out and didn't even make it to the stripping down part.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdpZkBwQDhMpuBzR9DLMIk3qNi8oGfDbG2HkI8E7HvZ1W88X6g4Xl3J4XFILeVjeak-b0YUeptdRmIU9O8WeiJlT0ix3bdN4_wYYRvG85HO2gZBJ8JVetpwAVQA91FMjf0z3Mtk2blE0/s1600/saari+final+edit-2531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdpZkBwQDhMpuBzR9DLMIk3qNi8oGfDbG2HkI8E7HvZ1W88X6g4Xl3J4XFILeVjeak-b0YUeptdRmIU9O8WeiJlT0ix3bdN4_wYYRvG85HO2gZBJ8JVetpwAVQA91FMjf0z3Mtk2blE0/s640/saari+final+edit-2531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_2013680487"></span><span id="goog_2013680488"></span>Boots and all. I couldn't help but snap a million pics and smile at how cute he was, all bundled and drool pooling beside his mouth. It was his snoring that first gave away the fact that he had zonked.<br />
<br />
Then they went out for round two and three.....and then kind of lost interest in the following week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierAiexDKN-ZYNGwRJ8okrWlI0nYXBIy9bu61IATlfL1R8L-Z2UICLCOuTFyYgnD1FxLegJHON-Uzo70h7wiMkuniHNhyphenhyphen_VNLkaoSIFrLTuAE5SjUOrOG2Gfr3rDF7qycl8cPuuIC6ZBI/s1600/saari+final+edit-2409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierAiexDKN-ZYNGwRJ8okrWlI0nYXBIy9bu61IATlfL1R8L-Z2UICLCOuTFyYgnD1FxLegJHON-Uzo70h7wiMkuniHNhyphenhyphen_VNLkaoSIFrLTuAE5SjUOrOG2Gfr3rDF7qycl8cPuuIC6ZBI/s640/saari+final+edit-2409.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJPLtgx7jepviU_7b6bP5aMrox0TwhirXGspA2RUJAHtoL4xd-SVC4SD49dH_htUMibv9CQrGzWlBlv1VeFIZ6UHFGnwClsyPM6_1ADGuzCDQ-Zw960QmSqS8BsikW3-E8BBSqkLjpeU/s1600/saari+final+edit-2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJPLtgx7jepviU_7b6bP5aMrox0TwhirXGspA2RUJAHtoL4xd-SVC4SD49dH_htUMibv9CQrGzWlBlv1VeFIZ6UHFGnwClsyPM6_1ADGuzCDQ-Zw960QmSqS8BsikW3-E8BBSqkLjpeU/s640/saari+final+edit-2547.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't think I will ever tire of how magical the snow is though. We don't get a whole lot of it, so I really enjoy watching it fall and the excitement and giddiness that it brings my boys. <br />
<br />
Davis happened to think it was pretty great to eat, and managed to eat his weight (plus some) in snow. I suppose it was great hydration, I just had to make sure to steer him in the direction of the unstomped through patches. We made snow ice cream to appease his snow tasting ways and he literally licked the bowl clean and went back started clearing house on the giant bowl that I had mixed it all in. Cole thought it tasted a lot like Papa's hand cranked ice cream...and just as cold. (for the record, Papa's ice cream is 10x's better...just sayin.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO5z6pAx1pfdnWo1Yp430eS4mUP_9WeEVMQaL546T7m_Jkaxxq2hOGtxvcCzFHWLlULjodfgHURmYAcFrRjPhL0hbONlf-k8PlmSJDg-jmSipaOW0YTg_Kr44rhPEB9oWxFfne6Z-Joo/s1600/myboys-3650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO5z6pAx1pfdnWo1Yp430eS4mUP_9WeEVMQaL546T7m_Jkaxxq2hOGtxvcCzFHWLlULjodfgHURmYAcFrRjPhL0hbONlf-k8PlmSJDg-jmSipaOW0YTg_Kr44rhPEB9oWxFfne6Z-Joo/s640/myboys-3650.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z6-GdU5PGjJ1FykM3dd1UIV05nWnu2XKelvBRihfkpoDSn41jdG7p2rCBE40egIGXjl7zs6YfVLkD81fkhaItaP3lwSxQ0YOGrsS24MsDL1Rwe4wuR-1F38yjL2Wtd6lwytQaiS7_8o/s1600/myboys-3656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z6-GdU5PGjJ1FykM3dd1UIV05nWnu2XKelvBRihfkpoDSn41jdG7p2rCBE40egIGXjl7zs6YfVLkD81fkhaItaP3lwSxQ0YOGrsS24MsDL1Rwe4wuR-1F38yjL2Wtd6lwytQaiS7_8o/s640/myboys-3656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvlkofMrlWzYCS1ta94RfPn8OdHDePNvN3g3V6bmfvBBhZtfxGwKzciDm-yONu6RUDj-wJdaGmvbwTLjRxkju8RtOcitJtPTizFMFv-mcH0tpOIJCEto8bRXPcmYAqZOjRm8pCSq1ANY/s1600/myboys-3680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvlkofMrlWzYCS1ta94RfPn8OdHDePNvN3g3V6bmfvBBhZtfxGwKzciDm-yONu6RUDj-wJdaGmvbwTLjRxkju8RtOcitJtPTizFMFv-mcH0tpOIJCEto8bRXPcmYAqZOjRm8pCSq1ANY/s640/myboys-3680.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He of course, loved joining in on the big boy fun...he never likes to be left behind. Despite the looks of disgusts in the following photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uGNoOH6ArjQZOzPeERsDReCmTQ9-9QVMV7EjTfnkFiNL8XUO60ZzPHPPUHP2jDgTlT9OXNx6WgDc3Fof6NaM29ZXTbSSyL8Avs4SqJdBGxj-IUQ0N2YlWd9w5p1mI_8LDMWoO8MXlS8/s1600/myboys-3729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uGNoOH6ArjQZOzPeERsDReCmTQ9-9QVMV7EjTfnkFiNL8XUO60ZzPHPPUHP2jDgTlT9OXNx6WgDc3Fof6NaM29ZXTbSSyL8Avs4SqJdBGxj-IUQ0N2YlWd9w5p1mI_8LDMWoO8MXlS8/s640/myboys-3729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg1TFihilWu1owzk_2REXaQ9ln19zQV25NTnrZJSYvD1vJopKr-R19uakpDpOyfDgcUfd_sG1mxjToSTgk05Mzmrz3yzBvfJM7PK1qbO3CMcwkLsoxWE7m9ychjihyT_JgFsCOzZZYII/s1600/myboys-3730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwg1TFihilWu1owzk_2REXaQ9ln19zQV25NTnrZJSYvD1vJopKr-R19uakpDpOyfDgcUfd_sG1mxjToSTgk05Mzmrz3yzBvfJM7PK1qbO3CMcwkLsoxWE7m9ychjihyT_JgFsCOzZZYII/s640/myboys-3730.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CmN71tlXV-2-btKgchA2xCn337IS-or2lxX5TXF2YJVxYwhSYAfkQkOYGg_1LK9oie3AY10wwj6s0fd1A-JBY60VL9WEz60jodsHgUpN0JgE1oWTSDjV7X1etLuEj6rGHbXQlyGoW1A/s1600/myboys-3732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CmN71tlXV-2-btKgchA2xCn337IS-or2lxX5TXF2YJVxYwhSYAfkQkOYGg_1LK9oie3AY10wwj6s0fd1A-JBY60VL9WEz60jodsHgUpN0JgE1oWTSDjV7X1etLuEj6rGHbXQlyGoW1A/s640/myboys-3732.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And Bennett.....well..... In his defense, he was only trying to give Davis a hug for the pictures.....but neck strangulation was more like it.<br />
<br />
Davis, he puts up with a lot and is such a good sport, rain, shine....snow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPZoCtIWOao11d5WVNFka29zJSPS3IY38LmyGue0PUj0aI_P9UfhMxky9sFE3z21FC38eYWS_3qXftCHzMz58vhVtPaIoZXNTKeytuydGLKazWlIzRaRlNZsHcSLLgUu3OiWym-pJ3Q8/s1600/myboys-3809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPZoCtIWOao11d5WVNFka29zJSPS3IY38LmyGue0PUj0aI_P9UfhMxky9sFE3z21FC38eYWS_3qXftCHzMz58vhVtPaIoZXNTKeytuydGLKazWlIzRaRlNZsHcSLLgUu3OiWym-pJ3Q8/s640/myboys-3809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He is such a little punkin head...or fox head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75aYhcl32SyKjghh2ECfnickfO2QTv6tJrXQpSxfJW9syQJ6RwkzXAT-BRZ4rY6WCa17wUc9LEBJojJsjdAMvb420PtcdVxpGTJBRucqcK_FCFZ8-uqPCzY8CdhrGa78NUCxzAG7z8y8/s1600/myboys-3815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75aYhcl32SyKjghh2ECfnickfO2QTv6tJrXQpSxfJW9syQJ6RwkzXAT-BRZ4rY6WCa17wUc9LEBJojJsjdAMvb420PtcdVxpGTJBRucqcK_FCFZ8-uqPCzY8CdhrGa78NUCxzAG7z8y8/s640/myboys-3815.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTOrpNZVuc9i2XcOiOFXyJcTESIxvoIvtYJb6qEzmf2ooTfG2_FxQaQviKUKGgKGQ2GNh_0eDMym3yXsOnZBkqsbjoDuqsLgaZ7GQQdQkRXbrbQSDUnECiDY8qTDufTLJYF9dXFe3ma0/s1600/myboys-3818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTOrpNZVuc9i2XcOiOFXyJcTESIxvoIvtYJb6qEzmf2ooTfG2_FxQaQviKUKGgKGQ2GNh_0eDMym3yXsOnZBkqsbjoDuqsLgaZ7GQQdQkRXbrbQSDUnECiDY8qTDufTLJYF9dXFe3ma0/s640/myboys-3818.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5vb4d_5x9Fputgp79KBq2MIquFndZqMig2bqCxkKfv3idOm2UIskvYnTg-n-jTgymEXoHbr6IBqqW7U2LdLGFVvFtNON6rtpudG2MXWRwp2XTAYXCLad22udhC86Ew9DyHpIBQH4GA4/s1600/myboys-3820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5vb4d_5x9Fputgp79KBq2MIquFndZqMig2bqCxkKfv3idOm2UIskvYnTg-n-jTgymEXoHbr6IBqqW7U2LdLGFVvFtNON6rtpudG2MXWRwp2XTAYXCLad22udhC86Ew9DyHpIBQH4GA4/s640/myboys-3820.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglII18Bl0k2bDROCAikEv4BQTqX2gP4e7lgUWZADhDIODYQGXohPuExrBviKx0sYyWdc_1uxzxApuftlgeihUxJ7RJ1HoKrPhyZuf5M65k47IeROtbmF18YHs4xsy1D-V7vqeKzEjn-VU/s1600/myboys-3825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglII18Bl0k2bDROCAikEv4BQTqX2gP4e7lgUWZADhDIODYQGXohPuExrBviKx0sYyWdc_1uxzxApuftlgeihUxJ7RJ1HoKrPhyZuf5M65k47IeROtbmF18YHs4xsy1D-V7vqeKzEjn-VU/s640/myboys-3825.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And Cole was on a mission to make the biggest igloo "EVER". He always goes about life with a big big plan, and by golly, he usually accomplishes what he puts his mind to. Thankfully he has a loving and patient daddy who tries his best to work within the parameters of such plans. Together, they spent a good few hours making all of Cole's snow dreams come true.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnXlxWRs5xSFCHGlIiP2Ox60aPj-FmFLll5rCcunOBQb6Rpwvie8BjHyNfOTHF1qyemt9lVCKzNBlx86-y36kc8UrGTL18sFobAvCfDby_24TPM319OEmf5w4X23XHl79QMsq7486grk/s1600/myboys-3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnXlxWRs5xSFCHGlIiP2Ox60aPj-FmFLll5rCcunOBQb6Rpwvie8BjHyNfOTHF1qyemt9lVCKzNBlx86-y36kc8UrGTL18sFobAvCfDby_24TPM319OEmf5w4X23XHl79QMsq7486grk/s640/myboys-3880.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Geez, he's looking older and bigger by the minute. When I was editing this picture my heart stopped as I caught a glimpse of what he would like in 20 years from now. Ladies, I'm telling you...heart of gold this one has. He will make one special woman very lucky some day. He has learned the fine art of bringing his mama home flowers and chocolate whenever he helps daddy with grocery shopping. He holds doors and is the first to clear everyone's plates from the table after dinner.....my baby boy--heart of gold. Just you wait.<br />
<br />
Ha ha...and this one has a heart of gold too.... it's just a bit more complex. But he is always, always up for a good laugh. He brings out all the stops to make everyone's eyes twinkle. (how did my snow post turn into future dating of my sons????) I'm going to just stop, because that is too hard to think about right now. I want to soak in them being little.<br />
<br />
He also refused to wear a snow hat. You pick your battles with this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX5a-7b2zv8OBh2uuE2FHbVb1hySxs5iPnQ6ehfdE9x9ZnXP6omP4RaBm_4kqTD1tIHfCElFkqe9hizjZW2_TBVeToxKqXWjRmoTlR4FfevnEjoYE0lXav2Pv-xSnZ2SNFhoU5WILcqM/s1600/myboys-3663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjX5a-7b2zv8OBh2uuE2FHbVb1hySxs5iPnQ6ehfdE9x9ZnXP6omP4RaBm_4kqTD1tIHfCElFkqe9hizjZW2_TBVeToxKqXWjRmoTlR4FfevnEjoYE0lXav2Pv-xSnZ2SNFhoU5WILcqM/s640/myboys-3663.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVtPdT-mLiEHawu91yTVSGspphYQFAy6gxzio_iVFX-4to1ZS1AiuU5-URWZcBraha9sZY3G5SxBgmjw3sgQTDjNIbCYqw5vIPHXZZGRDue5YdmYZwlGGy390oh8Zt-nUmyyRHEiYa3o/s1600/myboys-3665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVtPdT-mLiEHawu91yTVSGspphYQFAy6gxzio_iVFX-4to1ZS1AiuU5-URWZcBraha9sZY3G5SxBgmjw3sgQTDjNIbCYqw5vIPHXZZGRDue5YdmYZwlGGy390oh8Zt-nUmyyRHEiYa3o/s640/myboys-3665.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ_kBZ9IfoRIvZoKhFsQMwA3FnQLg-17u9wnHgbabDwqJWVvR3ZTHiptpyQP7zls8pXFX3ELmp4Rh-GMie1JHiwHrF8Xct15tpoPimELi-B_qa993xA2kCq4HX-gWVfYT4JHaLbEW6d0/s1600/myboys-3671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ_kBZ9IfoRIvZoKhFsQMwA3FnQLg-17u9wnHgbabDwqJWVvR3ZTHiptpyQP7zls8pXFX3ELmp4Rh-GMie1JHiwHrF8Xct15tpoPimELi-B_qa993xA2kCq4HX-gWVfYT4JHaLbEW6d0/s640/myboys-3671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I often ask things like "Will you always.....hold my hand" or "give me kisses" or "let me hold and snuggle you forever." So far they haven't learned to say anything other than "yes". I'll take it for now and pretend that it won't ever change. Even though, I know it will--all too soon.<br />
<br />
Sigh....<br />
<br />
They are talking more snow and freezing rain....and I might just be the only one who is secretly hoping for another bout of hunkering down, sipping cocoa, cuddling in blankets over the heater vents (although now I often have to fight Bennett for that perfect warm spot!) and doing things that bring all the warm and cozies. Because we probably won't have another winter like this for awhile. And that makes me a little bit sad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ImMVkFjkFBezExFBgbMFNzzoi5UeX39ZJpgksv34Qv69El7qpbPp-PZWGGkLW7KendIP4dg4C4YxlJWvqduNawoSEBnZ0Bzx-mDQEQJmjV9XzNQaVm-R2uS1EICDMDSE6eWml6dpOg8/s1600/saari+final+edit-2575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ImMVkFjkFBezExFBgbMFNzzoi5UeX39ZJpgksv34Qv69El7qpbPp-PZWGGkLW7KendIP4dg4C4YxlJWvqduNawoSEBnZ0Bzx-mDQEQJmjV9XzNQaVm-R2uS1EICDMDSE6eWml6dpOg8/s640/saari+final+edit-2575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I mean, come on...this is the beauty that erupts when you are stuck indoors.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bkAytXADPfb6EE96MYI0mfGkG_ar4nd6m38FAhEJO2Hq8siEZU8kASe1C5jb-9Bn60DzhuW-RuRqpGevvD39bvwhA5kW83xh_V9dz3of0J7upulPffqQlJRFEfnsTd5iulW-favClW0/s1600/myboys-3607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bkAytXADPfb6EE96MYI0mfGkG_ar4nd6m38FAhEJO2Hq8siEZU8kASe1C5jb-9Bn60DzhuW-RuRqpGevvD39bvwhA5kW83xh_V9dz3of0J7upulPffqQlJRFEfnsTd5iulW-favClW0/s640/myboys-3607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
YAAAAASSSSS.<br />
<br />
Snow, I'm ready for ya--you can come dump your sweet memories tomorrow if you want to. I won't complain! I want more coziness like this....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS_PFJtJGk1tgtq9t7xrQ-tCII6KKdGIRm5g0DT364MHBaeKpneazngZSq19sjGU9Ge3Ixz-ql0GRLzMBmalNUlTSMljQDqVUMuViTl5681My3mlNCF6JuPKAdcN9933UfultGJIs5o4/s1600/myboys-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS_PFJtJGk1tgtq9t7xrQ-tCII6KKdGIRm5g0DT364MHBaeKpneazngZSq19sjGU9Ge3Ixz-ql0GRLzMBmalNUlTSMljQDqVUMuViTl5681My3mlNCF6JuPKAdcN9933UfultGJIs5o4/s640/myboys-1-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AkMnz8kVHcQ8KSMf33uIHg4uJi1BR1ktB_njDhqW2CRHydAJCt_QNlJBYTB7_K21VhCg6-w9HkGZaYT0EUynJH5_7M5hDF2YnmMUt_DFED8z-trMkjVZ4pG7lAfJXspRXCkcQtKabmw/s1600/myboys-3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AkMnz8kVHcQ8KSMf33uIHg4uJi1BR1ktB_njDhqW2CRHydAJCt_QNlJBYTB7_K21VhCg6-w9HkGZaYT0EUynJH5_7M5hDF2YnmMUt_DFED8z-trMkjVZ4pG7lAfJXspRXCkcQtKabmw/s640/myboys-3625.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlhQD785gVk-ES4KmgUR0SEa07abr71tRLcfrP_AbWZBGLFi5pLuksun5isGfE6FRQfd6Va9b8xjbsXBih_smG5f84twmX4WjQS1HjSsDeNI8hufcQlBWiWqW3wMT9ucYZNTwO1ee0hc/s1600/myboys-3636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlhQD785gVk-ES4KmgUR0SEa07abr71tRLcfrP_AbWZBGLFi5pLuksun5isGfE6FRQfd6Va9b8xjbsXBih_smG5f84twmX4WjQS1HjSsDeNI8hufcQlBWiWqW3wMT9ucYZNTwO1ee0hc/s640/myboys-3636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2OqC2XLj3lz15xaN2T46OOFg_FewdT_wBvL25lyx9GX4p6X5zeLa4xIT9n6s3AHl1XUYRWPq_N9VxKHPxDi6yWl8EPTNh_bQKLI3ElZ-K_lUyf7FjNk9o388kNuIC3wVnGMZy7ywZT0/s1600/myboys-3848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2OqC2XLj3lz15xaN2T46OOFg_FewdT_wBvL25lyx9GX4p6X5zeLa4xIT9n6s3AHl1XUYRWPq_N9VxKHPxDi6yWl8EPTNh_bQKLI3ElZ-K_lUyf7FjNk9o388kNuIC3wVnGMZy7ywZT0/s640/myboys-3848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQvO4zmv-mEJ8dgszImOAr_2o_J9HqHQ78ss84FByNO8HtNdrZtf3GRJH-VtjgldywPML_RO_dpLyAqz4hyphenhyphen-Ld29OcKBJpuhd57mmpmcksh3iGffI4I4XON55upkLXyNtYt5ojQcOoEg/s1600/myboys-3851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQvO4zmv-mEJ8dgszImOAr_2o_J9HqHQ78ss84FByNO8HtNdrZtf3GRJH-VtjgldywPML_RO_dpLyAqz4hyphenhyphen-Ld29OcKBJpuhd57mmpmcksh3iGffI4I4XON55upkLXyNtYt5ojQcOoEg/s640/myboys-3851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2HcOde9fsDnFBSKH2F1HQjrUGwLpFXuobsJDOI6m6PGBIDCmZrsWbpHd_CerPb1JyMNNMBHcOgOr8V7j6vpMbsGD5L_4zhKAtZjxNkNwZcIFkLu3e-w_pNjWgQ7fPlUdh7GA8Hs0qFQ/s1600/myboys-3922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2HcOde9fsDnFBSKH2F1HQjrUGwLpFXuobsJDOI6m6PGBIDCmZrsWbpHd_CerPb1JyMNNMBHcOgOr8V7j6vpMbsGD5L_4zhKAtZjxNkNwZcIFkLu3e-w_pNjWgQ7fPlUdh7GA8Hs0qFQ/s640/myboys-3922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-17973676500218755472017-01-18T13:22:00.001-08:002017-01-18T13:22:14.071-08:00Christmas 2016I keep saying I'm going to be better at documenting the most important little lives of my life. And then life moves on and I feel like I don't even have time to grasp that concept. So then I feel silly writing about things that are months past.<br />
<br />
I've decided. Who cares. This blog is more for me than anyone else. And I don't want to forget the memories...because even though I think I never will, I do....already.<br />
<br />
This year Christmas was magical. It really is true what they say, it gets more and more magical as you watch it unfold in your children's eyes.<br />
<br />
The joy, excitement, and overly sugared up energy.<br />
<br />
Cole was completely on top of every countdown he could find. We had countdown banners, books, advent calendars...and he loved it all. But I think all three would agree the chocolate countdown calendars were their fave.....like mother, like son.<br />
<br />
We of course kicked off the season with hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. It was going to be the most perfect day...until someone forgot shoes for the littlest.....<br />
<br />
Thank goodness I still had my trusty Beco stashed in the back, we strapped him on and away we went. I don't think he was as happy with the make do situation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LqJKq5GP_XdNazj0PEMzGHMl5qChbbQjPcILcO2vHw1-4L8rQygfGwjDNxQ8HrnblgQfIG4zvwHBMD6sc46Pil4bL3Um6GYM1QfDNzYTOE7Wu2ksEOXk1EVMjwDvj3VeDSuowN_Xv2Q/s1600/IMG_2107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LqJKq5GP_XdNazj0PEMzGHMl5qChbbQjPcILcO2vHw1-4L8rQygfGwjDNxQ8HrnblgQfIG4zvwHBMD6sc46Pil4bL3Um6GYM1QfDNzYTOE7Wu2ksEOXk1EVMjwDvj3VeDSuowN_Xv2Q/s640/IMG_2107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtca4Mb0u5bm5GGwF2ry0EWhOYryB_y1l51yyddr2RBVdCfsUdp7EeCyavi4D_yddnFSLzhLCWAGvrDqau5OenJpN8oki6Ly6hppCI9V-1UjhbWv6o5qUsiLXNKImdgiY9pHT01o8h8A/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtca4Mb0u5bm5GGwF2ry0EWhOYryB_y1l51yyddr2RBVdCfsUdp7EeCyavi4D_yddnFSLzhLCWAGvrDqau5OenJpN8oki6Ly6hppCI9V-1UjhbWv6o5qUsiLXNKImdgiY9pHT01o8h8A/s640/IMG_2102.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4iXyJfVjFO6nxxuzfEDyYWUlRPZytAQlhIBcdbk9yNnJzsbAy3n51ie-nAgBSyMpNxHpiK4OX8p1FybbLNzZmaMEt0og2lMVhmIXwdXq5_UfvriSD2BPcxzb-yVf6PemEY8M9A0QWlE/s1600/IMG_2132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4iXyJfVjFO6nxxuzfEDyYWUlRPZytAQlhIBcdbk9yNnJzsbAy3n51ie-nAgBSyMpNxHpiK4OX8p1FybbLNzZmaMEt0og2lMVhmIXwdXq5_UfvriSD2BPcxzb-yVf6PemEY8M9A0QWlE/s640/IMG_2132.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
but the sweet little thang didn't make a peep until Kyle tried to actually cut down the tree with him on his back. I don't blame him, it really didn't look to be the most comfortable of set ups.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-M98_PcTIFufJyc6Y7G97YAvpcoepEm7sYQU9TTt2t0Sjp5oidHAl2301pcW5FVm298bJONKYZNCuVapjS3DUIzITxyCVlRyF84W6xwonHtDlE0hp2QfLx2WjsIs-GGkZ6blEDcxt1A/s1600/IMG_2196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-M98_PcTIFufJyc6Y7G97YAvpcoepEm7sYQU9TTt2t0Sjp5oidHAl2301pcW5FVm298bJONKYZNCuVapjS3DUIzITxyCVlRyF84W6xwonHtDlE0hp2QfLx2WjsIs-GGkZ6blEDcxt1A/s640/IMG_2196.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This would also be the same day that I grabbed whatever two socks I could find for Davis, because they are never to be found when you are in a hurry and whispered in my head, "these will do, it'll be fine....no one will ever know...." That came back to bite me in the buns as we left and his boots did not. We found them neatly placed by the door when we returned though.<br />
<br />
At least we had socks.<br />
<br />
Cole is always so joyful running laps and leaping to and fro while tree hunting. And Bennett takes a little bit to warm up but soon follows the effervescent joy flowing from his brother...kind of hard not to, he's super contagious like that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqlEkcZmTDdWdt9pU0i7OzQiLZmOMJB-q6sP-jkgZU6okaq4nWaBUsq4HA8xOzsK97ZhyPyyf7AuIDfzCK2imRcbZbiDZV_LMp_Lqg6fRspVX0Zji_C19CC3i6j9v68dSKuErPRa97AE/s1600/IMG_2154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqlEkcZmTDdWdt9pU0i7OzQiLZmOMJB-q6sP-jkgZU6okaq4nWaBUsq4HA8xOzsK97ZhyPyyf7AuIDfzCK2imRcbZbiDZV_LMp_Lqg6fRspVX0Zji_C19CC3i6j9v68dSKuErPRa97AE/s640/IMG_2154.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylcN6uTh5_caGX-n-DnGENsQDHgCgjKsIHhJMZavao0idM3xKmkmwMPbZOYZJcOmU1ylcODFJtTgSA5BLWZh5CZFeBCWOZ5AximBnbpP7g_TgZbqho60YqzPRgIJ7mi90dwfDDpC_umY/s1600/IMG_2206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylcN6uTh5_caGX-n-DnGENsQDHgCgjKsIHhJMZavao0idM3xKmkmwMPbZOYZJcOmU1ylcODFJtTgSA5BLWZh5CZFeBCWOZ5AximBnbpP7g_TgZbqho60YqzPRgIJ7mi90dwfDDpC_umY/s640/IMG_2206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh801iGmQZnMnmp3ns7ef4agHmNZy_mHxhucUjsHbvnSpdtdFhEZ2oBhu3HmGb4TnTw13VmxegvK2is99uj8TbwU6V79ACbGRsQ_sKVaczrE6gcTM0K8VttV11g296fHZYf1PcHXIRDu0Q/s1600/IMG_2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh801iGmQZnMnmp3ns7ef4agHmNZy_mHxhucUjsHbvnSpdtdFhEZ2oBhu3HmGb4TnTw13VmxegvK2is99uj8TbwU6V79ACbGRsQ_sKVaczrE6gcTM0K8VttV11g296fHZYf1PcHXIRDu0Q/s640/IMG_2209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFFVpI6DgXc3w27iAzVQRNWXVr0rI9CFV8-mymblQg6XnqWVAtor__5F67JAB7lOgjnRO4stpzLH59zHOTtnvp-TpcGFyua3Kd8FynPpxe8WYBlJNiHxRqtRhcYDabIuvJqWH7KA5aQw/s1600/IMG_2146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFFVpI6DgXc3w27iAzVQRNWXVr0rI9CFV8-mymblQg6XnqWVAtor__5F67JAB7lOgjnRO4stpzLH59zHOTtnvp-TpcGFyua3Kd8FynPpxe8WYBlJNiHxRqtRhcYDabIuvJqWH7KA5aQw/s640/IMG_2146.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Probably the highlight of the day was the cocoa and candy canes..... that is, until Cole's broke.<br />
<br />
Holy Cow. don't break your candy cane. Ever. It was traumatic, i almost didn't think we would come out on the other side of it.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M4Ul9LgJt5tNtBHAWrH-nm8_T_iSY7Szx6ovfvnF0HdlglFVnYA3dYBCstG1laBFSRihNuXKG6z1_hl016Q0RP3D0kpzcd-ybow2KeK6F1kUNCxjV4GsBIRuTGzxoXKGy-Tsrix-8dM/s1600/IMG_2228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M4Ul9LgJt5tNtBHAWrH-nm8_T_iSY7Szx6ovfvnF0HdlglFVnYA3dYBCstG1laBFSRihNuXKG6z1_hl016Q0RP3D0kpzcd-ybow2KeK6F1kUNCxjV4GsBIRuTGzxoXKGy-Tsrix-8dM/s640/IMG_2228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNjx3Z7ti8-YuuMUL_EdaK80ksYx4uoTbz-45zI5ek-UGV9BKNItskOBh118GcqXbERCONZAndcoLJQY1ms6u_YWqw76YdlEszMZfw1S8bu60vxx10zmKEj6OcyKq7-mCu0euOE5-mfI/s1600/IMG_2231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNjx3Z7ti8-YuuMUL_EdaK80ksYx4uoTbz-45zI5ek-UGV9BKNItskOBh118GcqXbERCONZAndcoLJQY1ms6u_YWqw76YdlEszMZfw1S8bu60vxx10zmKEj6OcyKq7-mCu0euOE5-mfI/s640/IMG_2231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Those were pre-breakage....obviously.<br />
<br />
We never have to fear about having lack of help.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQzppObsifn7aJ4XjA8AjDlSSPht-CB9sCEK5TYoMbeO372iRzmNIziwdvIRzwJ_UCSXODz1JfdhZ2gwHFiBYMJMSHsQp5p33DgaWj0X6FnCgSjZc4IjKez-cpexsk64wGbICvRrb_tY/s1600/IMG_2253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQzppObsifn7aJ4XjA8AjDlSSPht-CB9sCEK5TYoMbeO372iRzmNIziwdvIRzwJ_UCSXODz1JfdhZ2gwHFiBYMJMSHsQp5p33DgaWj0X6FnCgSjZc4IjKez-cpexsk64wGbICvRrb_tY/s640/IMG_2253.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpm1bV-SnKrK6rpb16M7HUM50qvWuLfXfZ67yB16P_ynsyQqDpC6aSB4nVQ-RH7Fo5Ph7v7xcY7C5SE9wFuW5DsRA-tsVlIdMRmUOB59PVO3ezlNBzXwGYR_OlXduvbHD4-zNSjzdl08/s1600/IMG_2257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpm1bV-SnKrK6rpb16M7HUM50qvWuLfXfZ67yB16P_ynsyQqDpC6aSB4nVQ-RH7Fo5Ph7v7xcY7C5SE9wFuW5DsRA-tsVlIdMRmUOB59PVO3ezlNBzXwGYR_OlXduvbHD4-zNSjzdl08/s640/IMG_2257.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIQpe2nWd4cUwtnvByklqgoshdL-67EowEfi6ZrzZl0n4DYDwGdSs2IosvJcy8EolnrXX7btWrHj83KbY6IlexS6OBQTicNvR5Dirxa3EU4ezO5kplFEpsH0ElmP5JK2iFzs1x0RlJhY/s1600/IMG_2260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIQpe2nWd4cUwtnvByklqgoshdL-67EowEfi6ZrzZl0n4DYDwGdSs2IosvJcy8EolnrXX7btWrHj83KbY6IlexS6OBQTicNvR5Dirxa3EU4ezO5kplFEpsH0ElmP5JK2iFzs1x0RlJhY/s640/IMG_2260.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we got everything good and decorated. The season seemed to just chug along. We celebrated Christmas with my family with our beloved hockey puffs for dinner. Davis seemed to be pretty darn happy with getting those in his belly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCPb9t8o-yUzw2wweN4sRugmqG18he9tKbK8F82RJ4evJX86bM8StXVqgJZ-_b36coc4F3KmRhqewgA-Hqw53kQjVs-_KKEJG_2PJYMPJMfzUd_OforCB-k2Pfbpkl4K6dnJsHmDXk-o/s1600/saari+final+edit-2594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCPb9t8o-yUzw2wweN4sRugmqG18he9tKbK8F82RJ4evJX86bM8StXVqgJZ-_b36coc4F3KmRhqewgA-Hqw53kQjVs-_KKEJG_2PJYMPJMfzUd_OforCB-k2Pfbpkl4K6dnJsHmDXk-o/s640/saari+final+edit-2594.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqquMadcBhyphenhyphenyTLiyXPkNTwATVXwAuDOs-vFZTNah2NXAy5oR1XnFR8WGzS5pTZacU9ngKsOE1K4Rv21tZ9fjeW6nrUoY6I3VzZyZ1Z9qQrN3HJ6VGB8MaoGJx_LaoHCMea86TfDk72hg/s1600/saari+final+edit-2595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqquMadcBhyphenhyphenyTLiyXPkNTwATVXwAuDOs-vFZTNah2NXAy5oR1XnFR8WGzS5pTZacU9ngKsOE1K4Rv21tZ9fjeW6nrUoY6I3VzZyZ1Z9qQrN3HJ6VGB8MaoGJx_LaoHCMea86TfDk72hg/s640/saari+final+edit-2595.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlsEweG1bKFyi35fIXl9dS0edmh9sDiL-Ax_HvyOsrvpfbvl8q77VVZQVEZ34WwHIm7fnWds4hAlb4mysqgglTacM_XsIPuxRZ3-OM6HbgwothEW5jC-f0ZlHkfWrz8hi0rpgEAGghjg/s1600/saari+final+edit-2599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlsEweG1bKFyi35fIXl9dS0edmh9sDiL-Ax_HvyOsrvpfbvl8q77VVZQVEZ34WwHIm7fnWds4hAlb4mysqgglTacM_XsIPuxRZ3-OM6HbgwothEW5jC-f0ZlHkfWrz8hi0rpgEAGghjg/s640/saari+final+edit-2599.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctRKi8WFZZUUFbJzEQc611NTZU5lgrEdeNB0voqP0qkah-HA0GkfY-uE4Tn7Zp28AcImKkH6OaeouxCXtFuFZ8JSZyY4sLbkk3k26oHEGjAg4pD4vhmakAtDjgVdFNfh6RiBsYSCrp5s/s1600/saari+final+edit-2602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctRKi8WFZZUUFbJzEQc611NTZU5lgrEdeNB0voqP0qkah-HA0GkfY-uE4Tn7Zp28AcImKkH6OaeouxCXtFuFZ8JSZyY4sLbkk3k26oHEGjAg4pD4vhmakAtDjgVdFNfh6RiBsYSCrp5s/s640/saari+final+edit-2602.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Me too little buddy, me too. I won't tell how many I managed to get in my own belly...kind of embarrassing but so completely worth it. Yum.<br />
<br />
There were cousins, minimal squabbles (miracle!) presents of course. Papa's trains around the tree. (Cole set up a fluorescent race track around ours...just to be twinning with his papa)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYgkSU8JlHPK_AKZW3LS4VQyOIS7cPHTcyV7uXxuRCcDV9kCXba_Z1qOOVyMOs4knFFisnwxzbg8iqsaCkpObWmH_l_Te_r_LaHmzQ2FBxLlDiuTvshNDyvAgqlrJiLeKXiHwWo9zjMk/s1600/saari+final+edit-2630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYgkSU8JlHPK_AKZW3LS4VQyOIS7cPHTcyV7uXxuRCcDV9kCXba_Z1qOOVyMOs4knFFisnwxzbg8iqsaCkpObWmH_l_Te_r_LaHmzQ2FBxLlDiuTvshNDyvAgqlrJiLeKXiHwWo9zjMk/s640/saari+final+edit-2630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjQf91N7w5ZXLPCbXhCnDyy85Gg12BIu-luWXU4achW4m7L64bF7fgnNQ8oR4sifthwHV93iCJZKFq3w6Ox8QaUFqcFnFtyaIqzdSBbJgJjYBC4NpdvqYWqb74PXQ82JNiPbs-OEwu3s/s1600/saari+final+edit-2632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjQf91N7w5ZXLPCbXhCnDyy85Gg12BIu-luWXU4achW4m7L64bF7fgnNQ8oR4sifthwHV93iCJZKFq3w6Ox8QaUFqcFnFtyaIqzdSBbJgJjYBC4NpdvqYWqb74PXQ82JNiPbs-OEwu3s/s640/saari+final+edit-2632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then something that has quickly grown to be one of my favorite part of our family Christmas is this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK44wv8FcdveDAj1WDf5E7RvefEfiqrny4L_oJWib_wSmYWkZV7iRhIVg5RXI977murFznJEGxl4Pusp4dB3mZbejrBflUc1n-gXxGkf7oHVkvDdXlbJQn3Ky9-yhIyt1vxkt1M_alh0/s1600/saari+final+edit-2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivK44wv8FcdveDAj1WDf5E7RvefEfiqrny4L_oJWib_wSmYWkZV7iRhIVg5RXI977murFznJEGxl4Pusp4dB3mZbejrBflUc1n-gXxGkf7oHVkvDdXlbJQn3Ky9-yhIyt1vxkt1M_alh0/s640/saari+final+edit-2641.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LChtzEgRc2G65S6tzSz8kbBzDkmqdslOdlorTGRybwVr5akrn7256npczEnbEl6CFJFBEV-oAJTNrKB1xM1eFtkE32-VeOtTyUC_ALL5unK6j5Jf-9nYveuDy5zpcyFpuwxZZsUegF0/s1600/saari+final+edit-2653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LChtzEgRc2G65S6tzSz8kbBzDkmqdslOdlorTGRybwVr5akrn7256npczEnbEl6CFJFBEV-oAJTNrKB1xM1eFtkE32-VeOtTyUC_ALL5unK6j5Jf-9nYveuDy5zpcyFpuwxZZsUegF0/s640/saari+final+edit-2653.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkqq3G72Gs9U1-ralsEhn4N8j_UnNT46A2E3FLtOw6Nto7BUrFO-OwSFnddbgmV9y-lcETm33FlrEHrt_PuDIHak4SMriEJjMjKCXT_aMHMnNaqYS2Rq-vg-RbIg_ggmsPWCVW7ahRz0/s1600/saari+final+edit-2658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkqq3G72Gs9U1-ralsEhn4N8j_UnNT46A2E3FLtOw6Nto7BUrFO-OwSFnddbgmV9y-lcETm33FlrEHrt_PuDIHak4SMriEJjMjKCXT_aMHMnNaqYS2Rq-vg-RbIg_ggmsPWCVW7ahRz0/s640/saari+final+edit-2658.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqKnk5qnhEun_CF_DkThQk5HDwPYKyPchf29iRzjp4NoBZYJcPBJsUxBvPVrKwGYqXd7udaGvLJ6TofcLHx9Ll6jxJRTXVJvr6s41tujMWBseUTtfQytesrcaJMteaqiJG4YN20KdEM0/s1600/saari+final+edit-2661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqKnk5qnhEun_CF_DkThQk5HDwPYKyPchf29iRzjp4NoBZYJcPBJsUxBvPVrKwGYqXd7udaGvLJ6TofcLHx9Ll6jxJRTXVJvr6s41tujMWBseUTtfQytesrcaJMteaqiJG4YN20KdEM0/s640/saari+final+edit-2661.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Papa reads the story of Jesus' birth and all the grand kids act it out. It is sooo cute! I slacked on getting photos of everyone because i was too busy watching the cutest mini actors and actresses.<br />
<br />
The following week our home was blessed with the stomach bug. And just as we were starting to feel ready to reenter civilization and the land of the alive again, we got hit with hand, foot and mouth disease.<br />
<br />
How do we manage to get so lucky? So Cole's Christmas break was spent in quarantine but Kyle's parent's graciously and heroically still allowed us lepers to come for Christmas.<br />
<br />
What a fun time we had. We made gingerbread houses.....which we never actually got to stay together....Grandma even broke out the hot glue gun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkMuy1N1rCau0rqZFaMSHu6rRBYzLLDg5jdXNby6rtISycVDrX5RfIEgAYhJplEInlh_9tsRMkOJEoFWaLvuVC2kENoTRt1T-GcgUQMh-EECZPlq214U1nlGWAm16k3YTGxANGvy5bIA/s1600/saari+final+edit-2874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkMuy1N1rCau0rqZFaMSHu6rRBYzLLDg5jdXNby6rtISycVDrX5RfIEgAYhJplEInlh_9tsRMkOJEoFWaLvuVC2kENoTRt1T-GcgUQMh-EECZPlq214U1nlGWAm16k3YTGxANGvy5bIA/s640/saari+final+edit-2874.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_OwYW9g83PRnA-YQagtOyINPoUhTTb3jeatj0Y1kHV3wmxmhZJ4aBOkEIc31PLuwlhc1rbsC0chZROwRTc7JiOOilOvGnS4csJL6NeQEg431vw7BNiAPTo-AdcdcxGdiCYvayhC6lOQ/s1600/saari+final+edit-2877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_OwYW9g83PRnA-YQagtOyINPoUhTTb3jeatj0Y1kHV3wmxmhZJ4aBOkEIc31PLuwlhc1rbsC0chZROwRTc7JiOOilOvGnS4csJL6NeQEg431vw7BNiAPTo-AdcdcxGdiCYvayhC6lOQ/s640/saari+final+edit-2877.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyj3CnzlKQKkLE-m4VMKSVrrQMV3_g7bms-Fuae6M_ZmzGymLqHqTL8RTpFZ9Yf6v_jIFKudWbInB4oDLbiTlPFdSJLLMUsgUYuFBJq7BMSjN8hUK2KKnMYnq_1v2W8bvN09orgYcvMg/s1600/saari+final+edit-2878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyj3CnzlKQKkLE-m4VMKSVrrQMV3_g7bms-Fuae6M_ZmzGymLqHqTL8RTpFZ9Yf6v_jIFKudWbInB4oDLbiTlPFdSJLLMUsgUYuFBJq7BMSjN8hUK2KKnMYnq_1v2W8bvN09orgYcvMg/s640/saari+final+edit-2878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_FYDxqQF-0GRf50kT44AMZTgDgJ5tZdxhbkiM1MsxkG3psVZFUTOp2ihOKlSCB0YhQ37KdEwRkYlsJx5RFgeK3b8QV2v6UT_JioJg7-IDfk4tGiC6tQQ7XihlPMbl87i2o4-xInWewE/s1600/saari+final+edit-2882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_FYDxqQF-0GRf50kT44AMZTgDgJ5tZdxhbkiM1MsxkG3psVZFUTOp2ihOKlSCB0YhQ37KdEwRkYlsJx5RFgeK3b8QV2v6UT_JioJg7-IDfk4tGiC6tQQ7XihlPMbl87i2o4-xInWewE/s640/saari+final+edit-2882.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjropKb3ppE8bwPimHA5A0nKLf74DCOpNfTtjA9KVOJGCvQZXFAO5m_xKDONQxwUrxOMItUtdD5sfnjpk5dOtZELBUCDrFNgmpOWjMPEkpLdT-fM5glahC3nKtfXbqvsZMuyhtrcDW-xwk/s1600/saari+final+edit-2887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjropKb3ppE8bwPimHA5A0nKLf74DCOpNfTtjA9KVOJGCvQZXFAO5m_xKDONQxwUrxOMItUtdD5sfnjpk5dOtZELBUCDrFNgmpOWjMPEkpLdT-fM5glahC3nKtfXbqvsZMuyhtrcDW-xwk/s640/saari+final+edit-2887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfg7eGhy8MMTdi1o3zYYkW8byXstRoKPqz7WTyhV0bEWInoDioJe3YapCoWGXUMWBnFdoz283W1NvXIBPmwGzYdfBIkfqhYIIMBVP0ke93qkLJKdFNbgxcwBdo6y6exZELgKyVHhR8MM/s1600/saari+final+edit-2906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfg7eGhy8MMTdi1o3zYYkW8byXstRoKPqz7WTyhV0bEWInoDioJe3YapCoWGXUMWBnFdoz283W1NvXIBPmwGzYdfBIkfqhYIIMBVP0ke93qkLJKdFNbgxcwBdo6y6exZELgKyVHhR8MM/s640/saari+final+edit-2906.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYWLdk95jPTxfPM_NcBiXV6-gmXjbTj0QpFP4fGD4syh06GJlson8gRBiJeOfDOxCsBciYCVhi3s8F-LNuWmP68XM7grbVo-uK1bEvA76qTx6e4PriPVbROllLEqDN_GiylJHuwWQw04/s1600/saari+final+edit-2912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYWLdk95jPTxfPM_NcBiXV6-gmXjbTj0QpFP4fGD4syh06GJlson8gRBiJeOfDOxCsBciYCVhi3s8F-LNuWmP68XM7grbVo-uK1bEvA76qTx6e4PriPVbROllLEqDN_GiylJHuwWQw04/s640/saari+final+edit-2912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3sr-PmywIXjwYJTj_Jr_5Yoi0lzth_PgU2ANGLLG9KBxqu78MNign9Ut2nOjOUUBDdFnvkp1-kh7DpBrHX8iNaE6DT1hfxpZQbbGEB3ccSGif6bMe4EYfpFTmQu8mIz9v01mAHgToLI/s1600/saari+final+edit-2915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3sr-PmywIXjwYJTj_Jr_5Yoi0lzth_PgU2ANGLLG9KBxqu78MNign9Ut2nOjOUUBDdFnvkp1-kh7DpBrHX8iNaE6DT1hfxpZQbbGEB3ccSGif6bMe4EYfpFTmQu8mIz9v01mAHgToLI/s640/saari+final+edit-2915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jWhV8QMT4BZbyLiB0MMjB1Z3td8RET_RypQaJ4g6aHsDsCRGtZr433u0GdI3bLWp46TThGEn1L1T276DOoWXeQsLRCtstqn4pxYITg7ALtUPX3WTsIOLiY0VDHnZUfkogsqaFC1vjhY/s1600/saari+final+edit-2920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jWhV8QMT4BZbyLiB0MMjB1Z3td8RET_RypQaJ4g6aHsDsCRGtZr433u0GdI3bLWp46TThGEn1L1T276DOoWXeQsLRCtstqn4pxYITg7ALtUPX3WTsIOLiY0VDHnZUfkogsqaFC1vjhY/s640/saari+final+edit-2920.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
And then we rounded up the fun festivities with checker and jenga. Cole is actually really good at both and it extremely competitive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgusupBrgPk6SnNUn2esWAQt3frMImenIiGzITVtyOHtA2kqmOEKgENd6pJsiMYcCr7U_uSRmFMr7AE4Arj3Dd9Gtfv8g7TXWIj-vwIK0RG2d5e3rxE610NkchYJp8m_n1ZmFjLETrz4/s1600/saari+final+edit-2934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgusupBrgPk6SnNUn2esWAQt3frMImenIiGzITVtyOHtA2kqmOEKgENd6pJsiMYcCr7U_uSRmFMr7AE4Arj3Dd9Gtfv8g7TXWIj-vwIK0RG2d5e3rxE610NkchYJp8m_n1ZmFjLETrz4/s640/saari+final+edit-2934.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5xaIlCsUosSYVrx4PuXAx3Vn7qupcoTwAACbshCjl6oKu4ue96dE6HsvoZcOk4DQVv7lL4kvQwQunGOsO_2r3jD-G5sZcVF_DA0SC2yKbLFR2oTSYaw_wksS_x6SWpinSDzjAZvREc8/s1600/saari+final+edit-2935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5xaIlCsUosSYVrx4PuXAx3Vn7qupcoTwAACbshCjl6oKu4ue96dE6HsvoZcOk4DQVv7lL4kvQwQunGOsO_2r3jD-G5sZcVF_DA0SC2yKbLFR2oTSYaw_wksS_x6SWpinSDzjAZvREc8/s640/saari+final+edit-2935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcKJFSklt_SyGbbf-a4DuPdpttaGHH-g-z_iAcj5rH2jw7qtw_BabM7oQk_wmHFf_VvS5XWTohkYCVIcM_lyPsWUmM_hve7yMN6wgmeb4DC07dy2NL6V3aeciMg-mVYZuhIPEylCqHI0/s1600/saari+final+edit-2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcKJFSklt_SyGbbf-a4DuPdpttaGHH-g-z_iAcj5rH2jw7qtw_BabM7oQk_wmHFf_VvS5XWTohkYCVIcM_lyPsWUmM_hve7yMN6wgmeb4DC07dy2NL6V3aeciMg-mVYZuhIPEylCqHI0/s640/saari+final+edit-2939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7nd1LqNPnCCJiPYM0ZI0HSgS3zskeQKRvpqMZJcY5Vv9RRQ5KHVHpMa0XAYfHJBV-U7epuZmPhZ0PSJeMCy7mnYxLnhml3ISQStLblP5l_MOmoizS_hEuEkoHu3kPFdgmNuC7lsjLLM/s1600/saari+final+edit-2962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7nd1LqNPnCCJiPYM0ZI0HSgS3zskeQKRvpqMZJcY5Vv9RRQ5KHVHpMa0XAYfHJBV-U7epuZmPhZ0PSJeMCy7mnYxLnhml3ISQStLblP5l_MOmoizS_hEuEkoHu3kPFdgmNuC7lsjLLM/s640/saari+final+edit-2962.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEnCaI8xTrddIRCSqebacLx1OsmiRXZXv0XHz7YpQYpjwLFPFwEgWp-1ssaPvzfaMSg5xJxuAjptJHZJdBe29rP8ee8v6Mmci2_ibffNqj2HOPR6aUS0uKJFnw0lz5jg_bCaFDP7aXaQ/s1600/saari+final+edit-2969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEnCaI8xTrddIRCSqebacLx1OsmiRXZXv0XHz7YpQYpjwLFPFwEgWp-1ssaPvzfaMSg5xJxuAjptJHZJdBe29rP8ee8v6Mmci2_ibffNqj2HOPR6aUS0uKJFnw0lz5jg_bCaFDP7aXaQ/s640/saari+final+edit-2969.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqTRyFXHICpv6bA8cqdYRAEGWGH2Lzup4y7hHXJotzXTPhlhjXp9UFPtKoB1atLmjs-lKh1iu2xqw5FJb9ipfMc3HQHUE4QMOnhemN4__IsCXm3kHwWrly_aiCUsBD5RUuL6zXELZcG0/s1600/saari+final+edit-2978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqTRyFXHICpv6bA8cqdYRAEGWGH2Lzup4y7hHXJotzXTPhlhjXp9UFPtKoB1atLmjs-lKh1iu2xqw5FJb9ipfMc3HQHUE4QMOnhemN4__IsCXm3kHwWrly_aiCUsBD5RUuL6zXELZcG0/s640/saari+final+edit-2978.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHqIVfXTkrdR9MA1hODbOZkExHROluEfKHbv5iJHHqXvGmXdptFc5Hj8p9OsLRxqPB-GAEUKEP6xhVzMpZ0axPQuFI0QIAtBJwPEvXqfdBoBxEPD65CSAwYzfxYUKpGTXA_uUr_TRgCo/s1600/saari+final+edit-2942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHqIVfXTkrdR9MA1hODbOZkExHROluEfKHbv5iJHHqXvGmXdptFc5Hj8p9OsLRxqPB-GAEUKEP6xhVzMpZ0axPQuFI0QIAtBJwPEvXqfdBoBxEPD65CSAwYzfxYUKpGTXA_uUr_TRgCo/s640/saari+final+edit-2942.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />And then Davis be like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvNGmz_L1wSDZ-dqkHVqnQ5df3uuStwGfRuXioiIwcmza_MWxsLR-ER6vqmPlES-hdFFbgetxl8bsSdkPAUW5gbiLQVIbNsBBk3Hx80WfUVLaSptZHWfI5cttlvgxDEbe2FmmNe40TKU/s1600/saari+final+edit-2984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvNGmz_L1wSDZ-dqkHVqnQ5df3uuStwGfRuXioiIwcmza_MWxsLR-ER6vqmPlES-hdFFbgetxl8bsSdkPAUW5gbiLQVIbNsBBk3Hx80WfUVLaSptZHWfI5cttlvgxDEbe2FmmNe40TKU/s640/saari+final+edit-2984.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Christmas season included lots of snuggling, movies, puke buckets, little sleep to balance out all of the fun festivities. We took the kids to the winter wonderland on PIR just to get them out of the house. And we may have snuck them to get ice cream one night and just told them not to breathe or touch anything while we were there. Because man, hfm during Christmas is no fun! But oh what fun we still did have. I have to say that through it all, they were pretty good sports. <br />
<br />
And that there is our Christmas wrap.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-69892607033038661752016-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:002016-12-19T13:18:34.351-08:00He's Six!So you think it's about time I post something....anything...on this poor neglected blog of mine? I finally have a little bit of break to breathe between photo sessions and thought I would take a moment to write up my oldest's 6 year post.<br />
<br />
6. SIX.<br />
<br />
