Picnic

The boys and I had a picnic the other day. In our living room. It was too hot outside to brave the sun and bugs, so we spread out "Daddy's Army Blanket" (as Garrett calls it) on the living room floor and enjoyed our picnic lunch together. I hardly ever get pictures of the boys and me, since I'm usually the one taking the pictures, but I decided to set the timer on the camera and attempt to get a couple good shots of me and my boys. They turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself. :) I love these boys...more each day.

Oh, Nolan...

I feel like I say that phrase--or some other variation--about a million times a day. He's so BUSY right now! Whether he's emptying out the pots and pans or unraveling the toilet paper again, he just doesn't stay still. I love this age, I really do, but it's exhausting. It's a good thing his big brother loves to run and be crazy as much as he does! Even though they wear me out, I wouldn't change them for the world...they are such a blessing in my life.

Yes, he climbed up onto the truck all by himself and was clapping/dancing on top of it. He's got some mad balancing skills!

He found the foil. I put it away four times before he finally was too quick for me and got it all off the roll. He's persistent!!

Haircuts!

BEFORE

AFTER

PS: I know that I didn't have a "before" shot of Garrett but it was getting pretty shaggy again. Both my boys look so big now!!

Garrett the Photographer

Garrett loves to take pictures. Of the tv. The computer. Us. So here are a few of his latest and greatest photos, complete with his very own titles.

"Starfall--Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes"

"Thinking Daddy"

"Me"

"Moey Drinking Milk"

"Mommy and Moey"

Birthday Party Attempt :-]

Nolan's birthday is in the middle of August, which, here in Texas, means HOT!!! So we decided to have a birthday party for him at a local spray park (or a sprayground as some call it). Makes sense, right? Unless, of course, there is a series of freakish thunderstorms that leads to flash flooding. Like today. :) We kept our eyes on the weather throughout the day and it looked as if our party time might be in a window of cloudy but rain-free weather. We went early, set up for the party, our friends showed up and about 15 minutes later...BOOM! Thunder. Massive thunder. Followed by equally loud lightning. We tried to wait it out and let the storm clouds pass by. We even had Nolan do his official cake-smash on Russ's lap between claps of thunder. But then the rain came and it was time to pack it in. Nolan, we tried. We really really tried. But you, my darling little water-baby had a blast and were oblivious to the extreme weather taking place all around you, so I suppose we can call it a success?? I have to say, our friends were awesome and stuck it out until the very end. Here are the few pictures I took during our 30 minute birthday party.

Notice Garrett's pouty face. He so wanted that cake. Don't worry, you'll see him smiling in the video soon.

And Garrett helps him out. Sweet.

This was our view from the car as we left the park. POURING. Definitely a birthday to remember.

Nolan turns ONE!

Our littlest guy turned one year old on Tuesday! We decided to take him to the park to play before it got too hot to enjoy it. He and Garrett both had a blast running around and climbing on the playground equipment. We did do a mini-celebration that night with cupcakes and let him demolish one of his own. It's hard to believe that it's been an entire year since we brought him home and turned our family of three into a family of four. It's been exhausting, wonderful, crazy, and amazing. We love you, Nolan!!

Sorry, Airborne Bear, he's got chairs to climb and messes to make.

I'm ONE??!?!

21 lbs 6 oz

30 1/2 inches tall

Brotherly "love"

My big boy hanging out in Nolan's room.

This is just a glimpse into the chaos that ensues when the boys are left to play together in Garrett's room for more than 15 minutes at a time. Total destruction.

At the park!

What IS this?

 Feels squishy but tastes all right...

...yummy!! Happy Birthday to ME!