Autumn

A few evenings ago, we loaded up the Boy and drove to a nearby park.  The air was warm, with just a hint of chill in the breeze.  We all wore jackets, but Patrick and Miles probably could have been just fine without them.  As they chased each other in lopsided circles, occasionally sword fighting, or tossing a ball, I lagged behind, breathing in the perfect weather, and the beautiful autumn colors.

 And sighed again at the passing of the seasons.  I will miss these spontaneous excursions, and the breaks by the waterside.

Oh, Autumn, how bittersweet you are. . .

The Perfect Birthday Party

Lots of fun

An awesome cake.

Sword-fighting with the cousins.

Opening gifts

Eating cake.

Feeding cake to Mommy (or, at least the frosting). :)

Popsicles instead of ice cream.

Reading one of the many books.

Sword-fighting with Grandfather

Happy Birthday to my boy. :)

Friday Photos!

My sleepy boy.Photo by Shelby.

Cuddled in his jacket.
Photo by Shelby.

"Help, please?"

Love that boy.

Friday (Saturday) Photos!

Lessons of Mommyhood

Ah, the things you learn as a Mommy. . .

1. Bedtime cannot occur without a sippy cup of water to cuddle.  Yes, I have a strange son.
2. Stroller sitting in the living room = toddler-sized recliner/jungle gym.
3. Toys will take over your life.  Resistance is futile.
4. People with young children should never - ever - move into a place with brand new carpeting.  You won't be able to tell after a week, anyway.
5. Mommy friends are awesome.  Mommy friends who are willing to trade baby-sitting are even better.
6. Don't look away from your child when he's in the bathtub.  The second you do, you will find him trying to climb out.
7. No matter how young, in-shape, and healthy you are, chasing a toddler will wear you out.
8. I am not in shape.
9. The one day that your toddler chooses to sleep in will be the day that he also set your alarm to wake you at the crack of dawn.
10. Nothing in the world is cuter than a toddler clad only in a brightly-colored cloth diaper.

Friday Photos!

Friday Photos! - Nostalgia Edition

I'm realizing more and more how far we've come in the past 22 months, and it has left me feeling a bit sentimental.  In honor of that, here's a little stroll down memory lane.

Friday Photos!

Friday Photos!

So, it's Saturday.  But whatever.  Here are some of the pictures from our trip to Denver.

Wind Farm in Western Kansas.  It was miles and miles of beautiful
windmills as far as the eye could see.  Gorgeous.

Watching TV is just as fascinating in Denver.

Mommy makes a good chair.

A beautiful pine cone at the park.

Aunt Gretchen is a superhero.  Perhaps her name will be
The Super Swinger.

Love those eyes.

And that expression.

Playing with Daddy.

One of the few pictures I have of the mountains.

Grandma LaDean's flower.

Licking the frosting with Daddy and Uncle Mike.

Chocolate goatee.

Watching airplanes.

Driving a fire truck at the Children's Museum.

Hanging with Uncle Mike.

Hanging with Aunt Gretchen.

Blowing bye-bye kisses to Grandma LaDean.