Some days I can't even believe it. Then I look at him and I feel like every day I notice something about him that looks older. The way he is stretching out, his dimply round face looking a bit more chiseled and refined. His pants are getting shorter, and his hands bigger and stronger. I'm realizing more and more that we are getting closer and closer to a young man in the making.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmwGl0j3Dul-bbwukh1txn96Ey-InoKeVUT6izo7gn-M5K74LUrCJ1TX4mR5xt7EKazXFX7m1pm4SYkD5q3dgYEeYiUTHXmTJ_5M4ZcX1UcYcJzztJgBvqI6r2-QUUtLsRcqnNrljPLY/s1600/IMG_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmwGl0j3Dul-bbwukh1txn96Ey-InoKeVUT6izo7gn-M5K74LUrCJ1TX4mR5xt7EKazXFX7m1pm4SYkD5q3dgYEeYiUTHXmTJ_5M4ZcX1UcYcJzztJgBvqI6r2-QUUtLsRcqnNrljPLY/s640/IMG_4139.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwxe-W5dJExw0Mh9pC213pnsVTaoXQ09iiKaV2A6_vHWFaZrVr095_nVeVnvdauytdxXxVR6wU6v3SDRuopCCH8QWkUZj_iSGySlqksUSgF4R4BzRwovSNcVYzfokA5L6DTmbhbZVHG4/s1600/IMG_4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwxe-W5dJExw0Mh9pC213pnsVTaoXQ09iiKaV2A6_vHWFaZrVr095_nVeVnvdauytdxXxVR6wU6v3SDRuopCCH8QWkUZj_iSGySlqksUSgF4R4BzRwovSNcVYzfokA5L6DTmbhbZVHG4/s640/IMG_4144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This has been a big year. He started kindergarten, and he could not possibly love it any more if he tried.. His teacher has put in a request for a class full of Cole's. :) I get comments pretty much every week about how he's never without a smile. He walks (runs) in with a gigantic, ear-to-ear-smile. Often times his brothers and I are left in the dust of his run every morning. I'm pretty sure he would rather be at school than at home with me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXWd9_sp8YCUdXmtARtO8WaB9sldT0XRlEJjS8Cj4ZsYNNxx06-b3WnXLOS05dqC3vxpHCJcXlPpr2aF6t8EhI5HMX99A7tAbFtVzmKVKRhotdTo4iNdmrJS6YIBZ6tukHwxYKAs_PfQ/s1600/IMG_4100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXWd9_sp8YCUdXmtARtO8WaB9sldT0XRlEJjS8Cj4ZsYNNxx06-b3WnXLOS05dqC3vxpHCJcXlPpr2aF6t8EhI5HMX99A7tAbFtVzmKVKRhotdTo4iNdmrJS6YIBZ6tukHwxYKAs_PfQ/s640/IMG_4100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgyRFBNyazs1R2pubYlMw9e-LXB1c1Isloo5Dh6664O7hD8Q5NTmCKxpVrHbHXGSNMUHgNGnd_JiktP6i0O78nGPF_5WK0z1YP2IpOKTrJ2Hssl5ip9ugYkFk2IYqY2-6NDlawJ9Pthc/s1600/IMG_4168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgyRFBNyazs1R2pubYlMw9e-LXB1c1Isloo5Dh6664O7hD8Q5NTmCKxpVrHbHXGSNMUHgNGnd_JiktP6i0O78nGPF_5WK0z1YP2IpOKTrJ2Hssl5ip9ugYkFk2IYqY2-6NDlawJ9Pthc/s640/IMG_4168.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9IEmSyXv57D9a3KsjqGdEvLxY5Sq11XgYVOjAd3FY2ejxznDx3nehs6zXC2wPewZM-TVYuoBwn7tlRyhmyyw_JNHzpGQTMLLxj3xAzgn7P_jv-0fy2Cx00DvnY9bTVW3aqaRkv9cReQ/s1600/IMG_4099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9IEmSyXv57D9a3KsjqGdEvLxY5Sq11XgYVOjAd3FY2ejxznDx3nehs6zXC2wPewZM-TVYuoBwn7tlRyhmyyw_JNHzpGQTMLLxj3xAzgn7P_jv-0fy2Cx00DvnY9bTVW3aqaRkv9cReQ/s640/IMG_4099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE5RWYZoY5NCCU03DfEwbwaMxkli10HvdkqXHTa3_Hs-mWozofSYvZGqPT25igcHAMxwwy54bIDtvXvm4XDOY0P-qtwf6fHKpYrjA55SzCwiVBXCgux5NFQEe4ogt8Uqf4RB7iyoihK8/s1600/IMG_4167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE5RWYZoY5NCCU03DfEwbwaMxkli10HvdkqXHTa3_Hs-mWozofSYvZGqPT25igcHAMxwwy54bIDtvXvm4XDOY0P-qtwf6fHKpYrjA55SzCwiVBXCgux5NFQEe4ogt8Uqf4RB7iyoihK8/s640/IMG_4167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He wastes no time to hang up his coat and backpack, grab his supply box and get right to work on whatever his teacher has set at his desk. Apparently he is usually the first one finished and I'm so not surprised by this. He has always been a bit of an overachiever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8Z8SfQpPorpC2mL0TVcp_pf4LzXG5BfWYXVAa8eq3HiFmHlA4OhsRNCbBH3IqzX8kc7Tkw9y1uOcsqhrdSC9qcM2AGnh9XsT9T7wuU2u1fm_qhwOIBCPk-LtAiHHWOkcHSHa_s0Udgk/s1600/IMG_4162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8Z8SfQpPorpC2mL0TVcp_pf4LzXG5BfWYXVAa8eq3HiFmHlA4OhsRNCbBH3IqzX8kc7Tkw9y1uOcsqhrdSC9qcM2AGnh9XsT9T7wuU2u1fm_qhwOIBCPk-LtAiHHWOkcHSHa_s0Udgk/s640/IMG_4162.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">Every day I'm reminded how ready he was for this and how thankful I am that we found a school that we adore as much as he does. So far he says his favorite subjects are P.E. and Library. And of course, he anxiously awaits what his weekly role with be....he has been dying to be on calendar duty but has put a lot of pride in being the weather man. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">I've noticed a change in his vocabulary. It includes things like "cool-cool" and his most recent "definitely". Kyle and I both crack up whenever he uses the last. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">Me: "Cole, are you ready for dinner?"</span><br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">Cole: "definitely"</span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">Of course, there are many types of scenarios and questions that he uses this word for, and every time it makes me smile. I just feel like it is another way he makes himself feel bigger and older. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">And I'm realizing now that I never blogged about his birthday...my my....poor first born. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">He decided last year that he wanted a minion party. He hadn't even seen any of the minion movies when he made his decision. But he stuck with it. So a minion party we had.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">I feel like our parties are getting less and less in the creative department. Mainly, because I'm tired. Always tired. And throwing two parties about a month apart is proving to kick my tushy. But in all honesty, I'm finding that the details just don't seem to matter. What matters is that we set aside one day to celebrate and throw some extra special love on my boys. Just having their family there (and presents and cupcakes--of course) seems to be all that is needed. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">I've also loosened my grips a bit and let them step in and help when they asked. My former perfectionistic ways would have had a panic attack. But now, I am embracing the help and.....perhaps the excuse that it wasn't my fault if they don't turn out. ;)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-HoGfMTikA3N7paQadj9in6xBXLlfkmeAeVY7_6Ki5faeBcqINrorXGXEVrlckgOcEEybGU3xgau6-JxNi5J8uOyTCLUeEY4dUiL3ViYks0pFi0lypr6i2aIwvMnsYUOSdclo6iWwYo/s1600/IMG_8532+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-HoGfMTikA3N7paQadj9in6xBXLlfkmeAeVY7_6Ki5faeBcqINrorXGXEVrlckgOcEEybGU3xgau6-JxNi5J8uOyTCLUeEY4dUiL3ViYks0pFi0lypr6i2aIwvMnsYUOSdclo6iWwYo/s640/IMG_8532+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD62JkKAAviJz4fHZIbcJNputA6RIPdtsVK4MZTjT3uNcbD2eAxM6boZZOPDDfd-NqL9msk_yZY5ylipkhPU9JMZT-4IrS_QPlHV5dtX8BJI9I3UwKgWGdrHK-Kq0LgZ8nQ8bTe81nD4/s1600/IMG_8533+copy+2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifD62JkKAAviJz4fHZIbcJNputA6RIPdtsVK4MZTjT3uNcbD2eAxM6boZZOPDDfd-NqL9msk_yZY5ylipkhPU9JMZT-4IrS_QPlHV5dtX8BJI9I3UwKgWGdrHK-Kq0LgZ8nQ8bTe81nD4/s640/IMG_8533+copy+2+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">Cole and Bennett were in charge of helping make the twinkie minions for the cupcakes. Speaking of which, when was the last time anyone ate a twinkie?! They were more disgusting than I remember them being. But the boys thought they were amazing! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnmorMLGEoxeE2y6WjpOHqCe3RFX7SD5MmXs9mCteeohiYsRS0YDljLPdTHJ9l7kSv0UpPY3sFsPVyJOfQPsKuGfM7DYMWYZ9W0dI-Lltn-DY4xTivnqKS2AsuPLwCwEtdNHTttSLHqU/s1600/IMG_8541+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnmorMLGEoxeE2y6WjpOHqCe3RFX7SD5MmXs9mCteeohiYsRS0YDljLPdTHJ9l7kSv0UpPY3sFsPVyJOfQPsKuGfM7DYMWYZ9W0dI-Lltn-DY4xTivnqKS2AsuPLwCwEtdNHTttSLHqU/s640/IMG_8541+-+Copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg69aNgmvUTO8VAMFAuWyjIhaWD1LvxciHlFIMcX7Z01upZly620U9suLAxGjwECPy915DWNyXOvLeXQIzWDSEZrUXhRxDGYjWuN5WALDC_gWfLLZ0-wGwq19EExjHzVfymaqDcTuV5OA/s1600/IMG_8548+copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg69aNgmvUTO8VAMFAuWyjIhaWD1LvxciHlFIMcX7Z01upZly620U9suLAxGjwECPy915DWNyXOvLeXQIzWDSEZrUXhRxDGYjWuN5WALDC_gWfLLZ0-wGwq19EExjHzVfymaqDcTuV5OA/s640/IMG_8548+copy+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">But by golly, they looked pretty cute and I just loved watching how intently and hard they worked on them and the little details.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3OHqf7cFstyZUmhqsezKwq4DHltAuR9_0z4p8Vwxo4M4Smu_JTku05q-4yLUdInC1Eg2K9ffXN42pr0dkowus1tcDftN3rk2Ti3IjZc7hqHhFTHqYGj0bj3xhz3FDHMLp8Hl4lSjSpI/s1600/IMG_8571+copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3OHqf7cFstyZUmhqsezKwq4DHltAuR9_0z4p8Vwxo4M4Smu_JTku05q-4yLUdInC1Eg2K9ffXN42pr0dkowus1tcDftN3rk2Ti3IjZc7hqHhFTHqYGj0bj3xhz3FDHMLp8Hl4lSjSpI/s640/IMG_8571+copy+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">in addition to the cupcakes, we served banana cream pie cups, pineapple fizzy sludge drink, and of course, more bananas--because I was informed that was a minions favorite thing to eat.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMILvq2Ulxh_UX-IVhNoyezpXkyq2Z3sNOpYkgqMGEzwrmpoSy1qmyGXT7AvrBMfKxnLrmqPZdJt6pyuMfzV2xc_kum5OLCPC_dLbZByWmrlmSgK4Dujryf9oZ7Sswk-5dq4FdE6JIYo/s1600/IMG_8561+copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMILvq2Ulxh_UX-IVhNoyezpXkyq2Z3sNOpYkgqMGEzwrmpoSy1qmyGXT7AvrBMfKxnLrmqPZdJt6pyuMfzV2xc_kum5OLCPC_dLbZByWmrlmSgK4Dujryf9oZ7Sswk-5dq4FdE6JIYo/s640/IMG_8561+copy+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA2tY2WutrvPNw4KtTmJocH48vrPNapXBvlSpQx9oYCz5gNpeJ3wz3vIVJ78yLluNn1saqUIuUpEYkI6tzb-YotiAHA_bvbqsHhyphenhyphenZ5fNJNSMTlYy4IyGssbvByquD5khSWTC1HaCFhGk/s1600/IMG_8562+copy+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigA2tY2WutrvPNw4KtTmJocH48vrPNapXBvlSpQx9oYCz5gNpeJ3wz3vIVJ78yLluNn1saqUIuUpEYkI6tzb-YotiAHA_bvbqsHhyphenhyphenZ5fNJNSMTlYy4IyGssbvByquD5khSWTC1HaCFhGk/s640/IMG_8562+copy+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">And then I got the bright idea that we would get a photo of all the boys....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hIQhutuKahPlODMChvHA-Q-GyzGBsC4PSqpaQro352vmEdC1yolr8pkkIfdPI_QvU_j9akqyFVGIzdTNuFANdpjwi5QwHaynd6zom_weH1d0Ah8isOso1kLEgCALQ_bvaySeqe-Y9YE/s1600/IMG_8590+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hIQhutuKahPlODMChvHA-Q-GyzGBsC4PSqpaQro352vmEdC1yolr8pkkIfdPI_QvU_j9akqyFVGIzdTNuFANdpjwi5QwHaynd6zom_weH1d0Ah8isOso1kLEgCALQ_bvaySeqe-Y9YE/s640/IMG_8590+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">I asked them nicely to get together and smile---please?!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PokgorfoEA_JJtwgHqgZSEazLb5KUalHOkKpooO1BRZIMSw0jQo5l5VXmgGt354NEDn3CVZFtqxb_7z1z5RK9IzJ_HVUnM5vh01FIyP7ND9mvhyphenhyphen505XCrRllRyabdlfU587GzLJhqnA/s1600/IMG_8591+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PokgorfoEA_JJtwgHqgZSEazLb5KUalHOkKpooO1BRZIMSw0jQo5l5VXmgGt354NEDn3CVZFtqxb_7z1z5RK9IzJ_HVUnM5vh01FIyP7ND9mvhyphenhyphen505XCrRllRyabdlfU587GzLJhqnA/s640/IMG_8591+-+Copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1535563413">Typical.</span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">Check out the birthday boys face.....can you guess who was the guilty party in this picture? </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">He slightly redeemed himself, but Davis was less than impressed.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RcmGMctJmsX364dj3SiSTXZIQG0uTOUbUN8jOdV1W7rwbgnc9ySnMjRCDTpgU1lxfNrqvsQaAyJEHRTXJdzlPzyRVPJdpMmai3yweAEA6j0p7GxA89XbaXQWFVng49mt36r5_u_0s68/s1600/IMG_8601+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RcmGMctJmsX364dj3SiSTXZIQG0uTOUbUN8jOdV1W7rwbgnc9ySnMjRCDTpgU1lxfNrqvsQaAyJEHRTXJdzlPzyRVPJdpMmai3yweAEA6j0p7GxA89XbaXQWFVng49mt36r5_u_0s68/s640/IMG_8601+-+Copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">I'm pretty sure Cole wrapped some random things around the house for presents for others... he does this often--birthday or not. He just loves to wrap things up and give them away. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">He;'s also been my decorator sidekick. I've never met someone his age who loves to rearrange, organize, decorate and put such a personal spin on everything. I've given up on any kind of pinterest worthy room and just let him do what he wants. Because he will spends hours turning his room into his latest vision. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">He spent a full day covering his room wall-to-wall in pictures that he artistically drew. </span><br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1535563413">And then there were a few weeks/months were he had converted his room into an office like dad's. He used spare wood beams and old cardboard boxes. But everything had a special place and absolutely HAD to be realistic or it just wouldn't cut it. The times that him and Bennett spent in their "office" was bliss. For several hours they actually got along while answering phones and typing on their computers. They stayed very very busy, I think their boss is a bit of work horse and runs a tight shift. Where else are undies the appropriate work attire? Undies....always the undies.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG65SuPCE77gCkkdYMAnjjQZUPU-kffOZXDqQ428e_lf5GJnfoaZCoJxZ8XZiWoQs5g2GtLN_Hy_9n5XPXm-1TJ54YDheCCD7IackVocfI4KsfuAOF-DeDkH6HMf-lu-MnpYF6cOSUJ7Y/s1600/IMG_4514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG65SuPCE77gCkkdYMAnjjQZUPU-kffOZXDqQ428e_lf5GJnfoaZCoJxZ8XZiWoQs5g2GtLN_Hy_9n5XPXm-1TJ54YDheCCD7IackVocfI4KsfuAOF-DeDkH6HMf-lu-MnpYF6cOSUJ7Y/s640/IMG_4514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0OisoOz8OjRB2_OAW0r9J4C23ADsDeAXOurHd2Xo2hWqdP9VvMc41dLtzBJtF1G3vWWrjY1Tbw9Cqx5zwzZJgoZQyiEWXIULdv-5ttJg8ynoLy22qJWp-ihJN1I_dm4C8EEe8c-0o8o/s1600/IMG_4517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0OisoOz8OjRB2_OAW0r9J4C23ADsDeAXOurHd2Xo2hWqdP9VvMc41dLtzBJtF1G3vWWrjY1Tbw9Cqx5zwzZJgoZQyiEWXIULdv-5ttJg8ynoLy22qJWp-ihJN1I_dm4C8EEe8c-0o8o/s640/IMG_4517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB5FaUSg0S2FakG2CW3ltI3xNuSK0UhhO6Alzz4foiJkFc6NIr5l7Tn2LI0aDSzc7cERVkdlYYZJqnnz18OraH_vs06o3v7DtsV2T0hs9JLUrYljQFC8LXb8f_d5cCtPGcWJbxQA_sRQ/s1600/IMG_4520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB5FaUSg0S2FakG2CW3ltI3xNuSK0UhhO6Alzz4foiJkFc6NIr5l7Tn2LI0aDSzc7cERVkdlYYZJqnnz18OraH_vs06o3v7DtsV2T0hs9JLUrYljQFC8LXb8f_d5cCtPGcWJbxQA_sRQ/s640/IMG_4520.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegDJoub5gg1TRCcxnUzsmOECv1W_i0lqqcQ7oDrx7PPt1kulA84-lfpYPy5q_BorTm8s6F3jy29bqjCJN7eoTAq2BOyc_avZQ7D8WV7J1bwk2lj-qw-kM1gRRADJOK3Wn7CrbDKk0dSc/s1600/IMG_4521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegDJoub5gg1TRCcxnUzsmOECv1W_i0lqqcQ7oDrx7PPt1kulA84-lfpYPy5q_BorTm8s6F3jy29bqjCJN7eoTAq2BOyc_avZQ7D8WV7J1bwk2lj-qw-kM1gRRADJOK3Wn7CrbDKk0dSc/s640/IMG_4521.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1702209194"></span><span id="goog_1702209195"></span><br />Then there was the library inspired after a recent trip to ours. He had certain sections for different books, a scanner, and was, of course, the sole librarian.<br />
<br />
He received a huge tub of legos for his birthday and those have become a favorite pastime when not turning our home into one of his organized creations. And when he isn't building, he can often be found drawing or wrapping a present for someone.<br />
<br />
Seriously, this boy loves presents---giving them almost as much as receiving (almost). I have just loved to see this generous and thoughtful side come out of him. I think it's pretty safe to say that giving of gifts is one of his strongest love languages.<br />
<br />
I love to watch his eyes sparkle and dance when he gifts things to people. He get so incredibly excited and then slightly awkward and embarrassed when he receives the praises of thanks. This is just a smidge of the many things that I adore about him.<br />
<br />
He is thoughtful and kind and such a giver.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO5OqdA4jkswPvSSp9-fSZGegVxGMvxhPZ6MnjM7Vw4FZ5BpxNmDtzn3YOVgG_rE7hKcoWen4Hec0eaDROgVXGukU_zA873zITKa-BlWbM9Gnp4kAOuYDmBmDgfG4T7InBeEtP0VYH2c/s1600/IMG_3306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeO5OqdA4jkswPvSSp9-fSZGegVxGMvxhPZ6MnjM7Vw4FZ5BpxNmDtzn3YOVgG_rE7hKcoWen4Hec0eaDROgVXGukU_zA873zITKa-BlWbM9Gnp4kAOuYDmBmDgfG4T7InBeEtP0VYH2c/s640/IMG_3306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We've had lots of hard moments this year. There's been a lot of adjustments. But I have got to say, that I'm loving to see the kind of person he is growing up to be. I love learning knew ways he ticks, I like to see what catches his attention. And I have LOVED watching him shine as he has gone to school. I love that he loves to learn, takes pride in following all the little details of assignments and strives to do the very best he can. Those are such amazing traits that will carry him far in life.<br />
<br />
I know too often there are days that I run out of energy to keep up with him...days I feel I strike out and should have--could have done better. But he has been so resilient to my shortcomings and I couldn't be prouder.<br />
<br />
Proud mom. Right here.<br />
<br />
Proud of him, proud of what he has accomplished...what he wishes to accomplish. We lucked out when God gave him to us as our firstborn. Sometimes my heart gets stuck in this weird position where I catch a glimpse of him as a teenager. I get excited (a lot scared) but mostly excited for what is to come with him.<br />
<br />
Cole, you are an amazing amazing young boy. Thank you for who you are and for lavishing me with so many gifts. My most favorite gift though, is you. You were the greatest gift born back that October day 6 years ago. You are the gift that keeps on giving (literally). You are always giving, you little sweetheart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UB9EnLMyeFWii5wmR5GyAujVrGdsQo9nNf7hV59gh71yJlXSbXKNROoxFQyvwFVEmYmoX-ijCBSVU6bUbwjV_0RUkCY51USWkuq5GCWP5pnQ0Jtr6lsBzJ-mWZ1pplak5d24YfE8XIE/s1600/IMG_3830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UB9EnLMyeFWii5wmR5GyAujVrGdsQo9nNf7hV59gh71yJlXSbXKNROoxFQyvwFVEmYmoX-ijCBSVU6bUbwjV_0RUkCY51USWkuq5GCWP5pnQ0Jtr6lsBzJ-mWZ1pplak5d24YfE8XIE/s640/IMG_3830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Love you to infinity and beyond bud (and no, you can't top that kind of love---my love is stronger and always will be ;) ) Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-50904698098644758442016-10-15T19:14:00.001-07:002016-10-15T19:14:13.354-07:00ROARRR He's 4Since it's almost time to celebrate Cole's birthday party, I thought it would be a good idea to get Bennett's done and documented.<br />
<br />
Somewhere along the line of last year he developed a love of dinosaurs. He's been asking for a dinosaur party for as long as he realized he could actually put in a request for the type of party he wanted.<br />
<br />
I actually loved the idea, and knew we would be able to use a lot of his dinosaurs for decoration. I've also had to let go of the fact that things are going to get reorganized and redecorated despite my best efforts. I'm learning to loosen up and embrace the "help". <br />
<br />
Sure, it may not look "perfect" in some eyes, but it does in mine. Because I know that there were some cute little hands that worked very hard to make their display look party worthy.<br />
<br />
All the dino's lined up and ready for the party to start! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9578l2aOZNzyMmANwNOvJlilnrwf5BSyyMJEyYL1-_I-43gvs70E9vP0Bsev-H1NpwFEBnhtqEAzQB-fZ_U9wF4FdCG0prSZoz38JaSy4Z1DLfkn2h6TuOVW5_n2WydDdTZoB9-4CAEQ/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9578l2aOZNzyMmANwNOvJlilnrwf5BSyyMJEyYL1-_I-43gvs70E9vP0Bsev-H1NpwFEBnhtqEAzQB-fZ_U9wF4FdCG0prSZoz38JaSy4Z1DLfkn2h6TuOVW5_n2WydDdTZoB9-4CAEQ/s640/IMG_4871.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMA2zpQPjgmFCW35tJbsHfTUCZfN209XtQNnSJI8-22LYIrU0fxYkRHkXJB1P_xf9lk01roLYpKjx98D8geUOAhruVWPou8pNzUloVWiufuP6tK4DpKRlQm_emAmgPweWAJCoTNPptQ_M/s1600/IMG_4882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMA2zpQPjgmFCW35tJbsHfTUCZfN209XtQNnSJI8-22LYIrU0fxYkRHkXJB1P_xf9lk01roLYpKjx98D8geUOAhruVWPou8pNzUloVWiufuP6tK4DpKRlQm_emAmgPweWAJCoTNPptQ_M/s640/IMG_4882.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXw2JFRJ-xHK8CpzZ609cRtfBTmZUqSTdnVs2mp7SWLOjTITCNU5UDrQ_XOJrCv6k12r5QAwsyEf0NKvn6eAt-rytO6E2BIRyI6tUPAz6J8h2GjrHz9S31Idl3MjSazmA7tHgPbJJNDk/s1600/IMG_4880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXw2JFRJ-xHK8CpzZ609cRtfBTmZUqSTdnVs2mp7SWLOjTITCNU5UDrQ_XOJrCv6k12r5QAwsyEf0NKvn6eAt-rytO6E2BIRyI6tUPAz6J8h2GjrHz9S31Idl3MjSazmA7tHgPbJJNDk/s640/IMG_4880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Grandma Bonnie helped make us the volcano while the boy's cousins were visiting from Germany. And then the boys got to finish it up and help paint it. Which turned into a huuuuuge mess that I won't even go into details about. But it was a mess and they nearly lost having their volcano at all.<br />
<br />
I had some nests around that we threw up there as dino nests filled with cupcakes and rock candy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFskAQkEVyIH4XM3aY2KAqh_lEd9iXjUgZNCpAgXhf5gAc1ucsZbYct9Z0efYrKF8YPGELS56BfMpDOIoXC8-YwYS9qAnSgBSUMcmxu_MF11PPBIKGLPtXPFIHJdl0LJPQ0s8j_blX2c/s1600/IMG_4878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFskAQkEVyIH4XM3aY2KAqh_lEd9iXjUgZNCpAgXhf5gAc1ucsZbYct9Z0efYrKF8YPGELS56BfMpDOIoXC8-YwYS9qAnSgBSUMcmxu_MF11PPBIKGLPtXPFIHJdl0LJPQ0s8j_blX2c/s640/IMG_4878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmDNgdSWXXo6TQI8q07iPpb9pHtHJY26v1vW08-qCepvWaH4dlVQvSbV2W7UEHTAE5svddrCvz_J3C71E5GsPJVXACk1IhKs2MXEA-f5L_LC43jSi75zOE2YRPGyb1wiT510yMv6GIP8/s1600/IMG_4881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmDNgdSWXXo6TQI8q07iPpb9pHtHJY26v1vW08-qCepvWaH4dlVQvSbV2W7UEHTAE5svddrCvz_J3C71E5GsPJVXACk1IhKs2MXEA-f5L_LC43jSi75zOE2YRPGyb1wiT510yMv6GIP8/s640/IMG_4881.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In my heart of hearts I wanted to have "herbivore" and "carnivore" snacks....but when it came right down to it, I just didn't have the energy or time. And decided it wasn't worth the stress, so we kept it simple and stuck to oreo "dirt" cupcakes and "swamp juice".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaBnmnnNKF4fqeBBrhU7c434zdbj_IyOycwpjziBiUWQhQBXl6MHhi-TzDN6l1PMYcZeyL8Cbhtjn1br1JbxnhSwmt53Xrghg-frpyJ_t39pbZzRyWknsL3dLbBdyHVKoiYcNa0WP4rc/s1600/IMG_4873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaBnmnnNKF4fqeBBrhU7c434zdbj_IyOycwpjziBiUWQhQBXl6MHhi-TzDN6l1PMYcZeyL8Cbhtjn1br1JbxnhSwmt53Xrghg-frpyJ_t39pbZzRyWknsL3dLbBdyHVKoiYcNa0WP4rc/s640/IMG_4873.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oVCpV5frnnnbRzv2j7Xoa00KWMmSLpqDmd6kbgAtSpNMdkjNfH1l4NfOFivMWE-_m5t77zWcL5hS2Sd5d1ZeZ90yhHS1tNhBjIgqqcwQxFNZVqPnw_-XXQ9UxHRcq_wk8J-MdhoX3xw/s1600/IMG_4953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oVCpV5frnnnbRzv2j7Xoa00KWMmSLpqDmd6kbgAtSpNMdkjNfH1l4NfOFivMWE-_m5t77zWcL5hS2Sd5d1ZeZ90yhHS1tNhBjIgqqcwQxFNZVqPnw_-XXQ9UxHRcq_wk8J-MdhoX3xw/s640/IMG_4953.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The boys just love all their cousins, so we decided to have some fun with them. I got everyone dinosaur masks. They looked so cute, and the littlest dino didn't seem to be very enthused about the mask idea.<br />
<br />
P.S. You know your cousin is completely comfortable and right at home when she packs up her slippers to wear at the party. :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK93cDwPCfChrrZArn4vfJ7AG9uf_7mjJM2l-C9a60SUFtM4DmeJxI07i7jE-FyIq1-67DP4XsqKzQe9UaCSqL9_HPnbI5EHB7DRkHtJOb8ay3u6dp3eLVudzNUh67IKYAVsiQpbM4s2k/s1600/IMG_4891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK93cDwPCfChrrZArn4vfJ7AG9uf_7mjJM2l-C9a60SUFtM4DmeJxI07i7jE-FyIq1-67DP4XsqKzQe9UaCSqL9_HPnbI5EHB7DRkHtJOb8ay3u6dp3eLVudzNUh67IKYAVsiQpbM4s2k/s640/IMG_4891.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloS7Ye6R0d1VWE0R-2GwC5RxQIdi05h6FER38YORRBdxI41L3bgMxigV7_u1pFZTc4XS44JJqKxwjbKiEcsZJIxO9t8iPXn3CbUAe7e1BxCBQ_2lEcoTwhkr1Nl8xc6SDhbnEDvXV7YE/s1600/IMG_4896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloS7Ye6R0d1VWE0R-2GwC5RxQIdi05h6FER38YORRBdxI41L3bgMxigV7_u1pFZTc4XS44JJqKxwjbKiEcsZJIxO9t8iPXn3CbUAe7e1BxCBQ_2lEcoTwhkr1Nl8xc6SDhbnEDvXV7YE/s640/IMG_4896.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOtv7mDaORlkIf65INXQzsbYzqoGUuMr0BfzyJqyQZ2l1t6Q3V4c0k2Le-HJEPM_Lo10T-XqjlYBdaU1L9w9SUXqUUzowvKC91R3ZHLu1GjjvgtG5Sb17kBZXKtLcTOyHJljaGp5v0lg/s1600/IMG_4927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOtv7mDaORlkIf65INXQzsbYzqoGUuMr0BfzyJqyQZ2l1t6Q3V4c0k2Le-HJEPM_Lo10T-XqjlYBdaU1L9w9SUXqUUzowvKC91R3ZHLu1GjjvgtG5Sb17kBZXKtLcTOyHJljaGp5v0lg/s640/IMG_4927.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPhiYPVHKM06fEmry6GjWhCOCJmXVHtO9qlIQAG6YES9gllJb38h0skteKSMGATZ3aExrGKHI0_AyYgclFDq7Px7XCy9P0QMOWA7sE74v2fpCi8R1L6s4J-7OtPIaN7XVmZJO_r61jxo/s1600/IMG_4928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPhiYPVHKM06fEmry6GjWhCOCJmXVHtO9qlIQAG6YES9gllJb38h0skteKSMGATZ3aExrGKHI0_AyYgclFDq7Px7XCy9P0QMOWA7sE74v2fpCi8R1L6s4J-7OtPIaN7XVmZJO_r61jxo/s640/IMG_4928.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxpu_8czgKJOdCGtyXMmkuwVgbJvSj4boP5BRro43m9d4K1VDkqX-rWaQlAMMqNHIg25HOnQtlrbFzCZNeEbH-bJ47jAyp7JabO41mzjg5m0m_-hJ_5RHNBtspqPFBCjsy8Ba4w34lgo/s1600/IMG_4937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxpu_8czgKJOdCGtyXMmkuwVgbJvSj4boP5BRro43m9d4K1VDkqX-rWaQlAMMqNHIg25HOnQtlrbFzCZNeEbH-bJ47jAyp7JabO41mzjg5m0m_-hJ_5RHNBtspqPFBCjsy8Ba4w34lgo/s640/IMG_4937.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvlx0PXkRirxHaoLUKqaAKa-gk-j6HumUmwUr-Td0Z8lY7CCplY1jlG4YJVQZ935MAcvrEZWYgtd999RE3RYf6-EnJZ-ik4vc6bxJCMcLnxUdZwuoSG5mMNO5FIvOlQmsns1jw_DRXwo/s1600/IMG_4939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvlx0PXkRirxHaoLUKqaAKa-gk-j6HumUmwUr-Td0Z8lY7CCplY1jlG4YJVQZ935MAcvrEZWYgtd999RE3RYf6-EnJZ-ik4vc6bxJCMcLnxUdZwuoSG5mMNO5FIvOlQmsns1jw_DRXwo/s640/IMG_4939.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We had a dino egg scavenger hunt. Which was brought to my attention
that no, they were not actual dinosaur eggs, but plastic Easter eggs. Duh. We all raised a bunch of literals. Once they moved past that little fact, they hunted and found eggs stuffed with dinosaur tattoos, hatching dino eggs, and something else...I can't really remember now. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFBTes0-dZTNKi_dLqgi0VBNpztzdDbpQgWx4Z-ZzDa2_6ZoBdj05r9WOFVcnB35Wi23MHfpQa575kD4e26kldXs8WOx_-s-y5wseI61uw1wMewRL4QUpze0MF1Vd2yKoiZKmFbOmgp0/s1600/IMG_5005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFBTes0-dZTNKi_dLqgi0VBNpztzdDbpQgWx4Z-ZzDa2_6ZoBdj05r9WOFVcnB35Wi23MHfpQa575kD4e26kldXs8WOx_-s-y5wseI61uw1wMewRL4QUpze0MF1Vd2yKoiZKmFbOmgp0/s640/IMG_5005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM69n7rAthGtfWlNQzisjXykxE2qwwiR71-4GpTTqeYzKQf_646qjEhBLYT4W5mUZdYVZZTFhLmvTaAHUmuUvfyXP4WmGc5yt6R75DLixYQvnztfvLldTdYZkyzVuwyrVbnIizB-DE9o/s1600/IMG_5008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM69n7rAthGtfWlNQzisjXykxE2qwwiR71-4GpTTqeYzKQf_646qjEhBLYT4W5mUZdYVZZTFhLmvTaAHUmuUvfyXP4WmGc5yt6R75DLixYQvnztfvLldTdYZkyzVuwyrVbnIizB-DE9o/s640/IMG_5008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3e5YgFqIMstTH2_5VBABAq6_cmC17d7oEl2gOEU_N4rPCZpjCx4vVi5GRaW4vbpkTbtYmIxe57YMYPY_vbyfyvBQDThRU1zlBBih7w-1a4Xpm69xHU6EDM_ktUwPTA-ZfrCKlEw8PVb0/s1600/IMG_5018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3e5YgFqIMstTH2_5VBABAq6_cmC17d7oEl2gOEU_N4rPCZpjCx4vVi5GRaW4vbpkTbtYmIxe57YMYPY_vbyfyvBQDThRU1zlBBih7w-1a4Xpm69xHU6EDM_ktUwPTA-ZfrCKlEw8PVb0/s640/IMG_5018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_-eeNid4RsTYeEEgHdMUqSBthRCmJRjDm-lu5XK57EdQiQA5Hp0MJZ8Mm9P2G1hUYVcfnm66nglWX-tvIpAzitCxls-5xWpOdNqRFQUpF0dJ4EhtWE7OR0euYz1egsbpQxL2idB-ktU/s1600/IMG_5028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_-eeNid4RsTYeEEgHdMUqSBthRCmJRjDm-lu5XK57EdQiQA5Hp0MJZ8Mm9P2G1hUYVcfnm66nglWX-tvIpAzitCxls-5xWpOdNqRFQUpF0dJ4EhtWE7OR0euYz1egsbpQxL2idB-ktU/s640/IMG_5028.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The best part happened when Cole announced that I needed to pass out goodie bags. And I looked at him completely confused and told him that I didn't have goodie bags....he went running inside and came out with ziplocs full of "stuff". He had made everyone their own goodie bag! In case you forgot, he breathes for parties and picks the ball up when I apparently drop it. We all got a good laugh and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the things that he randomly put in each bag. This one included a game piece (thank you Na for giving it back), a bracelet that he had made, one solo purple crayon and a sucker. He needs to be my party coordinator from now on....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ6h_sfbYV6NgavjJnvQ4PBGR53xR1ejGRxNngdEQ0tSYf-eO9gx63qu3e2rm2hvcbdNdIBxOoAGJevgt35qbAa1h5WLtwDtp6flLHFK51NcFl3tgv4LurjAN063pJugWDScutvj_omI/s1600/IMG_5015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZ6h_sfbYV6NgavjJnvQ4PBGR53xR1ejGRxNngdEQ0tSYf-eO9gx63qu3e2rm2hvcbdNdIBxOoAGJevgt35qbAa1h5WLtwDtp6flLHFK51NcFl3tgv4LurjAN063pJugWDScutvj_omI/s640/IMG_5015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We did all the normal party stuff like opening presents, playing, story time for my littlest bookworm, and of course cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpL6ochCAQ8Yqy1pkgVLRzwgEUR-beVoPuBucqZ0VSBAqn6e6yneorqSfwFlY8bmJrQEiWP9s_5uVWXTXOBlmIHnxPkO16fvWYb0WEUZqwgchOdHbqbwcqYlgGrbRxxJMlNAvJpWOGUY/s1600/IMG_5046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpL6ochCAQ8Yqy1pkgVLRzwgEUR-beVoPuBucqZ0VSBAqn6e6yneorqSfwFlY8bmJrQEiWP9s_5uVWXTXOBlmIHnxPkO16fvWYb0WEUZqwgchOdHbqbwcqYlgGrbRxxJMlNAvJpWOGUY/s640/IMG_5046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaj3lbNlNDSdIJ6HqtYhwJLXZhr9eTRnZaHZqB9hw1mUttE9v5-7fz7qouoXWW78wgtpt3x4PzcHux3yoBPk1wKj3xiuLWcocT-UCJ_8B3dnLOkE_Vj0iwgLQVTjKoO8NH0uXVAncBHI/s1600/IMG_4961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaj3lbNlNDSdIJ6HqtYhwJLXZhr9eTRnZaHZqB9hw1mUttE9v5-7fz7qouoXWW78wgtpt3x4PzcHux3yoBPk1wKj3xiuLWcocT-UCJ_8B3dnLOkE_Vj0iwgLQVTjKoO8NH0uXVAncBHI/s640/IMG_4961.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5vO0mR92xo1AHa7rMtlq23tAuG5tFzxo-K2DVDrQvJGKcisDr75cczxSOsAUA6ZiRlQ6fELtNaCpin1GzDeZ4S-2VPFpg6XOJRSC3KQEZ4S3nOTa3QydX_hhKD5jrrfioOCF4LzzW4o/s1600/IMG_4963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5vO0mR92xo1AHa7rMtlq23tAuG5tFzxo-K2DVDrQvJGKcisDr75cczxSOsAUA6ZiRlQ6fELtNaCpin1GzDeZ4S-2VPFpg6XOJRSC3KQEZ4S3nOTa3QydX_hhKD5jrrfioOCF4LzzW4o/s640/IMG_4963.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91G02Q3vrxZ8jRs2T08goCsc_25bwk1Qdef2xnM0_iTqn79Im-zVG2e6wZ9Z5fvAE3AtG3rfVj1TTwc0UvJ0rR1hLO8mawTCSZLnAo8h0xM3BjSIhNxMU7Y_9tTZB8cPQiloHae2MM8o/s1600/IMG_4967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91G02Q3vrxZ8jRs2T08goCsc_25bwk1Qdef2xnM0_iTqn79Im-zVG2e6wZ9Z5fvAE3AtG3rfVj1TTwc0UvJ0rR1hLO8mawTCSZLnAo8h0xM3BjSIhNxMU7Y_9tTZB8cPQiloHae2MM8o/s640/IMG_4967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-My4LGjGlFQ0Tys5ZC0hvzFXMuyOZYk3SpksMdpE-4FjrzNm24eiXoXdCAiBZ-QsPXvcj8mFSAifKDslGJaAAxuQ6BGQQ6A-4UAJEzaTKH1hP9-rmmd9-TPHxVDxNOyMDOK7EgoS1T8o/s1600/IMG_4949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-My4LGjGlFQ0Tys5ZC0hvzFXMuyOZYk3SpksMdpE-4FjrzNm24eiXoXdCAiBZ-QsPXvcj8mFSAifKDslGJaAAxuQ6BGQQ6A-4UAJEzaTKH1hP9-rmmd9-TPHxVDxNOyMDOK7EgoS1T8o/s640/IMG_4949.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Mmmm....cupcakes. Easiest <a href="http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2012/05/cookies-cream-cupcakes.html">recipe</a> ever! Yes, usually I'm all about cupcakes from scratch, but I was in the mood for a white based batter, and I just needed easy. Plus, I could have eaten a bowl full of that oreo frosting by itself. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEpmuzbACVdkVO-ZQoN7cUE_9Kc0XGYmRFu3KDUJ9N2AmCQyCcVY_TNSKwYhWStue4z1v_Msf43Y45C_EWSTU8gk3sAmyQ95-g8u0wG8nGLjZop-DC8jLMhmDt3gETb3bCMY2wp_JfY0/s1600/IMG_5084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEpmuzbACVdkVO-ZQoN7cUE_9Kc0XGYmRFu3KDUJ9N2AmCQyCcVY_TNSKwYhWStue4z1v_Msf43Y45C_EWSTU8gk3sAmyQ95-g8u0wG8nGLjZop-DC8jLMhmDt3gETb3bCMY2wp_JfY0/s640/IMG_5084.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxGNgyfm7fviUoD371G22m1-IkXkujuD7KdGu8s6ZD22NN3-gM3KArZvnt-cvlvjiIDy3xbAiRpgrfxIq_1QGFhup_THkdXAWKEPO5-fqfsORrkP_M5Ijy9yWd6lXB67Zyynj0fEuyCU/s1600/IMG_5101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxGNgyfm7fviUoD371G22m1-IkXkujuD7KdGu8s6ZD22NN3-gM3KArZvnt-cvlvjiIDy3xbAiRpgrfxIq_1QGFhup_THkdXAWKEPO5-fqfsORrkP_M5Ijy9yWd6lXB67Zyynj0fEuyCU/s640/IMG_5101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqXiE1Omx-dIirOl5o5pdbYHHct8kiSin1RXcBGOiyxeGc4XqZnA7Q6K-xIDdMuuvMwQfSYDxGT7rwbmlwZYkvfTfeFqjrPjp4YW5KCc4Z5O8l9D3kV8O8AcbEdnXMwoeh9lQIlxPS3o/s1600/IMG_5105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqXiE1Omx-dIirOl5o5pdbYHHct8kiSin1RXcBGOiyxeGc4XqZnA7Q6K-xIDdMuuvMwQfSYDxGT7rwbmlwZYkvfTfeFqjrPjp4YW5KCc4Z5O8l9D3kV8O8AcbEdnXMwoeh9lQIlxPS3o/s640/IMG_5105.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT7FogP5R7auBOnDmQyRbq9Fltqdtn9vdQsM6_WR09dnnXzs4yW1HEP2lBl2zIRwpiwqcJWzwZXfav0vlikI262dgzoEUKI_4_VaYfMB1zzrsXr7jdqhKzUNClpU3zPnsT49LF1QhMhc/s1600/IMG_5112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzT7FogP5R7auBOnDmQyRbq9Fltqdtn9vdQsM6_WR09dnnXzs4yW1HEP2lBl2zIRwpiwqcJWzwZXfav0vlikI262dgzoEUKI_4_VaYfMB1zzrsXr7jdqhKzUNClpU3zPnsT49LF1QhMhc/s640/IMG_5112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Davis thought so too....he would have gladly gone for a few more cupcakes. I'm pretty sure he sat there saying "pease?" in his sweetest voice. Let's just say he gets lots of extra cookies and sweets that I never would have allowed his brothers....perks of being third child I suppose.<br />
<br />
It was such a fun day celebrating my big boy! I'm so thankful for all who showed up to make him feel dinosauriffic (too much?) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2Kuu_65meG5sK_2oRFBEAMaF5l-r-rKC8GaJfmxSJLkkCXUpNgGUBq-oVfxTOnh8fFhFBoPEUklOLbfWZTB6nTJOeL44bRDbID_C6A3c8uhLqSyhd6mvfYBvyWXy6oSXx799eNT4gzA/s1600/IMG_4885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2Kuu_65meG5sK_2oRFBEAMaF5l-r-rKC8GaJfmxSJLkkCXUpNgGUBq-oVfxTOnh8fFhFBoPEUklOLbfWZTB6nTJOeL44bRDbID_C6A3c8uhLqSyhd6mvfYBvyWXy6oSXx799eNT4gzA/s640/IMG_4885.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTveYuWxJnINYZu_gHoHXeFfqv_2KCh1QONhKrH0WxEb7xWeA4qi4fP-Quz2KaSR_U59azGvpNVIHK48JucNmvbS8LzaAPufR_zaSsikjHHTMdrgnpLuMer5jMneSllOOnaA8xYNEIfj0/s1600/IMG_4966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTveYuWxJnINYZu_gHoHXeFfqv_2KCh1QONhKrH0WxEb7xWeA4qi4fP-Quz2KaSR_U59azGvpNVIHK48JucNmvbS8LzaAPufR_zaSsikjHHTMdrgnpLuMer5jMneSllOOnaA8xYNEIfj0/s640/IMG_4966.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We love you sweet Bennett boy, happy (very late) 4th birthday dude! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-42123696334369942982016-10-14T12:59:00.000-07:002024-02-24T18:56:49.082-08:00He's 3...no wait, 4.I kid you not, I almost wrote, "how did this boy turn 3????" Well, he's not 3, he's now 4. I tell ya, when will I ever be able to keep my kids ages and birth dates straight? Probably never.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5jqV50YD5VLmWM8M_FbIlfk5PNxqfeZT8xutiEElLhIjwwoZaPuHPidDuRBs0WbACnyOG5u58VMwJnPgCxWQmXmxq_mJPvAQuILonoEMHYt7aoUD6WAT1rg7H30ideesPj-8T2VuJd0/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252841+of+154%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5jqV50YD5VLmWM8M_FbIlfk5PNxqfeZT8xutiEElLhIjwwoZaPuHPidDuRBs0WbACnyOG5u58VMwJnPgCxWQmXmxq_mJPvAQuILonoEMHYt7aoUD6WAT1rg7H30ideesPj-8T2VuJd0/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252841+of+154%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But seriously, soon he will be marching his own two feet into his kindergarten class. Some days it seems like forever and an eternity away....and then there are days, like today, where I could cry, it seems to close.<br />
<br />
But I'm going to get real, like really really real. I have sat with this half written blog post open on my computer for the past month. I could not bring myself to write about my Bennett boy...because we were in a thick fog of hard. There were days I felt completely and utterly defeated.<br />
<br />
Days I wanted to throw in the towel.<br />
<br />
Days....I kind of did.<br />
<br />
Days that I spent more time crying and feeling like yes, I have finally lost my mind.<br />
<br />
Days I actually convinced myself that I am really not made for this mom thing.<br />
<br />
So, here this blog post sat until I could clearly articulate (or try) this season of life with Bennett.<br />
<br />
This boy, gosh, I love him dearly, and so much that it hurts. BUT he hurts my pride, he pushes me to the max of where I never thought I could go. He digs deeper and further than any of my boys. And he is so much like me! Yet, there is beauty. Sometimes it is a bit harder to see...but it's there and it's amazing and wonderful and all things God intended.<br />
<br />
Allow me to give you a glimpse of a typical morning. We now have to drive Cole to school ever morning. This is like a sprint to a very long finish line that must be achieved in a matter of seconds. Some mornings it seems merely impossible. But we manage...most of the time. I have to try and leave early, because there is one boy (this post is about him) that moves slower the faster I need him to move....it's like trying to make a slug pick up speed. And the more I ask him to move faster the tinier his steps become. It is not uncommon for me to look like I'm dragging my now 4 year old into the school that promotes love and God and all things Biblical. And every morning, I probably look like the stellarist of all moms, exemplifying an abundance of grace....I'm sure.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, was a particularly rough morning...it took us 25 minutes just to get on the freeway (it usually takes 3 minutes). We were very late (I hate being late), It was pouring (I don't the rain). Bennett decided this would be the morning to make me shine brightly. In an attempt to get him to again, change his slug-moving ways....he got mad. He threw himself on the freshly puddled sidewalk, while I half begged/half drug him to Cole's class....all the while marching our late selves passed the huge windowed classrooms...that were now in session---with a kicking and screaming toddler in tow. He wouldn't pick himself up off the sidewalk, so I put Davis down (who walked perfectly alongside his oldest brother) while I scooped my red-faced screaming Bennett. Apparently he really DID want to walk because he then started another round of screaming stating just that. I had to corral all three boys into the tiny school office (since you know, we were now very very late and we needed a late slip) and it was crowded, full of others who were also late. I got a lot of "I hope your morning gets better's" After getting Cole safely to his class and one more screaming stand off later, a switch was flipped and he decided to happily add a pep to his step as he practically skipped back to the car. Upon arriving at the car, he quickly turned to me and in the perkiest little voice said, "let's go get a treat!"<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure I laughed...not nicely...but I laughed.<br />
<br />
And this, this is how much of life is with him. When it's hard, it's hard. And just when you think, I'm going to lose every marble in every part of my brain....it's over. And you see him in all his sweetness.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I have to constantly remind myself of this. Let the storm blow over....ride it out. It will be worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc71Tqs_j24IG-1d-tpaY-7sUueYcVRLMdd9N8erPDzwwOxgg6780uIo_pC-5Z4dUbWdAMnm9iky4FmHtInTZRv_F2kKy2ZEuT3bRJWORv9aI6siYn5SOpV7LUMnVAW517ftBD5rIDL-k/s1600/IMG_3472_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc71Tqs_j24IG-1d-tpaY-7sUueYcVRLMdd9N8erPDzwwOxgg6780uIo_pC-5Z4dUbWdAMnm9iky4FmHtInTZRv_F2kKy2ZEuT3bRJWORv9aI6siYn5SOpV7LUMnVAW517ftBD5rIDL-k/s640/IMG_3472_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
So yes, this year, as with much of Bennett's life, it ebbs and flows in waves. We have rocky storms and peaceful breezes. He is my intense, stubborn, LOUD, stubborn, affectionate, stubborn, smart, stubborn, kind-hearted (if he chooses), stubborn, daring, stubborn, shy, stubborn, little boy. If his mind is made up about something he wants, doesn't want, thinks I should or shouldn't do, then he will fight for it until his death....usually taking out ear drums and his mama's patience along with him.<br />
<br />
Today, as we were getting into the car after dropping Cole off at school, he slapped a bedazzled bracelet on his wrist (Cole's Sunday school creation) and proclaimed loudly that he was a Genie and he would grant me any wish I wanted.<br />
<br />
Me: "My wish is that you would listen and obey your mother"<br />
Bennett: (in a very genie-like voice) "I cannot grant you that wish....next wish please."<br />
<br />
Of course. I think that statement pretty much sums up life with him right now. <br />
<br />
There is no need to guess with him, and absolutely no beating around the bush. I suppose this has its positives...and probably more so as he gets older.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQO33JZriXF-uEQ-FnMmxogRu4yCn8y2OIKzg_77i7CjOjp0LIAxcmcO21r-yOMTmCdp4mq_TRWenZAZXqteg7yqPmfh1aNLpx4jaPOgT4nVYnNi77iW4sAD3bM8ofWwiH4dsRYOr4Uw/s1600/IMG_3434_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQO33JZriXF-uEQ-FnMmxogRu4yCn8y2OIKzg_77i7CjOjp0LIAxcmcO21r-yOMTmCdp4mq_TRWenZAZXqteg7yqPmfh1aNLpx4jaPOgT4nVYnNi77iW4sAD3bM8ofWwiH4dsRYOr4Uw/s640/IMG_3434_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
For all the passionate energy his little body explodes with, sleep simply does not seem to be high on his priority list. Months ago we waved our white flags in desperation and started giving him doses of melatonin. We tapered him off of it and it seemed to be doing the trick, we finally thought, "yes, he has got this normal, human sleep thing down--finally."<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure he has been snickering in his room ever since that thought first made its way through our heads. He decided he no longer "needs" his nap. Adios to mama's "me time". And he still wakes up calling for daddy at least once per night and usually stays up way later than he should "playing" in his room when he should be going to bed. We just close the door now and let him wear himself out instead of fighting it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJul2evQNyFrqkBN8bWVX2Kls2sNkjnRK3ZNT-EZupcTylwX5_2aWleKA-4sNYNqE2gN6SakhSLFTrgKmmxXfxHWgruwQ6wOhKZw_LpsjQK-JD7qeKL3hlE4VlOkrbydkozAU6NT4112M/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252837+of+154%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJul2evQNyFrqkBN8bWVX2Kls2sNkjnRK3ZNT-EZupcTylwX5_2aWleKA-4sNYNqE2gN6SakhSLFTrgKmmxXfxHWgruwQ6wOhKZw_LpsjQK-JD7qeKL3hlE4VlOkrbydkozAU6NT4112M/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252837+of+154%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Even with little sleep, he is ambitious, and as we all know, passionate. I have no doubt in my mind he is destined for great things. I have always called him my mountain mover and shaker. He just needs to learn how channel it into positive outlets. And once he learns, world, you better be ready for him. He will be a good force to be reckoned with.<br />
<br />
While at his 4 year check. (He actually gained 5 lbs from last year (currently at 34 lbs)....you would never be able to tell, but he did!) Anways, his doctor asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. I knew right away what his first three answers would be.<br />
<br />
Bennett: "A bire-bighter (fire fighter), a dotter (doctor), a denist.... (and in his last little breath of air, his voice lowered every so slightly to an ominous tone)....and a MINJA (ninja)."<br />
<br />
If anyone could pull off all of the above, he could. Even the ninja part. Just you wait!<br />
<br />
And that is what I love so much about him. He aims high and even the hard doesn't seem out of reach for him. If you tell him he can't do something....he will set out to prove you wrong. Even if it means trying to launch himself through the air from a chair to the couch that are about a mile apart.<br />
<br />
And when he gets out of his "I'm going to conquer whatever it is that you don't want me to conquer" mode, he softens and is so affectionately loving. He notices things that most kids his ages don't. He's perceptive, observant, and knows how to make you feel like a million bucks--if he wants. He is always the first to compliment me on what I'm wearing, and will grab my hand in the exact moment that I need it. And this is where I see another reflection of me, he needs the affection as much as I do. He loves to be carried down the stairs or for me to carry him in from the car. He often squeezes my neck and gives me kiss after kiss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG4_hQGmkbK-3SK3uZx30ZA0WUQQWd8z4DKxr69y_PyhRqh713wzuifFRYDFb6HvnXe2Ym00wYIFdsKrWi18U6J00ooo_Qbl230n1BnvKZsGSO2hSxc7dKlTRC2C_M_ro-DKQ6EJoeuk/s1600/IMG_3392_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG4_hQGmkbK-3SK3uZx30ZA0WUQQWd8z4DKxr69y_PyhRqh713wzuifFRYDFb6HvnXe2Ym00wYIFdsKrWi18U6J00ooo_Qbl230n1BnvKZsGSO2hSxc7dKlTRC2C_M_ro-DKQ6EJoeuk/s640/IMG_3392_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is when I sigh and exhale and remind myself that he is a powerful little being that will do great things, but he also still very much needs me. He needs my love and affection, he needs those boundaries, he needs consistency and time to allow his imagination to go wild. About that imagination, I love it about him. I often find him in his own world playing with dinosaurs, peppa pig, anything he can hold in his hand and make talk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh8yJD2FDJBGctxfoA_mLp0z5W5nS-HTbNSvzm57phzFLLrY6cntvuxJ2ERnv5C634ZAKifSb2PLc2Z-U96fYMQsNZFd2pLwE8b4RRXK_SMQ8PdH0MeyakNHxSHwKmf25j0h2Ob4QPqI/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252840+of+154%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh8yJD2FDJBGctxfoA_mLp0z5W5nS-HTbNSvzm57phzFLLrY6cntvuxJ2ERnv5C634ZAKifSb2PLc2Z-U96fYMQsNZFd2pLwE8b4RRXK_SMQ8PdH0MeyakNHxSHwKmf25j0h2Ob4QPqI/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252840+of+154%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My dear dear Bennett, You like to remind me often that you are a big boy now because you are 4. You think you are bigger than you are. May no one ever underestimate how mighty you are despite your size. I know I often don't parent you the best way, I know I make so many mistakes that I'm afraid to try and count them all. I know that there are many situations and battles with you that I wish I could do over. You are a constant and ever changing force, I need to remind myself constantly to allow you room. Room to vent, to breathe, to be. I know in my heart of hearts that you are going to charge this world with that same force that I battle with daily. And the world better watch out because whatever you put that mind to, you won't stop until your mission is complete. I can already see how you will use that quality for greatness and touch others in very sincere and deep connecting ways. Because when you love, you love deeply. I pray daily for you, for me, for us. Sometimes they are prayers for strength and guidance....because sometimes, my son, I don't feel capable. I feel like I will fail you, that I won't be able to provide the equation of grace + discipline to = a positive outcome. Sometimes I just don't grace very well. And I'm working on that, please know I am working very very hard on that. Because you and I, we thrive on grace and find comfort in secure love. How thankful I am that when I fail you, you have Jesus who makes up for what I lack and everything else in between. Lastly, I hope you always know that I love you deeper than you will ever be able to understand. Because it's deeper than sometimes I can <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-15020092263322444612016-09-06T10:46:00.000-07:002016-09-06T10:46:35.438-07:00Big boy school--we're coming for youPlease, someone tell me this is not happening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RnP4UtfEDG93aEewD89WjR_L1i_P6Uv96alnJH9U928zTnWzuTRbXxNpexvQvd1Y1m5Bx0wr2H9P3HOaSGUGOL0jfDOWCANeTfwQmqg4PPPX66nnzOr56CmWZefBb7hNilrdZ1jMiX0/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252833+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RnP4UtfEDG93aEewD89WjR_L1i_P6Uv96alnJH9U928zTnWzuTRbXxNpexvQvd1Y1m5Bx0wr2H9P3HOaSGUGOL0jfDOWCANeTfwQmqg4PPPX66nnzOr56CmWZefBb7hNilrdZ1jMiX0/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252833+of+154%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm happy.<br />
