Dear Santa Part II

They didn't scan well, but they're really cute in person.

Dear Santa

This is also Trevor's first attempt at writing his full name by himself...pretty special! :)

Mamaw

I meant to post this last week but it was crazy busy around here all week. Along with Thanksgiving, this year we missed Reed's grandmother's 90th Birthday gathering. We were truly sad to miss such an event that included cards from all over. I think the aim was at least 90, one for each year but they received well over 100 for her, which is a great testament to the number of people who care for her.
Happy Birthday Mamaw!

Ball Fan

This little guy has been really great through t-ball season for big brother. He doesn't understand why he can't play (a tad too young) but he's been a trooper sitting on the sidelines while Carson has all the fun. He usually brings a toy or drawing pad but does pay attention when Carson is at bat and will yell encouragement and advice from the sidelines.
"Go Shash! Try to catch dat ball with yous glub!! Go Shash! Run big! Go Shash!!"

Subsequently, Carson always runs to home plate with a big grin and a thumbs up for his biggest (little) fan.

Untraditional

This year was our very first Thanksgiving without our family. I lost my grandmother earlier this year and we moved all the way across the country and for the first time, Reed and I were without family on this big holiday. We were pretty sad thinking of our families back east getting together, having 90th birthday parties for grandmothers without us (!) and good-naturedly bickering over who gets the last biscuit. Some friends invited us to their home to celebrate with them, and although we were apprehensive about intruding on someone else's family for the day, it turned out very well. They were gracious and friendly, their home beautiful and the food delicious. I made my fruit salsa and homemade cinnamon chips because, with temps in the 90's here, it just didn't seem like hot apple cider weather. The boys fell in love with the youngest daughter of the house and haven't stopped talking about her today. We came home and played board games and made some new traditions that we will hopefully continue even if we are back home with family next year. We hope you had as good a time as we did!

Speaks for itself

Brothers

I have a brother, so I know a few things about them. I know they will share secrets and bad smells and questionable treats with you. I know sometimes they are your only friend, your best friend and sometimes you don't even realise how lucky you are to have a sibling because even though you may have best friends, bestest BEST friends, nobody really knows you like the person who sat next to you through lectures about cleaning your room, whom you gave all your childhood diseases to, who understands your pathos as an adult might have something to do with a bully in 3rd grade or not getting chosen for that part in the school play in 10th. Things you don't really tell anyone else, that they just already know. It's part of your package as a family, the knowing-too-much-but-loving-them-anyway package, that you don't really get to choose but usually works out for the best. So far, it seems to be working out for the very best for these two.

The Future

Ahh, to be carefree like this again. When he's older and complaining of responsibilties and bills and girlfriend woes, I am going to pull this picture out as a reminder for him to do something that puts the sun on his face, the wind in his hair and that look in his eyes. And maybe it will make him feel more at peace. I know it's working for me. click pic to make it larger--it's worth it

Moo and Pups

 

My boys are not nurturers by nature (Say that three times fast) but the other day for some reason they decided to play parents to these critters. If you know us, you know who claimed which varmint by the blankies, right? They insisted they come with us to T-ball and declared they needed to be buckled too. Carson did the safety checks and we were off. Thank goodness we travel safe, ya know?

Just like Childhood

 

I know it's a bit out of focus, but I couldn't resist this picture of Trevor. He's so camera shy it's hard to get a good picture of what my baby REALLY looks like from day to day--that big open grin, eyes full of light and excitement. Those wispy curls that fly out all over the place. And shouldn't all childhood memories look like this--supremely happy and slightly fuzzy? Real life with this 3 year old means not sitting still. And we wouldn't have it any other way.

With an average sized head

There's this commercial that comes on the kids station now that has Dora and George Lopez on it. At the end of the commercial, George goes, "And I thought I had a big head." Trevor, being the little sponge in the house, thinks this is hysterical.

Yesterday, someone came to the door trying to sell magazines. I let her do her spiel because I really feel awful turning someone down cold, but I also feel bad making people do all that work when I know I'm going to say no. Anyone got a happy medium for this?? Anyway, she does her routine and I'm telling her "Thanks, but we really don't need any magazines, but good luck" yadda yadda and just then Trevor peers through the doorway, looks at her and exclaims: "Man! I thought I had a big head!"

I thought she was going to crack up trying to keep a straight face. And yeah, maybe we didn't buy any magazines for her, and maybe she won't be able to go to Europe now on her summer vacation ("I get 500 points if you'd just get something from THIS page!!"), but I'm fairly certain she at least had fun at our house. Which may or may not be a deterrent for her friends. Be Warned: We are stingy with the pocketbook but free flowing with the witty banter. Even our young.

A Few more pics...

 

Sedona Part Two

Montezuma's Castle in Tuzigoot National Forest:

People lived in these holes...high up the mountain face:




Oak Creek Canyon Stream...





This time I got to see Sedona a bit more in depth and took some pretty pictures to share with you! It sure is beautiful!

Sweet!

Last night was super fun! Our whole neighborhood seemed to be outside...the weather here is very nice this time of year so many people just sat in their driveways handing out candy so they could watch the parade of kids going by.
We got started at 6, right at dark and all the kids were super cute. Carson-pirate, Trevor-Peter Pan, Dallas-Han Solo and Dylan-Yoda.

Just last year we were TOT'ing with the whole gang in Brandy's neighborhood out in Fletcher. Funny how much can change in a year.