<br />
I'm sad.<br />
<br />
I'm nervous.<br />
<br />
I'm stressed to my max <br />
<br />
I'm excited.<br />
<br />
I am, amongst all of the crazy mixed emotions that have led up to this day. I'm excited. For him. For what he will learn, who he will meet, how much he will grow.<br />
<br />
This is a big one. It's a big year in our household.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50Dwfa0z6hqYb_0ybSSEENyp6KOmT7Ajjva_cpjwETTE4iXvaGJfgZO7OE8koKwqgAq7u5snJS2d_SzoOUo7UA99a5ggrt33EuwvWXQxc5RCEvQyQs8C8tVaOB5I2yowE4rQ5Mp99NCs/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252827+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50Dwfa0z6hqYb_0ybSSEENyp6KOmT7Ajjva_cpjwETTE4iXvaGJfgZO7OE8koKwqgAq7u5snJS2d_SzoOUo7UA99a5ggrt33EuwvWXQxc5RCEvQyQs8C8tVaOB5I2yowE4rQ5Mp99NCs/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252827+of+154%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My son just entered in to the next phase of life. And I don't feel ready for this...at all. I've been grieving so hard the past few weeks. It's weird, really. But I hear it's completely normal, and pretty much never goes away with your first.<br />
<br />
And I'm going to be honest, this has NOT been a smooth transition. Nothing about it has been smooth, nothing ideal, nothing as I had ever envisioned. Yet, I feel completely led that this is exactly where God wants our little (big) boy.<br />
<br />
I have been fretting over school since...well, practically since giving birth! The moment I met Cole in that delivery room, and held his warm skin next to my face, I wanted the best of everything in the world for him. The mere thought of letting someone else spend more time with him than me, his mama, just wasn't what my heart wanted. The main reason why I quit working and we figured out how to make it work for me to stay home full-time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQa7J_fHVtWoI2Eajmc6Y2-EARvv3r2gGuwjNEjNFwaso1phejgsHPZC2lmGMvxL85-mJ5a1a8abIyXHVC4ZoeliOtqd9AxUaYpdsleyLxjTW2i3EAHfGIC7H-OUU3liOO6H7-Uypmdg/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252848+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQa7J_fHVtWoI2Eajmc6Y2-EARvv3r2gGuwjNEjNFwaso1phejgsHPZC2lmGMvxL85-mJ5a1a8abIyXHVC4ZoeliOtqd9AxUaYpdsleyLxjTW2i3EAHfGIC7H-OUU3liOO6H7-Uypmdg/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252848+of+154%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And it hasn't always been easy. We have had a lot of kinks and curve-balls during the past 5+ years. But it has been good.....so, so good. I will never have any regrets on that single decision to be a part of my boys' lives 24/7. I don't ever have to wish that I was there for his first word, first steps, first foods....I was able to kiss away every boo-boo and learn to release him as time would allow as he grew older and more independent. I got to witness things that no picture or video could ever replace. And yet, I knew our time would swiftly come to an end.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgIz8ele-iEk11PXLzchgFAyzujYi0bHv5sNovjRYB4zcBso3lBJySgYKwJR5ogFCQKKalToMhoKugCeLPFTjB5W7vKpisf5pqXsmdUEjeZ3pZlT4ZOzPajA7zKov-HZiNfLGMZwgma4/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252849+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgIz8ele-iEk11PXLzchgFAyzujYi0bHv5sNovjRYB4zcBso3lBJySgYKwJR5ogFCQKKalToMhoKugCeLPFTjB5W7vKpisf5pqXsmdUEjeZ3pZlT4ZOzPajA7zKov-HZiNfLGMZwgma4/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252849+of+154%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And it has....more swiftly then I feel my heart can take. They don't lie when they say the days are long but the years are short. Yes. About that.<br />
<br />
These have been the shortest years of my life. <br />
<br />
And just like much of parenting. The curve balls, unknown and flying the the seat of your pants.....the same rang true for us in deciding what school he should go to.<br />
<br />
I thought I would home school, so we prepared a school/playroom. We prayed out about.<br />
<br />
Then I knew in my heart of hearts that wasn't what was best, it wasn't our coursse or what Cole needed and he needed more than I could offer him.<br />
<br />
So we prayed some more.<br />
<br />
A school got put on our radar, it sounded absolutely perfect to me...it took Kyle awhile to warm up to. But in the end it seemed like the best fit. It was part home school/ part public school. A perfect mix of both worlds.<br />
<br />
He got the last place in his class. We were thrilled, excited, and felt this was best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSlLeFEwTnXHbW8dmdyNlD-iAfH1OMzngwX13H8M36GxmHT_6NA_CM7M4c8fFsoFb4LsCOwdAmwVhXBzGbQi6cU63tp9ZuUBAdVa9yQLRLzY6SqpcEE_H7EaJ1XCU8eUBVmfWZ7AWBHk/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252831+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSlLeFEwTnXHbW8dmdyNlD-iAfH1OMzngwX13H8M36GxmHT_6NA_CM7M4c8fFsoFb4LsCOwdAmwVhXBzGbQi6cU63tp9ZuUBAdVa9yQLRLzY6SqpcEE_H7EaJ1XCU8eUBVmfWZ7AWBHk/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252831+of+154%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Two weeks before school was to start, we got a phone call.<br />
<br />
He was bumped out of his class for some one who last minute applied and was in district.<br />
<br />
Cue tears and heart break. And a lot of unknown, again.<br />
<br />
More prayers.<br />
<br />
Another phone call that there was no room in our first choice boundary exemption. I am freaking out at this point because the public schools were to start in just a few days. All summer I had prepared my heart for only having him away from me 3 half days.....not 5 full days!<br />
<br />
Then randomly...I still don't know why. But I started a desperate school search. (we had already done this months and months ago). I happened upon a Christian school that we had previously dismissed because they didn't offer half day kinder....<br />
<br />
Suddenly a box popped up on my screen as I went to their website.<br />
<br />
"We are now offering half day Kindergarten"<br />
<br />
We called, they took us for a tour the next day. For the first time Kyle and I both left, looked at each other and said, "this feels right."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHejW0LyOhRqK7Z3xvLA2Ryp7KgzUfCyuvXQ92UONN3671JeSy3z3u7iH_s_rQ28yqFmZmfKxNZasMYnrzInZZuzqxR4I73A8AO7NBLQxLVwG96ujGrCE0uYoybfx92V36QkMcz6O14o/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252830+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHejW0LyOhRqK7Z3xvLA2Ryp7KgzUfCyuvXQ92UONN3671JeSy3z3u7iH_s_rQ28yqFmZmfKxNZasMYnrzInZZuzqxR4I73A8AO7NBLQxLVwG96ujGrCE0uYoybfx92V36QkMcz6O14o/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252830+of+154%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So it's been a mad dash filling out more applications, getting assessments done, making it to orientations, buying a completely different list of school supplies and gearing up for dragging three kids to drop Cole off 5 days a week at what seems like the crack of dawn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSAlFMT4-wkwVXtgcobydlZSRdFaaOFrxda5vrvRReNYbo11mCXnNmt5rX9PGIDcWyGVLDx7rWYsy-7NKHmLmjT1bafIPljIZlKyHoXRML9X57dUdPMpLOHab6CddqIrbBhaC1CT5ufk/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252865+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSAlFMT4-wkwVXtgcobydlZSRdFaaOFrxda5vrvRReNYbo11mCXnNmt5rX9PGIDcWyGVLDx7rWYsy-7NKHmLmjT1bafIPljIZlKyHoXRML9X57dUdPMpLOHab6CddqIrbBhaC1CT5ufk/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252865+of+154%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I still cry about it. I was definitely that mom in the front row (thanks Cole) balling my eyes out during orientations months ago....<br />
<br />
But with my tears I have peace. I know without a doubt this is where God has led us. He closed some big doors to get us to this point. And I so very excited to watch how this plays out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqNW8rCSIvu1juJxmj569kAV71Jlbf7kmkZLJ-wb_3Ho4ZXGIIirMQRf9vLaB1zr1huw48f-3x6YO3rDN4hhLvf72zIbvTBsV2JkENRLrKUZiQ44Lne2rNw79EB1N8_zSaCE8L_9JSU/s1600/Family+Photos+2016+%252834+of+154%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqNW8rCSIvu1juJxmj569kAV71Jlbf7kmkZLJ-wb_3Ho4ZXGIIirMQRf9vLaB1zr1huw48f-3x6YO3rDN4hhLvf72zIbvTBsV2JkENRLrKUZiQ44Lne2rNw79EB1N8_zSaCE8L_9JSU/s640/Family+Photos+2016+%252834+of+154%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Mostly I'm exited to watch where this boy is going to soar to as he opens up his wings.<br />
<br />
Cole, your mama could not be any more proud of the young boy you are becoming. I hope you never lose your sensitivity, motivation, and love of building. I pray you fall deeper in love with Jesus and am so thankful you will have the opportunity to grasp an even deeper understanding of who He is as you study His Word. May He grip your heart like none other and may you choose to never let go.<br />
<br />
You have some amazing trails to blaze ahead, blaze them wisely and thoughtfully (as I'm sure you will)<br />
<br />
Love you with all my heart, to the moon and back, forever and ever. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am to only have to miss your face for a few short hours.....I don't think I could bare much more than that! Because those eyes kind of kill me and make my day, every day.<br />
<br />
Now go get em' and may you be stronger than your mother. ;) <br />
<br />
(All Photos were taken by the amazing Amy Wennerlind of Amy W. Photo--thanks Amy!) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-42531118770807595912016-09-02T14:52:00.004-07:002016-09-02T14:54:46.641-07:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-28793373803974081622016-09-02T14:52:00.003-07:002016-09-02T14:54:42.514-07:00Davis: 18 monthsI just can't even begin to understand how I have gone nearly 3 months without a blog post? Actually I can, between 3 <i>mostly</i> adorable little boys, starting a photography business, and figuring out what the heck we were going to do for Cole and school...yeeeeeaaaaahhhh, this mama has been a bit overwhelmed. OK, fine, A LOT overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
I have actually tried to type up a post several different times, but then it seemed someone always woke up when they should be sleeping, someone needed nursing, food, milk, a snack, their nose blown, their bum wiped, yougurt scrubbed off the floor, or hands cleaned from playing in the toilet....<br />
<br />
it just never seemed to pan out, but believe me when I say the intentions were there.<br />
<br />
And then I told myself, at least I have Davis' 18 month post coming up...that will for <i>sure</i> happen...<br />
<br />
Almost a month later, and it's finally happening!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3bQvkz4KR2A4k2pUdq-pdtAHpXHHBbgrr4oiy3GmvYNineRYMOdRdchtm2ZhrdLu-F4ex9gYhGAIg7W0h7fv9Bux1vddyOE61qvIW1H_UKK_m6KxMsfr59NU8r5D9pWOIRKipZ9D1xc/s1600/IMG_0854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3bQvkz4KR2A4k2pUdq-pdtAHpXHHBbgrr4oiy3GmvYNineRYMOdRdchtm2ZhrdLu-F4ex9gYhGAIg7W0h7fv9Bux1vddyOE61qvIW1H_UKK_m6KxMsfr59NU8r5D9pWOIRKipZ9D1xc/s640/IMG_0854.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
More than anything, this boy, he is the most mellow fellow in all the land. I keep waiting for the day he outgrows this, but alas, he just keeps on being his sweet, mellow self.<br />
<br />
This has been such a fun stage with him. He is fast enough that he does a pretty good job keeping up with his brothers, but he is still very much my baby.<br />
<br />
Does he ever have to stop being my baby?<br />
<br />
He is tough as nails. Not much can make him cry, and if he does, then you know he is really, really, REALLY hurt. This month, he fell down our stairs, but somehow managed to stop himself half-way down. Scared the living snot out of me. After hearing him, I found him bracing himself, like a starfish, across several stairs to keep from falling any further. He cried for a good 30 seconds, and after lots of kisses and snuggles, he scrambled to get on with his day.<br />
<br />
He climbs. Oh boy, does he climb....on everything! When he is caught, he giggles and does a happy dance on whatever he has climbed on top of. He makes it really hard to scold or get upset with him. Oh boy....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxzfoyP6ZoVZ2GG18-Xj1tiE-LsaHGbFEa_9p8wQIjF69mnYbnpdlZ-7pLqFfE_BHSYjKEp77gqYPT8H9ze2OM1VsxY3rcH-u-7djYrVLrcB6EHQb3oHbClsaail7HCdRBklxvGnDWdQ/s1600/IMG_0894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxzfoyP6ZoVZ2GG18-Xj1tiE-LsaHGbFEa_9p8wQIjF69mnYbnpdlZ-7pLqFfE_BHSYjKEp77gqYPT8H9ze2OM1VsxY3rcH-u-7djYrVLrcB6EHQb3oHbClsaail7HCdRBklxvGnDWdQ/s640/IMG_0894.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He puts up with being shoved, pushed, pulled and knocked down by one particular brother. And recently learned how to retaliate when he has enough. Deep inside I silently cheer him on (is that bad?!), because people, he turns his other cheek over and over again.....so much more than most his age...or any age really.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitKzX50EgF8BEtFoUwb2eljy8OwcW4UXz0xm29RrJX8EK5BkKUTo-xVqHy__FLUliLbw6TSjp9_cCxqKWFhB1iFCAQVyUunK1P5C4TBshu257DgUTYzj1Xh5JIgdgBk4upOE0bt2bIVE/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitKzX50EgF8BEtFoUwb2eljy8OwcW4UXz0xm29RrJX8EK5BkKUTo-xVqHy__FLUliLbw6TSjp9_cCxqKWFhB1iFCAQVyUunK1P5C4TBshu257DgUTYzj1Xh5JIgdgBk4upOE0bt2bIVE/s640/IMG_3543.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hU7PegEvi1BJPgVH238XYtLdAxTwja3GVwtV24iTzf0bKLxS5L1GPLA4tD0W-uFlFJ3FzlmSEFudUqR4NE2YtMQoOYaxRuvgRo9pZuqHIGn76bM8qqZNt03xLbR4PN3sOtHK8rIzyOI/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hU7PegEvi1BJPgVH238XYtLdAxTwja3GVwtV24iTzf0bKLxS5L1GPLA4tD0W-uFlFJ3FzlmSEFudUqR4NE2YtMQoOYaxRuvgRo9pZuqHIGn76bM8qqZNt03xLbR4PN3sOtHK8rIzyOI/s640/IMG_3548.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He loves, loves, loves books. His favorites by far are, "Orange, Pear, Apple, Bear" any Thomas the train book (we have about 5 that he rotates through) and "The Little Blue Truck" (also my personal fave). Often times he will climb up on my lap with a book, or if he gets really quiet you can pretty much bet he is sitting somewhere flipping through the pages....<br />
<br />
Or playing in the toilet. (that dang toilet and the older hands that continually forget to close the bathroom door!)<br />
<br />
He often is let outside in the backyard by one of his brothers, and absolutely loves this. But prefers bare feet and a diaper instead of proper clothing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECwYm0-4dMK1K0WFnDOltRVimYpQR5qTvSCn33MPn3Yw-JMHrwMpF6clCWXdjfs9lhEtjeBGg0yVkjNspdDmlWWzSsLXi7nN_Wq0XMfGoMqFMjPQgq0f_mDgBLAsqEpGVyvL4Z2e34yw/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECwYm0-4dMK1K0WFnDOltRVimYpQR5qTvSCn33MPn3Yw-JMHrwMpF6clCWXdjfs9lhEtjeBGg0yVkjNspdDmlWWzSsLXi7nN_Wq0XMfGoMqFMjPQgq0f_mDgBLAsqEpGVyvL4Z2e34yw/s640/IMG_1772.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenIyYhnJ5KaxzINPybaxrZwdFlzAVditolbQqkKsMf8R-03AxaQp8mG8n19kYL1Makzf9X6DcGBY31gaWbjEtM8oKikMPR_xG1b-U-dV5AswuVz_9I7SFUeyQ5q8o6Jdq4pTHOrf5IZQ/s1600/IMG_1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenIyYhnJ5KaxzINPybaxrZwdFlzAVditolbQqkKsMf8R-03AxaQp8mG8n19kYL1Makzf9X6DcGBY31gaWbjEtM8oKikMPR_xG1b-U-dV5AswuVz_9I7SFUeyQ5q8o6Jdq4pTHOrf5IZQ/s640/IMG_1773.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKIDpKP52XQbabw5Et3NE4GeqUbCDnzaEhnByp8AEqssuUtp3Yk8OhALslW__Q99k4uY7fto_iVPVPgVz2V-_WIREd7yVTOvtUUYQ2scnC1Kk65gU7cjcnmC_sVOuwyeNA5AV-nt0ZRY/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKIDpKP52XQbabw5Et3NE4GeqUbCDnzaEhnByp8AEqssuUtp3Yk8OhALslW__Q99k4uY7fto_iVPVPgVz2V-_WIREd7yVTOvtUUYQ2scnC1Kk65gU7cjcnmC_sVOuwyeNA5AV-nt0ZRY/s640/IMG_1783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Mud. He loves it. Even more if he can cover himself head to toe. All the days.<br />
<br />
I try to embrace this, I do. But man, sometimes the clean-up about does me in. Because guaranteed this happens immediately after I scrub my floors. And then I get muddy little prints all over those shiny floors, and I try not to scream...usually just cry. Then I laugh when I look at the pictures. Pretty much I'm a bit bipolar when it comes to how I feel about mud.<br />
<br />
He still has the most adorable beer-like belly, tree stumps for legs, and the squishiest cheeks that bounce up and down when he breaks into a full-blown run. He learned to jump....errrr....more like bend down, with a really long wind up....only to stand up super tall, with his hands in the air. But oh the proud look on his face afterwards, priceless.<br />
<br />
Although, last night I think both feet <i>almost</i> cleared the floor! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc850iQwBS3J7DPAz2TJ007ITXylq4BMnk2TwFAs2KXlCxyQhAd-xcPxmMKvHGDlbHWMxN2Tz5PUAXilv_3s1Epr84dUJZS1GO6C5wex9bmPg1lAQZTAJR99l7Pt0_s7ikWx_B61X_5xQ/s1600/IMG_0993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc850iQwBS3J7DPAz2TJ007ITXylq4BMnk2TwFAs2KXlCxyQhAd-xcPxmMKvHGDlbHWMxN2Tz5PUAXilv_3s1Epr84dUJZS1GO6C5wex9bmPg1lAQZTAJR99l7Pt0_s7ikWx_B61X_5xQ/s640/IMG_0993.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sleep. Hmmmm.....this is debatable. If you compare it to him waking every 1-2 hours like he had been doing for months and months that seemed like years upon years....then he is doing 110 times better. He's down to waking 1 but mostly 2 times a night. Thankfully he is learning that he WILL survive without an all-night buffet. This mama is trying to close up the graveyard shift!<br />
<br />
But he still very much loves to nurse. And still gives me very persistent little pokes if he thinks he is due for a drink. This is often. And ALWAYS a must if I sit down at my computer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFksSFPLIC_NmvGxOiEOIxsL8XaoHutEQ9xr9xgSu0aPy-t0HkRGzVZyidqKRHA3ydiWmadwXKMMLudZrF_h9GEJtg6uAycmJGkFbPz_xsP9uuzwpRYVtlshHGKmhePSf2OLcuxFp1Ac/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFksSFPLIC_NmvGxOiEOIxsL8XaoHutEQ9xr9xgSu0aPy-t0HkRGzVZyidqKRHA3ydiWmadwXKMMLudZrF_h9GEJtg6uAycmJGkFbPz_xsP9uuzwpRYVtlshHGKmhePSf2OLcuxFp1Ac/s640/IMG_1759.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He is starting to talk or at least thinks he can. He will have some pretty convincing conversations that make no senses because most of it is still gibberish. You can often hear him mimicking his brothers and repeating words he hears. It's pretty cute, and for the most part his brothers get really excited whenever he copies something they say. For a long time if you asked a question, didn't matter what question, he would nod his head "yes". He would nod "yes" to questions in books while reading, if you were asking someone else a question....everything was "yes". Now he has learned "no" and actually saying "yah!" along with his head nodding. <br />
<br />
And for the most part I am just loving this stage. (I feel like I say that with all of his stages)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0-3NYR5HHGel7LGah9os1FZgNC_b23Js8I7dH9tUxfAcuNAncXlR22FM2Tcs6KFObic4njUB4X8oTEloRxZRr1M3a8ehjhR7yRE-U4o_L88MKH8hp9QcsQRDHR6agzfOK9Vy9DI3zW4/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0-3NYR5HHGel7LGah9os1FZgNC_b23Js8I7dH9tUxfAcuNAncXlR22FM2Tcs6KFObic4njUB4X8oTEloRxZRr1M3a8ehjhR7yRE-U4o_L88MKH8hp9QcsQRDHR6agzfOK9Vy9DI3zW4/s640/IMG_1805.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The wonder, the way you can see his little mind turning and turning and figuring everything out. The way his eyes tell me a deeper story than words ever could. His cuddliness, his patience, his inner joy that bursts from everything he does.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_HGTmkru9U4SLUmQp3fUuZA7LakWFbbluGX-uXkolSIcU1re3BW4wtGRvTRajD2HtkNH0vZTMJdKIfos3d45LNiRt09AyHWWLrMQbPn479iW7lBzcJJq8E2oHwokYiFUHv_23FvBs2g/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_HGTmkru9U4SLUmQp3fUuZA7LakWFbbluGX-uXkolSIcU1re3BW4wtGRvTRajD2HtkNH0vZTMJdKIfos3d45LNiRt09AyHWWLrMQbPn479iW7lBzcJJq8E2oHwokYiFUHv_23FvBs2g/s640/IMG_1810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a0FrBTE515lmWvC9CIlnProVVkBDvJebRtyOHpdw_ZBZyaCucwVMoMDwP2s4TMVhJPZ8OnHKMqLJneVBj_UE_W701IdFrKktElmSuMrnmWFcav5KpKnpK_dQlTtuuO4MONtZu19hk7g/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a0FrBTE515lmWvC9CIlnProVVkBDvJebRtyOHpdw_ZBZyaCucwVMoMDwP2s4TMVhJPZ8OnHKMqLJneVBj_UE_W701IdFrKktElmSuMrnmWFcav5KpKnpK_dQlTtuuO4MONtZu19hk7g/s640/IMG_1825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My heart still mourns the fact that soon this too will change and he is going to get bigger, stronger, and will probably pick up habits that aren't quite so cute nor sweet. But for this moment, everything about his is still so incredibly sweet. He is the essence of sweet. And I, am still a huge part of his world. He looks at me, his eyes sparkle and shine with joy and love all over his face. He loves to give me the tightest hugs around my neck while simultaneously patting my back. Is there a better feeling than having chubby, baby hands squeeze your neck with such intense love?<br />
<br />
I am his safe place, the place he runs to to escape wild brothers, unfamiliar faces, and his church nursery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisClasiywofbOnJ2_VMcDJszJCu918685oPx78mwS6ZuTafJ2npqzlK4Z7kqCyvOF0WG7rTOAhvw8xTpYocaxcuSvC9pJ22tvpSj6l4VprPkGmSUumdO6OQlL6kd1iHkVdlF164Wk-leQ/s1600/IMG_1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisClasiywofbOnJ2_VMcDJszJCu918685oPx78mwS6ZuTafJ2npqzlK4Z7kqCyvOF0WG7rTOAhvw8xTpYocaxcuSvC9pJ22tvpSj6l4VprPkGmSUumdO6OQlL6kd1iHkVdlF164Wk-leQ/s640/IMG_1817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Gosh, I just love this little one. At his 18 month appointment he was in the 11th percentile (31 inches) for height and 44th percentile for weight (23 lbs). Short and sturdy seems to be his jam.<br />
<br />
He is just so precious. In the midst of stressful days and long nights, he never ceases to bring out the joy in my heart. He has a special way about it, some say it's the 3rd child, I say it's God-breathed. God breathed this amazing life in to him, every day I am reminded of His faithfulness and how grateful I am to get to be his mom. I know I am better because of him and some days all I want to do is to sit and drink him in deeply. Because I have never been more aware than I am today just how fast they grow up. I am pulling my big girl panties up and getting ready to send Cole off to Kindergarten. Don't talk to me about it, because chances are I will start wimpering and crying before I can get any words past my lips.<br />
<br />
So yes, I'm soaking this one up as long as he will let me. Because he just makes it so easy. Easy to smile, easy to breathe, easy to love. He's the easy one....not the most loved in any way...just super duper easy peasy.<br />
<br />
That's him, in a nutshell.<br />
<br />
Sweat and easy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxTSvx92SQxFpgkOWqqV2KeMsDBlJX-8kuj_jaC_RRf_ThjvJ1sImmoCx1IKYqxWZD3T5nGCCgULuP-x9FFeFjWh9tA4COnEUaJxtnjvBLq2TOVzyqPvedYuCveKmqulrZ3fNoxtQzMM/s1600/IMG_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxTSvx92SQxFpgkOWqqV2KeMsDBlJX-8kuj_jaC_RRf_ThjvJ1sImmoCx1IKYqxWZD3T5nGCCgULuP-x9FFeFjWh9tA4COnEUaJxtnjvBLq2TOVzyqPvedYuCveKmqulrZ3fNoxtQzMM/s640/IMG_0756.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-74230790101346238592016-06-10T15:14:00.002-07:002016-06-10T15:22:44.397-07:00Summer Beginning<br />
I would like to make a public announcement that we have officially been able to step back out into the real, living world. We have been back to church for two weeks straight now and no one has gotten deathly ill. I thought Davis was coming down with another round of that nasty cough that lasts for ages upon ages. Thankfully he only coughed for two days, popped 4 molars through...and we are back in business for a happy little camper once again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYde4e7uCn0fd2Gch00-p4P9YzMQSW5hAeBqXH68UaZYLOM-ROcSpIUyTHZY9MmB29umi9KoThulpVO4eGbFDKRpIxFuy92VqnvKL62JkMA9XKlp_b-2R_2KIqHb7pMLRCLkZCk7w5Ac/s1600/IMG_8986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYde4e7uCn0fd2Gch00-p4P9YzMQSW5hAeBqXH68UaZYLOM-ROcSpIUyTHZY9MmB29umi9KoThulpVO4eGbFDKRpIxFuy92VqnvKL62JkMA9XKlp_b-2R_2KIqHb7pMLRCLkZCk7w5Ac/s640/IMG_8986.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This is what we have been up to lately. A lot of planting plants, Cole asks every day if we can go get some more veggies to plant. I think we have a farmer in the making. Too bad, his mama is about as far from a green thumb as they come. I chuckled as I took the following series of photos. Mainly because there was never no movement. Kyle was patiently trying to plant some plants while 3 other "helpers" scurried all around, grabbing things, moving things, getting under foot, making someone squeal, dumping dirt where is shouldn't be dumped, and so on. They looked like a small herd of ants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLGAHGstk8j5qZQBRE4HldiiQMN54YfjsZNTIcdWw0gQZ4wOrYC0H4iOjlPcsm4p5stdZ1E7-aZsLPWBZ5uY2jQ4J9pH7zRv8-zy5nDU9E_fiL3WsV9TpldrTXZI2LBmWNPYxXt6oeFM/s1600/IMG_9027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLGAHGstk8j5qZQBRE4HldiiQMN54YfjsZNTIcdWw0gQZ4wOrYC0H4iOjlPcsm4p5stdZ1E7-aZsLPWBZ5uY2jQ4J9pH7zRv8-zy5nDU9E_fiL3WsV9TpldrTXZI2LBmWNPYxXt6oeFM/s640/IMG_9027.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4B3uUlci1TgI1aVIuwxj9FGLbzW3eENM6ggU_AnVKgv4qoWvdoYZnebtnvnNfH0OmA6rh9CUhWO3nMFuxgqbvFCZn820vSpuXqmXB2uDiSOAqQgo4dyLeDpRjKeEbV5KroNk8LkrPro/s1600/IMG_9033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4B3uUlci1TgI1aVIuwxj9FGLbzW3eENM6ggU_AnVKgv4qoWvdoYZnebtnvnNfH0OmA6rh9CUhWO3nMFuxgqbvFCZn820vSpuXqmXB2uDiSOAqQgo4dyLeDpRjKeEbV5KroNk8LkrPro/s640/IMG_9033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQPkG9W1bk5chAhdPtpfwZAwZ7Ovgf8zHE1uFiLXxxnfFRtAvQ6v12WzC0WoGOB8W40Fcx0mkx9KvnxOGg7_jT6lckq5HjlC8Hn0L0XgVviDVptcj56xcTLAInr_LI5E1VVkr_AQE8DU/s1600/IMG_9043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQPkG9W1bk5chAhdPtpfwZAwZ7Ovgf8zHE1uFiLXxxnfFRtAvQ6v12WzC0WoGOB8W40Fcx0mkx9KvnxOGg7_jT6lckq5HjlC8Hn0L0XgVviDVptcj56xcTLAInr_LI5E1VVkr_AQE8DU/s640/IMG_9043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSnrrjovKitxCm7h5ggC1hOw31F-KO87vSlZRdtbw1eTh8jv4qjYvpEfV3n5FpY4A4IXFNJ_u1ZrJDYWeaKu7-bfOGfBUda60TbrSTa9Lq0waFKTqZ4qS6s_1JqO0iVSeTEyqw5iVrJ4/s1600/IMG_9044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSnrrjovKitxCm7h5ggC1hOw31F-KO87vSlZRdtbw1eTh8jv4qjYvpEfV3n5FpY4A4IXFNJ_u1ZrJDYWeaKu7-bfOGfBUda60TbrSTa9Lq0waFKTqZ4qS6s_1JqO0iVSeTEyqw5iVrJ4/s640/IMG_9044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWzmFhIG3I2lWEAXgi1VI5RJwXaPKh5LwHY0dd3jAHGuQRafWxT0pdZ79J8-QaPc149YkuEpA3qERThOt9CHwFyvnYzte5Bu0w19cY8q6SEazKiT3K1m0Y6EnPkRbOWxsE8uP4U9a4I/s1600/IMG_9026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWzmFhIG3I2lWEAXgi1VI5RJwXaPKh5LwHY0dd3jAHGuQRafWxT0pdZ79J8-QaPc149YkuEpA3qERThOt9CHwFyvnYzte5Bu0w19cY8q6SEazKiT3K1m0Y6EnPkRbOWxsE8uP4U9a4I/s640/IMG_9026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But they were so cute and such eager beavers to plant a garden that it turned into a really fun time. And it has given them a big responsibility to make sure they water them every day. And they usually do, and then sometimes they find mischief in the midst of their doing good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1aY3ky4htoR6_NIUd-MUEJB9ca-pgwIO3hIuWI3d_l4Vj-NjDLEhGT-lAa6tze6cfbrhihOQA-D4A5MRjn4wcJ7qQDKb2cH0k-nRvfCUkPO-wTaTPgvRNpeCozx1CeNMJhur9xlYmwE/s1600/IMG_1915+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1aY3ky4htoR6_NIUd-MUEJB9ca-pgwIO3hIuWI3d_l4Vj-NjDLEhGT-lAa6tze6cfbrhihOQA-D4A5MRjn4wcJ7qQDKb2cH0k-nRvfCUkPO-wTaTPgvRNpeCozx1CeNMJhur9xlYmwE/s640/IMG_1915+copy+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU13Hv_H-CmS4jF6Sh6UQuVWCVsGNQr_b1a8BdhjHDjJwDOlps9I6FvjkCWHu88zRuzaC2OqmseNIoWzwdmdyU3Xrh7qBxMnhwztE5cSD1SQCNYYreySjlk9A76PaunXC0JqbGHrzdNo/s1600/IMG_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU13Hv_H-CmS4jF6Sh6UQuVWCVsGNQr_b1a8BdhjHDjJwDOlps9I6FvjkCWHu88zRuzaC2OqmseNIoWzwdmdyU3Xrh7qBxMnhwztE5cSD1SQCNYYreySjlk9A76PaunXC0JqbGHrzdNo/s640/IMG_1937.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I almost stopped them, and I probably should have. But then I was reminded of my best friend. Way back in like the 5th grade (I think) we were asked to bring our favorite pictures of our childhood. And she brought a picture of her with her two brothers, covered head to toe in mud. And it was a good memory, a fun memory, something her parents probably laugh about and tell the story of now. And I told myself, this, is one of those moments. I can either be the sour apple or let them be little, and be boys, and get dirty. So we laughed about it, until i saw that the puddle they jumped in created a big ole hole in the grass that Kyle has been trying to resurrect since it's slow death last year.... He didn't find the funny it...that is, until I showed him the pictures.<br />
<br />
Poor Davis, he always gets the brunt of it and takes it all with a smile. All the time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmN9v43h6CvzMfNiAq7iHH4F0AG09ZrobeeZz7pa7pZtNzVgx-RJnHZ5RDRJqBY1VxbNHVULkP_jwhbMrPBKpk_QBRGAAozKt2TVWTWXW2NCTWKPcJhcVFtkTE1NDI23UmuSHp09gQQo/s1600/IMG_8750_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmN9v43h6CvzMfNiAq7iHH4F0AG09ZrobeeZz7pa7pZtNzVgx-RJnHZ5RDRJqBY1VxbNHVULkP_jwhbMrPBKpk_QBRGAAozKt2TVWTWXW2NCTWKPcJhcVFtkTE1NDI23UmuSHp09gQQo/s640/IMG_8750_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHHON4ZI78iHbaGM9q3rMnI7BO5Atrl87cF_DAh7Yvo2q02l-xqQewK9bjn2tLZS5SCPDSnZbBjPQA1ybxWM6ugul0a6Zw1ZqyBWY4k04kI-FWeNOETpZw87oXOqTilVxh7JrbC5T8Wg/s1600/IMG_8980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHHON4ZI78iHbaGM9q3rMnI7BO5Atrl87cF_DAh7Yvo2q02l-xqQewK9bjn2tLZS5SCPDSnZbBjPQA1ybxWM6ugul0a6Zw1ZqyBWY4k04kI-FWeNOETpZw87oXOqTilVxh7JrbC5T8Wg/s640/IMG_8980.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then there is his middle brother. Somebody doesn't do so well being on the receiving end of payback....but he sure knows how to dole it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M62vbnz4rgYo1kwSegt-h3IoGi63ikvQQATLPL5_suzUJSXEU7dBMOfToGePcmNSlR1nc2sOmYDwFfuHXZM2MRk4aa3dDHIpFvrgqmIBjFY4HVZRFme3_L_bjs9qIT171rkJSYAWJxg/s1600/IMG_9070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M62vbnz4rgYo1kwSegt-h3IoGi63ikvQQATLPL5_suzUJSXEU7dBMOfToGePcmNSlR1nc2sOmYDwFfuHXZM2MRk4aa3dDHIpFvrgqmIBjFY4HVZRFme3_L_bjs9qIT171rkJSYAWJxg/s640/IMG_9070.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He he, I can't even count on my hands the number of times he has pulled this same stunt on both his brothers. So I really didn't have much sympathy for the above ear-piercing-surprise-sprinkler-episode.<br />
<br />
I also made the mistake of announcing to Cole that it was summer. He has had a party planned in his mind for the past 6 months. This is the party of all parties where everyone withing a thousand mile radius is coming to our house. And I'm to make cupcakes and treats and have a bouncy house, a fire pit, s'mores, and tents will be set up because clearly it is a camping party....so everyone will be camping in our backyard.....the moment "summer" left my tongue and I saw Cole's head whip around to look at me. There was the excited glimmer in his eye as he jumped up and down telling me to invite "all the people....."<br />
<br />
How do you break your little boy's heart? So who wants to come camping?<br />
<br />
Oh, and did I mention I jumped head first into starting a photography business? Some days I wonder what I was thinking, especially when I peruse some of my favorite photography blogs. But mostly, I am having so much fun and finally feel like I found a bit of an outlet.<br />
<br />
Not that I needed an outlet from my boys...OK, perhaps I needed a bit of one when we have a day full of nothing but fighting, whining and deck it out attitudes. But I really do love that I can do it and not lose time with these boys that are my world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ43keAWYL_fHYcz3dem6_tuFLyjX55k6uwnPwGFEjczRXOfH-gr5CwLtsxOLT_s9dObXTxs5Op5_KEaeEDOM7mV41hf6SDgZonkYqufWIOrIDD08G3f5V3Fgnc-XSMO3GZ6hqgcQ0XVM/s1600/IMG_8964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ43keAWYL_fHYcz3dem6_tuFLyjX55k6uwnPwGFEjczRXOfH-gr5CwLtsxOLT_s9dObXTxs5Op5_KEaeEDOM7mV41hf6SDgZonkYqufWIOrIDD08G3f5V3Fgnc-XSMO3GZ6hqgcQ0XVM/s640/IMG_8964.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dDYbG7oeegOZRp2kUMA3Vg6jCZItZZ-dXBO-EjXxG9hCZA25CTiFonsY0TpYF0VhHLzh0PiLIlpQ4v_S96EZ27F2098kV1f8KgFZwLhTXUxkCiCenaMnfdNGrFosgkjMIQIaY4a_npo/s1600/IMG_8974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dDYbG7oeegOZRp2kUMA3Vg6jCZItZZ-dXBO-EjXxG9hCZA25CTiFonsY0TpYF0VhHLzh0PiLIlpQ4v_S96EZ27F2098kV1f8KgFZwLhTXUxkCiCenaMnfdNGrFosgkjMIQIaY4a_npo/s640/IMG_8974.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Clearly, I need to take Cole with me to help in the styling and posing department. he insisted on that leaf (I have about a dozen other pictures with him holding that leaf up next to his face while he smiled for the camera). Why the peace sign? your guess is as good as mine.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2w7Y0V3e26SUSzsX7ew1AaH6tP7OXPaNDpxiBIhMJsUA4fdcylHu2STtiQTofUDWWS1G9Y9sm5zHFgdt-8PTE_5KgUB73RRxmTqHPqIifuiJgqKg3hUxUDk401uTtzFtay8acCrlZrs/s1600/IMG_1753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2w7Y0V3e26SUSzsX7ew1AaH6tP7OXPaNDpxiBIhMJsUA4fdcylHu2STtiQTofUDWWS1G9Y9sm5zHFgdt-8PTE_5KgUB73RRxmTqHPqIifuiJgqKg3hUxUDk401uTtzFtay8acCrlZrs/s640/IMG_1753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnsDV2K3LkUCB_sO-Jv5JT2R2EY2DqnWzsW3_r4Z2PoiAqFXOdPQeIFjPqgm94ssrJvofBqP0-lYSo79PqFx8R0yWAZFktOY8V3ZlQfzYULTI3sWb3L2IqQV1AbbZ7yoEKwKGBe4SvAo/s1600/IMG_1754_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnsDV2K3LkUCB_sO-Jv5JT2R2EY2DqnWzsW3_r4Z2PoiAqFXOdPQeIFjPqgm94ssrJvofBqP0-lYSo79PqFx8R0yWAZFktOY8V3ZlQfzYULTI3sWb3L2IqQV1AbbZ7yoEKwKGBe4SvAo/s640/IMG_1754_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I finally decided some update pics were needed of my boys...and well, it went as well as it usually does when you "officially" try to take pictures. Actually, the older boys were good sports and Cole is always down for a shoot...he's my poser (remember? Above pic) Davis, vanished and went off chasing a ball. And I didn't have the heart to turn a good experience into a bad one. So I went with whatever the older boys wanted to give me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJam6n_NXYaYYsSRc18XqHi033qk2zKea30XpT1veCLnZOUDRA0EP38GN0J2-tmU804SnaqlHBdY5XLdQ-KiYQM2xqvumkKi0lPEHOPzTONvuPfnX-0DoN9rA5D7soz7XF0qTru4D4uM/s1600/IMG_1757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJam6n_NXYaYYsSRc18XqHi033qk2zKea30XpT1veCLnZOUDRA0EP38GN0J2-tmU804SnaqlHBdY5XLdQ-KiYQM2xqvumkKi0lPEHOPzTONvuPfnX-0DoN9rA5D7soz7XF0qTru4D4uM/s640/IMG_1757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxSsMLgvd3GT3bwglqq6vBAsDzFORv6FgPwTVtBXFx29z0FeTQdseeZFBeoNYpU1MnCt-gUN9UaJGKSlyV1vfWTw3s4Is1mqq2-_2SoD03hBF4WpcG7ac5UHMWoqgQSrZsgzAFDgmFOE/s1600/IMG_1779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxSsMLgvd3GT3bwglqq6vBAsDzFORv6FgPwTVtBXFx29z0FeTQdseeZFBeoNYpU1MnCt-gUN9UaJGKSlyV1vfWTw3s4Is1mqq2-_2SoD03hBF4WpcG7ac5UHMWoqgQSrZsgzAFDgmFOE/s640/IMG_1779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zZxpUsz9Hapsxbr7YmGAXZ_p3g9IVojqlOMkb9iGLBD-E3ff6-Xk_IZe7b2yyB9XqD837OOu4YD5cmWPCxZfScWvRe7WeyCqS_LoFwyOAzNkuscDS-gOGCid480J9yg73tbw7-Ft4Cw/s1600/IMG_1785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zZxpUsz9Hapsxbr7YmGAXZ_p3g9IVojqlOMkb9iGLBD-E3ff6-Xk_IZe7b2yyB9XqD837OOu4YD5cmWPCxZfScWvRe7WeyCqS_LoFwyOAzNkuscDS-gOGCid480J9yg73tbw7-Ft4Cw/s640/IMG_1785.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQr6ZMA84Va2QKS9VnAtEcu-URzDahT9D_lCFl8U_1z5ZMY7njEZ7gnVSV7oKYD0lqc3ajUwU3GpQA4mKRgVrUzej6jdxk_06FbmPvl5O9BYxXf5Ab8D8FizmvU1z8EO2iTuVPfDsWkk/s1600/IMG_1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQr6ZMA84Va2QKS9VnAtEcu-URzDahT9D_lCFl8U_1z5ZMY7njEZ7gnVSV7oKYD0lqc3ajUwU3GpQA4mKRgVrUzej6jdxk_06FbmPvl5O9BYxXf5Ab8D8FizmvU1z8EO2iTuVPfDsWkk/s640/IMG_1801.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No shoot would be complete without a little of this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRkEmCZ9bd8c5GQxAnINM7lmRcBPFKMExOohiZFu0tqtQcxYB07LoGfc2NyDjrvBIfWDXdZ54sn6pu6szVt14uWfl67jZN-e4l9W4TNwaymZnSPo378SzccV0bQ24bzP-gzv-CL5xWGU/s1600/IMG_1791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRkEmCZ9bd8c5GQxAnINM7lmRcBPFKMExOohiZFu0tqtQcxYB07LoGfc2NyDjrvBIfWDXdZ54sn6pu6szVt14uWfl67jZN-e4l9W4TNwaymZnSPo378SzccV0bQ24bzP-gzv-CL5xWGU/s640/IMG_1791.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then they both channeled their inner GQ. And no, I had nothing to do with these next poses....it was all them. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2M2OXa0dj1AZfPWQzCQeFBKp1YhTOGuKvOvS6Lhl5F0QB7VnN4dMH1Tc88yoJaN-Ttnx_3Na4g10_E-sRKNtZu2-ONC7VpVd8YVgOZF-gRrGpFazQ28BWh3fpbns55zArMOQnmzalHs/s1600/IMG_1817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2M2OXa0dj1AZfPWQzCQeFBKp1YhTOGuKvOvS6Lhl5F0QB7VnN4dMH1Tc88yoJaN-Ttnx_3Na4g10_E-sRKNtZu2-ONC7VpVd8YVgOZF-gRrGpFazQ28BWh3fpbns55zArMOQnmzalHs/s640/IMG_1817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8OBt3XMexvUVp-OA2bsg52_4ZmxOYwseDIqnJjfsY94qs6ZhiOSFby9aKS22ORbNYMLU1S1BviVT_ZaspcQ928sNhWHhty3XdWF41XQQeWfABW8RswDcNEnFrl7efaSlPzlUJWhSqeI/s1600/IMG_1819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8OBt3XMexvUVp-OA2bsg52_4ZmxOYwseDIqnJjfsY94qs6ZhiOSFby9aKS22ORbNYMLU1S1BviVT_ZaspcQ928sNhWHhty3XdWF41XQQeWfABW8RswDcNEnFrl7efaSlPzlUJWhSqeI/s640/IMG_1819.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Weeeeeerk it.<br />
<br />
I just love them. So much. All of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaZn48nWySpCYRmcsNrI9dMZ00bTyv3aoLbRUqaavutvdNOiFoxUWGziZvHfXQ0mo76nl__suasklouquqXziJaa77wr2skU3YvneHYsEbrHCLAuPU6gz0hvUPmUdM7QIsJ6b8EOjdCw/s1600/IMG_1839_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaZn48nWySpCYRmcsNrI9dMZ00bTyv3aoLbRUqaavutvdNOiFoxUWGziZvHfXQ0mo76nl__suasklouquqXziJaa77wr2skU3YvneHYsEbrHCLAuPU6gz0hvUPmUdM7QIsJ6b8EOjdCw/s640/IMG_1839_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They keep life fun and interesting, all the time.<br />
<br />
And seriously, whose coming camping, because <i>someone</i> is going to want to know.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-73775335110490405992016-05-18T13:00:00.004-07:002016-05-18T13:00:54.575-07:00Arizona 2016 recapThis seems to be an every other year experience. Mainly because of the rate at which we were having babies. So hopefully this will become a yearly family trip. Because we LOVE it. Both Kyle and I said multiple times how much more fun it gets with each year. I think the ages of our boys helps tremendously. We weren't so uptight about schedules and naps, it helped that the youngest is so "go with the flow".<br />
<br />
I don't think he cried the entire trip. Just perma-grin plastered on his sweet, dimply face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfxHScZpU0rTZOOmMJ3vdzvKb4slrGP_rV5EbDKzVthrSqB4zS9lKqoeoqG_8N7quStIvR30BE7wrO_0ED-LHwVI7kk3-gK6VIUj-7rTfDOAeHEyFOD5SA19t7vNxCl77Iecxl-phiQY/s1600/IMG_8182+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfxHScZpU0rTZOOmMJ3vdzvKb4slrGP_rV5EbDKzVthrSqB4zS9lKqoeoqG_8N7quStIvR30BE7wrO_0ED-LHwVI7kk3-gK6VIUj-7rTfDOAeHEyFOD5SA19t7vNxCl77Iecxl-phiQY/s640/IMG_8182+copy+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Most nights he wound up in bed with us, but that's pretty much normal. Cole talked our ear off about going to the "beach".... we finally had to break it to him that he must be thinking of the pool and not the beach. Thankfully, the pool seemed to be an OK substitute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfRNmfGftbfKMWT-bUnqJXfK9-Z_zkJnivDs74UuN1bisvEuwUe4xJvt9iHzzKwB4aSNE2octnJbC4QNo8gueNZQJzwEppTbdz1FWooUr5Vp6Rs5bXY2r576Pq2MD7ZfZGL4HIWQCLXU/s1600/IMG_8327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfRNmfGftbfKMWT-bUnqJXfK9-Z_zkJnivDs74UuN1bisvEuwUe4xJvt9iHzzKwB4aSNE2octnJbC4QNo8gueNZQJzwEppTbdz1FWooUr5Vp6Rs5bXY2r576Pq2MD7ZfZGL4HIWQCLXU/s640/IMG_8327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The only disappointing thing about the trip was the weather. It never fails, we ALWAYS bring the rain and clouds with us. Every. Time. We even purposely waited until late spring to go, and we had clouds, rain, and lightening. The evenings were cool and everyone kept saying how "unusual" this was. So, I actually never went in the pool past my knees, it was just too cold. Kyle, on the other hand, he was a champ. And seriously should get some kind of award. He took the boys swimming all but one day, every time there was wind and it was cold and breezy. And he still did it...with a smile on his face, might I add.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisF5tN4UPRj14DL5iHmAI7y3SNzJuekx3cDbT6Vl2BNZnnzJIdUQPmDZ5t30ijqMPuQhrRiZnp7tAlaF2djNP2Copxu4oTlSm-Z3carJTcrFmgM4PCQpwDVnO88JlPfYOr_LwzfDH7ix4/s1600/IMG_8836_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisF5tN4UPRj14DL5iHmAI7y3SNzJuekx3cDbT6Vl2BNZnnzJIdUQPmDZ5t30ijqMPuQhrRiZnp7tAlaF2djNP2Copxu4oTlSm-Z3carJTcrFmgM4PCQpwDVnO88JlPfYOr_LwzfDH7ix4/s640/IMG_8836_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The boys of course loved it, cold or not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxA7U_4aorJ2t-6hLn4K6m6tDHDFx5UKUotYUC0SYZlVtSJbUFUjuv7aFJNW7jCT9egU-mFgEsLJAqEk9rq6xerhpAoQT9iNodGjq2K27EdRXX-T86Q1CBZFxxwnMmwgHhj0S9-3ORIg/s1600/IMG_8832_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxA7U_4aorJ2t-6hLn4K6m6tDHDFx5UKUotYUC0SYZlVtSJbUFUjuv7aFJNW7jCT9egU-mFgEsLJAqEk9rq6xerhpAoQT9iNodGjq2K27EdRXX-T86Q1CBZFxxwnMmwgHhj0S9-3ORIg/s640/IMG_8832_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6CyuOYr3B1HmVYGgKPoHexTIrbo3OqGSYTJ5TLSb3PdE5h0XEgNRtjOn3sK0wUIdsAMzCRxYXnlT2GTlt54KRt2UBHyA8EH1JeE6IOD3g4nJaK-ApCDEq3ZNos8Xc3_jmlrHltS6Vcc/s1600/IMG_8827_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6CyuOYr3B1HmVYGgKPoHexTIrbo3OqGSYTJ5TLSb3PdE5h0XEgNRtjOn3sK0wUIdsAMzCRxYXnlT2GTlt54KRt2UBHyA8EH1JeE6IOD3g4nJaK-ApCDEq3ZNos8Xc3_jmlrHltS6Vcc/s640/IMG_8827_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nvUtuWR2YvCizGyVnpeG5DS1QBgr49drSAs7l1-XHGl8v1iKQ67OYcfdsd7gpWRfOQwXMDpstVhpex_oxksK-VQ8Lhz-lUJF6u6hiCMcPwsY_u9YD-nQ8Zg3dt_SLLhuOR9V9C6izlU/s1600/IMG_8842_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nvUtuWR2YvCizGyVnpeG5DS1QBgr49drSAs7l1-XHGl8v1iKQ67OYcfdsd7gpWRfOQwXMDpstVhpex_oxksK-VQ8Lhz-lUJF6u6hiCMcPwsY_u9YD-nQ8Zg3dt_SLLhuOR9V9C6izlU/s640/IMG_8842_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Their Grandpa should get an award too, because some how he always got suckered into the pool, even when made plans to sit on the side only. Someone can't resist pleading blue eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mP0aeFe9WQNVXe5rsOzS161ha9G6T-QTsE8dPxYi-qw-cFW6BsS6aAZBCL4IEvH_K1oG3YgKki6ez7s0ylOlX3WYor-4Ovql4V2cdSzOks6linVwyq7YCIE3sN-beECC1JR8s8eMbMo/s1600/IMG_8815_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mP0aeFe9WQNVXe5rsOzS161ha9G6T-QTsE8dPxYi-qw-cFW6BsS6aAZBCL4IEvH_K1oG3YgKki6ez7s0ylOlX3WYor-4Ovql4V2cdSzOks6linVwyq7YCIE3sN-beECC1JR8s8eMbMo/s640/IMG_8815_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKcuDPhCE0Awz_4tZFLFkCgu4rzPS5IGBf8aAZHOhQRbF4Z7apxpMnX_dOFBvJiqp0QQFPD_LUPuVfYXZUccv9tjIXftaR-YfZPCEqLaiS14-ynlD8FfjtTtUuwQDN4CkXM9Thxk2H5w/s1600/IMG_8816_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKcuDPhCE0Awz_4tZFLFkCgu4rzPS5IGBf8aAZHOhQRbF4Z7apxpMnX_dOFBvJiqp0QQFPD_LUPuVfYXZUccv9tjIXftaR-YfZPCEqLaiS14-ynlD8FfjtTtUuwQDN4CkXM9Thxk2H5w/s640/IMG_8816_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And when Davis wasn't taking his nap poolside (have I mentioned, he's easily the easiest baby EVER?!) he loved getting his toes wet and kicking around. he may have accidentally gotten dunked and still came up squinty and smiling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhgdvQeWMzV4LUsHHw6TshFRtWhJKTpmA4tVbycAKpgd-5SfvUTRhJOuuzdWSdB_VhVukN_0SCQoeBRdWFx8jfs4w0pPLQZVRFawVhw1VCOWLsakyrFpvg7z7yeMUIeDTt8armuREoNQ/s1600/IMG_8819_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhgdvQeWMzV4LUsHHw6TshFRtWhJKTpmA4tVbycAKpgd-5SfvUTRhJOuuzdWSdB_VhVukN_0SCQoeBRdWFx8jfs4w0pPLQZVRFawVhw1VCOWLsakyrFpvg7z7yeMUIeDTt8armuREoNQ/s640/IMG_8819_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But man, those after swim snuggles sure are sweet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzv1MOhF04hz8ptaPP_DOBOp1JSKyrvGcB7lpcV7EbSwLf2ZTxxku_cAQ29OhdzauD9Okyd61fx_q4Xv9cb-ClkmI-dnKDzSj9IAjORF-B83TjAidhTm8yIeOBTHbQEgO6ISFkqma3wY/s1600/IMG_8821_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzv1MOhF04hz8ptaPP_DOBOp1JSKyrvGcB7lpcV7EbSwLf2ZTxxku_cAQ29OhdzauD9Okyd61fx_q4Xv9cb-ClkmI-dnKDzSj9IAjORF-B83TjAidhTm8yIeOBTHbQEgO6ISFkqma3wY/s640/IMG_8821_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCg1NaN-FxKA38ioQK03LUsnFoG2Skh6DgSlMSSPZeEmJc-RfXgB2ei2TfqouphnE0Ke80YyMV5pCmbivOxgfGAPLrAQn7uTzxK-emVa3kL_1Q6y-jKMOHlggmfqy4WLBNDGYUaq5SCw/s1600/IMG_8824_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCg1NaN-FxKA38ioQK03LUsnFoG2Skh6DgSlMSSPZeEmJc-RfXgB2ei2TfqouphnE0Ke80YyMV5pCmbivOxgfGAPLrAQn7uTzxK-emVa3kL_1Q6y-jKMOHlggmfqy4WLBNDGYUaq5SCw/s640/IMG_8824_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When we weren't swimming, we spent our time exploring. We spent one lovely morning at a natural reservation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscmNvosJtanRKfpfsczHN9DaOi2kqNlB-hvyhc1b91bKt1hrH798cA0goxNS6zLY84FfZfSu_HkFgl30hn7Hv2JWWWHFN7zmJWpWavUx436DjKtfPLRSLcIRstOKKdOsM6QZIOD6cWZo/s1600/IMG_8233_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscmNvosJtanRKfpfsczHN9DaOi2kqNlB-hvyhc1b91bKt1hrH798cA0goxNS6zLY84FfZfSu_HkFgl30hn7Hv2JWWWHFN7zmJWpWavUx436DjKtfPLRSLcIRstOKKdOsM6QZIOD6cWZo/s640/IMG_8233_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9nc8ZnR5Xr9rRBSYpn7F5CdaTtYXo4g25X73lunn3rreI7de-hl0uHxWkwV-tjD2IRyV4_rEBzJ2QI8YpM6C79lCcT-MiAX4A8Tnq9wetsjI63IScCprGoFJc9n4-9xytmZkn2g1X9c/s1600/IMG_8234_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9nc8ZnR5Xr9rRBSYpn7F5CdaTtYXo4g25X73lunn3rreI7de-hl0uHxWkwV-tjD2IRyV4_rEBzJ2QI8YpM6C79lCcT-MiAX4A8Tnq9wetsjI63IScCprGoFJc9n4-9xytmZkn2g1X9c/s640/IMG_8234_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D_joh9a9MvlUbAeVab5sKhH1BSDjCmlrnZHnndoR_1YLCSvJNtwnGWEmeF2ZNW_tyYpYEyNi0xva8hwr0K5WriFjoDq708wLCYnsRh-t2W5-xNMULyAcPb1pR60q-yJLuuBjJOERVQo/s1600/IMG_8225_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5D_joh9a9MvlUbAeVab5sKhH1BSDjCmlrnZHnndoR_1YLCSvJNtwnGWEmeF2ZNW_tyYpYEyNi0xva8hwr0K5WriFjoDq708wLCYnsRh-t2W5-xNMULyAcPb1pR60q-yJLuuBjJOERVQo/s640/IMG_8225_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr2sPtNm5HaKhBXKt3VjlOnj7OLckGI_QuAjx9Fra9t3pCgFSdbi8WDwNRuYMcSEMlUQGZmzN7jWP-cklYkoqkFHv13922KZ3Im2_Emq67qAVRFX_QWmqtRLjCmTI_mQwB3Dm4NDWeVo/s1600/IMG_8216_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjr2sPtNm5HaKhBXKt3VjlOnj7OLckGI_QuAjx9Fra9t3pCgFSdbi8WDwNRuYMcSEMlUQGZmzN7jWP-cklYkoqkFHv13922KZ3Im2_Emq67qAVRFX_QWmqtRLjCmTI_mQwB3Dm4NDWeVo/s640/IMG_8216_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Cole was so cute, he has an ongoing rock collection at home, and is always on the lookout for cool rocks. He found some really pretty ones while on this walk and wanted to take them home. I told him he needed to ask first (knowing full well, that since it was a reserve, the answer would be no) But bless the man's heart, you could tell he almost let Cole take them, he had the hardest time telling him "no". But they offered a little booklet with a map and a free stamp on the hand, and suddenly the all was well and the rocks were neatly placed on the ground to come find next time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb25r3xrQeT6rugvUmj02rOVwQU_bEp9G4Yni57uuUPOluDlLdrlnh2-hRHhXGqIqz97kOw-BDJHjfv077f4eqeBhqdBvAAaRZjS8D3cRFQcvY-51fmb2nnBiXCik-9WDEIecwoGKCi8/s1600/IMG_8258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb25r3xrQeT6rugvUmj02rOVwQU_bEp9G4Yni57uuUPOluDlLdrlnh2-hRHhXGqIqz97kOw-BDJHjfv077f4eqeBhqdBvAAaRZjS8D3cRFQcvY-51fmb2nnBiXCik-9WDEIecwoGKCi8/s640/IMG_8258.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSTnLSmonwHvl2kZLXqBP8euphNoPpJ3Drfi17q8mQAyWqM_zVJLuiOBzRN0jKViKySVCO-EBhQpb404MWIlQd34Wuk3MChG3umB3svzHFjKQVMCBZ8q2bBz_DgPLBVJ5C_QkB4m0i9g/s1600/IMG_8260_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSTnLSmonwHvl2kZLXqBP8euphNoPpJ3Drfi17q8mQAyWqM_zVJLuiOBzRN0jKViKySVCO-EBhQpb404MWIlQd34Wuk3MChG3umB3svzHFjKQVMCBZ8q2bBz_DgPLBVJ5C_QkB4m0i9g/s640/IMG_8260_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, and I completely failed in the packing department, forgot to pack Cole his keens and any type of sandal whatsoever. Thanks to Grandma, who saved the trip by picking up some flip-flops for him at target.They are now his favorite go-to shoe. I just love that he can put them on by himself.<br />
<br />
We absolutely had to stop at the train park. Cole has been talking about it since going there two years before. He begged to go on the Merry-Go-Round, so we got him all situated. As soon as it started moving he yelled for it to stop, and gripped that horse harder than I've ever seen him grip before. I spent most of the first half of the ride convincing him that I would not let him fall off. Then he later freaked Bennett out and convinced him that riding it was a horrible idea, right after we had bought Bennett tickets to ride....so guess who had to use the tickets? Yep, Kyle and I were the lucky ones. We got a few odd stares, and I reconfirmed the fact that I do not like rides that go round and round and round.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8s_PakmBYLbhN14OosvpXU2nLIerqpR77Ic7t1zmOutdFDJ7bOjh_zYFZELZTPlQ0AxDKDZT3LxKIxV1sfEF4-L8mEQDybufP2PPfVAL3gPcd5WDj82YW2RRmo4O2INTDC4gHEhfjI/s1600/IMG_8379_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8s_PakmBYLbhN14OosvpXU2nLIerqpR77Ic7t1zmOutdFDJ7bOjh_zYFZELZTPlQ0AxDKDZT3LxKIxV1sfEF4-L8mEQDybufP2PPfVAL3gPcd5WDj82YW2RRmo4O2INTDC4gHEhfjI/s640/IMG_8379_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cole kept seeing kids with balloons, so of course he no longer cared about trains. We HAD to hunt down balloons and Grandma and Grandpa sweetly treat each boy to a balloon color of their choice. Bennett's sadly lasted about five minutes before he let it slip from his wrist....sad day for him. But he was fine because he proudly took over Davis' purple one, only for the balloon to come untied from his string...that was tied tightly to his wrist.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGzwyjLyun0JuSxjdhUR-4lRHZDA4tQaUERad4NSxai6lS4DpBUleOUtjp5f4x0SMQB8TIwBPNGssw6KRn7rcz_pPRcG56ryE1NZ7BK_7dN0uflPAsqSwcYvres9sKZHJ81QSuVOZs90/s1600/IMG_8419_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGzwyjLyun0JuSxjdhUR-4lRHZDA4tQaUERad4NSxai6lS4DpBUleOUtjp5f4x0SMQB8TIwBPNGssw6KRn7rcz_pPRcG56ryE1NZ7BK_7dN0uflPAsqSwcYvres9sKZHJ81QSuVOZs90/s640/IMG_8419_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFQYhG5EIKlSPD1WWVOTGtrYLIczKZp3u31nIw-nLA7Mw07qpoUBM_AUq5OsmNtuN-s6PfUbTP72ggwsDR3yuXeCtoSoBOgY4F47BZr6ry66CyUg0mZVb5tMo5tPW2gmxp6kQcOUQgzk/s1600/IMG_8434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFQYhG5EIKlSPD1WWVOTGtrYLIczKZp3u31nIw-nLA7Mw07qpoUBM_AUq5OsmNtuN-s6PfUbTP72ggwsDR3yuXeCtoSoBOgY4F47BZr6ry66CyUg0mZVb5tMo5tPW2gmxp6kQcOUQgzk/s640/IMG_8434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We played in the caboose, Davis woke up from his nap, so he got to join his brothers. And from the look on his face, he was beyond ecstatic, Cole on the other hand....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx8Yban2U6K8pVY7FooT1Y8ayKnldz2CHdKyR3NIZBgB2crRFEe3Rqn2sTl2bDdNTXn10G7_t9m4kLRsNKp1p4KVUJzt_AdWNEBQQg6fm6Ha2KIW8JM0YAHkY2kXre-4A7x0MbKOx-B8/s1600/IMG_8465_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx8Yban2U6K8pVY7FooT1Y8ayKnldz2CHdKyR3NIZBgB2crRFEe3Rqn2sTl2bDdNTXn10G7_t9m4kLRsNKp1p4KVUJzt_AdWNEBQQg6fm6Ha2KIW8JM0YAHkY2kXre-4A7x0MbKOx-B8/s640/IMG_8465_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uOQK4C_beTJ5OiIBbX8xMYTwYQPrzVzOH4-DtNEvdwRiWJuyEuS0UE6bOM1sVUju8XXnetg2Ugj-HYqpaWZMAn46aHc5ROIpn-K0SHFE0w-5TlY7TbkAvjmzTWroT9ZVSfBU3MsVHS0/s1600/IMG_8469_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uOQK4C_beTJ5OiIBbX8xMYTwYQPrzVzOH4-DtNEvdwRiWJuyEuS0UE6bOM1sVUju8XXnetg2Ugj-HYqpaWZMAn46aHc5ROIpn-K0SHFE0w-5TlY7TbkAvjmzTWroT9ZVSfBU3MsVHS0/s640/IMG_8469_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6j1jNrAWnREDxscPFEJtTJNR6uK7Rz4f0nT-bfDtum9a39WpfpQnzr2KTgnHUFhKCe94P0aAVmmxRuYscdmhocaLt7WfKmkj79g5CzJbaMwlP6e6YSkKVY8eA84TPk5rePLxE3cvdW4/s1600/IMG_8478_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6j1jNrAWnREDxscPFEJtTJNR6uK7Rz4f0nT-bfDtum9a39WpfpQnzr2KTgnHUFhKCe94P0aAVmmxRuYscdmhocaLt7WfKmkj79g5CzJbaMwlP6e6YSkKVY8eA84TPk5rePLxE3cvdW4/s640/IMG_8478_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Xy1rU7nscRSR-Cz5VggdEmKG473UltbKpF3sPlv_zrXgcuDyhWGgcisqlMGjtjVzLAVpYJOxH2kH58XHGgzS-tcYkze8Uzdi4wPHe8QylEN2fyDTg2evybbNCq2zrOR6csvdUBU9tnM/s1600/IMG_8488_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Xy1rU7nscRSR-Cz5VggdEmKG473UltbKpF3sPlv_zrXgcuDyhWGgcisqlMGjtjVzLAVpYJOxH2kH58XHGgzS-tcYkze8Uzdi4wPHe8QylEN2fyDTg2evybbNCq2zrOR6csvdUBU9tnM/s640/IMG_8488_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And Bennett refused to move from his "Mr conductor" platform.<br />
<br />
Is there anything cuter than chubby little feet and chubby little toes in saltwater sandals?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicLWXXp90qhTEJl43OCSp0CkBHSu590uZLUn9TlYTPGywuUz7O4rY5mLMipewyNCqcZQSCKd8lpQKLuQe4WqENxJOOUwrnuyX8mG9o8VN2nIt3v5Wpd93HNnqW_GliLlq65HoJi2CQpk/s1600/IMG_8471_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicLWXXp90qhTEJl43OCSp0CkBHSu590uZLUn9TlYTPGywuUz7O4rY5mLMipewyNCqcZQSCKd8lpQKLuQe4WqENxJOOUwrnuyX8mG9o8VN2nIt3v5Wpd93HNnqW_GliLlq65HoJi2CQpk/s640/IMG_8471_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No. There's not. Except for maybe the cute little baby wearing them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleVsRlU6MBARIPO303GD0AdDuBa-AutRx1IvP0rB1PBKFe3gWhyzgekjPblrfknFm7Hd3StK6clc4Qed9k8F2zIpjHH8SI-tJX0E1cIenZCAmNkw9dnJBX03mqRLH23jj6Oi0tNA0vSg/s1600/IMG_8482_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleVsRlU6MBARIPO303GD0AdDuBa-AutRx1IvP0rB1PBKFe3gWhyzgekjPblrfknFm7Hd3StK6clc4Qed9k8F2zIpjHH8SI-tJX0E1cIenZCAmNkw9dnJBX03mqRLH23jj6Oi0tNA0vSg/s640/IMG_8482_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This park is seriously amazing. They have a miniature train ride, and lots of different areas to play and explore. The boys always love the playground, it's huge and has areas for all ages.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHye02lWZxYvzfK32L3HmteceGvjh93g6atggTGG96IZ59aFjkmnV2fHvXqWStBAkXaj9YNGUGyOXAM9xOifiBiQu39DE4gvfG8CoB_XxNjj1M_RyUXbZmI4Fqe6Wlrtip8BCLGDmY34/s1600/IMG_8514_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHye02lWZxYvzfK32L3HmteceGvjh93g6atggTGG96IZ59aFjkmnV2fHvXqWStBAkXaj9YNGUGyOXAM9xOifiBiQu39DE4gvfG8CoB_XxNjj1M_RyUXbZmI4Fqe6Wlrtip8BCLGDmY34/s640/IMG_8514_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESjhfoxW5mmSn5kX3AMqRaJfVbohyphenhyphen00KfBcPjQpJI8_Tk_2zILErlNN-QJXoLeXSp6txghUNTJzh0Cixwxci-9UuigH-gDap3to1a5DqmItXLPJNMCH9SBYWC9y942AqV54bfPyKg4vY/s1600/IMG_8519_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESjhfoxW5mmSn5kX3AMqRaJfVbohyphenhyphen00KfBcPjQpJI8_Tk_2zILErlNN-QJXoLeXSp6txghUNTJzh0Cixwxci-9UuigH-gDap3to1a5DqmItXLPJNMCH9SBYWC9y942AqV54bfPyKg4vY/s640/IMG_8519_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It also happens to be not to far away from a particular burger joint, that we, along with the rest of America cannot get enough of.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiaVG1ejPapBiDrw7mUeg148FRaR5I3khNdU8YOdWpYd7j6IWW0U8uuyUl2VuNU6nzNeF4tzOw0GFGw8ltji7eDes0k956GgxiSX_xubEm0KlByeHkgQkt6t34DBfDYFDhb0KTTa90ZI/s1600/IMG_8524_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiaVG1ejPapBiDrw7mUeg148FRaR5I3khNdU8YOdWpYd7j6IWW0U8uuyUl2VuNU6nzNeF4tzOw0GFGw8ltji7eDes0k956GgxiSX_xubEm0KlByeHkgQkt6t34DBfDYFDhb0KTTa90ZI/s640/IMG_8524_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdIaCskV8upGBSLGqHi246tGshhpBudqrdnxYx9KWtKqMxlYgPWAgAdyH6QfdDScBPoOJj3GWeZFE754CbUgAgUXg1VA9wbGwrHKPIKozHXCDiPJHfTJRlgGn7mkh9zZGGPQe35jXkv8/s1600/IMG_8528_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdIaCskV8upGBSLGqHi246tGshhpBudqrdnxYx9KWtKqMxlYgPWAgAdyH6QfdDScBPoOJj3GWeZFE754CbUgAgUXg1VA9wbGwrHKPIKozHXCDiPJHfTJRlgGn7mkh9zZGGPQe35jXkv8/s640/IMG_8528_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WlAXMy1z4CplLVLgJC6I9VFX6Py51D2BJe0CQf_HymuNS_jOBh6rWd8beRGZeY7UqqPUMymshV3-5THJg5bfh6dQ2qFm72XUNLYk-ju5rRsf50jrA-5yPBkHVGHjwmZc6uhiB-BIkag/s1600/IMG_8531_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WlAXMy1z4CplLVLgJC6I9VFX6Py51D2BJe0CQf_HymuNS_jOBh6rWd8beRGZeY7UqqPUMymshV3-5THJg5bfh6dQ2qFm72XUNLYk-ju5rRsf50jrA-5yPBkHVGHjwmZc6uhiB-BIkag/s640/IMG_8531_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G6LzWmrI0mS6a742URmkqadYH9ZgCSsTC-UafE8Baz-jXVZz38mP1_6KPMMa7plQU078LHEJN3MxXQtmINHUi1dmzYUFW7XNM7eh5791oy2iDLbpgEV9-5K694yZNhndb586OnZWxHA/s1600/IMG_8532_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G6LzWmrI0mS6a742URmkqadYH9ZgCSsTC-UafE8Baz-jXVZz38mP1_6KPMMa7plQU078LHEJN3MxXQtmINHUi1dmzYUFW7XNM7eh5791oy2iDLbpgEV9-5K694yZNhndb586OnZWxHA/s640/IMG_8532_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxS38BH94dtnI5-WPxbgN8RNObdTfuDws1AZLC2yCDVmo_rgfOxfUV7CCR5qwloqTUZ5haGGcHPOhtjDyODxsE7yeslScZVE38GiLTg-x4Chf6mnBNXI5m081IZYXKq2DErOjjk7mx5Y/s1600/IMG_8537_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxS38BH94dtnI5-WPxbgN8RNObdTfuDws1AZLC2yCDVmo_rgfOxfUV7CCR5qwloqTUZ5haGGcHPOhtjDyODxsE7yeslScZVE38GiLTg-x4Chf6mnBNXI5m081IZYXKq2DErOjjk7mx5Y/s640/IMG_8537_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5o7_ReQpZ-_1ItJtNVyqATfs79-4BNV-jHRY_JyH8v58cjIqf0gVE6ij6mhwYRBLbnEZSwxfmBtNN2eXzDwh8QiM7hDCFgI1yNLO4nY90Fa2AL_4zi8EKWHfqs8saGkBOhpAiphAAjs/s1600/IMG_8539_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5o7_ReQpZ-_1ItJtNVyqATfs79-4BNV-jHRY_JyH8v58cjIqf0gVE6ij6mhwYRBLbnEZSwxfmBtNN2eXzDwh8QiM7hDCFgI1yNLO4nY90Fa2AL_4zi8EKWHfqs8saGkBOhpAiphAAjs/s640/IMG_8539_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrovGJbutkyskqv3H3QF0kJlMKait9f5l19_pyl8-2PHAqqaRorNne7pBgiOJk3TtaGjnqyfeKcRLIAnkhtaQz4pDZ4AT2jtouStUqDBb46ah5FL4U3R5-EGXf10ck8Xz9jxW24U_qnmE/s1600/IMG_8540_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrovGJbutkyskqv3H3QF0kJlMKait9f5l19_pyl8-2PHAqqaRorNne7pBgiOJk3TtaGjnqyfeKcRLIAnkhtaQz4pDZ4AT2jtouStUqDBb46ah5FL4U3R5-EGXf10ck8Xz9jxW24U_qnmE/s640/IMG_8540_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The only way we could convince Davis of wearing the hat was to give him a "taste" of Grandma's milkshake. We thought he was only getting a wee bit through the straw, because they are really thick. Turns out he sucked it pretty much dry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KY6UaPp25mFguDEi4ZJU5dXBRj4nIuE4k9LBUtu4dzq5hhQAg76rNS0FArDeIr1C0B3kakFeD60hncYKgpqfYJ93WBpAk_ceH75_ZlQqDHiOFrnxo1q0_rhNwKmy-r30SP1n5f7yMe0/s1600/IMG_8535_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KY6UaPp25mFguDEi4ZJU5dXBRj4nIuE4k9LBUtu4dzq5hhQAg76rNS0FArDeIr1C0B3kakFeD60hncYKgpqfYJ93WBpAk_ceH75_ZlQqDHiOFrnxo1q0_rhNwKmy-r30SP1n5f7yMe0/s640/IMG_8535_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzFVwyIVORv0FpU1eOAgop7FsZ_XZ910VULTa0FeyWQpjcSjYYpQOdPhSkxXkyCXPrqLNSVOkHmvcK719Wqz15krYHgZFheKUW8eKBpL5ylwYuiNSkcZHHz1bIHZIPV1vxXHjGZqNFqY/s1600/IMG_8543_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzFVwyIVORv0FpU1eOAgop7FsZ_XZ910VULTa0FeyWQpjcSjYYpQOdPhSkxXkyCXPrqLNSVOkHmvcK719Wqz15krYHgZFheKUW8eKBpL5ylwYuiNSkcZHHz1bIHZIPV1vxXHjGZqNFqY/s640/IMG_8543_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And he wouldn't even consider letting that straw leave his lips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTf2FM7aqhkB5N6h59xXartszWw46qTfCe0SsKuugL_xfd0cj987Er4vzvNpn77hYycbvI9N6GbLzRtbVFSoY_pQayELZ7mI9nk11M9DeqrmhySkIqM73urUuwDFrXjw_7OV0zd7mKWw/s1600/IMG_8547_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTf2FM7aqhkB5N6h59xXartszWw46qTfCe0SsKuugL_xfd0cj987Er4vzvNpn77hYycbvI9N6GbLzRtbVFSoY_pQayELZ7mI9nk11M9DeqrmhySkIqM73urUuwDFrXjw_7OV0zd7mKWw/s640/IMG_8547_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy camper right there.<br />
<br />
We also, spoiled the boys with an ice cream trip later in the week. And all I can say is...Salt & Straw, you have ruined us. The boys loved it, of course....but all I could do was dream about how much better Salt & Straw was and how much I wanted some right that minute.<br />
<br />
Cole was so sweet though, and kept sneaking over to share his ice cream with the littlest. Who unfortunately had been asleep when we ordered. Good thing he has such a generous big brother, who did so without us even asking him to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmI3zLo6hTkzu7wgFhxvZfqV14mcmsGUPdDrdQoKiTNKuE6bdOQk8kewuUUtpWAYG5kXx2jverrysIBWbY8KVzsDSZ7sQlse_CjtPZCfL4yrNsuLwKkr4rr_qhqJpHPIXUabYsSh3uvM/s1600/IMG_8775+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmI3zLo6hTkzu7wgFhxvZfqV14mcmsGUPdDrdQoKiTNKuE6bdOQk8kewuUUtpWAYG5kXx2jverrysIBWbY8KVzsDSZ7sQlse_CjtPZCfL4yrNsuLwKkr4rr_qhqJpHPIXUabYsSh3uvM/s640/IMG_8775+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wUMmK2WDhVEmOYX1A87rUIRBc7Lg4Sh88HdWcUbDOq_QEjMTeDD0LTxrVBKOxZuBVOtvBqEFbbTjbWSvmkuWGr4TL7Y6fFzoNUVHKZqv_5g4VDbacCpOO-eS35WnspvpAVlXQM8kOTU/s1600/IMG_8769_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wUMmK2WDhVEmOYX1A87rUIRBc7Lg4Sh88HdWcUbDOq_QEjMTeDD0LTxrVBKOxZuBVOtvBqEFbbTjbWSvmkuWGr4TL7Y6fFzoNUVHKZqv_5g4VDbacCpOO-eS35WnspvpAVlXQM8kOTU/s640/IMG_8769_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DD3M5p1e3XXegqktfP1cPQ-jWEuww0JuLIcZyJvC9u0paDEzZ7FDoUOiPTFw8m63A4Big4We4spKX91vaJpmTg80uCN5TcIlUh2bPSkosEq2zk5ikHlMtpbbaDovVGcOF3F5KfT81_E/s1600/IMG_8783_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DD3M5p1e3XXegqktfP1cPQ-jWEuww0JuLIcZyJvC9u0paDEzZ7FDoUOiPTFw8m63A4Big4We4spKX91vaJpmTg80uCN5TcIlUh2bPSkosEq2zk5ikHlMtpbbaDovVGcOF3F5KfT81_E/s640/IMG_8783_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of my favorite moments happen when we are all just chilling at the house. The boys love to play in the backyard. And we are always on cactus alert, to make sure no one falls on one.<br />
<br />
Davis was never without a ball in his hand. Either kicking it or throwing it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MV64-lT0ntnXO6j3Yr75qs8mTcBtCyjuj62RrXKYzRV9jfhleQrSr_SmQZtkoSNbtu0iSKVbmMS_bRQT5_wuvngUPsLcs3RnTJ-KiNaBqzl2tXbzqhKbbcxTJW3EJRpBwEZsPwcc93A/s1600/IMG_8563_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MV64-lT0ntnXO6j3Yr75qs8mTcBtCyjuj62RrXKYzRV9jfhleQrSr_SmQZtkoSNbtu0iSKVbmMS_bRQT5_wuvngUPsLcs3RnTJ-KiNaBqzl2tXbzqhKbbcxTJW3EJRpBwEZsPwcc93A/s640/IMG_8563_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGKnKbETJckV_gs_cUbHMiCIxzdMpwND5qQr9JLNjQXaR4c1iEItpSHouuJO5xVGjxD2nQ-zraTPuyGu86SQKlc_BahgeI9TSllK1RAn84trvQQB7V_wPE3v0XBTVHqVmy5CSI3VeEjQ/s1600/IMG_8571_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGKnKbETJckV_gs_cUbHMiCIxzdMpwND5qQr9JLNjQXaR4c1iEItpSHouuJO5xVGjxD2nQ-zraTPuyGu86SQKlc_BahgeI9TSllK1RAn84trvQQB7V_wPE3v0XBTVHqVmy5CSI3VeEjQ/s640/IMG_8571_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGFNhPfaD9XcTBWJyeG82Mxap_9NaWsZYSK0HTjQjvlzy4jHRNGt83CEUoUnSt8Ch99g7LGR08gw9CBpvaeeZmNawQ7bIn56_ynCVWl3aG4G_Lcdbu807roGOShJ55c_XTcBQHEBkGtw/s1600/IMG_8588_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGFNhPfaD9XcTBWJyeG82Mxap_9NaWsZYSK0HTjQjvlzy4jHRNGt83CEUoUnSt8Ch99g7LGR08gw9CBpvaeeZmNawQ7bIn56_ynCVWl3aG4G_Lcdbu807roGOShJ55c_XTcBQHEBkGtw/s640/IMG_8588_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKWNUrbojeo9pPquuP_z3U__iepMeYztZ7IUEHZ6ysYkrLxbwOp8J6Z9To1ouAERQEEsGTyI8H-42UULDds5ToK3T1fpwXU0-YjasuX7wnt0BUfqXGipkGp0kWKMIi0dFk3AVyywS10w/s1600/IMG_8612_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKWNUrbojeo9pPquuP_z3U__iepMeYztZ7IUEHZ6ysYkrLxbwOp8J6Z9To1ouAERQEEsGTyI8H-42UULDds5ToK3T1fpwXU0-YjasuX7wnt0BUfqXGipkGp0kWKMIi0dFk3AVyywS10w/s640/IMG_8612_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtzlmckjQd4pq3F6A5SFUwjcExx5U8vkVRMXpa6fn8KMBT6tl_xVsGwzLiDTEustpspF3oIC4hSQf6_zwIUsTxavT1y-5V5gPGF6kaot2x6MgPftrbpGSyKoGSac9HjzcvIkjzt7U_FI/s1600/IMG_8624_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtzlmckjQd4pq3F6A5SFUwjcExx5U8vkVRMXpa6fn8KMBT6tl_xVsGwzLiDTEustpspF3oIC4hSQf6_zwIUsTxavT1y-5V5gPGF6kaot2x6MgPftrbpGSyKoGSac9HjzcvIkjzt7U_FI/s640/IMG_8624_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And I mean, really...those thighs, no shirt, diaper and sandals. Perfect Arizona attire. He was just so happy all week long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKJZ69KFN-fNyCzR6A2_UBHmmfJOKm2ZhEnM-vUTiCJsMRo4dKf_eMGm9XMHc5ppLcJW_bdaiqhl4knwWU5EkviZE1OndpwU8Mtb6Iz3uHc-_z6f13tmQKuT71FKY-dbf66mROo6zTek/s1600/IMG_8585_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKJZ69KFN-fNyCzR6A2_UBHmmfJOKm2ZhEnM-vUTiCJsMRo4dKf_eMGm9XMHc5ppLcJW_bdaiqhl4knwWU5EkviZE1OndpwU8Mtb6Iz3uHc-_z6f13tmQKuT71FKY-dbf66mROo6zTek/s640/IMG_8585_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOHOzDVCmP-LjIB-T9abXBUqyEO22GkvK5VvpJevHXMqGonsHl-2b4D7CDojK9Hkwy8mIJ6NizZdRdrnGqcN6Qb3htKYzw2hK29CNR_fJZB6uA0QOw4BqRKGDsM88wPoIyAnzXfKYvT0/s1600/IMG_8577_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOHOzDVCmP-LjIB-T9abXBUqyEO22GkvK5VvpJevHXMqGonsHl-2b4D7CDojK9Hkwy8mIJ6NizZdRdrnGqcN6Qb3htKYzw2hK29CNR_fJZB6uA0QOw4BqRKGDsM88wPoIyAnzXfKYvT0/s640/IMG_8577_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68lfwvQfhXU2e86UAabMDCOXMSrIDaiEn_r1NMi_eCa3xjWVmM2BtK_Fj8j1Iwg5UuS9eCyxiZ3O80atbEZv0ReO8pdPDm9Qb-LYPGXqavaRJ5_lDpPSp3P-8Z5OQoWE_7B9F0CLG_CE/s1600/IMG_8706_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68lfwvQfhXU2e86UAabMDCOXMSrIDaiEn_r1NMi_eCa3xjWVmM2BtK_Fj8j1Iwg5UuS9eCyxiZ3O80atbEZv0ReO8pdPDm9Qb-LYPGXqavaRJ5_lDpPSp3P-8Z5OQoWE_7B9F0CLG_CE/s640/IMG_8706_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRULPk9ZRmF8UetvPDOnrHV-1wOtH8Cy0wiStLV3cE0e7iBmvGPR1btrqvIyGiacf4g-BIInqGBIOPTnm42PUuQWRUdaA0soTpdFYuwip0bYyCTzy-7GX1FbqHATVJMVTx24D4vWos43Y/s1600/IMG_8707_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRULPk9ZRmF8UetvPDOnrHV-1wOtH8Cy0wiStLV3cE0e7iBmvGPR1btrqvIyGiacf4g-BIInqGBIOPTnm42PUuQWRUdaA0soTpdFYuwip0bYyCTzy-7GX1FbqHATVJMVTx24D4vWos43Y/s640/IMG_8707_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Give the boy a shovel, and he will dig for days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcKVesVlLKkHgzLWyiUsZ0Rav1d9xCvejdAGYlEDt8aeT1Er9BkbDt57Mtk7tfwyuOOTo4pb7XAPsytJGebRA63cLg8ciaXV8h5YyBsH3WBUiROrWMTttrDZBQLBIiIm00Y7qp3A6I-k/s1600/IMG_8646_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcKVesVlLKkHgzLWyiUsZ0Rav1d9xCvejdAGYlEDt8aeT1Er9BkbDt57Mtk7tfwyuOOTo4pb7XAPsytJGebRA63cLg8ciaXV8h5YyBsH3WBUiROrWMTttrDZBQLBIiIm00Y7qp3A6I-k/s640/IMG_8646_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqonx32Tarieo_qZ9GAn29AtsQ4eC9PcSbJduxJgpc-0heobFLKY50SuChhFQyBIqfQHUXqaoGUTHOXRfRp7eLdVIdN2rzLxuIEX0iJC8JbN1JCVbEpTgx0dHMrIBzf8gvSVjqL4YrDJo/s1600/IMG_8662_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqonx32Tarieo_qZ9GAn29AtsQ4eC9PcSbJduxJgpc-0heobFLKY50SuChhFQyBIqfQHUXqaoGUTHOXRfRp7eLdVIdN2rzLxuIEX0iJC8JbN1JCVbEpTgx0dHMrIBzf8gvSVjqL4YrDJo/s640/IMG_8662_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And Bennett, who would not let me take a normal picture of him the entire time. But he would act out different emotions, the kid is so expressive!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTkydnvXN-Eib7pQRkD9CQrqRXDCZq5muN7WeeXsoXuoBGJ-H_YWu7fVCGkxQQUdMiPGR6dwZlDsohhjZ8yra1oKF3iTYmypV2AzpSTC6DUz7ekyOwKp_cF5j1b_2eoFw7yBrt3m3wIg/s1600/IMG_8679_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTkydnvXN-Eib7pQRkD9CQrqRXDCZq5muN7WeeXsoXuoBGJ-H_YWu7fVCGkxQQUdMiPGR6dwZlDsohhjZ8yra1oKF3iTYmypV2AzpSTC6DUz7ekyOwKp_cF5j1b_2eoFw7yBrt3m3wIg/s640/IMG_8679_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoI0w_wg5mfZm1zz0vmlOX0ggf7vglPsIsWGfbep2xr8MP606QoyHQCdcw17qN_ZlNDi2-0A8_qxgko9m2nFpSYwObfRNLNuta1pAsILOa7CzF5rd9e-WBzRrblrAsxkqh1aZeClmcI28/s1600/IMG_8688_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoI0w_wg5mfZm1zz0vmlOX0ggf7vglPsIsWGfbep2xr8MP606QoyHQCdcw17qN_ZlNDi2-0A8_qxgko9m2nFpSYwObfRNLNuta1pAsILOa7CzF5rd9e-WBzRrblrAsxkqh1aZeClmcI28/s640/IMG_8688_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7Y2Ur7M-3ZWbdu9Annhf3PROCA6EdzcoGN_yT88qkE8UYhxi48UGijNS-DfBs7NrnoTAip_yAN_X8WRXDlGmRMQnBnQwyBDMSRCPR6sY2Yfo57crKNLGGXgOamRUt0jVkMw3vnDbQ7Y/s1600/IMG_8692_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7Y2Ur7M-3ZWbdu9Annhf3PROCA6EdzcoGN_yT88qkE8UYhxi48UGijNS-DfBs7NrnoTAip_yAN_X8WRXDlGmRMQnBnQwyBDMSRCPR6sY2Yfo57crKNLGGXgOamRUt0jVkMw3vnDbQ7Y/s640/IMG_8692_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He brings so much energy wherever he goes. I just love him so much.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiME63_lR426D-idK22bk3N5VVEOpmxQCLebvtkkanvy4-9d7wfWwVnVksw-JVLAdxqpI19pM6AX0aZ2eoIkQiThxLmV3DJ8-hqpLdVjL5zd07ZH84J09vCpKx2P170r7Yb3IMdqBV1ZFs/s1600/IMG_8721_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiME63_lR426D-idK22bk3N5VVEOpmxQCLebvtkkanvy4-9d7wfWwVnVksw-JVLAdxqpI19pM6AX0aZ2eoIkQiThxLmV3DJ8-hqpLdVjL5zd07ZH84J09vCpKx2P170r7Yb3IMdqBV1ZFs/s640/IMG_8721_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgRxwqSc-G4TOG61GSQhg28OOhnHhXeE1AQxhwSpIJHoVe-6tWVVNP8nV-lKUjtdb6EyEhq3TrhgPfeIH-9xomFVCv9P1sHDpMLzP9eeQythgii5umRCHb4HqCbdcUvbcpHUYq3itgZs/s1600/IMG_8806_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgRxwqSc-G4TOG61GSQhg28OOhnHhXeE1AQxhwSpIJHoVe-6tWVVNP8nV-lKUjtdb6EyEhq3TrhgPfeIH-9xomFVCv9P1sHDpMLzP9eeQythgii5umRCHb4HqCbdcUvbcpHUYq3itgZs/s640/IMG_8806_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And Cole. Such a good big brother, always thinking of others, balloons, and showing off his muscles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH-9nG80BCs-rVc2Bw-mHWCD86PKB7a1unVhKSYuTVVRy3UT4q7JY1XTD54JxBhORz2ca9F-u5mzhk7DTs-Qo17vEzvQOYGuNX7NSjDJTSQ8Oc4sAUDd-JqOqYceUVC6PKlwCl1crPfY/s1600/IMG_8796_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH-9nG80BCs-rVc2Bw-mHWCD86PKB7a1unVhKSYuTVVRy3UT4q7JY1XTD54JxBhORz2ca9F-u5mzhk7DTs-Qo17vEzvQOYGuNX7NSjDJTSQ8Oc4sAUDd-JqOqYceUVC6PKlwCl1crPfY/s640/IMG_8796_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNn2WCXrsD6CkX7jXZ062wmunNumAZ-olNuxEtKNsJueP7K9Oxok-QECALBGjNAT64toYjsvSqXj0QzYDZ0jLY3gxXEZ3yaedADqjmMyiEYb_cGkdWVWn6Bw9uqeMpyxWmazmqdMqwTw/s1600/IMG_8803_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNn2WCXrsD6CkX7jXZ062wmunNumAZ-olNuxEtKNsJueP7K9Oxok-QECALBGjNAT64toYjsvSqXj0QzYDZ0jLY3gxXEZ3yaedADqjmMyiEYb_cGkdWVWn6Bw9uqeMpyxWmazmqdMqwTw/s640/IMG_8803_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3AEHtSMaUTcQ8xld71-MlK_qeC6E3pK2eXpOZm2cVo7LvGtTyn5d4iT02MK9HjloPme4AjbRac0a8_0JD-6rddJOKEI-wRCWnSpq5DHgDEW1zPaljDKzSoi_v2bXCku8eMUCCRO5oA0/s1600/IMG_8631_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3AEHtSMaUTcQ8xld71-MlK_qeC6E3pK2eXpOZm2cVo7LvGtTyn5d4iT02MK9HjloPme4AjbRac0a8_0JD-6rddJOKEI-wRCWnSpq5DHgDEW1zPaljDKzSoi_v2bXCku8eMUCCRO5oA0/s640/IMG_8631_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We made sure there was plenty of time to relax, snuggle and rest. Especially since we were finally getting a short break from illness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkWC7-aCJNnmkktIG4_GGN6L2UM84hawlwL2vRmT2zJMARzOdmtSb3cO4IY0xZzsBJusyg-bcooaw2zraqAEyOaEH1e-okd2EelvzTuL_GBH-sDWjZXj4URqJ2WhbHZUBnCrq38bohog/s1600/IMG_8296+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkWC7-aCJNnmkktIG4_GGN6L2UM84hawlwL2vRmT2zJMARzOdmtSb3cO4IY0xZzsBJusyg-bcooaw2zraqAEyOaEH1e-okd2EelvzTuL_GBH-sDWjZXj4URqJ2WhbHZUBnCrq38bohog/s640/IMG_8296+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06__NJBwodIjcBXO8So5OWxA67fuukvf8INwClniLOdr1GlpHUpAAJ6pVTO0hQxk0jrcCnQOvU_UkbP6GTw0aUgygVtZt5e4xti_WRqWEg2n1sOouGG-5xGWMkKxHku12haUVbSDg9TY/s1600/IMG_8557_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06__NJBwodIjcBXO8So5OWxA67fuukvf8INwClniLOdr1GlpHUpAAJ6pVTO0hQxk0jrcCnQOvU_UkbP6GTw0aUgygVtZt5e4xti_WRqWEg2n1sOouGG-5xGWMkKxHku12haUVbSDg9TY/s640/IMG_8557_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR3vDcUSGQd7EOHItNQty940ebIEZoRJ5_tp7pLowpw7CTGldeFP7_9NwWYG1C6FAQiz58tw7emH7rDENqeCXTPGTXTPoZk-_iFfhB-N3pCIRXXZOgqGL8azC9NXFolaQGooXRXexHt4/s1600/IMG_8382_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR3vDcUSGQd7EOHItNQty940ebIEZoRJ5_tp7pLowpw7CTGldeFP7_9NwWYG1C6FAQiz58tw7emH7rDENqeCXTPGTXTPoZk-_iFfhB-N3pCIRXXZOgqGL8azC9NXFolaQGooXRXexHt4/s640/IMG_8382_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIavBl-mEmu4PARoG2odPzDHANCCJbGZwJut6d9R3oE3T44GC28oEQ4vsfXQZEOx6fkAHgBGdU2TouVl2idKIUUzHHzGvECDDpKDCZMZhdxP080DHczdaQe8ftCY8QkaldCFT4GpJOB8U/s1600/IMG_8300_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIavBl-mEmu4PARoG2odPzDHANCCJbGZwJut6d9R3oE3T44GC28oEQ4vsfXQZEOx6fkAHgBGdU2TouVl2idKIUUzHHzGvECDDpKDCZMZhdxP080DHczdaQe8ftCY8QkaldCFT4GpJOB8U/s640/IMG_8300_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course, we ended our time at a park to get the wiggles out before getting on the plane...which was delayed...which was not fun....which made for the longest plane ride home....ever. I felt like a royal circus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5IIjmyd67V6P8ez6IRrg6Ec6UjIM_bXJ3U5QfqLrnv3Azs320sDuadcmiHuakiBxDKrrdNTlgL2UPB0_4MwCr7KzdEXasz9Dpl-Hf7S3CkJIGsdXq_MKJPXbex06L76xHYlFhwz8hdI/s1600/IMG_8859_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5IIjmyd67V6P8ez6IRrg6Ec6UjIM_bXJ3U5QfqLrnv3Azs320sDuadcmiHuakiBxDKrrdNTlgL2UPB0_4MwCr7KzdEXasz9Dpl-Hf7S3CkJIGsdXq_MKJPXbex06L76xHYlFhwz8hdI/s640/IMG_8859_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja518ma62ld-7buFM5n1OvaoRnZCoIxk9VRqXKZSha_25iubW7mOs5tQii3GtecrkzGB55vfGvZQqzAxWx6RvtCLEefuXuzNSJGmfnB7PkvCK5n3kp1mQHLhIkOWgkAYtpQ1cLFLoOrU4/s1600/IMG_8878_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja518ma62ld-7buFM5n1OvaoRnZCoIxk9VRqXKZSha_25iubW7mOs5tQii3GtecrkzGB55vfGvZQqzAxWx6RvtCLEefuXuzNSJGmfnB7PkvCK5n3kp1mQHLhIkOWgkAYtpQ1cLFLoOrU4/s640/IMG_8878_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1YB2iffIh28kuHTLcPKmcR_s4XOlZmowVKNfs5-sbgzMY3-z9Yk3ualWd9monbSEw1kaOxCE_05ZG2_Ro2fYj9zmqFb_ikC52-BrVdUxm3RSBSzK6LRzVwJJKXz81VUMrpXzXzHoumI/s1600/IMG_8881_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1YB2iffIh28kuHTLcPKmcR_s4XOlZmowVKNfs5-sbgzMY3-z9Yk3ualWd9monbSEw1kaOxCE_05ZG2_Ro2fYj9zmqFb_ikC52-BrVdUxm3RSBSzK6LRzVwJJKXz81VUMrpXzXzHoumI/s640/IMG_8881_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UPKzIpJkG7Gpag_Lre1OEVI3o4fnFPLlNognZ2piUdI1LPKV5zPVqDI3fkXLwsy-3KJRf65DMztW9FJERr8guN4IkNEJTbsJKQZuuZ2wY3mqMaTXh5rRR4P7aoDkoatcrPAHdPNejhU/s1600/IMG_8887_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UPKzIpJkG7Gpag_Lre1OEVI3o4fnFPLlNognZ2piUdI1LPKV5zPVqDI3fkXLwsy-3KJRf65DMztW9FJERr8guN4IkNEJTbsJKQZuuZ2wY3mqMaTXh5rRR4P7aoDkoatcrPAHdPNejhU/s640/IMG_8887_edited-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSuI4NdI8Dy3TTAsjWAoQVVIH3Eusa1bP2JDZPITuhgHHjtV4PCv6zFgbFpgVzke81ee0YTpChekhRXOc6ws3hErEB99XcFt0asGPTYlO4aU2Aoj9vZcWTSEgv-OlmrxtilnGOORIEB0/s1600/IMG_8897_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSuI4NdI8Dy3TTAsjWAoQVVIH3Eusa1bP2JDZPITuhgHHjtV4PCv6zFgbFpgVzke81ee0YTpChekhRXOc6ws3hErEB99XcFt0asGPTYlO4aU2Aoj9vZcWTSEgv-OlmrxtilnGOORIEB0/s640/IMG_8897_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5vdSNLxgMGTHnzwr10Kz-odw2hxMAItBHBCmm555-3DjlYS69N9uL-5faGUHVLtslV1xSg5QsETxESIz_mJjQK9cn8NNmJsnk-u1vwSj1RHYqQ-46pbNAy1g-v_xG1V6PP9wBEwVsUY/s1600/IMG_8938_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5vdSNLxgMGTHnzwr10Kz-odw2hxMAItBHBCmm555-3DjlYS69N9uL-5faGUHVLtslV1xSg5QsETxESIz_mJjQK9cn8NNmJsnk-u1vwSj1RHYqQ-46pbNAy1g-v_xG1V6PP9wBEwVsUY/s640/IMG_8938_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJlT6GwjJ9LjverTvTFzh3F_ogZaMmzUkXiz5AKT1Ur_FxittByWDjjpjbvASwuQc__4fwvCQm-uRiTnFVC4ynC349dAEW6kQ2HGNcWWyoE5tJC2An5j774aEm22P69gSS6IxdaNoXlM/s1600/IMG_8256_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJlT6GwjJ9LjverTvTFzh3F_ogZaMmzUkXiz5AKT1Ur_FxittByWDjjpjbvASwuQc__4fwvCQm-uRiTnFVC4ynC349dAEW6kQ2HGNcWWyoE5tJC2An5j774aEm22P69gSS6IxdaNoXlM/s640/IMG_8256_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The second we all boarded the plane, everyone was getting buckled up. Davis leaned over and spewed puke all down my leg and on Cole's. Cole, of course started screaming, "DAVIS THREW UP ON ME, GROSS, SICK, EWE IT'S DRIPPING ON MY LEG!!!" I quietly tried to shush him, not wanting to bring even more attention to the matter, while cleaning up the mess. We were already getting enough stink eyes, and there were several wearing face masks. Perhaps we should have thought of that.<br />
<br />
Then Bennett figured out how to unbuckle himself...so that was fun, the entire trip I'm trying to re-buckle him, while holding a tired, unusually fussy, crying baby. We played pass-the-baby-back-and-forth-across-the-aisle for about 2 hours straight. During which I turned my eyes from Bennett for two seconds, only to turn back and see him strip out of his t-shirt and it getting tossed in the air. I'm sure the passengers behind him were confused or scared or both. I spent the next 10 minutes convincing him to put it back on and not to strip down any further and that yes, he still needed to keep his seat belt buckled. We let them have juice and crackers and whatever else the flight attendants tossed their way. I was beyond caring, just as long as it kept them occupied and happy. I finally convince Davis to stop screaming and go to sleep after I nursed him for the 50th time. How I really wish I could remember some of the other comical things that happened, because I remember thinking, this would make a great story...later, not now....but later after my head hits my own bed.<br />
<br />
All in all it was such a fun trip. We love our time with Kyle's parents and coming home is always a shock to the spoiled littles systems. It's always hard to get back into routine and for them to understand that we aren't going to have treats and ice cream everyday. Lots of battles and of course sickness quickly followed. But how thankful we were for our time away, we needed the breather. Next time though, Arizona, I'm counting on you to shine your hot Arizona sun for me. Until then....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgIBKCe63m8NjZ_mh1XbENSJS1Kw72S8lxt6uTMNHEMcFLaGBuqofo7zi9vtJ1j1wJhFYldP0feJOQcbV9RLRcbRTt5uGR-F65x8WRhirhiLXfI_XZJcErggnkS7X3CtIQZBFbVufBuU/s1600/IMG_8605_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgIBKCe63m8NjZ_mh1XbENSJS1Kw72S8lxt6uTMNHEMcFLaGBuqofo7zi9vtJ1j1wJhFYldP0feJOQcbV9RLRcbRTt5uGR-F65x8WRhirhiLXfI_XZJcErggnkS7X3CtIQZBFbVufBuU/s640/IMG_8605_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-29173985845241408642016-05-15T13:51:00.002-07:002016-05-15T13:51:34.819-07:00What We EatHello. I guess this is beginning to be a once a month post kind of thing. I was reading my last post, and started to kind of laugh, because I'm beginning to sound like either a liar, a broken record, or a big fat drama-queen. Or maybe all of the above.<br />
<br />
Because. Would you guess it, I'm sick. Again. We had about a 3-5 day break from being sick and were able to enjoy a nice little family vacation to Arizona. And then came home to another round of doctor visits. And I may be up for another one come tomorrow.<br />
<br />
So blogging has really been the last thing I have felt like doing. Actually, the only appealing thing has been to park myself on the couch with the remote and stay there.....forever.<br />
<br />
But I have a TON of photos from our trip. We had so much fun. So once I finish editing and going through them, I will write about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In the mean time, I thought I would tie you all over by doing a food post. With a little disclaimer, I actually haven't cooked much lately, because....well, the couch. It speaks to me more than chopping veggies these days. And I may have tossed some chips on a plate a time or two and called it lunch/dinner for the kids. Basically, if anything involves more energy than it takes to toss something in hungry mouths, I'm out. So these are recipes that I have had saved up in my not-fully-functioning-head. (Also, while I'm thinking about it, make sure you pin from the link that I provide for each of the recipes.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVqvk1TqeRFKsTKBiK6Sfao41Doi4ITIscnHUAP5Fxh95rtd82M91uAASeFfjXTsk1xxgggih8pweFtx14KMsYIujYdnoS3GSueHMbFsmcQhb8fT5n5QeuRf5VyC8m_RcrdvWvWylmik/s1600/Sweet-and-Sour-Chicken-NEW-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVqvk1TqeRFKsTKBiK6Sfao41Doi4ITIscnHUAP5Fxh95rtd82M91uAASeFfjXTsk1xxgggih8pweFtx14KMsYIujYdnoS3GSueHMbFsmcQhb8fT5n5QeuRf5VyC8m_RcrdvWvWylmik/s640/Sweet-and-Sour-Chicken-NEW-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken</b>. (Photo and recipe by Carlsbad Cravings, find recipe <a href="http://www.carlsbadcravings.com/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken-pineapple-carrots-and-bell-peppers/">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
Let me be clear. This is not a quick toss it in the oven type of meal. When I originally decided to make this, it was on a whim. I was going to make another sweet and sour recipe, but wanted something easier. I saw "baked" and thought, "perfect, this will be even easier". I may have cried half way through the process when I realized the big mistake I had made. I believe it had been a long night and an equally long day.....and well, the last thing I wanted to be doing was dredging raw chicken (oh, and I burned half of my chicken....which made the whole experience 10 times better) In a frustration rage, I may have said, " I hope no one likes this, because I will never ever make it again." To which I kindly remember hearing Cole say, "Mom, will you make this over and over again...... of course.<br />
<br />
HOWEVER, if you love ordering sweet and sour chicken then you absolutely HAVE to try his recipe. It is very sweet, you might even be able to cut down on the sugar some. But it truly has that authentic take-out taste, with no msg and all pronounceable ingredients. It is also very very good and so flavorful. After all is said and done, I will make this again.....but will be able to plan ahead, and the knowing what I'm getting in to will help my attitude...that, and remembering not to put the chicken in a smoldering hot pan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHhmGsUCQ3Spz7QrVBrrJYpch9X19oPgG2cmwTyx_yL7a5K9vZOfwnjc92Ub-0XOT-Wo0PL1uZuVYxC2N-QoMA_NFb4UGxynCCoLC8NzOqrm9RsLtPeRee9R4qZJiDY2hEqPJCTG41x8/s1600/chicken-shawarma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHhmGsUCQ3Spz7QrVBrrJYpch9X19oPgG2cmwTyx_yL7a5K9vZOfwnjc92Ub-0XOT-Wo0PL1uZuVYxC2N-QoMA_NFb4UGxynCCoLC8NzOqrm9RsLtPeRee9R4qZJiDY2hEqPJCTG41x8/s640/chicken-shawarma.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up,<b> Chicken Shawarma.</b> (Photo and Recipe credit from Jo Cooks, find the link and recipe <a href="http://www.jocooks.com/healthy-eating/oven-roasted-chicken-shawarma/">HERE)</a><br />
<br />
Finally, a recipe that is easy and tastes just as good as if I was ordering it at an authentic restaurant. One disclaimer, I made this super duper easy by buying some pre-made tabboulah salad and hummus from Trader Joe's, drizzled with Greek yogurt and forgot to make the garlic sauce all together.....and it still tasted delightful. We stuffed everything in some pita bread that I had forgotten about in our freezer. And this is truly one of those drop in the oven and you are done type of recipes. No dredging here. :)<br />
<br />
Next, onto tacos, two completely different ways. I can see us stuffing our faces with these lots during the heat of the summer. Man, am I looking forward to a new season...and hopefully less germs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLr1ct-cSuHN2zVVlqDPY2gYn5Wb9-GVKgsQYx82FOKHOWzlUTcKM9hyqMKYa0S4e4vgLqK2qnLr2s2nVVTuwWPAmN_0y-1VR5iV3VpGaIMfdzH8JQaYeVzPi8mjDM5ooXWAe0xvLv6EM/s1600/Chili-Lime-Chicken-Tacos-with-Grilled-Pineapple-Salsa-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLr1ct-cSuHN2zVVlqDPY2gYn5Wb9-GVKgsQYx82FOKHOWzlUTcKM9hyqMKYa0S4e4vgLqK2qnLr2s2nVVTuwWPAmN_0y-1VR5iV3VpGaIMfdzH8JQaYeVzPi8mjDM5ooXWAe0xvLv6EM/s640/Chili-Lime-Chicken-Tacos-with-Grilled-Pineapple-Salsa-002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa.</b> (also both pic and recipe found over at Carlsbad Cravings, one of my new favorite blogs. Everything is fresh and full of flavor. Find the link for the recipe <a href="http://www.carlsbadcravings.com/chili-lime-chicken-tacos-with-grilled-pineapple-salsa/">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
So I'm going to be honest here, I totally cheated. I marinated the chicken, then just threw it all in a baking pan and baked it instead of grilling it. The day that I made these, it was raining and i didn't feel like standing outside in the rain and making the extra effort. Which also means I didn't grill any of the salsa ingredients. And let me tell you this, they still tasted fantastic! I can only imagine grilling everything would even heighten the results...I mean, grilled pineapple, does it get better than that?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0QkRRo5MpAJcIKnRTZYgCLHieeUYtPSV6xssLqof4PMr06DBHedZZPd7Mjg8UxOo2grqhVbcLVrpq7OTcaUfk9VOkVXmO8M1o7uTIlcSQWNMEDVDbNfS0YCdKHG0pbhkXuHyahqHZ7Q/s1600/fishtacos-13-650x1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0QkRRo5MpAJcIKnRTZYgCLHieeUYtPSV6xssLqof4PMr06DBHedZZPd7Mjg8UxOo2grqhVbcLVrpq7OTcaUfk9VOkVXmO8M1o7uTIlcSQWNMEDVDbNfS0YCdKHG0pbhkXuHyahqHZ7Q/s640/fishtacos-13-650x1012.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Easy 15 minute fish tacos with corn and avocado salsa</b> (Photo and recipe credit from Averie Cooks, find the recipe <a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2015/05/easy-15-minute-fish-tacos-with-avocado-corn-salsa.html">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
On to taco #2, there is a sad reality that I'm still working on coming to grip with. My hubby does not like fish. Except he will order fish tacos. And because I love all types of fish and am always looking for ways that I can sneak some into our diets. I finally decided to give making fish tacos a whirl, not real sure why they intimidated me so much. But these were a breeze to whip up. The avocado and corn salsa gave it the perfect amount of citrus, brightness and sweetness. These will also be made on repeat this summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepDnRWd8j3bTXx6em5F1b_wMexQjd6DzI6WeuDrzfAn88Kz7YNKH8fIY3APYwH5elqNZ8nZomSFPNdbO9H2caGlI2IMPMYevakSB7o1VBvgR_LFWAmAOTaBvd9K_gA-YVGMu8p4MVchU/s1600/IMG_7349+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepDnRWd8j3bTXx6em5F1b_wMexQjd6DzI6WeuDrzfAn88Kz7YNKH8fIY3APYwH5elqNZ8nZomSFPNdbO9H2caGlI2IMPMYevakSB7o1VBvgR_LFWAmAOTaBvd9K_gA-YVGMu8p4MVchU/s640/IMG_7349+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>German Oven Pancakes</b><br />
<b>(</b>Recipe from The Girl Inspired found <b><a href="http://thegirlinspired.com/2015/03/german-oven-pancakes/">HERE</a>) </b><br />
<br />
Lastly, when time is short and I don't have much in the pantry to make a complete meal, or I just don't want to have to think about preparing dinner. My go-to is breakfast for dinner. It's pretty much a guarantee that plates will be licked clean and seconds begged for. I have previously shared a recipe for Finnish pancakes that we loved for awhile. But I found that they could actually be quite, finicky. If you didn't blend them enough they separated, or weren't as silky smooth as the time before. Then entered this new recipe. Every ingredient is tossed in my vitamix, I whirl it around for a few seconds and it pretty much makes itself. We love to eat it with berry compote, Trader Joe's no sugar added strawberry jam, or simply fresh squeezed lemons and powdered sugar. Anyway you eat them, they always turn out perfect. The true key is to let them cool a bit, everything settles into a perfectly smooth custard-like finish. But we often don't have that kind of patience. They also reheat beautifully the next day.<br />
<br />
There you go. Hopefully these can help with some meal planning or trying some new meals. And hopefully this will be my last whiny post about being sick. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-34480365293488851392016-04-18T09:10:00.000-07:002016-04-18T09:10:36.685-07:00Back in the sick wagon again<br />
This winter sick season has got to stop. I'm about ready to lose my mind. We just went through another round of crazy, weird illness. We had the pukes, another ear infection, snot, coughs, fevers, strep, some form of hib, a nasty virus to sweetly pile on top of all the previously listed, and a mama who has ran out of steam, and cries when she thinks about coughing....because it causes her head to burst in to a migraine-on-steroids-type-of-headache. I have a new found respect for those that deal with chronic pain on a daily basis, it can be so very detrimental to your well-being and functioning capabilities.<br />
<br />
Our families have been true godsends. My sister drove 45 minutes both ways just to drop off dinner, blow me a kiss through the window and run like the wind to avoid any contamination. My mom went out of her way to make several meals, homemade bread (all I ate for several days) and other goodies to help us out. I can't even begin to describe what lifesavers those meals were. Dinner time was usually the worst time of day, some days I had a sick baby plastered to me, crying if the mere thought of putting him down even crossed my mind. Kyle took work off on Friday, because I was sinking...and fast. And he was sort of my hero. How I wish the boys could have got his immune system...he NEVER gets sick! <br />
<br />
Kyle's parents took the boys to a park one day so I could camp out on the couch and sleep off my fever...since sleep didn't really happen at night. They also came to the rescue again last night so Kyle and I could go out and get a quick happy hour. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it felt to get out of the house! Thank you everyone!<br />
<br />
Somehow, through it all we survived(ing). And I can't help but wonder how three little boys can be so incredibly exhausting yet life-giving all at the same time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek0wAMFjDl6lS5Qty4V9-KHRSc1AvsvkziD7u4tS4onk9e6rmddUnEUW2-m8yzJIU_NtrsGLqxjtIaw35FoQXn2dltlRa0e7rRfg9C06KPG6kspH1j-lAmSx_OpV7Tb_j7UwFHKKx8X4/s1600/IMG_7797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek0wAMFjDl6lS5Qty4V9-KHRSc1AvsvkziD7u4tS4onk9e6rmddUnEUW2-m8yzJIU_NtrsGLqxjtIaw35FoQXn2dltlRa0e7rRfg9C06KPG6kspH1j-lAmSx_OpV7Tb_j7UwFHKKx8X4/s640/IMG_7797.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I also can't help but be thankful that we didn't go through all this sickness last year when Davis would have been so little and a lot more susceptible. I shudder to think about how much worse it could have been.<br />
<br />
Especially with me having hib. Just another testament as to why I am/will always be pro vaccines. All of my boys could have been in danger of getting meningitis, from me. (which they actually thought I might have at one point because of my intense head pain, but thank goodness ruled it out)<br />
<br />
EACH.ONE.SUSCEPTIBLE.<br />
<br />
Yes, I love natural living as much as one can, I can even be a bit obsessive about it. I try to watch what my boys put into their bodies. However, vaccines are the one area I feel the benefits far outweigh the risks. And this is why.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOFv_pO6BLfrLojN1NLfRH9LUcF0sjhBDBomofICIxXWVCtU_2jaYAY8-Qvu3_dEXfkfsCQDOOASCb6OfY_YhfSnne_DpKvia_6AE5K7r_JRH7TGQI-RPi5GQm20cYSp1r7Ki9E9mUjI/s1600/IMG_7841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOFv_pO6BLfrLojN1NLfRH9LUcF0sjhBDBomofICIxXWVCtU_2jaYAY8-Qvu3_dEXfkfsCQDOOASCb6OfY_YhfSnne_DpKvia_6AE5K7r_JRH7TGQI-RPi5GQm20cYSp1r7Ki9E9mUjI/s640/IMG_7841.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Three sweet little boys. Who could have been ravaged with an avoidable illness. Makes my heart shake to even think about. And I would have been responsible for it. I just can't even go there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg_XkSFCcHK8GsMfTdKRFRiN67j4BOyCHmyRAp3TpnMdaRyMPzk4JeB3cft5G9nKFn1MrWwerJUAQAenbGARTT_IS49Mia3n4zgcCpJpKW16WR5KdK9kAbLWIpy6TQ38iVBJyO2uAWIQ/s1600/IMG_7757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHg_XkSFCcHK8GsMfTdKRFRiN67j4BOyCHmyRAp3TpnMdaRyMPzk4JeB3cft5G9nKFn1MrWwerJUAQAenbGARTT_IS49Mia3n4zgcCpJpKW16WR5KdK9kAbLWIpy6TQ38iVBJyO2uAWIQ/s640/IMG_7757.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANZoPX_4vD9BckF7qPa3nORQyC68IvL6xs266Y-NZoA-gURYMGUP50ZpRk5aEkbYJRJSUARlgr62c-7x69zBJ5fKMdDdSr-0qJewSzfhelbTZMcjIwLV2GyTc0SkdFltSjuSxOwzuamo/s1600/IMG_7775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANZoPX_4vD9BckF7qPa3nORQyC68IvL6xs266Y-NZoA-gURYMGUP50ZpRk5aEkbYJRJSUARlgr62c-7x69zBJ5fKMdDdSr-0qJewSzfhelbTZMcjIwLV2GyTc0SkdFltSjuSxOwzuamo/s640/IMG_7775.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo73KeWWKiObEzjkttWkdJGfPRvIGHVbuWiuvpoNBLmuDc6UfMcY_H4yJMeWk82FUBTvkTj9SsB18gDPEzxHefK5PoN3pS9-schOwZTsKQRAhw5Mg0_pDunnTypNqR5V07Pcew3hR8CHc/s1600/IMG_7810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo73KeWWKiObEzjkttWkdJGfPRvIGHVbuWiuvpoNBLmuDc6UfMcY_H4yJMeWk82FUBTvkTj9SsB18gDPEzxHefK5PoN3pS9-schOwZTsKQRAhw5Mg0_pDunnTypNqR5V07Pcew3hR8CHc/s640/IMG_7810.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
On another note, while I step off of my soap box.....<br />
<br />
Davis, has really enjoyed mama being too sick and passed out on the couch. And now feels that he is entitled to a free nursing session whenever he pleases. He walks up to me, presses his chubby, little finger right above my chest (like a little 'on' button) and bellies up to the bar. I feel a bit like a soda fountain. And if I don't give in to his commands, he has learned the fine art of throwing himself on the floor and scooting himself around on his back while screaming is disapproval.<br />
<br />
I knew the day would come.<br />
<br />
Those tantrums, they are learned so quickly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEQ_Tefl7bG_BYx-6D2tcVtNx5Yhj53r-qNWIfgjjUmlOMISbh-JC_ytWXkXLqwZw94NTv_xaLtE-s9jj34IEnptd1GTGwi5lXyNbCadk5zyTUPrJWndY0Nj3W4x6ib8g4AWLpK6Wyxw/s1600/IMG_8095_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEQ_Tefl7bG_BYx-6D2tcVtNx5Yhj53r-qNWIfgjjUmlOMISbh-JC_ytWXkXLqwZw94NTv_xaLtE-s9jj34IEnptd1GTGwi5lXyNbCadk5zyTUPrJWndY0Nj3W4x6ib8g4AWLpK6Wyxw/s640/IMG_8095_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Tantrums and all, we are so thankful. We have been covered in so many prayers. We all seem to be regaining strength and energy. We have some beautiful weather ahead of us.<br />
<br />
And we have each other. It just doesn't get much better than that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N8vO9wbdnSqgRBy-kDlrvHcrb80ejCvopsdlI-hXldJVcg2vgT4EJ0OAeZwKVwhYZWq9s8LEKDYM3x3BkBKbNgN42TbzAHhTobY03w96ukCyoRSiI8sP_cSRcY9WN5EDcbbV0idSlrw/s1600/IMG_8075+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N8vO9wbdnSqgRBy-kDlrvHcrb80ejCvopsdlI-hXldJVcg2vgT4EJ0OAeZwKVwhYZWq9s8LEKDYM3x3BkBKbNgN42TbzAHhTobY03w96ukCyoRSiI8sP_cSRcY9WN5EDcbbV0idSlrw/s640/IMG_8075+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZvqcN2Gakw4DFtjNNSgE8XdRjykquIZKHipX-2o_hScIpfwgnRUU87C52z2G73-0DUIweigqx8awnMpppAYNHN5Uk7qYL9ajjd-XSTgBFwwzd7XhNQn7MJzcebsU3jkbBLDMM_oKpO0/s1600/IMG_8098_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZvqcN2Gakw4DFtjNNSgE8XdRjykquIZKHipX-2o_hScIpfwgnRUU87C52z2G73-0DUIweigqx8awnMpppAYNHN5Uk7qYL9ajjd-XSTgBFwwzd7XhNQn7MJzcebsU3jkbBLDMM_oKpO0/s640/IMG_8098_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDjMny2sa61eGohISjva_g8sXsNdPrGEibRPxMr9DA1hL51ka4UWvyi2zXHVFEMsgrlTRX0L4PNLbtuB8bNl8z2vkryugLKkK5AQfwwi9CJKgWOHUymW8m8f7F7rzedMDMTOfMc0XhEY/s1600/IMG_8149_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDjMny2sa61eGohISjva_g8sXsNdPrGEibRPxMr9DA1hL51ka4UWvyi2zXHVFEMsgrlTRX0L4PNLbtuB8bNl8z2vkryugLKkK5AQfwwi9CJKgWOHUymW8m8f7F7rzedMDMTOfMc0XhEY/s640/IMG_8149_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-80200002577050513252016-04-04T13:47:00.000-07:002016-04-04T13:58:30.774-07:00Christmas RewindMy beloved camera broke. The one that I use almost on a daily basis to freeze moments of this life. It's been weird really, and some days I feel a bit lost without it. So naturally, since I have no new photos to edit or sort, I have been going back and cleaning up old ones. And then I came across the file from 12/24/2015.<br />
<br />
And I remember now that I meant to blog about that day, and I never did. I think Christmas happened, and then life just kind of flowed onward like it always does.<br />
<br />
So yes, this is about 4 months late. But I want my boys to look back on this blog and be reminded of all the sweet memories that their childhood was made up of. And this was one of those memories.<br />
<br />
Making gingerbread cookies with their Nana.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ4zEHXghtNxHuV3CAjfqJyUeXxxltcms_5Zvye9LtouhQb9Ko6wWQ7TX2Lp3zipBEX9NaVKv-_3gJPotSJ-B0L-odvC0IL8xsga-yWrUKo6X0aHnzBD0p8Nh1TEOaqqnUmTPrLgwEUE/s1600/IMG_6056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ4zEHXghtNxHuV3CAjfqJyUeXxxltcms_5Zvye9LtouhQb9Ko6wWQ7TX2Lp3zipBEX9NaVKv-_3gJPotSJ-B0L-odvC0IL8xsga-yWrUKo6X0aHnzBD0p8Nh1TEOaqqnUmTPrLgwEUE/s640/IMG_6056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We did this same things several years before and Cole (whose memory never wavers or fails in the least) would ask all the time when we would make them again.<br />
<br />
So we did. And the smiles and Christmas spirit were so worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOb6RCpHV-PacDSlhi1RpQ6GUhHQoKkaQXBHV99AValW9KOTBiR_js0Ls2Lj5CpXGqQDopy_iCIMngqWytV8W0C1Ue_JRi3fQYX3Lm0Xji6ldSZXUkiyOBoGfIU1k6krZLKYwaA4TRYE/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOb6RCpHV-PacDSlhi1RpQ6GUhHQoKkaQXBHV99AValW9KOTBiR_js0Ls2Lj5CpXGqQDopy_iCIMngqWytV8W0C1Ue_JRi3fQYX3Lm0Xji6ldSZXUkiyOBoGfIU1k6krZLKYwaA4TRYE/s640/IMG_5994.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxwOA9jQDJle0Z6Lnoq8HcSe7ogesaBPXe29Eqg6S_aTNm6PQUK9W775h9kX9O3YX2Q3F2cHaB_RMhD1M5ehwTkpR9tVJ6RxTJY2VkrC9m4UWmyprsdXkPNSltoSZiSsdBnD_8bv0rJM/s1600/IMG_5996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxwOA9jQDJle0Z6Lnoq8HcSe7ogesaBPXe29Eqg6S_aTNm6PQUK9W775h9kX9O3YX2Q3F2cHaB_RMhD1M5ehwTkpR9tVJ6RxTJY2VkrC9m4UWmyprsdXkPNSltoSZiSsdBnD_8bv0rJM/s640/IMG_5996.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbN8Ddw8o3PDoSQHtsCYf16oaj2K7WXAVpZ-UKbSUl5liOHshlkwRhapB_O3k2MnY4jKrP6m-OAr3Dk_o1x8fTt4RAXnsrQIVN6xHGjS2cv1WG5BFH3PDZVaoJRk8mC3Y1JB7n_rGcfI/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbN8Ddw8o3PDoSQHtsCYf16oaj2K7WXAVpZ-UKbSUl5liOHshlkwRhapB_O3k2MnY4jKrP6m-OAr3Dk_o1x8fTt4RAXnsrQIVN6xHGjS2cv1WG5BFH3PDZVaoJRk8mC3Y1JB7n_rGcfI/s640/IMG_6050.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Again, making cookies are a true testament to both individual personalities. Bennett just whippe em out, flopping them onto the trays. While Cole calmly remedied each cookie flop and tried to reattach some arms and legs. But no one seemed to mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl46n_1bLUymAC69tMBhVEco5WVeXVMGaI30_xQNoO3T0fr7J02ZZ2R09Qz8HdMticVwoRobNXcuN7SOQbiHxh5-dTTCRyJcno5OUyMD7LtLHXd9oxbNMWmL7myDxz6FlaPUWs4IDwjJ8/s1600/IMG_5976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl46n_1bLUymAC69tMBhVEco5WVeXVMGaI30_xQNoO3T0fr7J02ZZ2R09Qz8HdMticVwoRobNXcuN7SOQbiHxh5-dTTCRyJcno5OUyMD7LtLHXd9oxbNMWmL7myDxz6FlaPUWs4IDwjJ8/s640/IMG_5976.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdC2sXPPTC60mSei-SZUBh7Q4nQCqJnEsPpgMppwe_Hn3D7cBMq8ONZyQWojl4mQ8d-_Wc-YKUyEkFXLjSdnxebH8PNW5NpF6TzXDKK1-saHNfZQ6qJlWtUfVnW3okEioKMmehHCRH6s/s1600/IMG_6002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdC2sXPPTC60mSei-SZUBh7Q4nQCqJnEsPpgMppwe_Hn3D7cBMq8ONZyQWojl4mQ8d-_Wc-YKUyEkFXLjSdnxebH8PNW5NpF6TzXDKK1-saHNfZQ6qJlWtUfVnW3okEioKMmehHCRH6s/s640/IMG_6002.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKq9q4RhI5l8QPtWwqzH9WV2vOlivF-8al_18k3xcIWc5tKJT1t6ZzaLkRMJ-aHgUAQOZFXTZu4lQhJurBKpxBXeG8dWjHM82U7K6ArvSyaxHbhZB2JLAdvEpp0KoaO-EYpWWhdgg4zM/s1600/IMG_6018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKq9q4RhI5l8QPtWwqzH9WV2vOlivF-8al_18k3xcIWc5tKJT1t6ZzaLkRMJ-aHgUAQOZFXTZu4lQhJurBKpxBXeG8dWjHM82U7K6ArvSyaxHbhZB2JLAdvEpp0KoaO-EYpWWhdgg4zM/s640/IMG_6018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Zewb-D8izua78d4fIs0ISCy3x6x2FzE03FglyM2Fn31bKckzFXqKzGBHThooMMi2TE_NOWzu3znI2Yb42Hay-V84IuQTYDGQHx1b-ZYwfzZkKWUNZXScvSdA5celVnZbjmYg0-68cg/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Zewb-D8izua78d4fIs0ISCy3x6x2FzE03FglyM2Fn31bKckzFXqKzGBHThooMMi2TE_NOWzu3znI2Yb42Hay-V84IuQTYDGQHx1b-ZYwfzZkKWUNZXScvSdA5celVnZbjmYg0-68cg/s640/IMG_6059.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Always the sugar rush.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsVCi3JgbSQXrxu41fe9DIT29bwy3bkBgIrMd65FjdPk5bSH_66XZmkRDCaY_FIG0Vt9WGUsJKPfrnpPEwAkdH64ZJqPUIucszADJt1ukMqVSk9oqk9FkGkU5ruSSylHaBp39BajN9Ms/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsVCi3JgbSQXrxu41fe9DIT29bwy3bkBgIrMd65FjdPk5bSH_66XZmkRDCaY_FIG0Vt9WGUsJKPfrnpPEwAkdH64ZJqPUIucszADJt1ukMqVSk9oqk9FkGkU5ruSSylHaBp39BajN9Ms/s640/IMG_6046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Such a fun day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsTxJLsEOt-hXNVT_3k5ImYQ3-p3TWoS7sG0DV64YzGkk8WDDZyb-6c4-Sp2MSACqmYe03QWoipsTbGeHbian7Fusj4Kp_lU_1IvqQcHeYH1glOWQTGc3sIg6luXexqgClRcQC95gXzo/s1600/IMG_6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsTxJLsEOt-hXNVT_3k5ImYQ3-p3TWoS7sG0DV64YzGkk8WDDZyb-6c4-Sp2MSACqmYe03QWoipsTbGeHbian7Fusj4Kp_lU_1IvqQcHeYH1glOWQTGc3sIg6luXexqgClRcQC95gXzo/s640/IMG_6009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_-WP4gvDftYfW3HeZiSKF9RYcqSLdjXp8ohs3P0NBtVeuitba-VHGpnS1rUjbT1e_LZWB49bTY-CrnntPyUb50IShILJ_iSaQYlU_yKjlcK3S0nZNIf8iscEvkgf6a5OH5M6p2fW3k8/s1600/IMG_6062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_-WP4gvDftYfW3HeZiSKF9RYcqSLdjXp8ohs3P0NBtVeuitba-VHGpnS1rUjbT1e_LZWB49bTY-CrnntPyUb50IShILJ_iSaQYlU_yKjlcK3S0nZNIf8iscEvkgf6a5OH5M6p2fW3k8/s640/IMG_6062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6638jF3YOrcSHT59-vMXvR5jSpw5j9s-m7c9Nm-jJXxGYpuJDGP_Q4JIUNslinIr0Sws3BooYwbd-uSBmuBUiyyuCBtKa-3zxA2Limn07Vqqtsbs2I2SW3E9UugX2OvnK9E4bazwWrU/s1600/IMG_6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6638jF3YOrcSHT59-vMXvR5jSpw5j9s-m7c9Nm-jJXxGYpuJDGP_Q4JIUNslinIr0Sws3BooYwbd-uSBmuBUiyyuCBtKa-3zxA2Limn07Vqqtsbs2I2SW3E9UugX2OvnK9E4bazwWrU/s640/IMG_6064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHYvF68gJY8623_tYC-5U-cCSlrXIiFbHejf99TDJ_opZMfIxJxLYHpEerm516oM_RkxvolOuHVtpyHewDGEKNoBfGCRac4ae5Y5pSKVqGjYNMgmEs86R568yRSSv-Anb3MvwMOF0u5Y/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHYvF68gJY8623_tYC-5U-cCSlrXIiFbHejf99TDJ_opZMfIxJxLYHpEerm516oM_RkxvolOuHVtpyHewDGEKNoBfGCRac4ae5Y5pSKVqGjYNMgmEs86R568yRSSv-Anb3MvwMOF0u5Y/s640/IMG_6065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But this. This was my favorite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv1L3gPtnkekpEH27DKplAC6u6w91dx8VG6GFq-wsI9UeW9W2mrUniRbPM4zJ-tV1bNY4yRZUA_HDSCEoYlWUEQ7MpTB3RyqLBLeexro3_J1oMIx4dK5yMqiUYToJztYDng6Me0ZWrUo/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDv1L3gPtnkekpEH27DKplAC6u6w91dx8VG6GFq-wsI9UeW9W2mrUniRbPM4zJ-tV1bNY4yRZUA_HDSCEoYlWUEQ7MpTB3RyqLBLeexro3_J1oMIx4dK5yMqiUYToJztYDng6Me0ZWrUo/s640/IMG_6098.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Nana, reading my favorite pop-up "The Night Before Christmas" book. And two little boys soaking it up.<br />
<br />
Well worth being 4 months late in posting.<br />
<br />
Thank you Nana for enduring gingerbread all over the place and for pouring your heart into your grandsons. They love all the special memories you create with them.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-87709972967568872822016-03-10T09:18:00.002-08:002016-03-10T09:20:40.880-08:00Sick DaysOur house has been sad, sad, sad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5fnhcQpoYIIq3Yi-2cLysVaH3lGvXXlnOvcgMnF5MACeVwofoKa5bH_pQtzinC0162cDeGtKNpPbL_qKdJJR2rS_bHKB_98mLn0BiNRSFw-bTZkRWYCKBltAFlYSqSP8XguSWOJmdkg/s1600/IMG_7721_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5fnhcQpoYIIq3Yi-2cLysVaH3lGvXXlnOvcgMnF5MACeVwofoKa5bH_pQtzinC0162cDeGtKNpPbL_qKdJJR2rS_bHKB_98mLn0BiNRSFw-bTZkRWYCKBltAFlYSqSP8XguSWOJmdkg/s640/IMG_7721_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
A lot of sick, a lot of coughs, colds, ear infections, snot...so much snot, not much sleep, 3 boys and a mom running on pretty much empty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFLnFRXyjBF8VtEygT5AcxgmVBm1gx4mVvd4a9-vuEZynzrf-DJDSONyANj2WugTQd-xTPcTOYjbU0LT6OvaF0G4F5Q4fAYPZggx8ppb5yaQpa_ePcEpBYTuqAPWQ53xh5_m_SbbRbiI/s1600/IMG_7724_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFLnFRXyjBF8VtEygT5AcxgmVBm1gx4mVvd4a9-vuEZynzrf-DJDSONyANj2WugTQd-xTPcTOYjbU0LT6OvaF0G4F5Q4fAYPZggx8ppb5yaQpa_ePcEpBYTuqAPWQ53xh5_m_SbbRbiI/s640/IMG_7724_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The other day I actually took all boys to the store...just to get out. Because going to the doctor was beginning to be the highlight of our weeks and whether they were going to pick out a paw patrol sticker or a minion one. (That, and getting to go to Nana's or having Grandma and Grandpa come over were kind of life savers. Thank you)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PtAeLxoTtxX4VVkChYD9Mh_ddMGLgg7H91DFIa2aESkl9c-XIIECV0JVYSvlkHYschSWTLjsh0TkU_3J7DioyMtEuYC_Ujh2U5Wm-l895-uEwK0G4ag-8JqvoDRjNRDUOODSzki3mek/s1600/IMG_7668_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PtAeLxoTtxX4VVkChYD9Mh_ddMGLgg7H91DFIa2aESkl9c-XIIECV0JVYSvlkHYschSWTLjsh0TkU_3J7DioyMtEuYC_Ujh2U5Wm-l895-uEwK0G4ag-8JqvoDRjNRDUOODSzki3mek/s640/IMG_7668_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, I was that mom with crusty-nosed-hacking-up-something-awful kids wandering the aisles of Trader Joe's looking for that monkey. And I'm sure I got judgement stares as to why I was bringing my germ land mines out into public. Because I know I've passed the same judgement before.<br />
<br />
Oh, how I love when things like that come to a full circle and I'm humbled, yet again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXimU2UXYzYRfar6beVISS92NCbmqgmLtgpUsHC1z_amufK-mxyEn1r20Kz2ovqI-OtsS9WDofPKNP_yfFOrSS2DmlxIoOl1J7XgSyY3ULmDQd55BHP8q5Fi65DxovUXH078befs0tsJg/s1600/IMG_7747_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXimU2UXYzYRfar6beVISS92NCbmqgmLtgpUsHC1z_amufK-mxyEn1r20Kz2ovqI-OtsS9WDofPKNP_yfFOrSS2DmlxIoOl1J7XgSyY3ULmDQd55BHP8q5Fi65DxovUXH078befs0tsJg/s640/IMG_7747_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some days it took us getting creative, and taking advantage of rain breaks. Our neighbor gave the boys the most adorable vintage outdoor tools. And they spent several afternoons going to town on "yard work" or digging massive holes and making "rivers" in our flower beds. Not sure that Kyle was all too pumped about their work, but it kept them busy for hours and pretty much fight and squeel free (except when the beloved rake was <i>needed </i>by both parties<i>)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-JvUH2iLRF7VGnHL2Y4WoXYQjrxjcuzlQEht8Ur_cSf8Gmv8728AS0PjJqv2qX9t_14WtH8zyQLcPdI3NKg8Ukegd_maraathh7kKW48XorcGhP6X5IFhPzyYuAA0WlicjC46z23VPU/s1600/IMG_7531_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-JvUH2iLRF7VGnHL2Y4WoXYQjrxjcuzlQEht8Ur_cSf8Gmv8728AS0PjJqv2qX9t_14WtH8zyQLcPdI3NKg8Ukegd_maraathh7kKW48XorcGhP6X5IFhPzyYuAA0WlicjC46z23VPU/s640/IMG_7531_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxaU-YUKOe-vWUTVVfLthKSXTnWqwGTUfNNQR0wsdGsHf_xHLVTBtgOyGYNvwfxdzDgOhbv8kRzQ501I2R73S7AVZhVnyv_S9RZXrm1MpKZHEynoQQau4tEBrCNcZM0qcYbZ6ZIZiZTU/s1600/IMG_7539_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxaU-YUKOe-vWUTVVfLthKSXTnWqwGTUfNNQR0wsdGsHf_xHLVTBtgOyGYNvwfxdzDgOhbv8kRzQ501I2R73S7AVZhVnyv_S9RZXrm1MpKZHEynoQQau4tEBrCNcZM0qcYbZ6ZIZiZTU/s640/IMG_7539_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCqCSkZLBANOu36PGJnHPH81FSPpXiWDQc8hGPNV28qUWI38m__x1XrOpUOuEXyUyYUtjBcEVUqLcZA52BfmW1Cz7ebM2VSGZ9OcPb9Uw2agX1V-JCX92-usV8kkXZV8yFulfWP9a8tM/s1600/IMG_7526_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCqCSkZLBANOu36PGJnHPH81FSPpXiWDQc8hGPNV28qUWI38m__x1XrOpUOuEXyUyYUtjBcEVUqLcZA52BfmW1Cz7ebM2VSGZ9OcPb9Uw2agX1V-JCX92-usV8kkXZV8yFulfWP9a8tM/s640/IMG_7526_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Davis got right in there, of course....black eye and all. Oh yes, he got that right before he got his nasty ear infection. Talk about looking like mom of the year when I took him to the doctor the next day....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOE8IKjnEayCo4Aj681oxGq5hK49R34hSiv3BJYchTmXJzTYB1ws8gUuIl1c8IZUyqWcekRf_kWRNVoCB0TEaqoNydcOgRlMAniNH1Yejr7IPT-pfU9Vn4VLoHCi6pjOf_eWH9gzKKrE/s1600/IMG_7554_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOE8IKjnEayCo4Aj681oxGq5hK49R34hSiv3BJYchTmXJzTYB1ws8gUuIl1c8IZUyqWcekRf_kWRNVoCB0TEaqoNydcOgRlMAniNH1Yejr7IPT-pfU9Vn4VLoHCi6pjOf_eWH9gzKKrE/s640/IMG_7554_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i> </i> <br />
And Bennett kept getting distracted by the large trucks that were across the street. Nothing like lounging on the job.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp78dVWV45ihvds7i3Y0ZLdm6yDVusuQ7PTvCH7LzJg3yel5QPkaujGFdE_s8Ju36_CoHgIjos7cEt8fmrOUOmbS7_2Dorp1GYufDdHrbdG0VIrjKTAc3PW1WKvj5kxqdeWdL_ForW0U/s1600/IMG_7541_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp78dVWV45ihvds7i3Y0ZLdm6yDVusuQ7PTvCH7LzJg3yel5QPkaujGFdE_s8Ju36_CoHgIjos7cEt8fmrOUOmbS7_2Dorp1GYufDdHrbdG0VIrjKTAc3PW1WKvj5kxqdeWdL_ForW0U/s640/IMG_7541_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0EcZLtUe1dBppmbmtfZNN52ivK6ZbuDwGXWhIC3iS2XpG_y-vwodqlgVtw7LVLELirZWTWS6ilBX_eDcm-dSPntxGTZHV6BjKRM_OnVuRbmmLFtiuDBA7odpqi3KXIav2XSsqeysWjs/s1600/IMG_7493+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0EcZLtUe1dBppmbmtfZNN52ivK6ZbuDwGXWhIC3iS2XpG_y-vwodqlgVtw7LVLELirZWTWS6ilBX_eDcm-dSPntxGTZHV6BjKRM_OnVuRbmmLFtiuDBA7odpqi3KXIav2XSsqeysWjs/s640/IMG_7493+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh how we love when the sun comes out, we need all the fresh air we can get these days. And can I just take a minute and say how excited for warmer weather and no longer trying to track down socks...not even matching ones any more....just socks, any of them. Seriously, where do they all go??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55ei29XoW5k9UxSV73Y4pYmB39IeC5LIPnYjpSmig7Y92XfP3k_GEzmppiVzTqpkGNYjWBVU-6QX5v-1ivHph3uaiv3bxbS6t5rNsAYvItysT6WHO80P8h8zTn0BDVdsq1uutHDqXqug/s1600/IMG_7375_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55ei29XoW5k9UxSV73Y4pYmB39IeC5LIPnYjpSmig7Y92XfP3k_GEzmppiVzTqpkGNYjWBVU-6QX5v-1ivHph3uaiv3bxbS6t5rNsAYvItysT6WHO80P8h8zTn0BDVdsq1uutHDqXqug/s640/IMG_7375_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8rFrty9yANo76v_Wd7inb9oPPAYETEYn_I2ICnrmMcYfmtUnVNIrAlzywFFPiTm5-SDSmQv6_iu2IEGScn2oQfLR-XJj3xDlz-H4TFYWsOwE5hxyEYfAIaVAWrSBqrvEVzMbkQ16E6k/s1600/IMG_7384_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8rFrty9yANo76v_Wd7inb9oPPAYETEYn_I2ICnrmMcYfmtUnVNIrAlzywFFPiTm5-SDSmQv6_iu2IEGScn2oQfLR-XJj3xDlz-H4TFYWsOwE5hxyEYfAIaVAWrSBqrvEVzMbkQ16E6k/s640/IMG_7384_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And I'm loving that Davis can walk around and explore his new world. he just wanders wherever his brothers go. Picking up pine cones and rocks along the way. Grinning at me whenever he looks up.<br />
<br />
He also found his first big pile of doggy poo in our front yard.....luckily I saw it before he did....yeah, that was fun to scrape out of all the nooks and crannies of his shoes.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZyJlbnUFPYQaOaY9uZrwTR4DlWFMntvXWLBuDxyctmmV7iZoOQnCn8G25gnPT5poCgSw0ajmiE27ypXgQqdfqfOnbGmsYA71Ljc9-6RzEYLi-IKhvx3BR-W3zIsNh5ba5CWNyrsJUyA/s1600/IMG_7395_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZyJlbnUFPYQaOaY9uZrwTR4DlWFMntvXWLBuDxyctmmV7iZoOQnCn8G25gnPT5poCgSw0ajmiE27ypXgQqdfqfOnbGmsYA71Ljc9-6RzEYLi-IKhvx3BR-W3zIsNh5ba5CWNyrsJUyA/s640/IMG_7395_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, I had a very reputable photographer at my disposal, check out his big, fancy camera.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfHInK5NHZYEAMR-WvxY_ht2oIjk5Nr_EJ_LS_7c2GZ5loU387JQb30CXSEmIBXrvVgLr8AQsszsAeyoKMPCGKO1tMrZA_Xwxd5f5FAcKcA2kUV60g91SLrAFmrtSplJbOLuuH8qXwMw/s1600/IMG_7513+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfHInK5NHZYEAMR-WvxY_ht2oIjk5Nr_EJ_LS_7c2GZ5loU387JQb30CXSEmIBXrvVgLr8AQsszsAeyoKMPCGKO1tMrZA_Xwxd5f5FAcKcA2kUV60g91SLrAFmrtSplJbOLuuH8qXwMw/s640/IMG_7513+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I suppose maybe that's a little my fault, perhaps I take a few too many pictures of my boys.... especially when they follow you around sticking that thing in your face, telling you to "smile".<br />
<br />
Cole gets so bored with staying home. He's got places to go and people to see every day, all day. So it takes a little bit more for him to get his sweet little mind wrapped around the fact that his brother is sick, and therefore all his socializing plans are down the drain.<br />
<br />
So we do crafts. And draw pictures. He's on an Easter kick, so naturally our walls and windows look like it's raining paper eggs.<br />
<br />
And then one day he noticed the wind had picked up....so suddenly it was do or die when it came to getting a perfectly crafted and constructed kite up and flying.<br />
<br />
I have to admit, it was pretty cute watching his determination and seeing how proud he was of that kite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuUDXsaazepb8R3hLf197EsJAE4lyfVBcKn71RS_W84_0yBL7zcFN4747nyMTp_-gtSGXL3MHe1AqO1StbWUd1d0do1gTe90nsTuMd6_s6mpgN05mwVbdxGoiiplxaTaSUbfAmjtNEGk/s1600/IMG_7704_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuUDXsaazepb8R3hLf197EsJAE4lyfVBcKn71RS_W84_0yBL7zcFN4747nyMTp_-gtSGXL3MHe1AqO1StbWUd1d0do1gTe90nsTuMd6_s6mpgN05mwVbdxGoiiplxaTaSUbfAmjtNEGk/s640/IMG_7704_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_L6krr5XMffypZkedUkhTFi6ppH7f33iU8X2AuSWb-uM0kWEqEGwO09gie-nppFSsaT-srzb5sfJTyn_l_jOK-gFdSubSg8o2wGnHI30Vw_4vjh8t_mpw3QRVL1wIWQbm5Wp9eQvbD8/s1600/IMG_7706_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_L6krr5XMffypZkedUkhTFi6ppH7f33iU8X2AuSWb-uM0kWEqEGwO09gie-nppFSsaT-srzb5sfJTyn_l_jOK-gFdSubSg8o2wGnHI30Vw_4vjh8t_mpw3QRVL1wIWQbm5Wp9eQvbD8/s640/IMG_7706_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMxLptLdaf-VlTYQJqK11NXM3la8NU2up6Nay1upqBGFE7mQFmupLart_5qUmcKdiecmj-Xig4PjHV_Z9893reNcvBwj1txESij5hDUUFozvco-ZXm-GikdZQkb2KodwdN96rJjr-XgQ/s1600/IMG_7709_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMxLptLdaf-VlTYQJqK11NXM3la8NU2up6Nay1upqBGFE7mQFmupLart_5qUmcKdiecmj-Xig4PjHV_Z9893reNcvBwj1txESij5hDUUFozvco-ZXm-GikdZQkb2KodwdN96rJjr-XgQ/s640/IMG_7709_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_nstoSC2yIbKOhVm5oE5jM4lEnqQ0pjgxXZay9fBigZTDe3VBUbegeIfgCQX58juj3VkIJttXqZiYp-HVBdDt25vhrqzXoPZnJamDeP7uEmHH9EkIF-79fwWS-NCVYn3LihwnbU6aTE/s1600/IMG_7712_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_nstoSC2yIbKOhVm5oE5jM4lEnqQ0pjgxXZay9fBigZTDe3VBUbegeIfgCQX58juj3VkIJttXqZiYp-HVBdDt25vhrqzXoPZnJamDeP7uEmHH9EkIF-79fwWS-NCVYn3LihwnbU6aTE/s640/IMG_7712_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My boy, the one who loves to create, and is always first in line to help daddy with odd jobs around the house. While Bennett pretends to like to help, but it's more like hiding the drill bits and then swearing up and down that he absolutely has no idea what you are talking about....only to find them<br />
folded up neatly in a book days later......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHYqIiWwvXtr5wwiiNbvwr1aMPH51o7JuI-UEOX_fo3rDSmrXjpQmZMNm9iVLc8MzfsgwRZeXlp12fk4CNBjAeC9nJJbibpbz8lmmsUAiKlHXNxR9Ylc9v400P2YOIPSnMVYW5QY5Ifk/s1600/IMG_7606_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHYqIiWwvXtr5wwiiNbvwr1aMPH51o7JuI-UEOX_fo3rDSmrXjpQmZMNm9iVLc8MzfsgwRZeXlp12fk4CNBjAeC9nJJbibpbz8lmmsUAiKlHXNxR9Ylc9v400P2YOIPSnMVYW5QY5Ifk/s640/IMG_7606_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWP-T65I4F9D4opmNpD2qqzsKZvZstNgO58DN5_vdeyvFSmzX05DFSHc-IVJ2eyI1dKePqAdaBfELuLIDDC4ctbx6C-PXZ1FUDDV7bDau7Ah_71TKcY_xHhcqmKHK3ph_hbL1WdQ7ftXM/s1600/IMG_7608_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWP-T65I4F9D4opmNpD2qqzsKZvZstNgO58DN5_vdeyvFSmzX05DFSHc-IVJ2eyI1dKePqAdaBfELuLIDDC4ctbx6C-PXZ1FUDDV7bDau7Ah_71TKcY_xHhcqmKHK3ph_hbL1WdQ7ftXM/s640/IMG_7608_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And sometimes when all else fails, I just let them all pile in the crib with Davis. And Davis is all, "seriously, this again...."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-ULUwT1XUxu6NG_6ytd-GUQ2mVKD9s-XoSji0qw2ZqzQQNLfwwh4g29de34AeK5q_B5NCkLEP8CGIpJnoktp0-3PUdB3rzs5op7ugy11C5j1_cPlCv3MoGcAf0VqOeBfCVeeRKdQ0BQ/s1600/IMG_7655_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-ULUwT1XUxu6NG_6ytd-GUQ2mVKD9s-XoSji0qw2ZqzQQNLfwwh4g29de34AeK5q_B5NCkLEP8CGIpJnoktp0-3PUdB3rzs5op7ugy11C5j1_cPlCv3MoGcAf0VqOeBfCVeeRKdQ0BQ/s640/IMG_7655_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
But it ALWAYS cheers everyone up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2FZ6wKVlpe-IoRd5sgESYhluX2cyGaMFOOjHonKbgmXIKTudumzYfSMubROVMIYOuSC5vYe27W6bWS-bMm9_o5Otktd02-DOcPA0Zb50MsYdrZyIiPXM-TudNqq0MndmPKllj1siil0/s1600/IMG_7728_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2FZ6wKVlpe-IoRd5sgESYhluX2cyGaMFOOjHonKbgmXIKTudumzYfSMubROVMIYOuSC5vYe27W6bWS-bMm9_o5Otktd02-DOcPA0Zb50MsYdrZyIiPXM-TudNqq0MndmPKllj1siil0/s640/IMG_7728_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW0bCtJCOtASG4VnnbWUqPo1qNLYYp7EL1NhizJTW7jmGkbz90tHNkvCXO-30ScBPOr2uAua7ZHp8S4vz7bG_B2WJ3pIq1uObv4wgoBcAcc2sfdgYIevG3C2V7GNjERV5z_dRsEgcG70/s1600/IMG_7740_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW0bCtJCOtASG4VnnbWUqPo1qNLYYp7EL1NhizJTW7jmGkbz90tHNkvCXO-30ScBPOr2uAua7ZHp8S4vz7bG_B2WJ3pIq1uObv4wgoBcAcc2sfdgYIevG3C2V7GNjERV5z_dRsEgcG70/s640/IMG_7740_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFJI_wEZodWBr-TtRh5QaGcLVb8qG6fFhedTbdRQ8lobgx9dvXMqvN4b8zwJVBS64wdlCIQjJmoLChNRwovnO9ghjcuuqBPY-lzJy_wvtLHgqL2T8AJrF2S2ZtUZLMeTNpJ96d4o_7DA/s1600/IMG_7649+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFJI_wEZodWBr-TtRh5QaGcLVb8qG6fFhedTbdRQ8lobgx9dvXMqvN4b8zwJVBS64wdlCIQjJmoLChNRwovnO9ghjcuuqBPY-lzJy_wvtLHgqL2T8AJrF2S2ZtUZLMeTNpJ96d4o_7DA/s640/IMG_7649+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpePBJYqSyxj1aw8Vud2IpQReUD4A5cYdyoIMzbZsTpNG6Khm-NTpK5L9ZRmat3SrUPa8QA7aqnWvHRqbiyQcFqqnCUqh8IXzTuccLpN9Yt7Ax6C_mzbKTTd_u7jg4D6CFkqKinTBEZU/s1600/IMG_7661_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpePBJYqSyxj1aw8Vud2IpQReUD4A5cYdyoIMzbZsTpNG6Khm-NTpK5L9ZRmat3SrUPa8QA7aqnWvHRqbiyQcFqqnCUqh8IXzTuccLpN9Yt7Ax6C_mzbKTTd_u7jg4D6CFkqKinTBEZU/s640/IMG_7661_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And when Bennett isn't shoving Davis over (why Bennett....why?) he actually is very loving and kind with him. And sometimes I walk in on seconds of sweetness. (Davis is like, "whoa....are you for reals" I don't blame him for being a bit hesitant)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbBEW28DqXmjpDt698zboPXhh7ngYuInLRgiUJP07cNwjR1ulBHRqwOf4-9MrxvzFBS5cZWJuk9PFOhhhAukfCQJ0dTjozUjSyJ55-VK2_JtbZKnZZwOly9FQHuG1DGw34uLTeAcKGR8/s1600/IMG_7620_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbBEW28DqXmjpDt698zboPXhh7ngYuInLRgiUJP07cNwjR1ulBHRqwOf4-9MrxvzFBS5cZWJuk9PFOhhhAukfCQJ0dTjozUjSyJ55-VK2_JtbZKnZZwOly9FQHuG1DGw34uLTeAcKGR8/s640/IMG_7620_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCGEZmhST1hoLF1eT0iR3OT4EmNWqi4DAkMipoToXofby4tDMVJMKKexB3Y352y5MbnXR5SUO5zu4XnkVXm56WfZUoWau7hmKTtIK0ChSuNyZKttu_AvbmyqIs0jeMuEjy9Oj84leIq4/s1600/IMG_7596_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCGEZmhST1hoLF1eT0iR3OT4EmNWqi4DAkMipoToXofby4tDMVJMKKexB3Y352y5MbnXR5SUO5zu4XnkVXm56WfZUoWau7hmKTtIK0ChSuNyZKttu_AvbmyqIs0jeMuEjy9Oj84leIq4/s640/IMG_7596_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm more than ready for this winter season to be over, and ready for us to all be healthy again...and even more ready for Davis to learn to sleep for longer than 2 minute stretches. But all in all, we are surviving (thanks to french presses, chocolate and lots and lots of prayers). We have learned a lot about getting along, about being patient, about making up new games (octopus tag anyone? Burrito boys?).<br />
<br />
I learned that Davis is a big fan of the Gilmore Girls theme song....and loves to get down with the best of them.<br />
<br />
Cole and Bennett love to talk toot talk and I see a lot of mooning all day long. They think it's hilarious. And I just hope that it's normal behavior for a house of boys.....<br />
<br />
Please tell me all of this is normal...because some days, I'm just not so sure.<br />
<br />
But whatever, normal or not, I'm trying my very best, snotty nosed and all to enjoy this time. It's not always easy, but no one ever said it would be. Some days are good days, and some days just aren't.<br />
<br />
But it's a season, and all seasons soon pass and change into new days. And that is where we are at right now. Trying our darndest to make it and at least enjoy it as best as we can.<br />
<br />
(P.S. there should be a rule that mom's aren't allowed to get sick. EVER. That's all.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-31781843907908306582016-02-18T14:34:00.001-08:002016-02-18T14:51:57.465-08:00Davis: He's ONEI remember the moment like it was two minutes ago. The moment I felt his skin next to mine for the very first time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfr4leI7iRvnWkoAdiJkJA8_xgBAWrhWg2Zdahpe4NE5oEXaBITSCmbYCahW0RYjMYnXZgIG0LzndphupKtLRB_8y8X_DcSIHev1BLm5F131bzcadBdEWko_8C_vUS0vSgCtJlVDhgV8/s1600/IMG_0273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfr4leI7iRvnWkoAdiJkJA8_xgBAWrhWg2Zdahpe4NE5oEXaBITSCmbYCahW0RYjMYnXZgIG0LzndphupKtLRB_8y8X_DcSIHev1BLm5F131bzcadBdEWko_8C_vUS0vSgCtJlVDhgV8/s640/IMG_0273.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Is more joy even possible? And yet, it seems that when I think it will never get better than this one moment, it does. And my heart is blown into a thousand wondering ways.<br />
<br />
That's what was playing through my heart in that very moment. The moment I breathed him in deeply, the moment I stared at all of his teeny-tiny delicate features. The moment I met his sweet personality and knew, just knew that would be who he was even as he grew older. <br />
<br />
He has remained true to that time and time again.<br />
<br />
Sweet, oh so sweet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZdH7k8kOdhTcNiufiVCXef3HZkHwuXFn0TCZd4r9JURXgzI89MupjCIlfmCcam4w-lpfIrgJA-0l4dMWpLhyk4KIVUAWlhkeLXMy7KHJ7f41sJqbvd_2UtYDGDwEmHMsNpqZMcoKwE0/s1600/IMG_8624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZdH7k8kOdhTcNiufiVCXef3HZkHwuXFn0TCZd4r9JURXgzI89MupjCIlfmCcam4w-lpfIrgJA-0l4dMWpLhyk4KIVUAWlhkeLXMy7KHJ7f41sJqbvd_2UtYDGDwEmHMsNpqZMcoKwE0/s640/IMG_8624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
His eyes have always found mine. his arms have always held onto me in ways neither of my older boys did. It's as if he knew I needed to savor him and those moments for just a little longer.<br />
<br />
And I hung on to everything. Actually, after he was born, I started to hang on to all my boys a little bit more. Not in a bad way, not in a smothering way. In just a way that made me realize how short this time really is. This time where I have them all to myself. Because all too soon, they are going to open their wings and fly. And I need to know that I didn't miss a moment, and that I can let them fly with confidence and not try to hold them back.<br />
<br />
It hasn't been easy. We've all made lots of mistakes. Myself especially.<br />
<br />
Days I've declared do-overs. Or wish that I could wipe clean and forget. But we've all held on to each other for the ride. And for that I am so thankful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqbqUgDzt5XGHWsk-wrQgXIB1V3Qm7ozTIhbjr5bp6iPuHUHzezhDLOwu7Ef4KdA78-OhDGPJMWaOEX-7K2z7sXgYZMpfoFbqMNQ7O0d5U3-Yq_yKKtvBwMcZ_fj4vPxzTgSkL9kMLEI/s1600/IMG_8238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqbqUgDzt5XGHWsk-wrQgXIB1V3Qm7ozTIhbjr5bp6iPuHUHzezhDLOwu7Ef4KdA78-OhDGPJMWaOEX-7K2z7sXgYZMpfoFbqMNQ7O0d5U3-Yq_yKKtvBwMcZ_fj4vPxzTgSkL9kMLEI/s640/IMG_8238.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Moving into a family of five has been amazing, refreshing and full of soul-surrendering joy.<br />
<br />
And this dear Davis one saved me. I'm sure of that. I've said it before, and it is so true that he allows me to stop, to breathe, to try and collect my quick tempered ways. It's like he knows me more than myself at times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2Wzq4cVH-Z1TnPS0Jv0qfZypSNXxJwjFCQIzrVaBFhqf6pPEM10NsTv6A_fGe9OIjxOZig4LaCHVSHeC4CNHNTJ9IKI9xsCFARaROrT_CK_yFoIu7U0r47IJR_211OqgQzglW1N9ziU/s1600/IMG_9794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2Wzq4cVH-Z1TnPS0Jv0qfZypSNXxJwjFCQIzrVaBFhqf6pPEM10NsTv6A_fGe9OIjxOZig4LaCHVSHeC4CNHNTJ9IKI9xsCFARaROrT_CK_yFoIu7U0r47IJR_211OqgQzglW1N9ziU/s640/IMG_9794.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He just has a softness that cannot be explained. People meet him and fall in love. I look at him and am constantly reminded of God's grace and love. He embodies it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52yqAJwqamrE_CewTAfmeIVHHQdU9NcygVpqjlM_fLDIjD1tJ-w5qOm7Ag4AR5IiyeCMbpDgzkWCM3F6X5kAWI3z5p4B97dlS78AgHQPvUqYRNc1Vi5C9rNPlbaL_Ze8BLzcA23a7rpA/s1600/IMG_6743_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52yqAJwqamrE_CewTAfmeIVHHQdU9NcygVpqjlM_fLDIjD1tJ-w5qOm7Ag4AR5IiyeCMbpDgzkWCM3F6X5kAWI3z5p4B97dlS78AgHQPvUqYRNc1Vi5C9rNPlbaL_Ze8BLzcA23a7rpA/s640/IMG_6743_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This past month he has changed in many ways, and yet stayed the same little person he is. Again, I've been reminded how his scrunchy baby legs are really really a thing of the past. And there is no turning back time. So onward we must march into this thing called growing up.<br />
<br />
We definitely see a lot more of this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8waNCGC9eHBOrl5fkkBDBHBDgxLLSB0sMr8plYy1_6hWiRlxW55aA_aBIKNzSMlpgtDy7Nc0Dvi5DvAaYlLW2Y_plaEMenl6MAHCXC-WsGORl8EWMbdXavSUzkPjPyporr_FAyA1SAKE/s1600/IMG_6807_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8waNCGC9eHBOrl5fkkBDBHBDgxLLSB0sMr8plYy1_6hWiRlxW55aA_aBIKNzSMlpgtDy7Nc0Dvi5DvAaYlLW2Y_plaEMenl6MAHCXC-WsGORl8EWMbdXavSUzkPjPyporr_FAyA1SAKE/s640/IMG_6807_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINAPyJNhMydCqClR5XUup5OHETERlf4yyMjB6qnizy6RRgzDP9LwZWwt3m3x8xGkrlZMNyRFRN2swH5vCAmAHWdIGbVSXeSDlpE_oOp_OnBboTskGCdAdTHdHdM4vhnga450Dp_C9GeY/s1600/IMG_6675+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINAPyJNhMydCqClR5XUup5OHETERlf4yyMjB6qnizy6RRgzDP9LwZWwt3m3x8xGkrlZMNyRFRN2swH5vCAmAHWdIGbVSXeSDlpE_oOp_OnBboTskGCdAdTHdHdM4vhnga450Dp_C9GeY/s640/IMG_6675+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Walking is now his main mode of transportation. he can stand up in the middle of the room and stand himself up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoy1viQEBXG9awXglOQQKnM7Sw1Eezeo_IqZlSh93qPV0BJUcgLiuU43zdQN2FYRbVjAuNdxs9ZWHmUSnSVamcqWF7b0XxVwqFMY2vsprDSG6kjcbsoWSZRQFrmn3LrgOykYlFPDU59U/s1600/IMG_6725+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoy1viQEBXG9awXglOQQKnM7Sw1Eezeo_IqZlSh93qPV0BJUcgLiuU43zdQN2FYRbVjAuNdxs9ZWHmUSnSVamcqWF7b0XxVwqFMY2vsprDSG6kjcbsoWSZRQFrmn3LrgOykYlFPDU59U/s640/IMG_6725+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This month has been TERRIBLE for him (and us) and sleep. Every hour. Sometimes he gives a little more, sometimes a little less. You know you don't have a good sleeper when they sleep for 3 hours straight and you think to yourself "wow, he slept REALLY well last night".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjLNdBA2MH8kgyyjymfO4OxbZjBMbMUweUxvwWqLEj-Kom2s03ldxMwlhq1SV2U7qe1iY6cTJDWIoJlXV9TQNev0U3sFc20D2GbyEe-dAkZmipKLlazAvfZFgBEyjcWIUoj-CHP-z61c/s1600/IMG_6784_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjLNdBA2MH8kgyyjymfO4OxbZjBMbMUweUxvwWqLEj-Kom2s03ldxMwlhq1SV2U7qe1iY6cTJDWIoJlXV9TQNev0U3sFc20D2GbyEe-dAkZmipKLlazAvfZFgBEyjcWIUoj-CHP-z61c/s640/IMG_6784_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He got the worst case of hand, foot, and mouth disease.(which added a whole other dimension to his sleeplessness) It was all down his throat, and I have never seen anyone so incredibly miserable. It was the saddest, and I'm hoping something we will never have to go through again.<br />
<br />
He's also started this habit where he goes down perfectly at night, wakes up as soon as his big brothers go down. And will kindly decline the thought of going back down until he comes and spends a solo hour with just mama and daddy. I think he secretly craves some one on one time. And he is so sweet and cute during that hour that we cave almost every time. Then usually he goes down like his day is finally complete.<br />
<br />
He only wants me when he wakes up. His brothers love to bust into his room when they hear him crying. And this only makes his crying get louder, but the moment I walk through the door....crying stops. And he reaches for me or sometimes he just stands there, peering over the top his railing....and I know he is smiling by the squint of his eyes.<br />
<br />
This often happens at night with Kyle, sometimes he will cry and scream and carry on until Kyle brings him to me, and then...silence. <br />
<br />
Way to make this mama's heart melt....one of the perks of separation anxiety.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKyUNbRyWk2dVIC0ZWPgkSjQoaxWCAKigTZCA_zWUbcuXxkDSB8SEBqFFI2w4ZdNRQLXNmTnrlYypiXH5DjpnhpC7hyH-YYPSxa0HA-SZv3PzcV4t-NMXff7hiIbRpUSgMUsD39QAaps/s1600/IMG_6760_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKyUNbRyWk2dVIC0ZWPgkSjQoaxWCAKigTZCA_zWUbcuXxkDSB8SEBqFFI2w4ZdNRQLXNmTnrlYypiXH5DjpnhpC7hyH-YYPSxa0HA-SZv3PzcV4t-NMXff7hiIbRpUSgMUsD39QAaps/s640/IMG_6760_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
(right now he is sitting in his highchair eating, every time I look over at him, I'm met with him staring at me with a big, cheesy grin.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzUcBYGhaQV2tt-tWfOCy6RnJoGikb3U7aC3A_5msFVIRBayGwW1y9q9WSbXwyH5Un6Y-0K8LNwa493DyyepaAaO-CKzrOnMg324n6tquWZNmbvfBhPYKUsSQFrJVJa4EXCh7ibvX8b8/s1600/IMG_6855+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzUcBYGhaQV2tt-tWfOCy6RnJoGikb3U7aC3A_5msFVIRBayGwW1y9q9WSbXwyH5Un6Y-0K8LNwa493DyyepaAaO-CKzrOnMg324n6tquWZNmbvfBhPYKUsSQFrJVJa4EXCh7ibvX8b8/s640/IMG_6855+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Love him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYKaqugErkp22dX9DrxTDgiFml8WTgLB5ESYWeWl4RQvhozOOxy7jVc3mZuLEchsXr1DHvjq0ocA0dTf9fHx20hUVKsEBYRHqyImPzJXNegEJ6lqnaRvBDZc0fwpB2m9y_H3_a8uMJG0/s1600/IMG_6888_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYKaqugErkp22dX9DrxTDgiFml8WTgLB5ESYWeWl4RQvhozOOxy7jVc3mZuLEchsXr1DHvjq0ocA0dTf9fHx20hUVKsEBYRHqyImPzJXNegEJ6lqnaRvBDZc0fwpB2m9y_H3_a8uMJG0/s640/IMG_6888_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
he still loves, loves, loves to eat. Everything. Anything. Anytime. I'm convinced he has this secret sense that knows the second I get ready to eat anything. And then he laser beams the food, looks as me with giant pleading eyes, a smirk...and if that doesn't do it, he resorts to squawking until he gets a bite.<br />
<br />
I think he has learned how to say cracker. If I ask him to say cracker, he smacks his lips and then says something that sounds like "ta-ter" he of course says mama, and sometimes cries it if he wants out of his crib. And sometimes says "dada". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAFqDI5JtnT3nXBDEZ0WJyAl-QV_nPoljSm_xv7uVw6MZFmMR_7S7RD77tU4TmC1Ot5EDG48R2bqYiQn7V5rdB3XCQhHD12VNgWZL-XGOYjgnIbkpGrGKi4pOkVo1SolCgENSbdB_MLs/s1600/IMG_6698+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAFqDI5JtnT3nXBDEZ0WJyAl-QV_nPoljSm_xv7uVw6MZFmMR_7S7RD77tU4TmC1Ot5EDG48R2bqYiQn7V5rdB3XCQhHD12VNgWZL-XGOYjgnIbkpGrGKi4pOkVo1SolCgENSbdB_MLs/s640/IMG_6698+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He still nurses about 3-4 times a day. And about a million and one times at night.<br />
<br />
He is quite taken by his big brothers milk cups and can often be found snatching them when they aren't looking. And then dumps the milk all over my floor, completely unaware and absolutely happy about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObd7zNurO7QUFleZMl6WBiwtyAd7o8ZVW0o1Bw_PBx9u5sMszyy57SfsjFpltHvUeiSulGJgsOvP-opFhip1rrgPaW01LrlcSrq3GPQ4aJ4kBGii-NEpImReameMirHetQfin9sO5yHg/s1600/IMG_6695+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObd7zNurO7QUFleZMl6WBiwtyAd7o8ZVW0o1Bw_PBx9u5sMszyy57SfsjFpltHvUeiSulGJgsOvP-opFhip1rrgPaW01LrlcSrq3GPQ4aJ4kBGii-NEpImReameMirHetQfin9sO5yHg/s640/IMG_6695+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
he takes after Bennett with his climbing endeavors. I always find him trying to hoist his leg up on something. Sometimes he succeeds. But then there are a lot of tumbles, resulting in goose eggs and bruises.<br />
<br />
He's a tough one. It takes a lot for him to cry because he's hurt. He just walked smack dab into the table....it knocked him down. he looked up at me, smiled....picked himself back up and off he went. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4Pf1oKfxQtvU0PxdqefXwcHANn14U-1q3P4DFe9MjEZ1yYa9llXsrl47U0ajHPxZfjBlgm8gKS4gQouHYRmCtWyNdcBqSA6gKPw9pA4CLUyaOGqhSaJH_v9j0mtFHTsKrAcpoAeoDg8/s1600/IMG_6708+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4Pf1oKfxQtvU0PxdqefXwcHANn14U-1q3P4DFe9MjEZ1yYa9llXsrl47U0ajHPxZfjBlgm8gKS4gQouHYRmCtWyNdcBqSA6gKPw9pA4CLUyaOGqhSaJH_v9j0mtFHTsKrAcpoAeoDg8/s640/IMG_6708+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Bennett also taught him how to spit. (thank you Bennett). And he blows kisses with a "Mmmm-Aaaa".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RakyIgPvwX1PlEOfyVD3RiWG2cEQ2oOwqxs93z1l9OqguJoORq8CTvI_yeTTehfqEWqpFAmVIqEDVyI-t68oi2gQr3rSPZ0jmEtsdezhPWZKpi5pwKiXWgTD8_nPuQR5vRn7q_8P6-U/s1600/IMG_6968+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RakyIgPvwX1PlEOfyVD3RiWG2cEQ2oOwqxs93z1l9OqguJoORq8CTvI_yeTTehfqEWqpFAmVIqEDVyI-t68oi2gQr3rSPZ0jmEtsdezhPWZKpi5pwKiXWgTD8_nPuQR5vRn7q_8P6-U/s640/IMG_6968+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA5K21aoCC3LWPTQ7OuF5ZvpqOHyRbrxnshTa44IkPXu0y_1FHBHhtkfxVAGwdQkd5SfcIFNF4Csrfgq8YMouqmeEb2ew-r-dgSzmy42Xd2Xf78McGm9evl1I6ZiyAxS4EySd7jz2RW4/s1600/IMG_6971+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA5K21aoCC3LWPTQ7OuF5ZvpqOHyRbrxnshTa44IkPXu0y_1FHBHhtkfxVAGwdQkd5SfcIFNF4Csrfgq8YMouqmeEb2ew-r-dgSzmy42Xd2Xf78McGm9evl1I6ZiyAxS4EySd7jz2RW4/s640/IMG_6971+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He whips and then he nay-nays, loves to bounce up and down to music, and puts his hands in the air when his brothers start singing "Hail to the Lord Almighty".<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI71G59A-JIWjOF8ncRCj1CdhmPsWuFxsWyVmyys9Pg_AAtdyOnCphjyOwQigH-EYkQDxNrO_pHgX6pJc3sJVNv-Bu3s5F-LXEg3bjOKI0hBMSzk0d2yLEjjKpDphGydikrjnSKz64Sc/s1600/IMG_6836_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI71G59A-JIWjOF8ncRCj1CdhmPsWuFxsWyVmyys9Pg_AAtdyOnCphjyOwQigH-EYkQDxNrO_pHgX6pJc3sJVNv-Bu3s5F-LXEg3bjOKI0hBMSzk0d2yLEjjKpDphGydikrjnSKz64Sc/s640/IMG_6836_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
He loves playing with balls, dinosaurs, that hammer toy, eating chalk and picking things up and placing them in my hands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG0BcLwoPIsKfliKvVYVAnBGO5W_146Sx1nGK31nxLl3eLz4jgTzeTqwqE4H_sUNY_W4OeM6FB_vccsb2synGdDp6BwfHqIH2KiLnziVxhO372jzSwfTf9KgMrU5q7gN0UDcNKhvrkj8/s1600/IMG_6789_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG0BcLwoPIsKfliKvVYVAnBGO5W_146Sx1nGK31nxLl3eLz4jgTzeTqwqE4H_sUNY_W4OeM6FB_vccsb2synGdDp6BwfHqIH2KiLnziVxhO372jzSwfTf9KgMrU5q7gN0UDcNKhvrkj8/s640/IMG_6789_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN64hZP3vghfUWKOAisZXlCIrL_V_f-PpREIlnJZFUov7-HDHjncN0fbznutjuFubkt-aBq_bAEWQjQGu5TLAgYd7uh-QiVzMiyW5GISa0ih7iy-Gm4sbI42V_QTRgWh2b-aSL0MombY/s1600/IMG_6793_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN64hZP3vghfUWKOAisZXlCIrL_V_f-PpREIlnJZFUov7-HDHjncN0fbznutjuFubkt-aBq_bAEWQjQGu5TLAgYd7uh-QiVzMiyW5GISa0ih7iy-Gm4sbI42V_QTRgWh2b-aSL0MombY/s640/IMG_6793_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He weighs a whoppin 20 lbs (30th percentile) and is 29in tall (16th percentile) once again, Kyle I'm sorry....my genes win again. he's still wearing a size 3 diaper...about to bump up to a size 4 just for night leaking sake. He has 8 teeth and his dr thinks his upper molars might be on there way.<br />
<br />
And then here we are, wrapping up the last of his monthly posts. Me lost in nostalgia land as think about all that this year as held, and how so much has changed...yet, it feels just like we are where we should be.<br />
<br />
I ponder what the following years will hold. How he will grow into the mold of who he was made to be. What life circumstances will shape him for the better. Will he continue to be his own little person, or will I start to see more similarities between his brothers. Will his calm sweetness and persistence push him far into life or will other traits become more prevalent and defining factors.<br />
<br />
But still.....I can't help but miss this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuPILpULfb-xHrJtdQDH3UOSK8yoYlQXV4YmbRF_gaTTECIt8Wd3C1Tst2W4Pkz7R6SLwNIz8sUYmYJwULfDx6xchXFwMN08ikSkacALJbSx68SYdYYp0zvL4QI38vTqHVpB0_d36fhI/s1600/IMG_6033+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuPILpULfb-xHrJtdQDH3UOSK8yoYlQXV4YmbRF_gaTTECIt8Wd3C1Tst2W4Pkz7R6SLwNIz8sUYmYJwULfDx6xchXFwMN08ikSkacALJbSx68SYdYYp0zvL4QI38vTqHVpB0_d36fhI/s640/IMG_6033+copy+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And my heart may break a little still knowing that he will be our last.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I miss the feel of him napping on my chest so much that I think I will cry forever for it back. How thankful I am that I chose to let him nap on me for nearly 5 months of his life...how I savored those moments. In the stillness, just him and I.<br />
<br />
I knew one day it would be over. It just happened faster than I ever thought possible.<br />
<br />
My last baby, no longer a baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsvQqJ0uGvEzwqXTiGSI4zNHEzh6LTsMgSfkGodzSc3DTKzet4Zg3rOzbD3ab_Rsy4w6R75VN5gmvghG0FuWHCZ2MjZzLEicu-fuVJf9GNC18wclmly6951XN-9S8OFPoZnLkO8EwHaw/s1600/IMG_6773+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsvQqJ0uGvEzwqXTiGSI4zNHEzh6LTsMgSfkGodzSc3DTKzet4Zg3rOzbD3ab_Rsy4w6R75VN5gmvghG0FuWHCZ2MjZzLEicu-fuVJf9GNC18wclmly6951XN-9S8OFPoZnLkO8EwHaw/s640/IMG_6773+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1Ya2hjh2QyXXPfI-etfPezPOhHoKMp5gWlr4GwpTwlbiOX-uY8JB20DbjLcEC1Mc5ZPIYC2IYTetD9ivRN7Ah5w5MQVXsgEhGWPiYj5YDIZLBRd-HPBGG-wG5EjqvEm-7Qz1_ig_ls0/s1600/IMG_6775_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1Ya2hjh2QyXXPfI-etfPezPOhHoKMp5gWlr4GwpTwlbiOX-uY8JB20DbjLcEC1Mc5ZPIYC2IYTetD9ivRN7Ah5w5MQVXsgEhGWPiYj5YDIZLBRd-HPBGG-wG5EjqvEm-7Qz1_ig_ls0/s640/IMG_6775_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As hard as it is to try and grasp some days, I am so excited watch him grow, to see who he will become. He is my little buddy, and I hope that will never change.<br />
<br />
Sweet Davis.<br />
<br />
I have no words. I really don't. YOU are amazing. God has big plans for you. My heart could not love you any more if it tried. Thanks for bringing the softness that my heart needed. My little breath of fresh air, God knew.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for that---that God always knows. <br />
<br />
I love you, my big--little boy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-68269558378245650672016-02-08T22:07:00.000-08:002016-02-08T22:07:05.949-08:00ONE Cute Lumberjack and his partyI've been sitting here pondering how one year has come and gone so quickly. There is so much I want to put into words, so many emotions, so much disbelief that my baby has reached this milestone. But I need to allow my heart a chance to catch up a bit. It needs to fully accept what is happening to that tiny baby who I met in the hospital a year ago today. Instead I will share how we celebrated our sweet boy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWkB047l9ITamJv8kjIM00uFi9qWzl9Q-_QSfoU2-75HefsHghMd7AKt3gGN7A-gZmw9nNco9GP11cd6v78GQdY8Z26tSZw2KeChJ3DUhsFh8TZ_OK9oKwV76CHjJGqWUr0d-FJBzFvo/s1600/IMG_7140_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWkB047l9ITamJv8kjIM00uFi9qWzl9Q-_QSfoU2-75HefsHghMd7AKt3gGN7A-gZmw9nNco9GP11cd6v78GQdY8Z26tSZw2KeChJ3DUhsFh8TZ_OK9oKwV76CHjJGqWUr0d-FJBzFvo/s640/IMG_7140_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The theme was "Flannel up for some fun, Our little man Davis is turning ONE"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL49NG_7VzaE9rXw3j2kVq8xc38hGTTucOMZAPDt7dmYs8opHj0xvGdcZgh_aAY2J9w2bctzCUik4Vka-MvDVXT5pND52mIJwYd4FFSGID8R_qBm9gkqRAXiwwbXEEPdSq_gE9zQZ_O2g/s1600/IMG_7075_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL49NG_7VzaE9rXw3j2kVq8xc38hGTTucOMZAPDt7dmYs8opHj0xvGdcZgh_aAY2J9w2bctzCUik4Vka-MvDVXT5pND52mIJwYd4FFSGID8R_qBm9gkqRAXiwwbXEEPdSq_gE9zQZ_O2g/s640/IMG_7075_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We were so PLAID that our whole family was able to make it out for the celebration dawning their best flannel and plaid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqlsh_3GIunExqNhXfiif9wO0ipNbHreZ6MdG4WlnE7QwCa84qcAc3wotrV-KLNgaEm3509a8sZVA9NxZZ2LgQCVjUtUQNpwzxvfu8UIlgPP2ObfG2eCPtYqGZ5Q5womdZToPlTygEDU/s1600/IMG_7021_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqlsh_3GIunExqNhXfiif9wO0ipNbHreZ6MdG4WlnE7QwCa84qcAc3wotrV-KLNgaEm3509a8sZVA9NxZZ2LgQCVjUtUQNpwzxvfu8UIlgPP2ObfG2eCPtYqGZ5Q5womdZToPlTygEDU/s640/IMG_7021_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We were also thankful that the party was able to go on after what seemed like a month long bout with the nasty, Hand Foot and Mouth Disease.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg2oAFOhjGtycSfOdEzUm30lXTG3c0SaujKG5jFO6Cib5t_GBuD3_7UI-hdKGz1QwSkWyvA_lqud6RwJAZFn-13iEgSPoVt6XyeSQKs6DfoSF6mrWvzoRDVsijVMP4AK3NFvGyyf7v5U/s1600/IMG_7118_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg2oAFOhjGtycSfOdEzUm30lXTG3c0SaujKG5jFO6Cib5t_GBuD3_7UI-hdKGz1QwSkWyvA_lqud6RwJAZFn-13iEgSPoVt6XyeSQKs6DfoSF6mrWvzoRDVsijVMP4AK3NFvGyyf7v5U/s640/IMG_7118_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vn0DY0VF3vGBtE3RlX06REXmFEcb9HhWiKtbs0ovBObR17X6jJ2TGiBf_0OR66sEAE_j1a2SWv38vTU2EQSJtryHrkXsJjp8mKOlkG9mBrr7wAQ5BqTV4I4ARcFS6Q8WtVfoDrqEZz0/s1600/IMG_7137+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vn0DY0VF3vGBtE3RlX06REXmFEcb9HhWiKtbs0ovBObR17X6jJ2TGiBf_0OR66sEAE_j1a2SWv38vTU2EQSJtryHrkXsJjp8mKOlkG9mBrr7wAQ5BqTV4I4ARcFS6Q8WtVfoDrqEZz0/s640/IMG_7137+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
So we rejoiced that we could actually be around people again and feel like we weren't completely living in a bubble and modern day lepers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYS3rklcHVZVYFYzfX9OiyaE8P2eD8Cj00dybEIUg60UP2QvjCK_uvwIS4vHZfYHa9yVt1mP8xyWvMIKDcZxOFTAa0dqwFpfgMuj-b8Sp9UgYbpi_UTRD6a_YBF8bL08u9eJHHkFhgRQ/s1600/IMG_7308_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYS3rklcHVZVYFYzfX9OiyaE8P2eD8Cj00dybEIUg60UP2QvjCK_uvwIS4vHZfYHa9yVt1mP8xyWvMIKDcZxOFTAa0dqwFpfgMuj-b8Sp9UgYbpi_UTRD6a_YBF8bL08u9eJHHkFhgRQ/s640/IMG_7308_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIad-lcahF__9HjnzqwJB0Q_wJQfS29vTk4HFlh2ryaGLC0bFm7eqzBPHNgcuT7NwhnX4auWk8wdFtd0zQGiZqkcK0pvvbrLPbr5MTUBkaDF7GMbRrUvNYWDqUFxMIL1DjwKF0Z0cVDo/s1600/IMG_7042_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIad-lcahF__9HjnzqwJB0Q_wJQfS29vTk4HFlh2ryaGLC0bFm7eqzBPHNgcuT7NwhnX4auWk8wdFtd0zQGiZqkcK0pvvbrLPbr5MTUBkaDF7GMbRrUvNYWDqUFxMIL1DjwKF0Z0cVDo/s640/IMG_7042_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsnTETOQt1K4hbx6UtVK8zN87Kn7glegGY7YhE91Zm0_Ba2uJ3VTjd_8weS2cdIkV5XEbuudcnoJuOWdoAjyDwgEPOUzCCL8bCm10iDZskgjJvQ0b12xct_13DP7olFai9QSZsZaVdyw/s1600/IMG_7044_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsnTETOQt1K4hbx6UtVK8zN87Kn7glegGY7YhE91Zm0_Ba2uJ3VTjd_8weS2cdIkV5XEbuudcnoJuOWdoAjyDwgEPOUzCCL8bCm10iDZskgjJvQ0b12xct_13DP7olFai9QSZsZaVdyw/s640/IMG_7044_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6QDSvoem48GgHm71x5WG9VMGnwkP_4j2HXxF1eN3EOZOUKamAQlqdx3-MmIhDjN_pjJ3Xu_XrggXSD7yrqFFAZrVLXaxS1jjVdov3QaDh4lPxm0Uh9msz4zTFexwKIvJb2fGeIj9_FI/s1600/IMG_7142_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6QDSvoem48GgHm71x5WG9VMGnwkP_4j2HXxF1eN3EOZOUKamAQlqdx3-MmIhDjN_pjJ3Xu_XrggXSD7yrqFFAZrVLXaxS1jjVdov3QaDh4lPxm0Uh9msz4zTFexwKIvJb2fGeIj9_FI/s640/IMG_7142_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMJiG6fIpM5LE691Qw81M9cNtgfMZJMe2St8Aw_-56jVuguVruLELLGQuYQmdjMuhf57mrAd52VLx5ckFQkQFEa9_AYQ1P5t5c_nSGFXsuWP_8QiV5Ri4Re7cGGDPW2w58zY8quGJ1eA/s1600/IMG_7312_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMJiG6fIpM5LE691Qw81M9cNtgfMZJMe2St8Aw_-56jVuguVruLELLGQuYQmdjMuhf57mrAd52VLx5ckFQkQFEa9_AYQ1P5t5c_nSGFXsuWP_8QiV5Ri4Re7cGGDPW2w58zY8quGJ1eA/s640/IMG_7312_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVzS7B0d3fQ91KZRRJDNKLZWdgyd7KHSDwYfpmJ7ZVeIrZjGMdr6H3N51QSW_oxNNYvjPG3BEfWSEV6zQoN65rKxM6rZkFngPZ8eVuXgrLKf0LvCd4Z6TANElOmWvCIyli3T6gZlZJ7c/s1600/IMG_7317_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVzS7B0d3fQ91KZRRJDNKLZWdgyd7KHSDwYfpmJ7ZVeIrZjGMdr6H3N51QSW_oxNNYvjPG3BEfWSEV6zQoN65rKxM6rZkFngPZ8eVuXgrLKf0LvCd4Z6TANElOmWvCIyli3T6gZlZJ7c/s640/IMG_7317_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WEugZpsKa9IHSiH6hAbpRgPYFsfExDHB-1xnIP2rBWakNJw_n39t1myyiHqh8xuQ9yUrnwtxVvmG2A73WzMVer2L9m-7tT5DnzY_XxgQmhLb9hmeFDDXysr473AiVfwAmsYd-71VJFk/s1600/IMG_7014_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WEugZpsKa9IHSiH6hAbpRgPYFsfExDHB-1xnIP2rBWakNJw_n39t1myyiHqh8xuQ9yUrnwtxVvmG2A73WzMVer2L9m-7tT5DnzY_XxgQmhLb9hmeFDDXysr473AiVfwAmsYd-71VJFk/s640/IMG_7014_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My Davis LOVES anything that has flavor and even remotely resembles something of food. And pancakes (or FLAPJACKS as we called them) happen to be among his top 10 favorite foods. So flapjacks for the lumber jack were a must.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRKPkq5P4XhAuV5PdC8r4to-JVzcJ_npd_MoFB5co-uy6_lEs4_RF8nJavgfZRgHasq__qmuIgoEmRDjLF91ELz6SyT5bNH01APo6w_8OEHoCZgthojVJ9ZFzcxGZKPbG-4ZG6NPkojU/s1600/IMG_7072+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRKPkq5P4XhAuV5PdC8r4to-JVzcJ_npd_MoFB5co-uy6_lEs4_RF8nJavgfZRgHasq__qmuIgoEmRDjLF91ELz6SyT5bNH01APo6w_8OEHoCZgthojVJ9ZFzcxGZKPbG-4ZG6NPkojU/s640/IMG_7072+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3e5iS29JRc4L9UZyZPY_Oww2cFLA8eC5M4I1-skaicsX5nlz-ESIEttGrLoMJM7oTCt3xnNXZf7po984jhPndvDFW0RZ8UL-Sml6pVIFxTPB1vFqIntLtJzZCGPpaDAPx9nX3Cyqbu5E/s1600/IMG_7135+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3e5iS29JRc4L9UZyZPY_Oww2cFLA8eC5M4I1-skaicsX5nlz-ESIEttGrLoMJM7oTCt3xnNXZf7po984jhPndvDFW0RZ8UL-Sml6pVIFxTPB1vFqIntLtJzZCGPpaDAPx9nX3Cyqbu5E/s640/IMG_7135+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrNqyrTHX3ruS8q6MuOqqMDOuBCufA7xTVri3-Gum9b05NZZHcFI0oOA82_Ps2WXD4mV43jB5A3cjiTVRJE6yV7_l11uhFLJz6l05JiCANPLe_lThK_9DmadCH_czwIQ4VmQoaGr4hrs/s1600/IMG_7136+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrNqyrTHX3ruS8q6MuOqqMDOuBCufA7xTVri3-Gum9b05NZZHcFI0oOA82_Ps2WXD4mV43jB5A3cjiTVRJE6yV7_l11uhFLJz6l05JiCANPLe_lThK_9DmadCH_czwIQ4VmQoaGr4hrs/s640/IMG_7136+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6Kt_slkFyOHsnQAdtaovz43659Am6vAqtFrGlnbaYaaxPPjHRGY5MF4VSeyZnhBxNJUQoezDw_W7RRc6PgJ5tNHk03QGmF5mT3L54wC3u9P74Z4Ya5rq8YNskW5Z3Fe54TKREJTZYeA/s1600/IMG_7060+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6Kt_slkFyOHsnQAdtaovz43659Am6vAqtFrGlnbaYaaxPPjHRGY5MF4VSeyZnhBxNJUQoezDw_W7RRc6PgJ5tNHk03QGmF5mT3L54wC3u9P74Z4Ya5rq8YNskW5Z3Fe54TKREJTZYeA/s640/IMG_7060+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We ate out of tin plates, and filled them with chocolate chip oatmeal cookie or regular flapjacks topped with the choice of quadruple berry sauce, maple syrup, almonds, peanut butter, and of course freshly whipped cream. (Cole was bummed there were no sprinkles or cherries to put on top)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-M2wJeIJqBXM1LP2Y5P2bk_iV-7cmiK0hCErbIKg6Wdx90f9L2eTb7l9q1rEPNAVy2OueTx5HCL4LFFUh0Jpco2ePKHoHcQe_wJN2MYcQbjl6aj4dvYJ2rXdD1KWN1rz55gkvThNQjY/s1600/IMG_7073+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-M2wJeIJqBXM1LP2Y5P2bk_iV-7cmiK0hCErbIKg6Wdx90f9L2eTb7l9q1rEPNAVy2OueTx5HCL4LFFUh0Jpco2ePKHoHcQe_wJN2MYcQbjl6aj4dvYJ2rXdD1KWN1rz55gkvThNQjY/s640/IMG_7073+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We had maple leaf cookies, chocolate mint pretzel bark, and trail mix (just for theme kicks).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tAz2k_ZPyNI0xeIgXbaBGdawTAxZR0vf3tntLYEOol3JU9suwvv2i-BmLD8GnhKGji-_B2fJpYaJNBSnhlvgZTUiHwIaln0VpF80_RksB7LQiMDJBOMZZm-xmJMYd66RGsU_C7P7wBE/s1600/IMG_7064+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tAz2k_ZPyNI0xeIgXbaBGdawTAxZR0vf3tntLYEOol3JU9suwvv2i-BmLD8GnhKGji-_B2fJpYaJNBSnhlvgZTUiHwIaln0VpF80_RksB7LQiMDJBOMZZm-xmJMYd66RGsU_C7P7wBE/s640/IMG_7064+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I served homemade hot cocoa at the cocoa bar where anyone could go crazy with as much or as little toppings as they fancied. (Again, major fail in the Cole department....no sprinkles.....)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-OG5JpWuYeAs0CfFlF7qVVeoiOirGdQcMPqDy58kormmQqOb8A-SuEJDQlaYLiHlYkgizbNDmjJiXtSTlxEQ4wFH6XMMo-ZDy51R9zpHffyxfe5mVhhjWOCsUnAKwvMGBwQZSqmlJZw/s1600/IMG_7047+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-OG5JpWuYeAs0CfFlF7qVVeoiOirGdQcMPqDy58kormmQqOb8A-SuEJDQlaYLiHlYkgizbNDmjJiXtSTlxEQ4wFH6XMMo-ZDy51R9zpHffyxfe5mVhhjWOCsUnAKwvMGBwQZSqmlJZw/s640/IMG_7047+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIUuiqO69caMY7QWqNmEzjB1z72_xnabB5_HTdM_3UAmg4fRu8ZYk2p1QmWQOdagH8YETV0DRJ6k-BQR9B8mF0o6tNW2pCjSiEVqL1I9k_flGUPjjiVeq65nHqp41Q9sU194z4wesrYQ/s1600/IMG_7070+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIUuiqO69caMY7QWqNmEzjB1z72_xnabB5_HTdM_3UAmg4fRu8ZYk2p1QmWQOdagH8YETV0DRJ6k-BQR9B8mF0o6tNW2pCjSiEVqL1I9k_flGUPjjiVeq65nHqp41Q9sU194z4wesrYQ/s640/IMG_7070+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs1vv56h3OVa8N5ZRzsHcIC_2t0_OkWBj9REaCPF2xb0O6sb5TIcb85eeSBqGn4hzCwI3qblH42bVuUak7_XP7hGU0l7P5yoTEB319V22kglEa-P2PkiBwEIHTInmuZhRZF7Rx326fN8/s1600/IMG_7083+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs1vv56h3OVa8N5ZRzsHcIC_2t0_OkWBj9REaCPF2xb0O6sb5TIcb85eeSBqGn4hzCwI3qblH42bVuUak7_XP7hGU0l7P5yoTEB319V22kglEa-P2PkiBwEIHTInmuZhRZF7Rx326fN8/s640/IMG_7083+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2HMEZpAdQ03YxrJ1Z3IyVzJj4-LKQsGYydyEJCfJijBIJumj_QrTsb8l9Wh_YPuw2xFmAKP8BBjpoRVldQqilUjxM8FJXQeLOy1M_e9nZMI2qpAn4kjY2xMAobm2IZC7pIsqS5PVfPs/s1600/IMG_7086+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2HMEZpAdQ03YxrJ1Z3IyVzJj4-LKQsGYydyEJCfJijBIJumj_QrTsb8l9Wh_YPuw2xFmAKP8BBjpoRVldQqilUjxM8FJXQeLOy1M_e9nZMI2qpAn4kjY2xMAobm2IZC7pIsqS5PVfPs/s640/IMG_7086+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Cpu6EHo2sjG56ZHbfsW4dSqhh2oKKaxvcEdnuZ-PCyq_3U2X8iP5N9RN9OttPYhkrd0fboZ-JTwT8fQ6Qgm4HjJvhVwN-cvqkJYg3C3hDXgzZwcp3e1jdtpyH0WLonJKnHWU2f9f2qE/s1600/IMG_7087+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Cpu6EHo2sjG56ZHbfsW4dSqhh2oKKaxvcEdnuZ-PCyq_3U2X8iP5N9RN9OttPYhkrd0fboZ-JTwT8fQ6Qgm4HjJvhVwN-cvqkJYg3C3hDXgzZwcp3e1jdtpyH0WLonJKnHWU2f9f2qE/s640/IMG_7087+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zIGrDij9Yv6nzSOAgHTipInLPKGc7OPYypEuB250VSV1KREoytHc7ON_3QiQdSGtH8nxXVIyLEZ-uam3JUvIjY7y80QvBvej3FXCV_tUgHvIaZfgSg3KsPkjM9ARj6G2S7U2K96kduE/s1600/IMG_7097+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zIGrDij9Yv6nzSOAgHTipInLPKGc7OPYypEuB250VSV1KREoytHc7ON_3QiQdSGtH8nxXVIyLEZ-uam3JUvIjY7y80QvBvej3FXCV_tUgHvIaZfgSg3KsPkjM9ARj6G2S7U2K96kduE/s640/IMG_7097+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I will let you guess who fancied a lot....the more sugar, the better. And getting them to bed that night was a whole lot of fun.....<br />
<br />
And then there were cupcakes, of course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyekLKSkWBHNA-HMbdReSyyeiEWLCvgd0UQa7We3mlWTLHbTgVtdZICJtvQ9T4b1S9zt_jBacTUkSn8RIudkcQu7qkF9pGuyPHtugutcnV_X6SDwlGIO__7ush9hfUwgEpzjIrQMkrMrM/s1600/IMG_7067+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyekLKSkWBHNA-HMbdReSyyeiEWLCvgd0UQa7We3mlWTLHbTgVtdZICJtvQ9T4b1S9zt_jBacTUkSn8RIudkcQu7qkF9pGuyPHtugutcnV_X6SDwlGIO__7ush9hfUwgEpzjIrQMkrMrM/s640/IMG_7067+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Snickers cupcakes to be exact. Because who doesn't like snickers? Davis appeared to be a big fan....big, huge....super fan. And in true lumberjack form, he took down that cupcake with swiftness and ease.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gYoKROmxIgdeR3kW3Il889B-a71EOsmZQeY9wG2mSxgzt2ZO1eim_UL47ZBX0rQpNB-9qC_U6yjIv3HtJgjRMZT7RzGmt5i3T6hCJGkVLnrXNJTIz7XK8bj4RonFCL3ZBQgMuZ0ux5Y/s1600/IMG_7206+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gYoKROmxIgdeR3kW3Il889B-a71EOsmZQeY9wG2mSxgzt2ZO1eim_UL47ZBX0rQpNB-9qC_U6yjIv3HtJgjRMZT7RzGmt5i3T6hCJGkVLnrXNJTIz7XK8bj4RonFCL3ZBQgMuZ0ux5Y/s640/IMG_7206+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqJ-yj-ic2vwaMMWZRB4LCXXPJEXRKs9m1Hk_MyD7M11i0iGEoJoT4c5miRn_ANCbSGlF8NiaLlJ4tCrXy0iQKkKNePGaLgMIkTb6nRkmZAB_Jn6kN75sFm5ATCtU_D25OwAxNlHJ1v8/s1600/IMG_7207_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqJ-yj-ic2vwaMMWZRB4LCXXPJEXRKs9m1Hk_MyD7M11i0iGEoJoT4c5miRn_ANCbSGlF8NiaLlJ4tCrXy0iQKkKNePGaLgMIkTb6nRkmZAB_Jn6kN75sFm5ATCtU_D25OwAxNlHJ1v8/s640/IMG_7207_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He took one look....went at it face first....then shoved the rest in his mouth. I think I heard some mutter, "is he even breathing?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUKR0wZuuDBf-CcDoTU87sT_W6Bxqqu-SuaiPt5NBOay44ls1riwiES7XqPy3ahfCJhQ46SBDGaxfbObG08zlItjaqkDBS-wiegCaFpegKzerjPoNfbmLMPraHxOtv3ZIKKQgJnDzfQI/s1600/IMG_7208_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUKR0wZuuDBf-CcDoTU87sT_W6Bxqqu-SuaiPt5NBOay44ls1riwiES7XqPy3ahfCJhQ46SBDGaxfbObG08zlItjaqkDBS-wiegCaFpegKzerjPoNfbmLMPraHxOtv3ZIKKQgJnDzfQI/s640/IMG_7208_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once he tasted that cupcake, neither his face nor his mouth lost any type of contact. and in a second....milliseconds even, it was gone. One big gulp.....gone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cg5oYA-GgPTqSuv-1QkNP3suqwFJmRlZ9qIQwf4jh17x5auC3NcnuISMkQ_i5sChacG819g4wcEQDwJJHoD6bW3lvI-0JcjS6YyzT9WajyYhqCUVObPv6lXQrKx8BT1VCAPziWBOvMw/s1600/IMG_7217+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cg5oYA-GgPTqSuv-1QkNP3suqwFJmRlZ9qIQwf4jh17x5auC3NcnuISMkQ_i5sChacG819g4wcEQDwJJHoD6bW3lvI-0JcjS6YyzT9WajyYhqCUVObPv6lXQrKx8BT1VCAPziWBOvMw/s640/IMG_7217+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinij5K2e-KfxGMqUDvdUfD5AFIEInZozQmmIrdJ1xRqXf1OM_UBcqz5Fj18LWN3fWAv6rWjtCn_4FMfhzn3EhomPplXLnCct3BvAp3iRuC5KFcorYSYg7s0klqMjuGV30r3peyvU7ZBME/s1600/IMG_7223_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinij5K2e-KfxGMqUDvdUfD5AFIEInZozQmmIrdJ1xRqXf1OM_UBcqz5Fj18LWN3fWAv6rWjtCn_4FMfhzn3EhomPplXLnCct3BvAp3iRuC5KFcorYSYg7s0klqMjuGV30r3peyvU7ZBME/s640/IMG_7223_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqlSRZka7ArUbytbi0uvh6NnbkyJsqqPiT2PyNBUuEfQ_9zZf_JY-d3722LXm8J-JQQmw6wfJuvoXHKbVfNedSs_q1yKcRjsUPMAh-YNLQv70RGI8LvdRgWDU45jHjcpvdhV943ryiMc/s1600/IMG_7231_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqlSRZka7ArUbytbi0uvh6NnbkyJsqqPiT2PyNBUuEfQ_9zZf_JY-d3722LXm8J-JQQmw6wfJuvoXHKbVfNedSs_q1yKcRjsUPMAh-YNLQv70RGI8LvdRgWDU45jHjcpvdhV943ryiMc/s640/IMG_7231_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR8BwKJE_oGr8Z_sneZd69wBfPKPk7dIEY07ugqc3NbVGTi1MjQb9s2hmCZuO7nSuvpB4AHcc6owRraAmrIeLk1JWTit2RbxtrRFCdKHbr0WpTewbIEfkk4f3L9Rz7FVE2dSexx5QcnM/s1600/IMG_7232_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR8BwKJE_oGr8Z_sneZd69wBfPKPk7dIEY07ugqc3NbVGTi1MjQb9s2hmCZuO7nSuvpB4AHcc6owRraAmrIeLk1JWTit2RbxtrRFCdKHbr0WpTewbIEfkk4f3L9Rz7FVE2dSexx5QcnM/s640/IMG_7232_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He did a good job cleaning up all the crumbs that escaped their doom. He made our job as clean up crew quite easy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FL0bbRDkVLo5SEaA0HZ0kJ4mKX_EQAL0XbSntHmOPG9tK41I0SFKqMucWWVpxLiqaxnc7LX9opByDx3IVTG2WFgqahYWSn4jHGNb1lOGHXqtHKfJDxr6MVWNAbD7WPYPfbHChYBSPXE/s1600/IMG_7234_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1FL0bbRDkVLo5SEaA0HZ0kJ4mKX_EQAL0XbSntHmOPG9tK41I0SFKqMucWWVpxLiqaxnc7LX9opByDx3IVTG2WFgqahYWSn4jHGNb1lOGHXqtHKfJDxr6MVWNAbD7WPYPfbHChYBSPXE/s640/IMG_7234_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESezR2X_yQ1HzuKHNlq0_2Es30V66eaISIHMxNmRaNFMt80mtjkXULRWy0p1f-QDmTK-QFxIlSmhNRJkrSBre5tedb9CpzCLac7jUQ8K_ukQthoibTrPmkIuR2S_-krnOqKeThAxp6Vo/s1600/IMG_7229_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESezR2X_yQ1HzuKHNlq0_2Es30V66eaISIHMxNmRaNFMt80mtjkXULRWy0p1f-QDmTK-QFxIlSmhNRJkrSBre5tedb9CpzCLac7jUQ8K_ukQthoibTrPmkIuR2S_-krnOqKeThAxp6Vo/s640/IMG_7229_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqolOV36KK1aL24lbGC_NaKckyFCFNfaZaewy0J-PA85grgl7mCPn9rcJzXeErwhw6NVMOvMA4IDc2qY6NgI3eIc30fQRUWObIF6Fg32ox78fBDnHkqDFa0nPxOrhLGwWS8ifAjl9FsNs/s1600/IMG_7258_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqolOV36KK1aL24lbGC_NaKckyFCFNfaZaewy0J-PA85grgl7mCPn9rcJzXeErwhw6NVMOvMA4IDc2qY6NgI3eIc30fQRUWObIF6Fg32ox78fBDnHkqDFa0nPxOrhLGwWS8ifAjl9FsNs/s640/IMG_7258_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpVW-XAVbAcDz1MET1Vo77-cY37nH4U6TicntpReZndmVi_J9AQOgTfRxOSuhFn1ZQCvMRpGacLvit7Lj7JZdXNhTPWMOEtXgbM9pPVZgcDBQJqZTE36Jf2-9o5it4xzzSLe5aacE2fY/s1600/IMG_7253_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpVW-XAVbAcDz1MET1Vo77-cY37nH4U6TicntpReZndmVi_J9AQOgTfRxOSuhFn1ZQCvMRpGacLvit7Lj7JZdXNhTPWMOEtXgbM9pPVZgcDBQJqZTE36Jf2-9o5it4xzzSLe5aacE2fY/s640/IMG_7253_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Big brother Cole took it upon himself to do his own little videography of the event. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIRcN9AOk67gH0h_axUccc-UxVpFo8XoNp3NzCe8x0H5zZLme5MwXKaI3h_XwH3vFYReHRozyvqXmZF7HQ_IRAW6u95LJsoxIIIlF_9n1WQqxmAKl7UurRtJxXC5AMrmJKxkEzPHF2IY/s1600/IMG_7245+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIRcN9AOk67gH0h_axUccc-UxVpFo8XoNp3NzCe8x0H5zZLme5MwXKaI3h_XwH3vFYReHRozyvqXmZF7HQ_IRAW6u95LJsoxIIIlF_9n1WQqxmAKl7UurRtJxXC5AMrmJKxkEzPHF2IY/s640/IMG_7245+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegBZzp0EOfGPHINW_yKc-Ga-0fAd-l1ShuskCTxaTiQ9v3BqC4FPKigFsh9o1eB-iB4BuORUl9yFOXIQWuxzcUhVmoMi71qorxaTSO4xTuStDUNjUKodK0zyhEOVTLUcVxwV0a5U3SFw/s1600/IMG_7278_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegBZzp0EOfGPHINW_yKc-Ga-0fAd-l1ShuskCTxaTiQ9v3BqC4FPKigFsh9o1eB-iB4BuORUl9yFOXIQWuxzcUhVmoMi71qorxaTSO4xTuStDUNjUKodK0zyhEOVTLUcVxwV0a5U3SFw/s640/IMG_7278_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Look at how well he cleaned himself up. Then he just kicked back in true Davis fashion, and let that sugar pulsate through his veins. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYglZcyLesxkbym9rnenKpPDHcxpapw4Ft0mQwuILry68z0vL51baX67ofviAHbWcHJVfVPGBVugA4DE56stR5xpY75WoicXgvO2hQne2aFivUTfSphyED-RqA1Z6QoLP9tVKJtt0hmg/s1600/IMG_7282_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYglZcyLesxkbym9rnenKpPDHcxpapw4Ft0mQwuILry68z0vL51baX67ofviAHbWcHJVfVPGBVugA4DE56stR5xpY75WoicXgvO2hQne2aFivUTfSphyED-RqA1Z6QoLP9tVKJtt0hmg/s640/IMG_7282_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuk_QpQH31rMUnGCWrlnNjzm_pU1eDRtD-RDS65kZhttNsJOBsjoa1wLS7e4nYupCfil6ki6GIO9cbmQmwOSLrOZFtgYe_PNvNHKnKk8tuCW1ifdPA35zg-jkNJ6dnOiCvo2kdUmaLgA/s1600/IMG_7292_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuk_QpQH31rMUnGCWrlnNjzm_pU1eDRtD-RDS65kZhttNsJOBsjoa1wLS7e4nYupCfil6ki6GIO9cbmQmwOSLrOZFtgYe_PNvNHKnKk8tuCW1ifdPA35zg-jkNJ6dnOiCvo2kdUmaLgA/s640/IMG_7292_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEzs7Fd4L4rHRJe6cNDXaQJNexHzMJCkV6fdwekZn-1yxPWZdyGHFkIyDCTYAx5dckpiPt4ro60gz5xKb-PQKZEDuvEFEb4SvyYpEnNRvvOkIYfvmm0mOs42N9BZItIUtGupLj_NaIR8/s1600/IMG_7315_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEzs7Fd4L4rHRJe6cNDXaQJNexHzMJCkV6fdwekZn-1yxPWZdyGHFkIyDCTYAx5dckpiPt4ro60gz5xKb-PQKZEDuvEFEb4SvyYpEnNRvvOkIYfvmm0mOs42N9BZItIUtGupLj_NaIR8/s640/IMG_7315_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lq0dDNMBWR5vWnHhSXBSbqzl3LL3YX5H7O16ArDmYRozRJ8hyphenhyphenxNkTf1A8Z71_9JQBp53RmNGGwGXV_j4eQ4OwrvlGe6iSYRIyK3opZOFl3F8iY_5LxHW5XvD_wEWMbvvpLeFv85uQE/s1600/IMG_7322_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5lq0dDNMBWR5vWnHhSXBSbqzl3LL3YX5H7O16ArDmYRozRJ8hyphenhyphenxNkTf1A8Z71_9JQBp53RmNGGwGXV_j4eQ4OwrvlGe6iSYRIyK3opZOFl3F8iY_5LxHW5XvD_wEWMbvvpLeFv85uQE/s640/IMG_7322_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What a fun day, filled with so much joy celebrating such a genuinely joyful little boy.<br />
<br />
Baby Dabis, you have been such a treat. We love every single thing about you (although, i would not complain if you decided you liked to sleep at night......)<br />
<br />
One year down, and hopefully many, many, MANY more to come. I love you so much by baby boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAtRoiO1TV2YJUN_RttXxJF3cl4yoR8YbM-Aopgne8bqd68hcr8WHc3D4eShmW1ohEyRBhOgn1k-g-411Ns82V0t6r_CJC85Q1fDp3P68Y7HtVmLtaSFUtd8duIeiqA4zGUVwkmxG_xI/s1600/IMG_7031+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAtRoiO1TV2YJUN_RttXxJF3cl4yoR8YbM-Aopgne8bqd68hcr8WHc3D4eShmW1ohEyRBhOgn1k-g-411Ns82V0t6r_CJC85Q1fDp3P68Y7HtVmLtaSFUtd8duIeiqA4zGUVwkmxG_xI/s640/IMG_7031+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-61744126008916080322016-01-20T12:56:00.000-08:002016-01-20T14:12:57.268-08:00Davis: 11 MonthsThe other day as I was holding Davis in my arms, I walked passed our big mirror. My heart caught in my throat as I glanced at the reflection staring back at me. The baby I was holding looked like he was busting out of my arms, he looked big...way bigger than he should.<br />
<br />
And that is where we are at. My baby, does not want to be a baby any more.<br />
<br />
Every day he is trying to convince me of this.<br />
<br />
And it makes my heart sad. But it brings so much joy. If that is even possible.<br />
<br />
He may be sweet, calm, and all things dream babies are made of, but he is busy and fast and determined. I spend the majority of my day high tailing it down the hallway to catch him before he attempts to climb up the stairs. Approximately 9,964 times a day. He loves those stairs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IIpylLITFomZ_esWUWpTWtDwLL4wi-MpbYnwzIMRbRNjbisk6ij9mndhUIc6x5lvkLJ9QzEVaAbKodQT1U1vSA6Y24XmnwXz3c7iA8k0oZXrIYtbqdGsfWNJEo_45gcqF6nGf07Kvjs/s1600/IMG_6547+copy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IIpylLITFomZ_esWUWpTWtDwLL4wi-MpbYnwzIMRbRNjbisk6ij9mndhUIc6x5lvkLJ9QzEVaAbKodQT1U1vSA6Y24XmnwXz3c7iA8k0oZXrIYtbqdGsfWNJEo_45gcqF6nGf07Kvjs/s640/IMG_6547+copy+3.jpg" width="426" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH6XXQBHbpQ2xRfVVA4NbwQS7qyWHVMIt-SyNCrOuFn_G8KTswJ9gTY6KVXNKVOwX5NeNqVrJOEY9N8wWwNPgjLSV7u9yqGEVdn2HqZAyg74lD0f2RsEm-prjOQtTsgoliOVa03WXHw8/s1600/IMG_6149+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH6XXQBHbpQ2xRfVVA4NbwQS7qyWHVMIt-SyNCrOuFn_G8KTswJ9gTY6KVXNKVOwX5NeNqVrJOEY9N8wWwNPgjLSV7u9yqGEVdn2HqZAyg74lD0f2RsEm-prjOQtTsgoliOVa03WXHw8/s640/IMG_6149+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He's funny, I usually know when he is heading for the stairs, he goes into mission mode. The pattering of his crawling gets loud and fast and then it stops.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71eUyocy9HTegzLURCcp7_Rg4uaL0YX7vfVEY7ueCEdQ4KzlDM7q4Qxtm-4rwlUxCgG7fhRVKSicmvv96QPYSBtyZmjooOhvNITNhqoCKknduRgxfHMbSuH9jx9hBjaXWxMk23Q7T6z8/s1600/IMG_6141+copy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71eUyocy9HTegzLURCcp7_Rg4uaL0YX7vfVEY7ueCEdQ4KzlDM7q4Qxtm-4rwlUxCgG7fhRVKSicmvv96QPYSBtyZmjooOhvNITNhqoCKknduRgxfHMbSuH9jx9hBjaXWxMk23Q7T6z8/s640/IMG_6141+copy+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He waits at the bottom of the stairs until he sees me come around the corner. And then he giggles and I hear is diaper crinkling as he tries to scurry as fast as he can, up as many stairs before I get to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vwd-bhXGUDVXFfraCp3tNBESOTtdaV3vHSG1kKMXDF5MLQcrZv06OMzOADJHm2t70t62x9x4DAXFDIOYGveFuwP4n6yR2ZfVWQ1lqgHUV_L4uSb_cZsmuVyhkaka5MXGaLu6fWHOXLg/s1600/IMG_6148+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Vwd-bhXGUDVXFfraCp3tNBESOTtdaV3vHSG1kKMXDF5MLQcrZv06OMzOADJHm2t70t62x9x4DAXFDIOYGveFuwP4n6yR2ZfVWQ1lqgHUV_L4uSb_cZsmuVyhkaka5MXGaLu6fWHOXLg/s640/IMG_6148+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbEcX2_Ag0ctmtbBHLEnZadnbjQQcIzK4AdY0UUE7_tzr1vcgZc7ZbHFhXoXOehouRuywcyAvbfLu9qtXk9NvHcVPw8Iq4dVzDqoxbchpODxvIRoxepFka3PXfIk0oE3CCGLJTGve7tc/s1600/IMG_6564+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbEcX2_Ag0ctmtbBHLEnZadnbjQQcIzK4AdY0UUE7_tzr1vcgZc7ZbHFhXoXOehouRuywcyAvbfLu9qtXk9NvHcVPw8Iq4dVzDqoxbchpODxvIRoxepFka3PXfIk0oE3CCGLJTGve7tc/s640/IMG_6564+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfvpy8sr29A3y4Ufl5lA9ExKrexAHCIsSnB3LjjgNWBn1u2kYC5lX1RjsPxzQvuMfPQ2nEluJOlPSHCjFhuQSwwBUvFc-bl7Ra3cgCbAUuDfGCmwajkGeVu7VH0vsED98qXw77qNznjM/s1600/IMG_6574+copy+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfvpy8sr29A3y4Ufl5lA9ExKrexAHCIsSnB3LjjgNWBn1u2kYC5lX1RjsPxzQvuMfPQ2nEluJOlPSHCjFhuQSwwBUvFc-bl7Ra3cgCbAUuDfGCmwajkGeVu7VH0vsED98qXw77qNznjM/s640/IMG_6574+copy+4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUHdKsusZc8XZUtjVDE02HwO5aiZvAvmbkpox6I4PIpW2FBLaaArAWYw4-QrVSo-17Q57CcFQJum8tJJwmjC5WrVFJF3Kzf6eBBAebMlMLN1KFtDu7pCLLADRDdzZOVK2x7sNpe_Xedg/s1600/IMG_6585_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUHdKsusZc8XZUtjVDE02HwO5aiZvAvmbkpox6I4PIpW2FBLaaArAWYw4-QrVSo-17Q57CcFQJum8tJJwmjC5WrVFJF3Kzf6eBBAebMlMLN1KFtDu7pCLLADRDdzZOVK2x7sNpe_Xedg/s640/IMG_6585_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Lately, he must go up the stairs like the big boys. Even though his legs barely clear each step. He either holds onto the railing like above, or asks for my hands. Everything must be like his brothers, bigger, better.....he simply will not even consider slowing down.<br />
<br />
He <i><b>will</b></i> keep up and usually does. Determined little one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuAids8g6zETJWIiLDK6Msryyg_E9Tqu1wtdGZkWczWX3OyyYXZPrbgfcgg7C2neRmEcU3Ap2m4Dg0Hre1g6CDZk9jv_2p0Uw8OkZm41LvhALlsbWJ5-N_-ItcXCSVjC0yIWW6XZxS8c/s1600/IMG_6201+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuAids8g6zETJWIiLDK6Msryyg_E9Tqu1wtdGZkWczWX3OyyYXZPrbgfcgg7C2neRmEcU3Ap2m4Dg0Hre1g6CDZk9jv_2p0Uw8OkZm41LvhALlsbWJ5-N_-ItcXCSVjC0yIWW6XZxS8c/s640/IMG_6201+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And his brothers, for the most part allow him to hang with them. Sometimes this is scary for me, and sometimes it's just plain sweet. For some reason, when Davis is in the mix, the bickering between the olders is fewer and far between. It's the Davis effect.<br />
<br />
He now waves with just his hand, but it's usually a little late and after the person has turned their back to walk away. When he gets really excited about saying "hi" or "bye" he gets both hands in on the action. Those little fingers open and close until someone takes notice.<br />
<br />
His pointing has turned into what we like to call, "the hook". So cute. If you are lucky enough to have the hook pointed at you, it means that he really likes you.<br />
<br />
He's getting to be more social and loves to flirt and grin and others. However, mama must be in close range and in sight.<br />
<br />
I still have yet to bring myself to drop him off in the nursery during church or my women's Bible study. I just can't. I go in with every intention, and then he nestles into my neck and gets all cozied up in his carrier, that I can't bare the thought of parting from him. Personally, I think he does so because he has taken up quite the liking to all the woman in my Bible study group. He takes his turn making eyes with each lady until they smile at him. Then he giggles and flirts a little more. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqHHazoDFq57Ypn3U3a5q0Ms_Pjun4QkVanyBqs9uyrcpOQqI5i-fgVLQFoCwavOzJ1N0xSp-pVmzOKgyu6Ky8DrGY62Wtdhrjp6v9YQUVxgpzQAMO0b41yA7E1mgHXJw49DmI49Kc8E/s1600/IMG_6539+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqHHazoDFq57Ypn3U3a5q0Ms_Pjun4QkVanyBqs9uyrcpOQqI5i-fgVLQFoCwavOzJ1N0xSp-pVmzOKgyu6Ky8DrGY62Wtdhrjp6v9YQUVxgpzQAMO0b41yA7E1mgHXJw49DmI49Kc8E/s640/IMG_6539+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh, that smile.<br />
<br />
This boy.<br />
<br />
So much sweet, it kills me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5YJXgdq4pnwYbfCWWZgI5z7o-sR2p7WUlVZ_4QJBtYE2ipbRDdwzNUQp4DsD6R-6IL12ON2s6e0q6FG1LTTgBqHTx1SQvK-_PgUYZcHJFvZGcNa6JKpMuuC_T0YQ9hOzTXI_4dAZe2A/s1600/IMG_6401+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5YJXgdq4pnwYbfCWWZgI5z7o-sR2p7WUlVZ_4QJBtYE2ipbRDdwzNUQp4DsD6R-6IL12ON2s6e0q6FG1LTTgBqHTx1SQvK-_PgUYZcHJFvZGcNa6JKpMuuC_T0YQ9hOzTXI_4dAZe2A/s640/IMG_6401+copy+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He just pitter patters around, finding things that peak his interest.<br />
<br />
FOOD. ALWAYS peaks his interest.<br />
<br />
He.Loves.Food.<br />
<br />
All of it. Any of it. Whether it's his or whether it's not. He begs, he smiles, he pulls out all his cute, little stops, just for one bite. And he usually gets it....because, he's a very convincing little beggar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir10xoxtG5FFzXavRrAgdY3TWYJs4IAT84X9k1SXcHPPQrR_3xBKmSgxVtl0q96HNFcfTE02fmftTfCAscM4ag7FuQ6Ir-GajA0a28I6x-4Nys2wohir5G0F1hTgrHH_8-6l2Soru9vII/s1600/IMG_5982_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir10xoxtG5FFzXavRrAgdY3TWYJs4IAT84X9k1SXcHPPQrR_3xBKmSgxVtl0q96HNFcfTE02fmftTfCAscM4ag7FuQ6Ir-GajA0a28I6x-4Nys2wohir5G0F1hTgrHH_8-6l2Soru9vII/s640/IMG_5982_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He can easily out eat his brothers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhEDMVBCyKE8Cdtnrypwq7uYuo-SNtj0OUGSKvHvvsGkoDG7kR0qfrvt32Vf4SHVlQgkPRRhT7GzX8atQRUpAkIAj3aeEuIjReMgoC2KUC2L7SvZXchuLWyWX9rUj-Y7W6I8PUZef-cY/s1600/IMG_6158+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhEDMVBCyKE8Cdtnrypwq7uYuo-SNtj0OUGSKvHvvsGkoDG7kR0qfrvt32Vf4SHVlQgkPRRhT7GzX8atQRUpAkIAj3aeEuIjReMgoC2KUC2L7SvZXchuLWyWX9rUj-Y7W6I8PUZef-cY/s640/IMG_6158+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And still loves EVERYTHING.<br />
<br />
He is also my big helper in the kitchen. He loves to empty out my cupboards. Rummage and disperse whatever is within his grasp. he hands me silverware when emptying the dishwasher, and helps unload his new diapers.<br />
<br />
Always with a smile, always.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwVlgCCEaPN1l7OVZ98GUfTPS5068y8VGcNSSggt9WQWaQB8fscyugwp7bxeW_FdWcqo1HXolAp3c2ZHMukgCW_G8TsQlDERRq5sOfpx3SoBL0QtCeTUnBuctotDVHiwocmo7Tj-DrnE/s1600/IMG_6531+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwVlgCCEaPN1l7OVZ98GUfTPS5068y8VGcNSSggt9WQWaQB8fscyugwp7bxeW_FdWcqo1HXolAp3c2ZHMukgCW_G8TsQlDERRq5sOfpx3SoBL0QtCeTUnBuctotDVHiwocmo7Tj-DrnE/s640/IMG_6531+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
His absolute favorite thing to do though, is yank out my computer cord. Over and over again, every day, every night. My poor computer is going to die a slow death due to this. Once, in an attempt to get him to stop, I raised my voice and said "NO" a little too sharply. His lower lip.....oh, that lower lip went out, and he looked at me with giant eyes that began welling with tears. He doesn't like to make his mama unhappy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9B4BKZ4ke10HTOmTkXHV8F3H8b7NZF3OZwpY0v4ODiyB8GgB2_2EJPDOHMkZ5EqiXFVP5hfUMgeasQi2mZEMpv4BUhtNeKjqbm923yn5CDBZ9xjm_k2mP5UqgfdjrvJB00_pLwYHLP8/s1600/IMG_6174+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9B4BKZ4ke10HTOmTkXHV8F3H8b7NZF3OZwpY0v4ODiyB8GgB2_2EJPDOHMkZ5EqiXFVP5hfUMgeasQi2mZEMpv4BUhtNeKjqbm923yn5CDBZ9xjm_k2mP5UqgfdjrvJB00_pLwYHLP8/s640/IMG_6174+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He popped two more teeth through, and I think, no, I am hoping and praying....he is working on two more. Our nights have been so rough. So little sleep. So much unhappy, that some nights I didn't recognize the little boy I was trying to convince to just go to sleep. Although, there was that one night where he cried, and cried, and cried. i got him up and fed him at least 20 times in 20 minutes, because that was the only thing that would soothe him. After one of the feedings, I pulled him up to my chest to attempt to put him back to bed. The second his head hit my chest, his body fell into a complete abandon sleep. He lay there on my chest like a newborn baby, all limp-armed and cuddled. I sighed deeply, and contemplated just letting him stay...but it was 4:30 in the morning, and this was after a 3 hour sleep battle. So, I went against my <i>my want</i> and put him to bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCPxtMPxKL0Ys3EOUCypDvxTuIJEEucEHO0u0JD2IimDPh5H54yNBShyphenhypheny54mRzO1SFhv0pGvzpn8cK6pLGtqM4sL3joYh0t44wQTPK6DEsFNCLymwBD4cqzy1NpidjpI7So1NHL5JqKk/s1600/IMG_6285_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCPxtMPxKL0Ys3EOUCypDvxTuIJEEucEHO0u0JD2IimDPh5H54yNBShyphenhypheny54mRzO1SFhv0pGvzpn8cK6pLGtqM4sL3joYh0t44wQTPK6DEsFNCLymwBD4cqzy1NpidjpI7So1NHL5JqKk/s640/IMG_6285_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He is walking. Every where. Crawling is still his main mode of getting around. But he pulls himself up on anything and just takes off. He walks in bitty, baby steps. Sometimes I think I'm going to turn my head and the next thing he will be off skipping and running.<br />
<br />
I think this is all because he heard me whisper in his ears when he was just days old, "stay little, stay with me awhile longer...."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3M-wkdcwY6Lw49M6PcZRspNKOK65zHkm_dmQ9ARr7_SiE6q6HUTLRVu-1Cz-YrNGTtwQoLq3lbDwA769o6TPjecIvt8sA_0oqFjIWKIUXg27XwHPZeBXrGY_uvKe_z7ArMDydjCOW6k/s1600/IMG_6554+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3M-wkdcwY6Lw49M6PcZRspNKOK65zHkm_dmQ9ARr7_SiE6q6HUTLRVu-1Cz-YrNGTtwQoLq3lbDwA769o6TPjecIvt8sA_0oqFjIWKIUXg27XwHPZeBXrGY_uvKe_z7ArMDydjCOW6k/s640/IMG_6554+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He's determined to grow up, and fast. And I don't think in my heart of hearts that I'm quite ready just yet. I'm still trying to cling to these last days of his first year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_AJFsfYnl0aOX0sN_6ckxAfO0SMbrTYvstMWeS8-0VbtQLx4-XUYvSM9JOOsPPdPkUw8hswLOng0Dj-Y2T1-LdHHL9OLowRBtBICeEvNHZA_pErG78l0AY_QKEcyxYKylXUz1qhEAtQ/s1600/IMG_6519+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_AJFsfYnl0aOX0sN_6ckxAfO0SMbrTYvstMWeS8-0VbtQLx4-XUYvSM9JOOsPPdPkUw8hswLOng0Dj-Y2T1-LdHHL9OLowRBtBICeEvNHZA_pErG78l0AY_QKEcyxYKylXUz1qhEAtQ/s640/IMG_6519+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD4J6c5GHmnywaL11OyVwd52jRt0nJxGk4MaNvIlF4ohYXjmEcVuX-PcpBmS3UiSWypr7C6iLPyxd2UyCElVZC4xTIldSNBXXoth1lRsFoJS7b1rKBySHjpVPO5jl8i-nx7xxda_1y6I/s1600/IMG_6521+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD4J6c5GHmnywaL11OyVwd52jRt0nJxGk4MaNvIlF4ohYXjmEcVuX-PcpBmS3UiSWypr7C6iLPyxd2UyCElVZC4xTIldSNBXXoth1lRsFoJS7b1rKBySHjpVPO5jl8i-nx7xxda_1y6I/s640/IMG_6521+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt25WxCi3Tg_ZSkv21eNzI4DTPxyZqa7z1gQshUqepYErpgAZQKpDQbWLYJlzY7w-56qGZ-7ZpWlWPVVkPZX-oRE0lGiiJthRAYh0KwajQgTHjo44Gv0PAsilOhTVPOY98_t0nKrLSp0/s1600/IMG_6523+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIt25WxCi3Tg_ZSkv21eNzI4DTPxyZqa7z1gQshUqepYErpgAZQKpDQbWLYJlzY7w-56qGZ-7ZpWlWPVVkPZX-oRE0lGiiJthRAYh0KwajQgTHjo44Gv0PAsilOhTVPOY98_t0nKrLSp0/s640/IMG_6523+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Still trying to cling to the lasts of him needing me so much (even if it means getting up umpteenth times during the night) Him slathering me with his sweetness and making my mama heart feel like a puddle in his pudgy little hands. The way he stops crying the SECOND I walk in his room to get him, and how his tears can turn to smiles like the flip of a switch.<br />
<br />
He gets me. What I need, how to love me. Yet, I feel him pulling away in the slightest of ways,he wants so desperately to grow up. And I so desperately don't want him to. I don't want to lose the softness he brings to me, and I fear that all will disintegrate as he moves into toddler mode. I realize more with him how little time I have left of this stage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HYv5uOm0e47A7yIznTEZsAznCFqlbFT_nLcog9WwBR9kFbFv6l7hQrr0W09BuzHtG4N8SrJ7JaP85W6xipvmmJ5i5d-BtwSAKck2-nbKrDRYq-cLGvEX1H0OOB9yW1cVJtwT_3wnO4U/s1600/IMG_6250_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HYv5uOm0e47A7yIznTEZsAznCFqlbFT_nLcog9WwBR9kFbFv6l7hQrr0W09BuzHtG4N8SrJ7JaP85W6xipvmmJ5i5d-BtwSAKck2-nbKrDRYq-cLGvEX1H0OOB9yW1cVJtwT_3wnO4U/s640/IMG_6250_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Gah, little baby boy. My heart, my heart.<br />
<br />
So, I savor it. I do. I try, at least. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYgrYzmh0cssB-anWtIPa_nnoXHgEgjqyVUadVF5fE5AQ0lEKXcemLkA62sE1-TK8mXeu84DLljMicHDVwW7O8URg96i7EVIq8c0QwOsdCuyX6XgXf6-yDNJNlQe30f_AEprcPK_zNHM/s1600/IMG_6480+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYgrYzmh0cssB-anWtIPa_nnoXHgEgjqyVUadVF5fE5AQ0lEKXcemLkA62sE1-TK8mXeu84DLljMicHDVwW7O8URg96i7EVIq8c0QwOsdCuyX6XgXf6-yDNJNlQe30f_AEprcPK_zNHM/s640/IMG_6480+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
ONE, really? So soon?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyylzC5oxX_nSQt8NEk3K_NOXr_GeDLyQRqLTAWfUNcuRDP6zvC3Jwwg_pSDR7SujrirndwOE2LZvo1fOwE8U_UA3g6QXgzB2ofo7B-NjwxSiKuzJZkoj29XuwiqSQn-ve3ekY9Kos44/s1600/IMG_5964_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyylzC5oxX_nSQt8NEk3K_NOXr_GeDLyQRqLTAWfUNcuRDP6zvC3Jwwg_pSDR7SujrirndwOE2LZvo1fOwE8U_UA3g6QXgzB2ofo7B-NjwxSiKuzJZkoj29XuwiqSQn-ve3ekY9Kos44/s640/IMG_5964_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I love you so much. You chill little cucumber, you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3JYphIIKxVxlF1kc9VYdTYaGH8dJvifPqLQlf0_SVlj1VKPsDQtNkDlHiAJiQrsQmW0fFujX-8T-tZfen97tcl0WKoxq8VrZyX2eVRILG0Ea0KwpTiYo__YXIbS0qlOlwwPGazTTZxg/s1600/IMG_6466+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3JYphIIKxVxlF1kc9VYdTYaGH8dJvifPqLQlf0_SVlj1VKPsDQtNkDlHiAJiQrsQmW0fFujX-8T-tZfen97tcl0WKoxq8VrZyX2eVRILG0Ea0KwpTiYo__YXIbS0qlOlwwPGazTTZxg/s640/IMG_6466+copy+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I suppose, I will stop begging you to stay little and try to embrace you growing....I guess.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0hJJUkRAK2oK2E2pQihaY7KHPL_Ghza5aHW_LyoA2X0mnZ13sK_PUdIbyo8sj_oaA3OH9brOu8FesNn02tqoFjh8U1H2g0LuWonYk6dkOhNos0jYxSNjFbiC-1YIU1GwRjHlHTLF7XE/s1600/IMG_6437+copy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0hJJUkRAK2oK2E2pQihaY7KHPL_Ghza5aHW_LyoA2X0mnZ13sK_PUdIbyo8sj_oaA3OH9brOu8FesNn02tqoFjh8U1H2g0LuWonYk6dkOhNos0jYxSNjFbiC-1YIU1GwRjHlHTLF7XE/s640/IMG_6437+copy+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Guess I better start finishing up the touches to your first birthday party, because i'm going to wake up and it will be tomorrow. You little stinker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULSe340uTvUJJsBbkiXTpGOm3Is6AzpM8nyWYa6z16Wy4hUYfZJEuXWAShFqnPOKO5Zd53YyYNOl4QhSmCmbHSGTRV-J9pT5v6oeI0Emc8rx9TXH4PZjIaEjFgweufXaNMH1FHPEqAog/s1600/IMG_6454+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULSe340uTvUJJsBbkiXTpGOm3Is6AzpM8nyWYa6z16Wy4hUYfZJEuXWAShFqnPOKO5Zd53YyYNOl4QhSmCmbHSGTRV-J9pT5v6oeI0Emc8rx9TXH4PZjIaEjFgweufXaNMH1FHPEqAog/s640/IMG_6454+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Guess, we won't get to carry you round like this much longer.....judging from the look on your face, I'm betting you aren't very broken up about it either. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYHpANq6Vu1tMbmPjHeqjpQCLdUAlxK8tTia5ehhkOhh5HutAYmT6qeDya_4BEaIeWtYnFIHWU0SleSD8yzBaDH6Jbcck5FroH_uN5TjxEvZ4z6Up5bWobCkoZklqPpiw1gV4udmOl1s/s1600/IMG_6336+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYHpANq6Vu1tMbmPjHeqjpQCLdUAlxK8tTia5ehhkOhh5HutAYmT6qeDya_4BEaIeWtYnFIHWU0SleSD8yzBaDH6Jbcck5FroH_uN5TjxEvZ4z6Up5bWobCkoZklqPpiw1gV4udmOl1s/s640/IMG_6336+copy+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5toH1R9vlQt-fHnY0jSXXNg6IRzdge0YfwxyeqHpiiIfLnhn0XsPkRodTUbExx6qMGNVCRs4D11J07AT5obFH3C40PPIsgf5NhVXemoCwYBug1hp0kuxfttK2gRP94ysrs9iUILxT-yE/s1600/IMG_6592+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5toH1R9vlQt-fHnY0jSXXNg6IRzdge0YfwxyeqHpiiIfLnhn0XsPkRodTUbExx6qMGNVCRs4D11J07AT5obFH3C40PPIsgf5NhVXemoCwYBug1hp0kuxfttK2gRP94ysrs9iUILxT-yE/s640/IMG_6592+copy+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But I'm already missing it, if that is even possible. Already, my arms ache for the time back.<br />
<br />
But forward we must move. <br />
<br />
Happy 11 months, my little sweetheart. <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-81479360210162723992016-01-14T09:47:00.002-08:002016-01-14T09:47:20.398-08:00What We EatI keep telling myself that I need to get back on the regular blogging bandwagon. And then weeks go by, I realize that I missed another prompt monthly update.... we eat food that I want to share, but I forget to take pictures of it, Davis turns a month older, the boys do lots of cute things...some not so cute things and then I start the whole process all over over again.<br />
<br />
We are back to newborn-like sleepless nights. There are so many things I don't want to forget at this stage of time. Yet it seems, some days the grogginess wins and I kick myself for not jotting down cute sayings or funny interactions between my brood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJU1bDP5BqLv4ciBBkBdH-Hs_55ucNrTFbpRdSJRyCrG6cPNaCA1dgb2OrvvNaKcsMmvrfPmpGstoNrWJ_SU1WoZeNamefZqvOdQFV6-RO_35Z0ogZbRW304BfyX9X04udKXL2KWNkWo/s1600/IMG_6319+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJU1bDP5BqLv4ciBBkBdH-Hs_55ucNrTFbpRdSJRyCrG6cPNaCA1dgb2OrvvNaKcsMmvrfPmpGstoNrWJ_SU1WoZeNamefZqvOdQFV6-RO_35Z0ogZbRW304BfyX9X04udKXL2KWNkWo/s640/IMG_6319+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are lots of things I wish I could get done with my days. It seems to be the endless battle of prioritizing, tossing my daily lists over my shoulder, and choosing to endure another day of messiness in order to embrace the tantrums and sweetness.<br />
<br />
Messy.<br />
<br />
It's just the way it is right now. Some days I look around and get incredibly overwhelmed by the cluttered counters, the stray baby wipes, the endless stream of random blocks, chopsticks taped to my walls (????), wikki sticks, and beautiful artistry that gather amongst my living room. Thankfully, the bathrooms stay pretty good and sanitized thanks to my littlest who loves to splash and play, and my middle who is desperately trying to be a big boy and take #2 matters into his own hands....literally. So that's a plus. :)<br />
<br />
But nestled deep between the dust filled floor boards, there are little nuggets of beauty. Such as how Cole adds a "D" to certain words, like "Demember" (remember). I always want to "demember" that. Or when Davis fell (again) and gave himself a nice goose egg without even shedding more than two tears... I told him, "wow, you are one tough cookie!" A few minutes later Bennett waltzes on by, looks at Davis and goes, "you are a tough Christmas cookie...with sprinkles" Cole calls the Incredible Hulk the Incredible Hook. And both older boys are always asking their daddy to do "The MACHO Man" Which I guess is...or was? a real wrestler. And then they do wrestling things like drop kicks (?) and such. And Bennett gets so excited his whole body shakes and he sticks out his lips...because that makes him look tougher...and he talks in his lowest, most threatening voice.<br />
<br />
Such wonderful little, laughable nuggets.<br />
<br />
There have been so many other cute conversations and mispronounced words and I think I will have them locked in my treasure chest heart, only to find that I can barely remember what day it is, let alone what was said 5 minutes ago....<br />
<br />
I don't make New Year's resolutions.....have never been a fan. But my goal this year is to stop and make notes more. Because those nuggets of gold, those sweet interactions, hilarious sayings, and kind interactions are the things I want to be able to look back on over and over. And laugh until tears form, instead of forming tears from all the things I wish I had more time to change or remember why I walked into a room.<br />
<br />
So with all that said (and I'm reaching for a way to tie in food to this post) I want to "Demember" these meals, because they were a hit with picky and non-picky eaters alike. That is definitely something to take note of, because it doesn't always happen very often. (Success).<br />
<br />
If you only make one thing from this list, make this. Please.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOi4vdWdK8Wmiq5Yt1rCvFhXGJ2UAvmGYTLhndU1B3WJJKjYaVk8iGouv-TSuogg7cwmMZp1krGoFqpIYjZnToTeVmP0QSQfLz4ktphJRpwsCri6zmXJPR9w0FIG7CDAMGcRDYDkfghQ/s1600/IMG_7686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOi4vdWdK8Wmiq5Yt1rCvFhXGJ2UAvmGYTLhndU1B3WJJKjYaVk8iGouv-TSuogg7cwmMZp1krGoFqpIYjZnToTeVmP0QSQfLz4ktphJRpwsCri6zmXJPR9w0FIG7CDAMGcRDYDkfghQ/s640/IMG_7686.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />
Tradtional Tejano Carne Guisada (Picture credit The Food Charlatan)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefoodcharlatan.com/2015/03/03/traditional-tejano-carne-guisada-stewed-beef-for-tacos-recipe/">LINK HERE</a><br />
So yummy, so good, so much flavor....so easy. . The hardest part in making this was browning the beef before tossing it into the pot. (Oh, and I seem to have trouble using only one pot and not burning everything on the bottom when frying in batches. So i just used a big skillet to brown the meat, and then tossed it in my trusting Le Creuset dutch oven after cooking the onions. And then I channeled my inner 50's housewife vibe as I allowed the smells to waft throughout the entire house while I waltzed over to give it a stir ever so often. I whole heartily agree with eating it with avocado, we wrapped in tortilla's with guacamole, and sour cream...but I ate the leftovers with just sliced avocado and enjoyed it just as much. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS6e4IQeU5HRC5jPNnveYCWbA0AB7OVy_QqHzi14F79qq8x-bF1OwmvzeqUHbKwUM9vXtWVlZTe-dVec4XZgAlDEbLep5kFbVEr6RVtr5JtxI9_LOtYe9UgcAmEyQKB3o1F0i9cVL8PY/s1600/Spicy-Thai-Noodles_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrS6e4IQeU5HRC5jPNnveYCWbA0AB7OVy_QqHzi14F79qq8x-bF1OwmvzeqUHbKwUM9vXtWVlZTe-dVec4XZgAlDEbLep5kFbVEr6RVtr5JtxI9_LOtYe9UgcAmEyQKB3o1F0i9cVL8PY/s640/Spicy-Thai-Noodles_thumb.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
(Photo and Recipe Credit: Domestic Superhero)<br />
<a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/2015/05/26/one-pot-spicy-thai-noodles/">Recipe Link HERE</a><br />
<br />
Spicy Thai Noodles<br />
<br />
Ok, maybe make the first recipe and then make this the next night. The great thing about these noodles is that you can throw in whatever veggie you want. I still have yet to make them with zucchini OR mushrooms. I have added shredded carrots and red bell pepper and some chicken. The second time I doubled the sauce, and they were even better. This is one of those super fast, just throw it together kind of meals. Love it. LOVE.IT.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOVjw5xt9mNn1MTk8pqUvwqtBNLUy0rM4AYhgZi735yDDBE9eVHXfGHtLltgRgnbdUyoTj6qjY6Mx95WdRETu_MdWnknrCd1VLnS3sRQN-MxpO9KuYdCX2UBS4sK4py7TtHBRAXwgRvw/s1600/healthy-mexican-casserole-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOVjw5xt9mNn1MTk8pqUvwqtBNLUy0rM4AYhgZi735yDDBE9eVHXfGHtLltgRgnbdUyoTj6qjY6Mx95WdRETu_MdWnknrCd1VLnS3sRQN-MxpO9KuYdCX2UBS4sK4py7TtHBRAXwgRvw/s640/healthy-mexican-casserole-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Photo Credit: Pinch of Yum<br />
<a href="http://pinchofyum.com/healthy-mexican-casserole-roasted-corn-peppers">Recip Link HERE</a><br />
<br />
Healthy Mexican Casserole<br />
<br />
Have i shared this already? I feel like I have, but then couldn't find it in past posts. Either way, it's good. I was hesitant the first time I made it because I had made something that looked similar riiiiight about the time I found at I was pregnant with Davis. And then two days later I found myself hugging the toilet for the next 20 something weeks. And even the thought of such a casserole made my tummy turn. So I almost didn't give this a shot....and thought surely it would be snubbed by the littlest food connoisseurs....because you know....that's what they do. Low and behold, both scarfed it down and I quote, said "you should make this everyday!" And they actually ate it for lunch the next day.....leftovers hardly ever fly when I suggest them for lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkttguRmNpPIYsbxzZanYczYYNbnF9-kAUtSP-JW3ODvGoYqjnVJIhyphenhyphenM5fJ4guLH6tIXWXf-m8U5GdVMfWEJ0yu4XavPEI2NtMwYPk-3L2F0hpzXu3BWpQq6rZ1QHnLyE1dmuQuymoZw/s1600/1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkttguRmNpPIYsbxzZanYczYYNbnF9-kAUtSP-JW3ODvGoYqjnVJIhyphenhyphenM5fJ4guLH6tIXWXf-m8U5GdVMfWEJ0yu4XavPEI2NtMwYPk-3L2F0hpzXu3BWpQq6rZ1QHnLyE1dmuQuymoZw/s640/1-2.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
(Photo and Recipe Credit: With Salt and Wit)<br />
<a href="http://withsaltandwit.com/chicken-tamale-soup/">Recipe Link HERE</a><br />
<br />
Chicken Tamale Soup <br />
<br />
And then because I always seem to be on a soup kick and apparently a Mexican flare kick.....this. While I didn't necessarily think it tasted like a tamale. It was soooooo flavorful, filling. and stick-to-your-bones substantial. Gotta love that you get to make your own enchilada sauce as well. Which, by the way I don't think i will ever buy enchilada sauce again. I need to share the recipe I always whip up. It's so stinkin easy, so cheap (especially if you buy the gigantic sized container of chili powder for Costco) and you don't get that tin taste that a lot of the store bought come with. If you like enchilada or fiesta chicken soup, and soup that doesn't lack flavor, you are going to LOVE this one. Also great leftovers. Bonus.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. My favorite recipes from my dazed days. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-6496457898707917772015-12-28T22:04:00.001-08:002015-12-28T22:04:41.999-08:00Davis: 10 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERjxgSHQ5Fpq3C_wJJ8f08otTvSXd0aEDfQrBBoh35uiKZdxfoNzmdsyvvZJgeM_51oUmOXhp4Gi06NLxWdlmKMJgiD0zMEIb8NNV3CHV1cFDQHN4wY2v_Yip0hRPhE7p3vHvv6oW-Yk/s1600/IMG_5505_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERjxgSHQ5Fpq3C_wJJ8f08otTvSXd0aEDfQrBBoh35uiKZdxfoNzmdsyvvZJgeM_51oUmOXhp4Gi06NLxWdlmKMJgiD0zMEIb8NNV3CHV1cFDQHN4wY2v_Yip0hRPhE7p3vHvv6oW-Yk/s640/IMG_5505_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a really good thing I have been planning his birthday since about the time I first met him face to face. Because....it's coming. In less than 2 months (since I'm late AGAIN on getting his monthly update written up) my baby boy will be a whole year old.<br />
<br />
I still remember this time last year, eating my way through the holidays...anxious, yet enjoying the little life that was growing inside of me. Ready to meet him, but not ready to be done. Oh, how joyful the past 10 months have been, getting to know my sweet boy. I'm so very glad he came when he did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXGqr5zUPcfVgJE6BgZyT5oQtxHeORVUmCm8sEzCvKddiQrEoVUlQ_7MdrycAueYqHkCzbNedGON7BrnjLcsT9y3_M-t-quwItHT3TWtDw1-Arwr192cWv2HJ9dzmCaENaZ4ffbTE3uI/s1600/IMG_5617+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXGqr5zUPcfVgJE6BgZyT5oQtxHeORVUmCm8sEzCvKddiQrEoVUlQ_7MdrycAueYqHkCzbNedGON7BrnjLcsT9y3_M-t-quwItHT3TWtDw1-Arwr192cWv2HJ9dzmCaENaZ4ffbTE3uI/s640/IMG_5617+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This was a BIG month.<br />
<br />
He went from, pushing my hand away, to standing on his own, to taking his first step, to taking 3 steps!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvW70T8WqxhIxTZi5JZDtivELQHyBagn0sRiJarQEZktRtYcfM-0J1TijLghGF6fLtrXvKJ56sP5yH9zNCI7385vsXMMA7cKVN6XL09rTDwpBK6AtTSERzgOwraIdifF3TemkWhlTXN4/s1600/IMG_5647+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvW70T8WqxhIxTZi5JZDtivELQHyBagn0sRiJarQEZktRtYcfM-0J1TijLghGF6fLtrXvKJ56sP5yH9zNCI7385vsXMMA7cKVN6XL09rTDwpBK6AtTSERzgOwraIdifF3TemkWhlTXN4/s640/IMG_5647+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
How is that even possible? My other two babies were 14 and 19 months before they walked! I think someone is just a tad bit anxious to keep up with the big boys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7QwB3TIzaW-URWC2SAyjZdVJjSDiZ0HFRY2n3koqrsrzKLhnMW3WRwnn7dn29sF9AXgXp6cQv6DWKUkA-tR4RWz2AQBUJ08oAteDlG5Blvx9pjGvOdP6eg-GI6I4_TrUJLNC-mTm52A/s1600/IMG_5654+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7QwB3TIzaW-URWC2SAyjZdVJjSDiZ0HFRY2n3koqrsrzKLhnMW3WRwnn7dn29sF9AXgXp6cQv6DWKUkA-tR4RWz2AQBUJ08oAteDlG5Blvx9pjGvOdP6eg-GI6I4_TrUJLNC-mTm52A/s640/IMG_5654+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He still loves to eat. The only thing that is a hit or miss is peas. He usually thinks they are more fun to squish that to eat. He can put away a serious amount of food. I'm pretty sure he put away half an avocado. And is going strong with his nursing...although those teeth....ouch. ouch.ouch. To all the mama's who had a horribly painful time with breastfeeding....I'm feeling you, and I'm sorry. <br />
<br />
Speaking of teeth, he got both his two top teeth. Yeeeeeaaaaahhhh, that was fun. Once again, long nights. But always happy boy during the day. (technically, this will go in his 11 month post...but he just popped through tooth #5 Christmas morning! Can I get a hallelujah?!?!) <br />
<br />
We've had a few nap skipping here and there. Some days he just won't have it, and fights it until I throw in the towel. And would you guess who is happy as a clam those days? He cruises around, giving me extra big grins and laying the sweetness on thick. As if he knows that he weaseled his way out of his nap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAExb06JqD9JGdnkmFtsCyR0R0J-4p9xaXjkkxfSo_UKjxXkz5QSIPCGl8wUJVnVYLwr5ukpejouS2h2iSHJzUiu6-4U8TAdqGEd-N7rHDFVcu2MSWxVH6OkdyCnIqzqdHcuF8BVJ1PV8/s1600/IMG_5359_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAExb06JqD9JGdnkmFtsCyR0R0J-4p9xaXjkkxfSo_UKjxXkz5QSIPCGl8wUJVnVYLwr5ukpejouS2h2iSHJzUiu6-4U8TAdqGEd-N7rHDFVcu2MSWxVH6OkdyCnIqzqdHcuF8BVJ1PV8/s640/IMG_5359_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvT2KlIaMN_yvRZNVbQau9FSIbTdDGpmzQsp3AZ_GbN_BiUFDfeG8DuG2xus_Py6LavlPmHx0NJQgxVDzgErpTFxuMUajws4lqx5DQNctKRXWoYtENxd6hwBQvkZuhGdE2uqR64ODOXA/s1600/IMG_5366+copy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvT2KlIaMN_yvRZNVbQau9FSIbTdDGpmzQsp3AZ_GbN_BiUFDfeG8DuG2xus_Py6LavlPmHx0NJQgxVDzgErpTFxuMUajws4lqx5DQNctKRXWoYtENxd6hwBQvkZuhGdE2uqR64ODOXA/s640/IMG_5366+copy+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We also tried having his grandparents put him down for bed for the
first time this month. Kyle had his work Christmas party and so we
thought we would give it a go.<br />
<br />
Davis would not have it. He usually goes
to bed around 7-7:30PM, we got home around 11. I walked into a Davis
sitting on his Grandpa's lap, not upset, not happy, not even making a peep....just sitting and
waiting. His eyes were red-rimmed, and he was clearly tired. But he
waited for me. I took him upstairs and he was out within a few seconds. <br />
<br />
If he does get upset, which is very rare. His "tantrum" is him putting his forehead to the floor. Once he kicked his legs and cried a little...and then was done. I could get very used to those kind of tantrums. Too bad his older brothers didn't get the memo.<br />
<br />
He says "mama" very clearly and it seems very deliberate. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5EM0QrKxche1CAUDXf2BqILeIQRN063Rpm-a2dTpga6_IVwhsCY9WMOWBcB_K2xeaqG4e3RX9jB-MhYS_Iijg6Yaj6WKMgPTux37AehcUBCKG3pmXGwh1yK57b4dqU5iwwdR3eIB5N0/s1600/IMG_5680+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5EM0QrKxche1CAUDXf2BqILeIQRN063Rpm-a2dTpga6_IVwhsCY9WMOWBcB_K2xeaqG4e3RX9jB-MhYS_Iijg6Yaj6WKMgPTux37AehcUBCKG3pmXGwh1yK57b4dqU5iwwdR3eIB5N0/s640/IMG_5680+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
His newest trick aside from walking is pointing. Oh. My. It has got to be the cutest! Both my other boys pointed with either their fists or all fingers. But Davis makes a perfect little "L" and points on command. You say, "Davis, point to the light" as soon as he hears "point" his thumb and pointer finger snap into position. It's fun to see what really catches his attention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW392gAC32CKDLGLWyUqlueLpWrvXFje-9ej9O3cBVjtG4KciF-Ql_IZ4eYTGlTjT4uiXxnQ5d6mBl1_UWv5sOTVhmn4Yh3Zjytl63wmmM335sngPW5KhKjUUGrUqXxhClTa1hxZKeQ9w/s1600/IMG_5510+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW392gAC32CKDLGLWyUqlueLpWrvXFje-9ej9O3cBVjtG4KciF-Ql_IZ4eYTGlTjT4uiXxnQ5d6mBl1_UWv5sOTVhmn4Yh3Zjytl63wmmM335sngPW5KhKjUUGrUqXxhClTa1hxZKeQ9w/s640/IMG_5510+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I still can't keep him off the steps and out of the bathroom. Yesterday morning, I was running around trying to get everyone dressed to get out the door. I had to run upstairs real quick to grab something. I asked Cole to watch his brother (I know, I know, terrible idea....five-year-old's are NOT made to be responsible) I ran back down, to find Cole had gotten distracted and wandered off (surprise, surprise) to the living room. And Davis.....well, I found him in the bathroom, grabbing wads of well marinated toilet paper out of the toilet. ALL OVER MY BATHROOM FLOOR. I'm guessing some made it into his mouth...but I've tried blocking that thought from my memory.<br />
<br />
He is persistent and determined (hence, the above toilet episode) But he has a quieter way of dealing with it. If he wants something, he will exhaust all avenues until he gets it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
He loves to dance. And is drawn to toys that make sound and music. <br />
<br />
Hates cats. Definitely likes dogs better.<br />
<br />
He loves to turn the TV on and off. This makes his brothers <i>really</i> happy.....and he just stands there smirking and seemingly proud of the rise he gets out of his brothers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoALCkwGsErOD0m21pNcUYbI1bCU-m8HNfWC1336H1ZbHDcrhvqgHdqNTmzwQcLcixmVWwcrTTHzvUNtw-hNv-ekiJvZnTLarb0nBd84tveZvlSURhpqN504LJPVXCyBLZSriTXMWpzw/s1600/IMG_5596_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoALCkwGsErOD0m21pNcUYbI1bCU-m8HNfWC1336H1ZbHDcrhvqgHdqNTmzwQcLcixmVWwcrTTHzvUNtw-hNv-ekiJvZnTLarb0nBd84tveZvlSURhpqN504LJPVXCyBLZSriTXMWpzw/s640/IMG_5596_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He is so content. Content to be held, content to walk, content to play alone, content to be in the middle of big brother chaos, and content to just be.<br />
<br />
Always super content to eat. Goodness....the food, the intensity, the passion, the bottomless pit for a tummy. He loves flavor, spice, sweet....all of it, any of it. Most of the fits he throws are because his plate has been licked clean (twice) and he wants more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXelwNyjFgyl64t6CZt_85IKpJaIg04t0C0g1BfjHCTloiydTt00n6xSnZSxi8t2Og5lRe-46oj2lDwdlC0A1RlU_nleGVuK8_Qb45i49oJGwrgu0nFTjtfJ72BIazgdLOQKgqrWhBKD8/s1600/IMG_5605+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXelwNyjFgyl64t6CZt_85IKpJaIg04t0C0g1BfjHCTloiydTt00n6xSnZSxi8t2Og5lRe-46oj2lDwdlC0A1RlU_nleGVuK8_Qb45i49oJGwrgu0nFTjtfJ72BIazgdLOQKgqrWhBKD8/s640/IMG_5605+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
What a fun month it has been. Other than the teething, he just couldn't be any sweeter if he tried. I told Kyle the other day that I'm really enjoying this stage, he isn't old enough for the back talk and throw big tantrums, but young enough to still light up when I walk in the room. I still long for time to stop every now and then. But I think mostly, I'm just loving every second of every moment of being this boy's mama.<br />
<br />
Happy 10...er....almost 11 months (now). Love you my sweet little one.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-91403648272736322142015-12-21T14:00:00.001-08:002015-12-21T14:00:05.501-08:00It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like ChristmasHave I mentioned that I have a son named Cole who is a Christmas-a-holic. He is, sometimes i wish there was a therapy for it. But mostly, I try to live through his enthusiasm. Because he has a lot of it. Every day he asks what we are doing for Christmas. We have drawn countless Christmas trees, wrapped presents, made snowflakes, used glitter until it was banned from our house until next year....we have about 30 different advents going on...some of which I have secretly set aside for another year, because it was making me all sorts of confused and feeling neglectful. We have made Christmas cards, walked around with our Christmas stocking on our feet, found oranges and half eaten crackers at the bottom of said stockings. And some days those stocking get nicely folded and hidden away from little eyes. Because sometimes I get Christmased out.....is that such a thing?<br />
<br />
Some days I've had enough of Rudolph, enough of frosty, enough of sugar-crazy children dumping smoothies while bouncing off the walls of my home. Sometimes when a little boy named Bennett finds a whole stash of christmas chocolates, and melts them between his hands.... and well, the rest is history.<br />
<br />
I'm tired.<br />
<br />
I'm joyful, yes. I'm happy and excited and love the special family times.<br />
<br />
But I'm tired. And sometimes I get grumpy and snappy and Christmas cheer is the last thing that is on my mind.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately getting our tree was one of those times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD8cyPxn4x2WwT5XSZsDlxH9ECH74BP18HYGTuCKEUolzaE0aPCuT0a1GAEBOZe74n9_lZmqz7OEnZqGhPhdQ-DPd0dDiPu9bBoojBWiUmRMjkhuhABM-GNFUQaOQSIgTbeLBSEOWAH4/s1600/IMG_5493+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhD8cyPxn4x2WwT5XSZsDlxH9ECH74BP18HYGTuCKEUolzaE0aPCuT0a1GAEBOZe74n9_lZmqz7OEnZqGhPhdQ-DPd0dDiPu9bBoojBWiUmRMjkhuhABM-GNFUQaOQSIgTbeLBSEOWAH4/s640/IMG_5493+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFkyFtp6-Wstkde5Q_Jz73r98WUDiYvxCbRj0d1mY89CK3HSl-flu0ICB4obV0uTNRyT0dUWAQtXH7kpngA1f2m8JCDCdH84KvvmYLZ78rvsdG8MYFE2v6wq2oPcY3dPvhOZbVqizHl0/s1600/IMG_5473+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFkyFtp6-Wstkde5Q_Jz73r98WUDiYvxCbRj0d1mY89CK3HSl-flu0ICB4obV0uTNRyT0dUWAQtXH7kpngA1f2m8JCDCdH84KvvmYLZ78rvsdG8MYFE2v6wq2oPcY3dPvhOZbVqizHl0/s640/IMG_5473+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiam7bb9axyD1yMyX1214iCILnkZDC2p1bdbfuRbv3KY81PDAC88vJQVDZFxKiowkNpXwSnAKFcBY51POfpeilJ690cH62XsJS3HaKEPcpO9Zp16aYogkrdESzbRSkbEjXrzPRiW94ucEs/s1600/IMG_5475+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiam7bb9axyD1yMyX1214iCILnkZDC2p1bdbfuRbv3KY81PDAC88vJQVDZFxKiowkNpXwSnAKFcBY51POfpeilJ690cH62XsJS3HaKEPcpO9Zp16aYogkrdESzbRSkbEjXrzPRiW94ucEs/s640/IMG_5475+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was slightly miffed that we didn't take advantage of the prior beautiful weekend and instead we had to trudge around in the wet rain and cold air. This mama does NOT like to be cold. Sadly, I think my mini personality me was feeling the same way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFxI-t-jAYfxyDjpMj2Rd7tfXzsFYbRnf77nzLaxXi6kl-RAP-y2zbfxcbwcGZ9NRoKgwJ0LdVcKbVlQmRi9eIwOmHGUC2EEvBo0PvQO4o73WLpWZb65K8d4HA6YltE_2XhpP9Y4_49c/s1600/IMG_5489+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFxI-t-jAYfxyDjpMj2Rd7tfXzsFYbRnf77nzLaxXi6kl-RAP-y2zbfxcbwcGZ9NRoKgwJ0LdVcKbVlQmRi9eIwOmHGUC2EEvBo0PvQO4o73WLpWZb65K8d4HA6YltE_2XhpP9Y4_49c/s640/IMG_5489+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRwthWyLt0EiRXAqBj2gkFYdOMk4xMl2jjH3uQyN8XbsQw_HlEN7zyCSk1oqhyphenhyphenKgTPIW0PthJYfxwu1jvWLVakTCtJt2C7V03O-P3aOG-46r5asX13ixPwEQ3LMdOsvfchDni59PwVjw/s1600/IMG_5469_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRwthWyLt0EiRXAqBj2gkFYdOMk4xMl2jjH3uQyN8XbsQw_HlEN7zyCSk1oqhyphenhyphenKgTPIW0PthJYfxwu1jvWLVakTCtJt2C7V03O-P3aOG-46r5asX13ixPwEQ3LMdOsvfchDni59PwVjw/s640/IMG_5469_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to be sneaky because every time he saw me or the camera he would grunt and turn his head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVv0U4MpdgyEtFIwHYM6JsKLooP1S2botjoABKeJFtp4tIA_sYdWZMfjkwSNhibAgZ5RvrCICpep1TLpgiGCnbhcE8xE42Jxi4XCw3WnWQruYaLhI4rl2jAsojXWdckOrLsYbJE-WoD4/s1600/IMG_5491+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVv0U4MpdgyEtFIwHYM6JsKLooP1S2botjoABKeJFtp4tIA_sYdWZMfjkwSNhibAgZ5RvrCICpep1TLpgiGCnbhcE8xE42Jxi4XCw3WnWQruYaLhI4rl2jAsojXWdckOrLsYbJE-WoD4/s640/IMG_5491+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWQhKQ3zioslsTyR5MP-n0u2P3xbNEmEI7pnl6dei8ZggXJxbWSYm3yewCYhx4nvm75WwhOevufBuPUBS-posGmT6mpWDgmXMJyo_-f4ybiHU9SI9sWfdT69Porw6BOIp_LVHxrn65AY/s1600/IMG_5483+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWQhKQ3zioslsTyR5MP-n0u2P3xbNEmEI7pnl6dei8ZggXJxbWSYm3yewCYhx4nvm75WwhOevufBuPUBS-posGmT6mpWDgmXMJyo_-f4ybiHU9SI9sWfdT69Porw6BOIp_LVHxrn65AY/s640/IMG_5483+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is when I was so thankful for my Christmas-cheer-pulsating-through-his-blood Cole boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iQL21u5sdLmhjJ2OcMWrN7H-hIa_VBrJaSOp6TGnSjMD7l2EyS-qPmWQzPwh1pi3lgVn7tjmUD_pjTm0hy378WZr7Sk0CsWxVec-yixkbvjZK63VylSbB7pVz5cjGuajkQOWtqXIBS0/s1600/IMG_5487+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iQL21u5sdLmhjJ2OcMWrN7H-hIa_VBrJaSOp6TGnSjMD7l2EyS-qPmWQzPwh1pi3lgVn7tjmUD_pjTm0hy378WZr7Sk0CsWxVec-yixkbvjZK63VylSbB7pVz5cjGuajkQOWtqXIBS0/s640/IMG_5487+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLZlCNupJ2O5KFCUfMyrNRHRcZ20Mf7D1Q2DbnlG2Kv-pHLC1Q32Db8uVl9Q8WovrI8RNs9rcPEi4blQWUeeqjY-xuzU5fSEWddwY0pfconWtDxFqrdMieHtX4VR-ky3B0zDAKG6ekgI/s1600/IMG_5470+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLZlCNupJ2O5KFCUfMyrNRHRcZ20Mf7D1Q2DbnlG2Kv-pHLC1Q32Db8uVl9Q8WovrI8RNs9rcPEi4blQWUeeqjY-xuzU5fSEWddwY0pfconWtDxFqrdMieHtX4VR-ky3B0zDAKG6ekgI/s640/IMG_5470+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He just trudged on through the mud and rain, smiling and laughing and asking to sing Christmas carols, wanting hot cocoa, and picking out our tree. Not much can squelch his sweet spirit. Except if you tell him he can't have a Christmas chocolate or play with his new toys at 4:45 in the morning....that never blows over well.<br />
<br />
Buuuuut he really did a great job choosing a tree. The second we got home, he drug out all of the ornaments, and was not too happy when we told him he had to take a nap first.<br />
<br />
So a power nap he took. And then got down to business getting our tree all decked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp3p2K_I0Te48VaBF6j4ocFbneuYlIvZj8Cskxu1gw_uADxoBJe0obp4PDu_Ji1HU9v8pfU18GS_pbPGVP85A3DUG06Y6ROqUfkWQRGszQN9_8ijQv4nX2sluwYLnFD-RBeEXPvwJm-Y/s1600/IMG_5568_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp3p2K_I0Te48VaBF6j4ocFbneuYlIvZj8Cskxu1gw_uADxoBJe0obp4PDu_Ji1HU9v8pfU18GS_pbPGVP85A3DUG06Y6ROqUfkWQRGszQN9_8ijQv4nX2sluwYLnFD-RBeEXPvwJm-Y/s640/IMG_5568_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNpbnXmA2-HYHdEB0MuJFZiXGn6ANZtt0eskYTUvYcySxBergFLKomZXJtgPNoMOUFybH3ADl6dNGHz1tk8QeP7H9vCV2xZ2pyqmAc5kTyuYrJFDRmImA1BEiq29309Lxy6NUweuHUA/s1600/IMG_5583+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BNpbnXmA2-HYHdEB0MuJFZiXGn6ANZtt0eskYTUvYcySxBergFLKomZXJtgPNoMOUFybH3ADl6dNGHz1tk8QeP7H9vCV2xZ2pyqmAc5kTyuYrJFDRmImA1BEiq29309Lxy6NUweuHUA/s640/IMG_5583+copy+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxfJdBi6OhdlptQTrtsqQzJTons3-aFE6DoGbbxdzRlYBRE6mJ4eVZmZ4MdRJ1CAo9mfHHx6ke6PAwwq4OXF7KdS_gBrefnhbx-LjR8n4MAjOPE2K9duDuQl-qA-FoiVcAyyyy5gFLME/s1600/IMG_5567+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxfJdBi6OhdlptQTrtsqQzJTons3-aFE6DoGbbxdzRlYBRE6mJ4eVZmZ4MdRJ1CAo9mfHHx6ke6PAwwq4OXF7KdS_gBrefnhbx-LjR8n4MAjOPE2K9duDuQl-qA-FoiVcAyyyy5gFLME/s640/IMG_5567+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't think I had to even lift a finger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOkfBlt_6fGigFDQDj3dSmOCbXeFa_wTbgH0z3cN25dG_t6qbv2zHT1vbVF5V0OHVXv1c_KIRjw7eOuDR4rWo51dTirohC4InJHRucK7s_-7lcvJ7vCnetucM3BmmECDgSKOFO1aPTow/s1600/IMG_5499+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOkfBlt_6fGigFDQDj3dSmOCbXeFa_wTbgH0z3cN25dG_t6qbv2zHT1vbVF5V0OHVXv1c_KIRjw7eOuDR4rWo51dTirohC4InJHRucK7s_-7lcvJ7vCnetucM3BmmECDgSKOFO1aPTow/s640/IMG_5499+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOZMG5E1AcqenyUHaIgOKUFI9L9ibelIbUWf2i1YuNVwizz4KJZb9z-pw-5bKaEjv2LjwlSwd0DQ6nrxIJ6opfiwKjdahS3JUqW_SDBXyAAkY74z5e5Oa6On5RPscXdGXqdfywT7uRAg/s1600/IMG_5501+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOZMG5E1AcqenyUHaIgOKUFI9L9ibelIbUWf2i1YuNVwizz4KJZb9z-pw-5bKaEjv2LjwlSwd0DQ6nrxIJ6opfiwKjdahS3JUqW_SDBXyAAkY74z5e5Oa6On5RPscXdGXqdfywT7uRAg/s640/IMG_5501+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Even Davis got right in there, pulling out ornaments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci5u0KArTG2qA4Go_OFe-dr1QmJmAhbArkxN0viaAgXOYtxE9BCtNw1xitI4dmn_UHgKGjejMEDQdubrAyMycPJXIVSmCkhXAJ4WJ6pIU4bwPANZryCI6hAc4PkbfS7Zkf_SmvH1Ef-o/s1600/IMG_5538+copy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci5u0KArTG2qA4Go_OFe-dr1QmJmAhbArkxN0viaAgXOYtxE9BCtNw1xitI4dmn_UHgKGjejMEDQdubrAyMycPJXIVSmCkhXAJ4WJ6pIU4bwPANZryCI6hAc4PkbfS7Zkf_SmvH1Ef-o/s640/IMG_5538+copy+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN12AG2E013xNJZZ_XsVC-ulio2q0jm4J5QFAkACvGnosBHcYZb4jfBWNFv9S14Ah50ZsN1kdKwmgbKEBA4crkXI-2uvNgcFO8h6KIlLjMsPdpvihBiaS1WgAHQTCyFLA-chj050AYtwM/s1600/IMG_5548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN12AG2E013xNJZZ_XsVC-ulio2q0jm4J5QFAkACvGnosBHcYZb4jfBWNFv9S14Ah50ZsN1kdKwmgbKEBA4crkXI-2uvNgcFO8h6KIlLjMsPdpvihBiaS1WgAHQTCyFLA-chj050AYtwM/s640/IMG_5548.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Surpringly, He hasn't really paid much attention to the tree and all the dangling ornaments since.<br />
<br />
And Bennett, well he did his thang.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBvqJnS3TXEYefny257EWMTUuYzVEMkwXsGFrpzb9hHdlr1WPNzsIrONezv0FE3-gBdGCr400Bd83iYY_toEqiTdAfLbRUUlkQ8U61N146xw7JWe6XLcMJtEFHrW92z7KyLbfyGxctiQ/s1600/IMG_5633_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBvqJnS3TXEYefny257EWMTUuYzVEMkwXsGFrpzb9hHdlr1WPNzsIrONezv0FE3-gBdGCr400Bd83iYY_toEqiTdAfLbRUUlkQ8U61N146xw7JWe6XLcMJtEFHrW92z7KyLbfyGxctiQ/s640/IMG_5633_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Hung about one ornament and called it good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdeJiJTr_IEHxHrAtlQy0GKLLLpjarPYSBNUEPjQaJdqJ6_WUaAU0rYixogdx3kXAqjSR7B7dA2YLp2ZcoFPzgbIdMnOC1E97gOn98LcXQhQySYpPDoVwq0srAcKzMt_scwpaA8_xhA8/s1600/IMG_5630+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdeJiJTr_IEHxHrAtlQy0GKLLLpjarPYSBNUEPjQaJdqJ6_WUaAU0rYixogdx3kXAqjSR7B7dA2YLp2ZcoFPzgbIdMnOC1E97gOn98LcXQhQySYpPDoVwq0srAcKzMt_scwpaA8_xhA8/s640/IMG_5630+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCEpUJ_5g448T1VgkQO1KYU5-vDgafqsmdrQOtDkIkqoeUfKjC3heEzcwE2i6B4DitMcmy7qxTObXMotIuT9rGewIRoSA18ZxRQGKlpMdkcwyeVGS063rZv0fLhb9otwSSFwB7-Sg9_c/s1600/IMG_5639+copy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCEpUJ_5g448T1VgkQO1KYU5-vDgafqsmdrQOtDkIkqoeUfKjC3heEzcwE2i6B4DitMcmy7qxTObXMotIuT9rGewIRoSA18ZxRQGKlpMdkcwyeVGS063rZv0fLhb9otwSSFwB7-Sg9_c/s640/IMG_5639+copy+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I have a feeling Christmases may not get any less busy, but I think they will continue to get sweeter and sweeter with time. Especially as they grow in the knowledge of what Christmas is all about. Already, they will say that Christmas isn't about the presents but about Jesus' birthday.<br />
<br />
Cole sang in his first Christmas service, and did soooo incredibly well. He knew all the words, all of the motions. My heart about burst watching him up there.<br />
<br />
We have already been able to celebrate with both sides of our family. The boys are getting a 3 week long Christmas celebration, and love it. Unfortunately, with all the celebrating, comes extra sweets, extra late nights, and toys that they go bonkers over. We have been trying to wrangle in the tudes and some of the toys have found there way in confiscation because of it.<br />
<br />
Regardless, we have had such sweet times with family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMWHEwFz8oJ9CM5yADQ35B4INMSQtO5TRVI3KAJuKKAEOMe-QuPwNP_fCKBt8n_xCM1L7GTqNFFRJyoGniUObw3YMY4b2j_Gwxwon7si_Sa7pBoj9TMumPYP0LKhRN2F8uUBba9_IDkE/s1600/IMG_5761+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMWHEwFz8oJ9CM5yADQ35B4INMSQtO5TRVI3KAJuKKAEOMe-QuPwNP_fCKBt8n_xCM1L7GTqNFFRJyoGniUObw3YMY4b2j_Gwxwon7si_Sa7pBoj9TMumPYP0LKhRN2F8uUBba9_IDkE/s640/IMG_5761+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfyaVTeyhHRSmXc2dYMZsPQ7zID9SRd41-iEPRo663TPBbcPVL99pa65jHXLEyF6Pi20yo2ovJfqe2BlKDsF3tJ-Lkmshj_9HM5osu-0HOEWBZ4HU5IWCYXoF1oVW3FIP17yZSTV-X1c/s1600/IMG_5762+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfyaVTeyhHRSmXc2dYMZsPQ7zID9SRd41-iEPRo663TPBbcPVL99pa65jHXLEyF6Pi20yo2ovJfqe2BlKDsF3tJ-Lkmshj_9HM5osu-0HOEWBZ4HU5IWCYXoF1oVW3FIP17yZSTV-X1c/s640/IMG_5762+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEMO-KomzOuggRXE_3rHkgkV5tKIHc0UolO3Z3Y53MwLSs6vKAj-gQjpWr3XchXkWzWlKkkPUCVZ1e6GJ9tqYnVHYS8WfinYvI52xEiPvlNny831aQ8WQmzfqbCUfz-NCrdK_gG39VQI/s1600/IMG_5764+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEMO-KomzOuggRXE_3rHkgkV5tKIHc0UolO3Z3Y53MwLSs6vKAj-gQjpWr3XchXkWzWlKkkPUCVZ1e6GJ9tqYnVHYS8WfinYvI52xEiPvlNny831aQ8WQmzfqbCUfz-NCrdK_gG39VQI/s640/IMG_5764+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum3u8VJ9Nuc0RjfEYBsMoB3P-uhK7Pk0AOfBDfb5sfWN7l4BfS1jXgY5utWvSgRt9Kcx4-pUhjqxVT5QMr7SesUuiBzFuZgpQvw_gMaR1xfnZw8wlXThmjT8foJJF5ac5hnRDvKp6ivc/s1600/IMG_5786+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum3u8VJ9Nuc0RjfEYBsMoB3P-uhK7Pk0AOfBDfb5sfWN7l4BfS1jXgY5utWvSgRt9Kcx4-pUhjqxVT5QMr7SesUuiBzFuZgpQvw_gMaR1xfnZw8wlXThmjT8foJJF5ac5hnRDvKp6ivc/s640/IMG_5786+copy+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At my parent's we did out annual hockey puffs, presents and then something a little new this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fDfCjSAGNzEolbiL9USm9IWEnYiWwSEDSYG6ozwKzkUto69WyD55vVw0ajrAGphUKqVlPT41UhLvJsHQF5KBTyb2oB9M8XCopoKCpfvHvw1RSz5wSpN3hyiv5vNFeQYsYpMusRefCrs/s1600/IMG_5865+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fDfCjSAGNzEolbiL9USm9IWEnYiWwSEDSYG6ozwKzkUto69WyD55vVw0ajrAGphUKqVlPT41UhLvJsHQF5KBTyb2oB9M8XCopoKCpfvHvw1RSz5wSpN3hyiv5vNFeQYsYpMusRefCrs/s640/IMG_5865+copy+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The kiddos all acted out the story of the Nativity as my dad read it out loud. It was a hit, and all the older ones played along perfectly, while the lamb (Ellie, my niece) and the chicken (Sadie, my other niece) had other ideas. Davis played baby Jesus. I can't think of a better baby for that roll. Cole was Joseph, and loved snuggling up to his favorite, Na (Mary). And Kara was the cutest Angel there ever was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmbsNyXYelYAkArGRQCxt9xKGZLc-oA_xuXpoIBwR3bIfZEkH6kVwwocs_lRhHMC5JP6Xm6mIzrvmarK8kcJjMgDHIK-tIwECuUaJomemfnVcrEtg56wqMjzSBHAzfhypSIZauKXlTn4/s1600/IMG_5880+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmbsNyXYelYAkArGRQCxt9xKGZLc-oA_xuXpoIBwR3bIfZEkH6kVwwocs_lRhHMC5JP6Xm6mIzrvmarK8kcJjMgDHIK-tIwECuUaJomemfnVcrEtg56wqMjzSBHAzfhypSIZauKXlTn4/s640/IMG_5880+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVAX3hM-5AMZFCmQF5XGBWgU_4JD0ccJicRCvRb_yo2lGbqkN6bvUWhCxd9jQ5V4zKn_fozvLhw3_1EMia_Dwg0eZGkWkVpMNXtGyoXQverXCAEiTdVIoaQXvg90NM1sazHwxC3iBiRs/s1600/IMG_5897+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVAX3hM-5AMZFCmQF5XGBWgU_4JD0ccJicRCvRb_yo2lGbqkN6bvUWhCxd9jQ5V4zKn_fozvLhw3_1EMia_Dwg0eZGkWkVpMNXtGyoXQverXCAEiTdVIoaQXvg90NM1sazHwxC3iBiRs/s640/IMG_5897+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Even Bennett cooperated. It was a Christmas miracle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzMLhr7jeUleTRiCMGyzSWCqaiXZ5Yp9CQhV79xJ9AB5TEE_I2dbkZIW34cs_48u9v3JH06SSjJfKU_V1TDGI5UOVDnTrt4G_vVdjVTk-MHl58MlVVbvYJo8vhN2aByQQow8WPp66XBs/s1600/IMG_5859+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzMLhr7jeUleTRiCMGyzSWCqaiXZ5Yp9CQhV79xJ9AB5TEE_I2dbkZIW34cs_48u9v3JH06SSjJfKU_V1TDGI5UOVDnTrt4G_vVdjVTk-MHl58MlVVbvYJo8vhN2aByQQow8WPp66XBs/s640/IMG_5859+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYCUyocZBe3LfMgGiP7ucOTuDklXujIgMWCSpQXdnuRXQyNJYsv2ZO0BKmDd0XZkkTFY9qH6mJjUaG148mXIfP8O9lq8FI9-jNsrO1qq2r3FVQjGz2I2vlrRTEDEsAxXqTEQDpx1K4os/s1600/IMG_5901+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYCUyocZBe3LfMgGiP7ucOTuDklXujIgMWCSpQXdnuRXQyNJYsv2ZO0BKmDd0XZkkTFY9qH6mJjUaG148mXIfP8O9lq8FI9-jNsrO1qq2r3FVQjGz2I2vlrRTEDEsAxXqTEQDpx1K4os/s640/IMG_5901+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Yep, they loved it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPT06c0Ifz0JJFjcPm5pHdWNFTFOYkP2bW9UL7JbSIU0xWNL7AIQpP4j4qSCaKu3gqbqF0atbiShjn8DeBtvWQpUI9aYjakHfQLWAFRQd6JdujXDgzSGBst20g_tclQ72TgwZmLB2NRY/s1600/IMG_5874+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPT06c0Ifz0JJFjcPm5pHdWNFTFOYkP2bW9UL7JbSIU0xWNL7AIQpP4j4qSCaKu3gqbqF0atbiShjn8DeBtvWQpUI9aYjakHfQLWAFRQd6JdujXDgzSGBst20g_tclQ72TgwZmLB2NRY/s640/IMG_5874+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
How I look forward to watching them play this out in many years to come...although, I have a feeling eventually the "I'm to cool" for this will come sooner than we will be ready for. How they all keep growing too quickly.<br />
<br />
On that note, I need to remember they are only this little for so long. I need to suck up my bad attitude and embrace this season with the joy that fills my little's hearts. because nothing is as magical and pure as that.<br />
<br />
From my Shepherd, Joseph and baby Jesus, may you find the true joy and meaning of the season. May you feel the warmth of Christ's love, and the strength of His arms.<br />
<br />
We wish you a Merry Christmas.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-79791290784066155692015-12-08T13:31:00.003-08:002015-12-08T14:42:41.629-08:00Christmas Pictures.I'm convinced in motherhood if you choose to not laugh, you will for sure be in a puddle of tears and pounding your fists on the floor..... and probably more often than you would like to admit.<br />
<br />
And for a perfectly queued example. let me introduce you to my morning.<br />
<br />
Which actually seemed to have began last night. All the boys went to bed an hour late because it was our Bible study night. And as every mother soon discovers, those that go to sleep late NEVER sleep in late. Ever.<br />
<br />
The littlest was up at 4AM, the middle at 5 and the oldest at 6 on the dot.<br />
<br />
We made a new smoothie and muffins while I drank the equivalent of a gallon of coffee.<br />
<br />
Things were going about as well as they could given the time of day it all started.<br />
<br />
BUT then....<br />
<br />
Bennett decided it would be a great idea to use his undies as his own portable outhouse. Only his outhouse was defective....I will leave it at that.<br />
<br />
While I was cleaning him up, gritting my teeth, and trying not to breathe....the actual toilet decided to start overflowing. And I had to grow a third arm to try and keep Davis from crawling in and out of the mess that was now covering my bathroom floor. <br />
<br />
Cole jumped off a chair and hurt his ankle.<br />
<br />
Bennett slung his body over our couch and landed on his head.<br />
<br />
They tore my entire living room to shreds, and I declared it a movie day.<br />
<br />
There were many moments when I wanted to cry this morning. There were times I probably could have spoken softer, sweeter, and kinder. But after all was said and done, I found myself giggling to myself as I replayed the string of events in my mind. Probably helped that everyone went down for their naps at the exact same time, and mama got a much needed break. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUDbqscLCcdgSj0KvNMycx5WWu8g7RFsGljHvaVUFX6LMh8fgHJ05VMiAY6E94bld7q-aHD_dmf5vtVPkJJBO_32nTjAObp6Rxl9vhjgcOsySpRXXexd9__Pkk-E0OjINLxGgdBwt8jM/s1600/IMG_5148_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUDbqscLCcdgSj0KvNMycx5WWu8g7RFsGljHvaVUFX6LMh8fgHJ05VMiAY6E94bld7q-aHD_dmf5vtVPkJJBO_32nTjAObp6Rxl9vhjgcOsySpRXXexd9__Pkk-E0OjINLxGgdBwt8jM/s640/IMG_5148_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I wish that I could remind myself to laugh more when dealing with the moments that are less than ideal. Such as how life pans out when trying to raise 3 little boys.<br />
<br />
Or when I thought it would be fun to try and get some Christmas pictures with the boys.<br />
<br />
I learned very quickly my patience is super thin when trying to take pics of my own little herd.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS3bg9wwPWimhN-4O6blziF_KEXs56Fp1rvt-CLwbq57IkcTn4ya7b6y6x6qtydISM0oCZU2YWyHQLubWerYQhVla-W1XFBSAo00ZtjfDqQP1pS8T7VfbIqc10T3crpQCDoim3YsEDpQ/s1600/IMG_5146_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS3bg9wwPWimhN-4O6blziF_KEXs56Fp1rvt-CLwbq57IkcTn4ya7b6y6x6qtydISM0oCZU2YWyHQLubWerYQhVla-W1XFBSAo00ZtjfDqQP1pS8T7VfbIqc10T3crpQCDoim3YsEDpQ/s640/IMG_5146_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I forgot to bring Cole a regular pair of shoes.<br />
<br />
Kyle missed the memo that he was supposed to be my assistant and fix stray hairs, help perfectly pose and calm the wind and the cold. <br />
<br />
I felt like I spent most of the time running around, trying to get them to stay close enough to get them all in the same picture. Not surprisingly we had one little boy who kept running off....not gonna name names, but porta-potty might steer you in the right direction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnKwIBsUUeBatYSapaydhysOqVUjHkdjW8l6uJb-WZBma9fO8nottk3MmZ01kp8HyPAEa0lIu-T4ImrqrRm-hCj_RsGd3zfTGZQMK4xQewJZFdTf8KMfrAsvva-1GTbFwsoueu-f2gd4/s1600/IMG_5075_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnKwIBsUUeBatYSapaydhysOqVUjHkdjW8l6uJb-WZBma9fO8nottk3MmZ01kp8HyPAEa0lIu-T4ImrqrRm-hCj_RsGd3zfTGZQMK4xQewJZFdTf8KMfrAsvva-1GTbFwsoueu-f2gd4/s640/IMG_5075_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil02HPk-9u8BavlNeBV6QqolewZxzI7xUEPaaR7e7A0CaRcmqKDuuPmuvxF7u_o-SnwIKBFs08PiZTB2N2-PyzlZ4js5voA_Pnx4iZYN17dRn8HUJA38NVfh_29yl522JTn_wlgmlj-Cg/s1600/IMG_5114_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil02HPk-9u8BavlNeBV6QqolewZxzI7xUEPaaR7e7A0CaRcmqKDuuPmuvxF7u_o-SnwIKBFs08PiZTB2N2-PyzlZ4js5voA_Pnx4iZYN17dRn8HUJA38NVfh_29yl522JTn_wlgmlj-Cg/s640/IMG_5114_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP3xnfSNMPj0myqJAxxiqminvMw1qwX7e8DUHDvErxvhEYVDkcAXBEwq-mGPcqPmclheEj5zLD6QnGuQD73PJqfQv5dEwhHtxVCaKlNmVJrm2h2JD2j5T17iRiJFrPDkzu7qJ5s_m8tY/s1600/IMG_5107_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP3xnfSNMPj0myqJAxxiqminvMw1qwX7e8DUHDvErxvhEYVDkcAXBEwq-mGPcqPmclheEj5zLD6QnGuQD73PJqfQv5dEwhHtxVCaKlNmVJrm2h2JD2j5T17iRiJFrPDkzu7qJ5s_m8tY/s640/IMG_5107_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62xf3zPref7KgaWB38zrweKXGlVsGRXvNvhZJXRanOS-thxRsYACduFgNrg5rnaRd04BJeDgijzy25VvZuX5Vmno56RQSl0ZsaVwti4L_wEqJ04d6sDawOszvrfIDgCxcwriL9Ix0Occ/s1600/IMG_5115_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62xf3zPref7KgaWB38zrweKXGlVsGRXvNvhZJXRanOS-thxRsYACduFgNrg5rnaRd04BJeDgijzy25VvZuX5Vmno56RQSl0ZsaVwti4L_wEqJ04d6sDawOszvrfIDgCxcwriL9Ix0Occ/s640/IMG_5115_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21g0Ayrn-o_4e0KTEZwc_ga0x9Ox08qyEhazolTqREKZKKeL_Rq89liTcPm7wFIIDtRwoVne09qmduH0vfkyCCmQrzZSI8In1C3FtXwY0q6dxCAkl5cTHbDgA68v6tb5V9fX12Qetoow/s1600/IMG_5066_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21g0Ayrn-o_4e0KTEZwc_ga0x9Ox08qyEhazolTqREKZKKeL_Rq89liTcPm7wFIIDtRwoVne09qmduH0vfkyCCmQrzZSI8In1C3FtXwY0q6dxCAkl5cTHbDgA68v6tb5V9fX12Qetoow/s640/IMG_5066_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
But he picked that bouquet for me, and softened my heart a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvpBou1IrG6U2KuFmT0SQprR5p3u5kucRJSm8llvEkR7KUR1GGOu59WM5sF8O3TlXEZv7G1PO60gRUxW5Fm9sSjORM0Txcr1DoGywSEsIbixcnLIMiJT1aBcL5krEiSQ-RU2_NZSvA4M/s1600/IMG_5097_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvpBou1IrG6U2KuFmT0SQprR5p3u5kucRJSm8llvEkR7KUR1GGOu59WM5sF8O3TlXEZv7G1PO60gRUxW5Fm9sSjORM0Txcr1DoGywSEsIbixcnLIMiJT1aBcL5krEiSQ-RU2_NZSvA4M/s640/IMG_5097_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Cole was actually a pretty good ham as usual.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvayb1Uhwk58JhtSWD469beh9-SsjQ06vD77MghNRLpAfo2eO-5QiH9YmtcQ44nYdX4sJm20IcUlCi2XEoQAB32HfLbb09osm8UFkK8HSAUvsulkvTjq0PmiKRDBKCQnbpKdO2cj7Zq-o/s1600/IMG_4934_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvayb1Uhwk58JhtSWD469beh9-SsjQ06vD77MghNRLpAfo2eO-5QiH9YmtcQ44nYdX4sJm20IcUlCi2XEoQAB32HfLbb09osm8UFkK8HSAUvsulkvTjq0PmiKRDBKCQnbpKdO2cj7Zq-o/s640/IMG_4934_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7nkjLimjAvvG2l6jQf1V5xseEjILq-joJ1p7CjFk-fsTRS_3vVMwr-nAMX4LzbBDsROIDaMVVxS5wzaT3baUXxZLS2B_wnQUGoeMLUjyebT3CZoA-Vqjawwe4x6s6xv7WuReoaxSBSg/s1600/IMG_4938_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7nkjLimjAvvG2l6jQf1V5xseEjILq-joJ1p7CjFk-fsTRS_3vVMwr-nAMX4LzbBDsROIDaMVVxS5wzaT3baUXxZLS2B_wnQUGoeMLUjyebT3CZoA-Vqjawwe4x6s6xv7WuReoaxSBSg/s640/IMG_4938_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsGZ5nKGZ9PvNTFEzbpzt_T9ysIGSa1sLOGyFIANNJaiFW2FSABHkdhyphenhyphenb1f04enJAoF-ayYvdvbFY2lSAthG59ku7yehPuLlxedqxSrd7TNtDID3P3QtplKEUNbpr0t9ndd9i0SrF6TI/s1600/IMG_4947_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsGZ5nKGZ9PvNTFEzbpzt_T9ysIGSa1sLOGyFIANNJaiFW2FSABHkdhyphenhyphenb1f04enJAoF-ayYvdvbFY2lSAthG59ku7yehPuLlxedqxSrd7TNtDID3P3QtplKEUNbpr0t9ndd9i0SrF6TI/s640/IMG_4947_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8ccAwyem6m5MWvIfbvJ82vclCs023ypUwRdAP80IwpVxHX8RkTsGMrwUu0EBVBrywJtIBonsshucXZAoPRBg-Qj-J2ZBynK4iaFGFYK4bRzVCMEGGH_wcpH_ebTV3SvtckqfUSkot6I/s1600/IMG_5015_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8ccAwyem6m5MWvIfbvJ82vclCs023ypUwRdAP80IwpVxHX8RkTsGMrwUu0EBVBrywJtIBonsshucXZAoPRBg-Qj-J2ZBynK4iaFGFYK4bRzVCMEGGH_wcpH_ebTV3SvtckqfUSkot6I/s640/IMG_5015_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RVzB0cmaPi-_NOUGkALrWJwkDrRXciqCt3wYZUVoZA-1TzamLkKFIIVBVIXrPhhgFALuvSwV6PHL1VCytgZcx3TmIOaWIj7PaGOlKZtAZ9fB3qleJ38bTcHi-pJ9eFvlkgh0iz8kCK4/s1600/IMG_5010_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RVzB0cmaPi-_NOUGkALrWJwkDrRXciqCt3wYZUVoZA-1TzamLkKFIIVBVIXrPhhgFALuvSwV6PHL1VCytgZcx3TmIOaWIj7PaGOlKZtAZ9fB3qleJ38bTcHi-pJ9eFvlkgh0iz8kCK4/s640/IMG_5010_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaTJDJlJGoK4HvhcRaGx6vFecprDhdCi1JEKiEpF7cuN4OGcoAn-5ffQnR1lKw4l_y8UhBgJmnipK2n0P_shTSCL-yhl_7OMZk0VoTXMkKAglK7ztCVs9LdhjdUjiCSkQ4Wl_dlDXDQI/s1600/IMG_4961_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaTJDJlJGoK4HvhcRaGx6vFecprDhdCi1JEKiEpF7cuN4OGcoAn-5ffQnR1lKw4l_y8UhBgJmnipK2n0P_shTSCL-yhl_7OMZk0VoTXMkKAglK7ztCVs9LdhjdUjiCSkQ4Wl_dlDXDQI/s640/IMG_4961_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
And Bennett, after getting him to look in the direction of the camera, leave the flowers alone, and cooperate a tiny bit....we got a few good shots.<br />
<br />
I may have been talking through gritted teeth.....but, we still managed to capture a couple.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimivxxEleiFz3ofwwtl24mj4p6CIxTSkI0G6TD3JuGUkg_aFoOqMILyRPqL6SvJjp8vyB5bACdKprksYa72eNF3C1I2u_bYMIJqBaCNzkke3i3aaipf0YnDsk4SiTfjLrd6osP-0IAl84/s1600/IMG_4991_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimivxxEleiFz3ofwwtl24mj4p6CIxTSkI0G6TD3JuGUkg_aFoOqMILyRPqL6SvJjp8vyB5bACdKprksYa72eNF3C1I2u_bYMIJqBaCNzkke3i3aaipf0YnDsk4SiTfjLrd6osP-0IAl84/s640/IMG_4991_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTisNM2KdFIRQB4OAxnlpm2x3hKq_-gdS8_kOQ2tXpc34UkFu8dArPEOe9x-bEmxEHgHrHWAYvNJgj6nlKdFW9ZEFU62RkXX6uMNZ0PxCcIUn8dacNVe0Ia7sqTvn6kZeMT-C5LbHWxU/s1600/IMG_4923_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTisNM2KdFIRQB4OAxnlpm2x3hKq_-gdS8_kOQ2tXpc34UkFu8dArPEOe9x-bEmxEHgHrHWAYvNJgj6nlKdFW9ZEFU62RkXX6uMNZ0PxCcIUn8dacNVe0Ia7sqTvn6kZeMT-C5LbHWxU/s640/IMG_4923_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Bw0EmFKKW6OXuE2TO6iIzUACcXr8ZYrn8W8mnLMAQu2vhOig9gRhBTroLZlG6D2Py4CyaJBz3h-xq-jDR79fIJyyTLxn9CpM4o78GW8E95QkWP-BqKiGsR2InfS__7yVBQxGVM6i3iA/s1600/IMG_4921_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Bw0EmFKKW6OXuE2TO6iIzUACcXr8ZYrn8W8mnLMAQu2vhOig9gRhBTroLZlG6D2Py4CyaJBz3h-xq-jDR79fIJyyTLxn9CpM4o78GW8E95QkWP-BqKiGsR2InfS__7yVBQxGVM6i3iA/s640/IMG_4921_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Just to give you a taste of the personality I was dealing with....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOoU4rNkM3au7kXjHFfn-ChYnVXo2Us9qjXl3PPpBK2Vc9gIyRwxpac0MpaI__IukfA0AoVVT0E3GKdC74e6ep44OvrMhtPAHLXGO4zM9jAKTJUFt4bN_y8uL4S4pv4oo02E9-qaWBfQ/s1600/IMG_4813_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOoU4rNkM3au7kXjHFfn-ChYnVXo2Us9qjXl3PPpBK2Vc9gIyRwxpac0MpaI__IukfA0AoVVT0E3GKdC74e6ep44OvrMhtPAHLXGO4zM9jAKTJUFt4bN_y8uL4S4pv4oo02E9-qaWBfQ/s640/IMG_4813_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDlTGclfntscT8NtHJH31PiBirrSuLWIZarWlewxd2F_jIMHz0UX48s3yoTROoBMkfMb8TlxmQHHmpEMbG1meh61I6A8-aBP_Jypkahlko5PZPI8sSW08LcXaDl_JD6ylR0sdVv1g-Jo/s1600/IMG_4818_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDlTGclfntscT8NtHJH31PiBirrSuLWIZarWlewxd2F_jIMHz0UX48s3yoTROoBMkfMb8TlxmQHHmpEMbG1meh61I6A8-aBP_Jypkahlko5PZPI8sSW08LcXaDl_JD6ylR0sdVv1g-Jo/s640/IMG_4818_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Bennett. There really is no one quite like him. Something I'm quite thankful for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBu8MNsSNn9DlnlI4rk5Jl7K2Xh0a9-Kqqx_MZS9nI9E3b_VAA4-wJHorLbSjOaFK9PK6Ubz-EQrgbxdZ-2ZjvTXrZa-dhqTg_3SOL1MJ6J08K8wIfCz9sZ0teJ19mhiImtyLkAbhPzQ/s1600/IMG_4936_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBu8MNsSNn9DlnlI4rk5Jl7K2Xh0a9-Kqqx_MZS9nI9E3b_VAA4-wJHorLbSjOaFK9PK6Ubz-EQrgbxdZ-2ZjvTXrZa-dhqTg_3SOL1MJ6J08K8wIfCz9sZ0teJ19mhiImtyLkAbhPzQ/s640/IMG_4936_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBw-fU6WVc7wlXhNkGnrNwdwupvvhoZY0vPrJzczSjnBh166nyvN1uXVUg5r5y0kHyc-BQ8zZOCBSzllAYbZ4erph9c3vwhe2AXQnXf6_qoNHDLuo-BnvQQWJOrxHD21bsCU1N3UppkI/s1600/IMG_4972_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBw-fU6WVc7wlXhNkGnrNwdwupvvhoZY0vPrJzczSjnBh166nyvN1uXVUg5r5y0kHyc-BQ8zZOCBSzllAYbZ4erph9c3vwhe2AXQnXf6_qoNHDLuo-BnvQQWJOrxHD21bsCU1N3UppkI/s640/IMG_4972_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw48kPO18iRX9FXw91X3ywBiMsGqr_Uy0BQyQ90qdwESl3Jx84HXoqmj_70YY_v1EATvdel4XUyz_gvzjygKdQOUc8olrMcNyeabGJ9IlgasAR559m91_Wgy4dgtWKsBA7EfYZONdxVW8/s1600/IMG_4998_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw48kPO18iRX9FXw91X3ywBiMsGqr_Uy0BQyQ90qdwESl3Jx84HXoqmj_70YY_v1EATvdel4XUyz_gvzjygKdQOUc8olrMcNyeabGJ9IlgasAR559m91_Wgy4dgtWKsBA7EfYZONdxVW8/s640/IMG_4998_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0aLmEUEaz2CEnvQaCW4H4LDYkzD6r4clFk0RKHB6tkNfEI0ZnEeiKGT5ROXqpuRqbQkxtbbdZd8CRRPEPM563igJ2fP0_OfunvMg51PTPXKV1v72xZNy9umAaKSEEClWZd2w-Xdh-W8/s1600/IMG_5019_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0aLmEUEaz2CEnvQaCW4H4LDYkzD6r4clFk0RKHB6tkNfEI0ZnEeiKGT5ROXqpuRqbQkxtbbdZd8CRRPEPM563igJ2fP0_OfunvMg51PTPXKV1v72xZNy9umAaKSEEClWZd2w-Xdh-W8/s640/IMG_5019_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMEVZOHCUsjnTgjAtSQiMKBVdDh0aXTXqBgU6_qVcJO66WWMbBEIczaSuylI6UMJoq4V3qH6dptIE6zGOBtBbLBYyk2wry0l5SQRFS3c36CkB_IxxzE8bugHi4zslwVMNFANri4CuA9U/s1600/IMG_5139_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMEVZOHCUsjnTgjAtSQiMKBVdDh0aXTXqBgU6_qVcJO66WWMbBEIczaSuylI6UMJoq4V3qH6dptIE6zGOBtBbLBYyk2wry0l5SQRFS3c36CkB_IxxzE8bugHi4zslwVMNFANri4CuA9U/s640/IMG_5139_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And Davis. I felt bad because it was cold, so he spent the majority of the time wrapped up in daddy's arms with a wool blanket, while I worked up a sweat chasing after the boys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOKMoCIEcw_ryD6DtwkUl8JPcUCGdWNYMy0NI6nQVhlPtqfN_s73df9xisyCyfT6ErhlACWDY0RvkxGT28qQ4sOeMKYSxN6L2pJSIyV1Tdi_fU_cn7iJSLyyDQ4f8FE0ltIgpRRCntgc/s1600/IMG_4949_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOKMoCIEcw_ryD6DtwkUl8JPcUCGdWNYMy0NI6nQVhlPtqfN_s73df9xisyCyfT6ErhlACWDY0RvkxGT28qQ4sOeMKYSxN6L2pJSIyV1Tdi_fU_cn7iJSLyyDQ4f8FE0ltIgpRRCntgc/s640/IMG_4949_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJnzkUl4YxRedwZZRoMzwGvmpawCyD8L33k-Ai4XjZCyjB70VoNBzzFOILj69gO37j1MeBN-bFlCeXiHBMtcj4CUFNCJ_rpezHmr6JmPPf68JSosz60PFLvEQPBajno7YaFcck3PuptQ/s1600/IMG_4952_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJnzkUl4YxRedwZZRoMzwGvmpawCyD8L33k-Ai4XjZCyjB70VoNBzzFOILj69gO37j1MeBN-bFlCeXiHBMtcj4CUFNCJ_rpezHmr6JmPPf68JSosz60PFLvEQPBajno7YaFcck3PuptQ/s640/IMG_4952_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_LIhyZjbTOkTCV9G1NGvho-7nA_Tcul4YlGal_fDxqo9HNoBrQSUKp6F1Hukte-UdweeFcCYc1yY3nitunTWH4ctX4pBq44h9wgH8ElMKyRhgYakx5f-Y-oEjwqyV_47tUOCVjvAHCs/s1600/IMG_5056_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_LIhyZjbTOkTCV9G1NGvho-7nA_Tcul4YlGal_fDxqo9HNoBrQSUKp6F1Hukte-UdweeFcCYc1yY3nitunTWH4ctX4pBq44h9wgH8ElMKyRhgYakx5f-Y-oEjwqyV_47tUOCVjvAHCs/s640/IMG_5056_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSofLDltOfxM7MojIqzFAURsBnMY8xioTFJZAr3p-TMBSffnWIFAgyYMUl4aV3TSaL3Lhk3zunbWQNYJYSp7FTOKDzCXsEnIhocy_FZv2RAMK0nCqx1R_urMabxISlsXIfOPbO9Met3ZY/s1600/IMG_5034_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSofLDltOfxM7MojIqzFAURsBnMY8xioTFJZAr3p-TMBSffnWIFAgyYMUl4aV3TSaL3Lhk3zunbWQNYJYSp7FTOKDzCXsEnIhocy_FZv2RAMK0nCqx1R_urMabxISlsXIfOPbO9Met3ZY/s640/IMG_5034_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSiT498wJnMj4_XLZdfRnoHRA002pBekmHypisL01o700qh96EKkeFj0D80GN6tR2COELf15wRr-RKvdyizLoy8XFOsXz9lMUqgiCbf6h_w9kpoFV1T_ujtw6oEyjmischsiWEFD6_KM/s1600/IMG_5051_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSiT498wJnMj4_XLZdfRnoHRA002pBekmHypisL01o700qh96EKkeFj0D80GN6tR2COELf15wRr-RKvdyizLoy8XFOsXz9lMUqgiCbf6h_w9kpoFV1T_ujtw6oEyjmischsiWEFD6_KM/s640/IMG_5051_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqm357mZS1KvK_j0V8D8Y7DnnwS8W2-B2nEAwq2Kfo9NoYv-nmKIafsc59dMdV4hcQKmU8tIMR7oB2LXh99_vD44pb26cdB1EwUhocrHMF6pfIPC6KFRuMuOicbbQP5fkNqXB5AYinGg/s1600/IMG_5054_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqm357mZS1KvK_j0V8D8Y7DnnwS8W2-B2nEAwq2Kfo9NoYv-nmKIafsc59dMdV4hcQKmU8tIMR7oB2LXh99_vD44pb26cdB1EwUhocrHMF6pfIPC6KFRuMuOicbbQP5fkNqXB5AYinGg/s640/IMG_5054_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just the sweetest thing. I can literally hear that giggle through the picture.<br />
<br />
Then bam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNbKDUzYfxDwmVZySVe4Knm_i6sb39_MZV6faCywJnY8Tz8im5YS3_6adZY40eiFpQOiS_EAMynPJrwc6oqosvNhYjGdhwKeVC2gTiTNt_FnnTMQCoStEwdJvb20U-jMVI_OIUCVuwmo/s1600/IMG_5181_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNbKDUzYfxDwmVZySVe4Knm_i6sb39_MZV6faCywJnY8Tz8im5YS3_6adZY40eiFpQOiS_EAMynPJrwc6oqosvNhYjGdhwKeVC2gTiTNt_FnnTMQCoStEwdJvb20U-jMVI_OIUCVuwmo/s640/IMG_5181_edited-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2GJcHxdy8R1BJvgI73_IUX2ocO6r8OTKfRqHI14H0a5RXMunMCqAUd0tACvyhnQ1KyqtgnTAyY0caWFuYHjlXSYt41-lT9Mo13gSuocrrr4ICG7gSoOGRxeIyVIl01fRDKd6luTQd1s/s1600/IMG_5173_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2GJcHxdy8R1BJvgI73_IUX2ocO6r8OTKfRqHI14H0a5RXMunMCqAUd0tACvyhnQ1KyqtgnTAyY0caWFuYHjlXSYt41-lT9Mo13gSuocrrr4ICG7gSoOGRxeIyVIl01fRDKd6luTQd1s/s640/IMG_5173_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The three of them. All together. Just don't look too closely at Cole's hair. Let's just say, I went straight home and tried to resurrect that bad hair cut.<br />
<br />
By the time we were done, I was in a horrendous attitude and the last thing I felt like doing was wrangling the boys yet again, and smiling for the camera. And later after looking through the photos I wished to myself that i could have laughed more. That I could have had more fun capturing my boys, it probably would have made the whole experience way more pleasant for everyone involved.<br />
<br />
I need to learn to laugh more.<br />
<br />
To not take everything so seriously.<br />
<br />
My boys are teaching me that, daily.<br />
<br />
And Thankfully, we coordinated our outfits for Thanksgiving and my dear Mother-In-Law snapped a few family pics. We literally ran outside, snapped them in 5 minutes, ran back in....and still had genuine smiles on our faces. Ironically. they actually became some of my favorites.<br />
<br />
Again. Laugh. Relax. Stop stressing the details.<br />
<br />
My motto for this next year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JLxWVkZz6WCERSbdy7RVXsWU5M0aq-5NyJLiQnCUE0iTuUzHXIuNoGzBkjUuEwtFfhu_5Mhyphenhyphen4QlFW2EnN0lXzda_RH-46KXQmx5x7VSxIPBNfKfLBYvhFvE4M2PpN21t9IBVuVfBzSs/s1600/IMG_5279_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JLxWVkZz6WCERSbdy7RVXsWU5M0aq-5NyJLiQnCUE0iTuUzHXIuNoGzBkjUuEwtFfhu_5Mhyphenhyphen4QlFW2EnN0lXzda_RH-46KXQmx5x7VSxIPBNfKfLBYvhFvE4M2PpN21t9IBVuVfBzSs/s640/IMG_5279_edited-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK2l3-rekiT_NbTLasbPACgyKFsJ-gMSxkwGcozQPftYEd0AIiF3-oj6rWYfXGjwtbsjyTn6pTgk_bjnaKEDleRen2xAhxrB2MDTInxgDCKy0Q0yOZLoRGAZCqKyzNMv4PkiIluTw_Gk/s1600/IMG_5286_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK2l3-rekiT_NbTLasbPACgyKFsJ-gMSxkwGcozQPftYEd0AIiF3-oj6rWYfXGjwtbsjyTn6pTgk_bjnaKEDleRen2xAhxrB2MDTInxgDCKy0Q0yOZLoRGAZCqKyzNMv4PkiIluTw_Gk/s640/IMG_5286_edited-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-3514790155250721152015-11-24T09:09:00.002-08:002015-11-24T09:09:30.727-08:00Davis: 9 monthsNine months. 18lbs and 27 1/2 inches big of perfect scrumptiousness. <br />
<br />
If babies could come out of the womb covered in ridiculously sweet sugar, that would be Davis.<br />
<br />
From day one, he came to us with this gentle, sweetness about him. It was in his bleating little cries, his calming nuzzles, his coos, his calm presence, and the loving adoration that radiated from his eyes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymaZj7ra5p7Vz33XFkmNkMF0mQUyvLywsEoVVxaD0Vh9Z6MBkCkbm-xmC4R44wR_tKIX9Fr6xKBrsP0O8Npnrm-PQ44T2rQlXa8LKNgikrp0MvuQqR259ADNvfdLDv_NDLq_YpUeAmTU/s1600/IMG_4777_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymaZj7ra5p7Vz33XFkmNkMF0mQUyvLywsEoVVxaD0Vh9Z6MBkCkbm-xmC4R44wR_tKIX9Fr6xKBrsP0O8Npnrm-PQ44T2rQlXa8LKNgikrp0MvuQqR259ADNvfdLDv_NDLq_YpUeAmTU/s640/IMG_4777_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He's still dripping in such sweetness, so much so, that some times he catches me off guard.<br />
<br />
9 months, and he's still got it. People still fall in love with him all the time. And he still loves with abandon....as long as mama is within sight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_2WujKgus5ZLKrhOBbbj4cLtCv25tbNyftB1lMOAH_6cJM0tiFKmKwAEctJqKqf8R3W3DHJUQ9P51S2zn_QrZ-wKwxkSR7ibZgI2HbiEU3ib46oJNvcjrc3xQposYAncZNaFm4UgIkA/s1600/IMG_4782_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_2WujKgus5ZLKrhOBbbj4cLtCv25tbNyftB1lMOAH_6cJM0tiFKmKwAEctJqKqf8R3W3DHJUQ9P51S2zn_QrZ-wKwxkSR7ibZgI2HbiEU3ib46oJNvcjrc3xQposYAncZNaFm4UgIkA/s640/IMG_4782_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He still has incredible separation anxiety.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltk4UW5I1qEaueJK2l0Jf0gsAQx-btlmg1LxV6nh_BK5hxIzYSk2NSf1PGzEfT72AszS5XEIQOtWUW_KhnT7Hoo-ZM9OZ_N8iMB9PO-KJIk5rz2BMeGVsx2FYcoGpHsLsp6Xf-uskM-E/s1600/IMG_4786_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltk4UW5I1qEaueJK2l0Jf0gsAQx-btlmg1LxV6nh_BK5hxIzYSk2NSf1PGzEfT72AszS5XEIQOtWUW_KhnT7Hoo-ZM9OZ_N8iMB9PO-KJIk5rz2BMeGVsx2FYcoGpHsLsp6Xf-uskM-E/s640/IMG_4786_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And doesn't like me to get too far away from him. But he is starting to love his freedom. I find him digging in the plastic container drawers, rummaging through the odds and ends that his brothers leave behind. Or trying to console his oldest brother while he is rolling around throwing a fit on the floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok-3K2XUkgXjsnUZahFKilf4agV4YnjZBiGAFcwQXMhfQBwV4G6FytU6tRM6Q2iyv7kBtBvxAAGHHLDPfoJ8BYHldDD34hnfX_ValDvxtI_W3-sd5Qp9QyNbai0guWlr3U2FJULJPIAw/s1600/IMG_4775_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgok-3K2XUkgXjsnUZahFKilf4agV4YnjZBiGAFcwQXMhfQBwV4G6FytU6tRM6Q2iyv7kBtBvxAAGHHLDPfoJ8BYHldDD34hnfX_ValDvxtI_W3-sd5Qp9QyNbai0guWlr3U2FJULJPIAw/s640/IMG_4775_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He's perfectly content crawling around whatever his big brothers are doing. And if he is heading somewhere he knows he shouldn't be going (stairs, bathroom) and you make eye contact with him...he goes into turbo mode. He speeds up his arms, not bending them which gives him a little bulldog effect.<br />
<br />
He will stand if you let go of his hands, he cruises the furniture, and walks with my hands. I can see him growing in strength and bravery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ3R7gOEcICeIXWGRvbNac2V2Btp5EcmEUpki3MVMRuzpfKJPAMmazNf_0FCQpuKjvjHcRuXlqc3-y2SEa6SHNwTlsLq2SEVCMHdK4rpVi016BB83AYGAn1sdUrUEfOArIPThsVdv9Ko/s1600/IMG_4571_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ3R7gOEcICeIXWGRvbNac2V2Btp5EcmEUpki3MVMRuzpfKJPAMmazNf_0FCQpuKjvjHcRuXlqc3-y2SEa6SHNwTlsLq2SEVCMHdK4rpVi016BB83AYGAn1sdUrUEfOArIPThsVdv9Ko/s640/IMG_4571_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1AGloPuHSuWJ_IOe9mpG8z0lL28GkUCbau9Wmay34_iuDyEtf48KgEJ88omkuBMV9keK4TGl52c5PF56svd5doWbvNwM9TcwwctP8EM_u9gt9em6jveC15YBsXoT3dvlkVyYT93TM4A/s1600/IMG_4577_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1AGloPuHSuWJ_IOe9mpG8z0lL28GkUCbau9Wmay34_iuDyEtf48KgEJ88omkuBMV9keK4TGl52c5PF56svd5doWbvNwM9TcwwctP8EM_u9gt9em6jveC15YBsXoT3dvlkVyYT93TM4A/s640/IMG_4577_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMyEx5ZHGbmyGdtQo_OEha_2fym9LjANj-PPIs4lsdJ80e5UNXKPFqe8cqB0pxtu74xGfQlb8__H_wgeNvjbF0iYa0IH5KYNRlRAgJOdqgSIR0wO08TnKXBUIZ0xy2cpnS9iEr0oVjrY/s1600/IMG_4574_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMyEx5ZHGbmyGdtQo_OEha_2fym9LjANj-PPIs4lsdJ80e5UNXKPFqe8cqB0pxtu74xGfQlb8__H_wgeNvjbF0iYa0IH5KYNRlRAgJOdqgSIR0wO08TnKXBUIZ0xy2cpnS9iEr0oVjrY/s640/IMG_4574_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
He likes to help out with the rearranging of my pantry while I cook dinner. And then pads his way over to wherever I may be. Often pulling up on my pant leg until I bend down pick him up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotbyX16xBpoJ85T5XmPfKAVX2nGfvWVjVoxzqG09sJYsh-vvf20ryCxEciQN290MHGOijTdhH34HwxHgmfAigTt5mg-l3o4Ye254uV80M0HLFa_he_kJpPdqN81cKF_pXtzivO8CvcvU/s1600/IMG_4597_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotbyX16xBpoJ85T5XmPfKAVX2nGfvWVjVoxzqG09sJYsh-vvf20ryCxEciQN290MHGOijTdhH34HwxHgmfAigTt5mg-l3o4Ye254uV80M0HLFa_he_kJpPdqN81cKF_pXtzivO8CvcvU/s640/IMG_4597_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He loves to dance by bopping up an down and will often be found doing so while shaking his percussion egg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw393ropLGHMO_lkbrBuzsMnPlQCgu9B5hU3BC9-r__J7EglWb02YdOXfj3af9h-5OsanZbz3-YpbcenCE0rFIQIWIcDxxX5v2OU9cX0rq2KirahGQzNDXtBZJGQzVwua0RLTFI0AsaGE/s1600/IMG_4537_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw393ropLGHMO_lkbrBuzsMnPlQCgu9B5hU3BC9-r__J7EglWb02YdOXfj3af9h-5OsanZbz3-YpbcenCE0rFIQIWIcDxxX5v2OU9cX0rq2KirahGQzNDXtBZJGQzVwua0RLTFI0AsaGE/s640/IMG_4537_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He finally popped through one of his top front teeth. And boy, were we ever glad to see that little glimmer of hope that maybe more sleep would be on the horizon. This month gave us some incredibly long, rough nights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn15-h9a9Mgqgr-NIKF2GCmtMUZOd_2g__XpeQnvyByRSas0U6Gg7HrptrSK3j-Zbpq7RF3hlBxGarDdaseHOx7Gp7Zk6sfnW9uUUDSoRNnd2NyKd6cJYXJIEiEiHYwtNjNIuBSzecFI/s1600/IMG_4846_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn15-h9a9Mgqgr-NIKF2GCmtMUZOd_2g__XpeQnvyByRSas0U6Gg7HrptrSK3j-Zbpq7RF3hlBxGarDdaseHOx7Gp7Zk6sfnW9uUUDSoRNnd2NyKd6cJYXJIEiEiHYwtNjNIuBSzecFI/s640/IMG_4846_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvc5IahK7k_-2qFSBqgi2E-cgANiwMP4MgHpsPlo33oXR_WgcZ1vlrM2tfPGcoUGOdvKz6_JJFMViInLeeIOY4u_R1eRLW98s5vh2o9muquHtSRy3sPBBqhdA8IuiD5iXyRchPXh4j9Y/s1600/IMG_4834_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvc5IahK7k_-2qFSBqgi2E-cgANiwMP4MgHpsPlo33oXR_WgcZ1vlrM2tfPGcoUGOdvKz6_JJFMViInLeeIOY4u_R1eRLW98s5vh2o9muquHtSRy3sPBBqhdA8IuiD5iXyRchPXh4j9Y/s640/IMG_4834_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0k2PadDPrAXh4WBiRuFkjx3-yR0cTzrRJlrwwJPOQH_zPV8L0Uiag9Nx50VDYXERr9QobLIv0idKRzjliwUaIcODs2hRRvcWswRljzGE517HfwiCnPqLq3C7HTH6ZW1SqCaRXiFvcZk/s1600/IMG_4766_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0k2PadDPrAXh4WBiRuFkjx3-yR0cTzrRJlrwwJPOQH_zPV8L0Uiag9Nx50VDYXERr9QobLIv0idKRzjliwUaIcODs2hRRvcWswRljzGE517HfwiCnPqLq3C7HTH6ZW1SqCaRXiFvcZk/s640/IMG_4766_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Like I said, he's had a terrible month of sleep. Up every one to two hours, sometimes for 3-4 hours in a row, when most people are already in deep sleep mode. Kyle and I are definitely not our best during those loooooong middle of the night parties. There are a lot of apologies to be said when the sun rises.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMwk-wHo2Vis_9PFgmBgYRJ88x-2LsQemnGJVbquOii7YRvnUw4J2cydqSLkUaNkkdbc6S7SfakD5Fd6wMaYqU2IwpC2ahwPOLKtaHiRmTQQ8ZKwEj4USSelSf6o0Mf2Aj9TvbXaHcaU/s1600/IMG_4611_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMwk-wHo2Vis_9PFgmBgYRJ88x-2LsQemnGJVbquOii7YRvnUw4J2cydqSLkUaNkkdbc6S7SfakD5Fd6wMaYqU2IwpC2ahwPOLKtaHiRmTQQ8ZKwEj4USSelSf6o0Mf2Aj9TvbXaHcaU/s640/IMG_4611_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
However, for what he lacks in sleep, he makes up for with his perfectly relaxed personality. Everything is no big deal, it's cool, we've got this thing called being a baby. He is so nonchalant about everything that most babies would be throwing fits over, so much so, that he actually boosts my parenting factor.<br />
<br />
God knew I needed a little boost!<br />
<br />
He still takes two naps. His first one a couple hours after he wakes in the morning. And then i try my best to time his second one around the same time his brothers nap. (I call it, mama's time to breathe)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8kAVDTNCeB9FrN21DMqffyUmYZaazJc9M4vmoKKxtwvD7A7lKocF-SI6yVXHdw9AOvx5iI3ao9UJ2ZzLEVZK5IvNnObIulzwgpe4Cl-t-nF8arFFD2G_40jlSmkAs3wfFs8JodZ4vqU/s1600/IMG_5045_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8kAVDTNCeB9FrN21DMqffyUmYZaazJc9M4vmoKKxtwvD7A7lKocF-SI6yVXHdw9AOvx5iI3ao9UJ2ZzLEVZK5IvNnObIulzwgpe4Cl-t-nF8arFFD2G_40jlSmkAs3wfFs8JodZ4vqU/s640/IMG_5045_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
He's yet to turn down any kind of food, except for one single pea, and that was mainly because he had just eaten a whole tray full of other food. He's blown my mind in this department. Never before have I seen a kid so completely excited about whatever food is placed in front of him. He literally accepts it all, and eats with vigor.<br />
<br />
FYI: future wife, food is most definitely the way to this guys heart. :)<br />
<br />
He is still a breastfeeding champ. Every single time I switch sides he lets out a long "Aaaaa-ummmm" as if to say, "Um, did you forget the others side....or hurry it up" I havent' decided yet. At least he doesn't nearly hyperventilate like Cole used to. And for those that don't remember...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJtIQd8Xqqf-2mrIOnnHkKZDHk25jMrO4cjAOuxyK5KMxDqc1GLhxsbBz8l9FF0H8nIGoyEJZ7USON1WHSRE4UWXWKMKTtsS4BHjDvez3vsMbUkhc9eWF0PaXAiR-OlJtwqsZPv8i-cU/s1600/264914_10150306578235695_3276219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJtIQd8Xqqf-2mrIOnnHkKZDHk25jMrO4cjAOuxyK5KMxDqc1GLhxsbBz8l9FF0H8nIGoyEJZ7USON1WHSRE4UWXWKMKTtsS4BHjDvez3vsMbUkhc9eWF0PaXAiR-OlJtwqsZPv8i-cU/s640/264914_10150306578235695_3276219_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Clearly, he wasn't wasting away or lacking in the roll department. Talk about another irresistible baby! I do believe he has Davis beat by a few....ok....a lot. No wonder I remember my back always killing me.....<br />
<br />
Speaking of brothers, he still loves them, but I'm noticing that he isn't entirely as accepting of being smothered and pushed around as he used to be. And I have actually seen a wee bit of fight back when he gets fed up. And I don't blame him, his brothers have their overbearing moments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05SJlIuU6dW6WZlEtSY2gkIzJ037myKCoXaxaJyv1v7pIfqZK9uHHlVyQiZ3zP9nNbZ2pOaqc4lRebfS9dOUNxhYOFPpnq7sSR5gAMkfFc6adrfA1m1qfecA5ez_g1ZdrwCknwzf4yUA/s1600/IMG_4882_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05SJlIuU6dW6WZlEtSY2gkIzJ037myKCoXaxaJyv1v7pIfqZK9uHHlVyQiZ3zP9nNbZ2pOaqc4lRebfS9dOUNxhYOFPpnq7sSR5gAMkfFc6adrfA1m1qfecA5ez_g1ZdrwCknwzf4yUA/s640/IMG_4882_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlpxj4NRluyem49FWHsOcoDsb49TwkwGfOfLRvK4zm-W0tMmNJg5hT7m93gRjkeU62ABzO-qskt9uP1bv8WkTo_VVUW28HirZznPgUL4Ohuaj8tEgj7YEr9lwwzS1pOLBh2qBOZDuK2o/s1600/IMG_4909_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlpxj4NRluyem49FWHsOcoDsb49TwkwGfOfLRvK4zm-W0tMmNJg5hT7m93gRjkeU62ABzO-qskt9uP1bv8WkTo_VVUW28HirZznPgUL4Ohuaj8tEgj7YEr9lwwzS1pOLBh2qBOZDuK2o/s640/IMG_4909_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
His face says it all......<br />
<br />
There isn't much more I can say to sum up my Davis boy. He's truly a blessing and a refresher for when the days are hard. He seems to know when I need extra juicy kisses, and squeezes. I love him so much that sometimes I just pretend I need to kiss him all day, every day. He likes to "bump the rock" be tickled, act goofy and be right in the middle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpkEZTdUkCVlG1yUgCOpCFJmWewgGlJgbCMP0sNSI15z7RDqztdlAkcrgi0wsYM5BacQnjnvFJpYr1qMTV4QApOSgYvGbh4eEQ9SxFTqm0FT8vmvXorGuGidJVF10gXKWAFRbDWkkfjE/s1600/IMG_4886_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpkEZTdUkCVlG1yUgCOpCFJmWewgGlJgbCMP0sNSI15z7RDqztdlAkcrgi0wsYM5BacQnjnvFJpYr1qMTV4QApOSgYvGbh4eEQ9SxFTqm0FT8vmvXorGuGidJVF10gXKWAFRbDWkkfjE/s640/IMG_4886_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
His eyes dance and shine. He is talking and I've heard something that sounds like "mamamamama" (I will take it). We all just love him more every day. And every day I am blown away by how much older he is seeming. I really wish there was such a thing as a pause button. If not to slow time, to at least give me a few more seconds to break up fights and save a baby from pummeling down the stairs.<br />
<br />
Davis we love you. Sorry that you 9 months post is almost a month late. Oops. But know that it's only because I've been spending my time soaking up you and your brothers and recovering from not much sleep.<br />
<br />
Love you sweet boy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSimCRyjZiRgXHd1RZrlrmyACCaGHR1zxPPJVWG_AoBpxB6FzPiu4PfeV-rkaRgb0mZg5g1St5aZj5hMiDeowODoeN7CWjILZSXu5UbJlFK2TQ8swI4WbhqbxHZzxqCytsdUfCa8Cpxik/s1600/IMG_5054_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSimCRyjZiRgXHd1RZrlrmyACCaGHR1zxPPJVWG_AoBpxB6FzPiu4PfeV-rkaRgb0mZg5g1St5aZj5hMiDeowODoeN7CWjILZSXu5UbJlFK2TQ8swI4WbhqbxHZzxqCytsdUfCa8Cpxik/s640/IMG_5054_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085106551128290150.post-572337424444436582015-11-16T10:50:00.001-08:002015-11-16T10:50:25.155-08:00What We Eat: Thanksgiving EditionI realized I'm really bad at following through a promise of sharing a recipe that I love and am excited about. I usually like to share them in a separate post from family updates, but then it seems life gets the better of me and I...forget. Kind of story of my life right now. Please tell me I'm not the only mom that feels like I can't remember yesterday...let alone what I just said 5 minutes ago. It's terrible, and unintentional, and I'm desperately hoping that some day (soon) my brain cells will return. (I read that sometimes it can take anywhere up to 5 years after having a baby.....) I'm gonna blame it on that.<br />
<br />
Anyways, we are gearing up for one of my favorite times of year and my absolute favorite meal. If you remember last year I maybe got a little carried away and used the pregnancy card to eat as many turkey dinners as one could possibly consume. I think I ate it every day for at least a week straight...if not longer. That belly was large and in charge and I didn't dare contest what it craved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGknclcgq3z6UVOnN_5Yci7TrxdDRrMd8I7RIqF-XDq9ycBaIwk8u8sc0epQbIV1keBxXVqRUJ8ZLJYkglf8R1Q5SOMYFnpBVb9L7wvm9kC3Ner5APZCC9WXf_NR8dc8eYUhQI9lcdIw/s1600/IMG_5176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGknclcgq3z6UVOnN_5Yci7TrxdDRrMd8I7RIqF-XDq9ycBaIwk8u8sc0epQbIV1keBxXVqRUJ8ZLJYkglf8R1Q5SOMYFnpBVb9L7wvm9kC3Ner5APZCC9WXf_NR8dc8eYUhQI9lcdIw/s640/IMG_5176.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And great. Now I'm really missing that sweet, round belly. Maybe more because it was a good excuse to be able to shovel as much food as I wanted. But really, truly I loved that belly.<br />
<br />
So finally, two years later after promising to share my favorite Thankgiving recipes, I'm actually going to do it. These are tried and true and can be made at least one day ahead....some more. Which makes the day of Thanksgiving super relaxed and the only thing you have to worry about it timing. We also like to brine our turkey and let it get all good and smoked on our traeger.....I don't think we will ever make it the traditional way again. It is so, so, so good! AND it frees up the oven for all the other yummies. (message me if you want the brine recipe we use, I will get it from Kyle...he's the one in charge of the Turkey.)<br />
<br />
So here we go.<br />
<br />
You can't have a turkey dinner without stuffing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjewEvPhBppNnvpKMjJ603DhSw3_PfYQ_a8YpOcOkWdtVWf6El2YzdJBGxF0UupRz2QAfMhdOA0jU7yxU-dOPplqtmcfL-DZz0gYej3edumh7jzJSTyOQ0lCyH3WL0hVgnG27IvGa26g/s1600/51124210_dressing_1x1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjewEvPhBppNnvpKMjJ603DhSw3_PfYQ_a8YpOcOkWdtVWf6El2YzdJBGxF0UupRz2QAfMhdOA0jU7yxU-dOPplqtmcfL-DZz0gYej3edumh7jzJSTyOQ0lCyH3WL0hVgnG27IvGa26g/s640/51124210_dressing_1x1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Photo Credit: Epicurious.<br />
<br />
This is your traditional stuffing, with all the traditonal seasonings, no orange zest, no sausage, no fruit...and in my opinion, just the way it should be. What I love about this recipe is it doesn't have a seasoning packet, no packaged bread crumbs, so the flavors are brighter and fresher. Make sure you dry out your loaf of bread really good, I have even cooked it in the oven at a very low temp to get rid of some of the moisture before turning it into stuffing. It has the perfect, crusty on top and soft in the middle result. No mushy or gooey stuffing with this one. Find the recipe <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/-Simple-is-Best-Dressing-51124210">HERE at Epicurious</a>.<br />
<br />
I don't have a picture for the mashed potatoes. But I'm assuming we can all imagine what they look like. The recipe is from the Pioneer Woman. So naturally they involve a lot of butter, a lot of cream, and a secret ingredient. Now I have to confess, I have never been a big potato eater. Growing up I actually hated them. And still do not like them in soup of any kind. However, mashed potatoes...especially ones loaded up with not-so-good-for you things....are permissible. I actually craved these during my last two pregnancies. Sometimes I proclaim myself a reformed mashed potato lover.<br />
<br />
They are incredibly creamy and flavorful (even without the gravy) and are like the added cherry on top of the Thanksgiving plate. Again, they can be made the day before, so all you have to do it pop them in the oven to get them all warm and creamy. Find the recipe <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/delicious_creamy_mashed_potatoes/">HERE at Pioneer Woman</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD_o-AQDSxzv6KG5y8sWk992B6Gai-SBawXwHwvSliaIAnQi4V0U_DyaJzPgO8RE7USlEe8ecw5xBdJMuMevcQ7tkSZgwdaUJjphTag8LzS15pQ3LSN4rA1p2Z5OvgQjToW77Oh9DQ4I/s1600/a1560c8f93d07a2e68bdb6496b9bafdd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD_o-AQDSxzv6KG5y8sWk992B6Gai-SBawXwHwvSliaIAnQi4V0U_DyaJzPgO8RE7USlEe8ecw5xBdJMuMevcQ7tkSZgwdaUJjphTag8LzS15pQ3LSN4rA1p2Z5OvgQjToW77Oh9DQ4I/s640/a1560c8f93d07a2e68bdb6496b9bafdd.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
Photo Credit: MadeFromPinterest.net<br />
<br />
Sweet Potato Souffle. It just sounds refined and delicious, and it is. It can easily double as a dessert or breakfast the next day. (not that I know anything about eating it for breakfast......) As with the theme of this post, it can be made SEVERAL days in advance. <a href="http://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/2013/11/01/sweet-potato-souffle/">Go HERE for recipe.</a><br />
<br />
And now to my favorite part (if that's even possible) DESSERT.<br />
<br />
Aside from the must-haves like pumpkin and pecan...ok, and maybe an French apple. I also like to make something a little fancy, super decadent, and most-likely to include chocolate. These have all been winners and are worth the little extra effort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaZPi0kZ_uWaZWAOcK6sPxbE1NJxoIXkuJpBR_m9ozVkNbDwKWsf_qDw7AxujuXL6QUcZ148r54vp7GSOWV03OApzVXikvmIHUlkTnuk9rFq1AWOPvpR-hFTMzOjq0LEGgmHNmN12KCI/s1600/vanillabeancheesecake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJaZPi0kZ_uWaZWAOcK6sPxbE1NJxoIXkuJpBR_m9ozVkNbDwKWsf_qDw7AxujuXL6QUcZ148r54vp7GSOWV03OApzVXikvmIHUlkTnuk9rFq1AWOPvpR-hFTMzOjq0LEGgmHNmN12KCI/s640/vanillabeancheesecake1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Photo Credit: Former Chef<br />
<br />
Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and Salted Caramel. I have a rule, when in doubt, dowse with salted caramel. It always makes a dessert appear fancier and like a labor of love. I'm not a big cheesecake person, but love making them. And this one I may have sneaked a few extra bites off my husbands plate. <a href="http://www.formerchef.com/2012/02/06/vanilla-bean-cheesecake-with-chocolate-crust-and-salted-caramel/">Go HERE for recipe from Former Chef</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUyW3xlPTUUmbv2CU_gFSX6yyOcXHt4ptg1XhjG7jjSaqhkPVWuS51AXtPHHXdac0NlWW-NqONWsru7_yxyP-eHI-0A7aX5njeSmsvF1hKAuUen8HVzp8mYDrY2F75HJLogiSj1n01F4/s1600/msmudpi1kR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUyW3xlPTUUmbv2CU_gFSX6yyOcXHt4ptg1XhjG7jjSaqhkPVWuS51AXtPHHXdac0NlWW-NqONWsru7_yxyP-eHI-0A7aX5njeSmsvF1hKAuUen8HVzp8mYDrY2F75HJLogiSj1n01F4/s640/msmudpi1kR3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Photo Credit: Bake or Break<br />
<br />
Mississippi Mud Pie. This one was actually tested and approved by a true 1/2 Mississippian. My Aunt lives in Mississippi part time, and happened to be here for Christmas when I made it. She said that it tasted like an official Mud Pie. I just thought it tasted good. (hint: might not be the best for little ones...it has a little booooooze in it. Ssssh.) <a href="http://www.bakeorbreak.com/2011/12/mississippi-mud-pie/">Go HERE to Bake or Break for recipe.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkOE2zXPz9R952VrGQPKTmlxbBBZlNc9DzsPT3WUPJCqg93lUy_lLmCI-L2gX5tNI-ifXqEY5i-zQIRnt0QElhEpevWYv63QIgZxFAdd4jiJTRyggQPCHSn7tZ7RO4JhsWyJUBXXSllk/s1600/DSC00821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkOE2zXPz9R952VrGQPKTmlxbBBZlNc9DzsPT3WUPJCqg93lUy_lLmCI-L2gX5tNI-ifXqEY5i-zQIRnt0QElhEpevWYv63QIgZxFAdd4jiJTRyggQPCHSn7tZ7RO4JhsWyJUBXXSllk/s640/DSC00821.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Photo Credit: Delicious Dishings<br />
<br />
This last one is one of my favorites. Three layers of chocolate. <b>Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake</b>.Rich, yet light and airy....so you might actually eat more than you intend. (Hint: Sometimes I make the first layer (flourless chocolate cake) a couple days ahead, then let it chill in the fridge overnight before I make the last two layers. I have learned the art of breaking up dessert making into several days, only for the mere fact that I have three little ones that often need me and are a lot more important than making cake. Plus it helps me not get overwhelmed and feel like I have a plan. <a href="http://megan-deliciousdishings.blogspot.com/2010/04/triple-chocolate-mousse-cake.html">Go HERE to Delicious Dishings for the recipe.</a><br />
<br />
Lastly, if in a pinch and you need a super quick dessert to make, just make a flourless chocolate cake, throw on some freshly whipped cream, drizzle with salted caramel.....and whoa. Yum. Easy.<br />
<br />
Hope you all have a really great Thanksgiving season. Enjoy those turkey dinners and spending time with all the people that you love so dearly. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0