Dump Everything, Choo Choo and Rise Up!

We were honored to celebrate the sweet lives of Drew and Levi this morning at their joint birthday party. I debated saving this one {graciously taken by B.Hood} for our Christmas Card- considering it's so us! However, you know the perfectionist in me, insists on a "traditional" picture.

Running a little off schedule, we loaded up and headed to Lion's Park to celebrate the precious life of little Samuel. We love our friends and their sweet parties.

After a nap, Griffin got hauled over to the Hillman's {BIG thank you to Jennifer!} until halftime so I could tailgate and watch the game with the boys. Lucky me and good win for the Bears!

Special Day

More and more, it seems as though Little Brother really wantsto start more and more independent activities. It's all so bittersweet. Today he wanted to brush his teeth, so we opened his first, little boy toothbrush. Since he has almost all of his teeth, we scrubbed and worked to clean his little mouth. He loved every minute, until I had to take the toothbrush from him.  Big Brother was only a step behind, ready to demonstrate and help.

The boys went to Cafe Cappichino, in the rain, to celebrate Jennifer's birthday! We ate, played outside and thanked God for our sweet, sweet friend!

Silly Spoon

Creighton spent his dinner time making silly faces for the camera. Griffin spent his dinner requesting, by grunting, to eat with a spoon. He also insisted on feeding himself with the spoon!

Dinner time always gets more and more interesting!

Griffy Goes to Bed {So Easily!}

Didn't I already mention how different our boys are?!?! Griffin is ready for bed by 8 o'clock at night. Creighton would stay up until ten. Griffin just gets hugs and kisses, an occasional book reading, a short prayer and plopped down in his crib. No whines, no peeps, just rolls on his side, waits to be covered up and somehow falls asleep, in the dark, on his own. Creighton still wants to be read to, prayed with and then have someone  Mommy cuddle with him until he falls asleep.

I love the differences!

Dedicating Griffin

Surrounded by family and friends and our church body, we dedicated Grffin to the Lord. What a special time for us as we pray his little life will be use for the Kingdom.

Big Day with the Big Boys

Creighton and Benjie went on their first Dove Hunt of the season! Creighton also went to the first home game for the BU Bears football today. Pop-Pop and Uncle John David went along with him and Benjie. The Bears won and the dove hunting was successful.

When Brother's Away

While Big Brother was at school this morning, Brother Bear found himself nice and cozy in Big Brother's bedroom. He loves to play at the train table.

Big Brother was so tired from school, that after fighting falling asleep for a few hours, he crashed in his big boy chair. I found him surrounded by many books and was beginning to wonder why he was sleeping so long into the evening. I bet he didn't fall asleep for a while!

And, while the boys slept, I prepared a pork taco dinner for two different families, assembled with sides, dessert and breakfast for the next day! After we delivered the food, the four of us met the Hillmans at LaFiesta for fajitas. I was too tired to cook for us :)

No Lookin' Back

No more bottles for our little guy! He's moved on up to all sippy cups: milk, water, juice. He doesn't mind straw, lid, squishy or hard top. He just loves to guzzle down any liquid. We had to get a few new cups for him and rearrange our drawer space.

One thing is for sure, little brother loves to be big!

Fun Uncle Michael

After breakfast this morning, Jennifer and I decided to go get a pedicure. The boys were in charge of the boys. I think the night turned into Music night at Michaels, fun Uncle Michael's. Creighter loves him!

Meanwhile, Griffin got to take a few rides in Sawyer's dump truck before it was time to leave. Our kids are so lucky! 

I'm A Big Boy Now

Since he's one and all, we attempted to turn Griffy's car seat front facing while we went around town returning party items. You'd think he'd love it, but I guess with not feeling well, he didn't care too much. Good thing, because he has to stay rear facing until he's two! New law! No fun!

The Morning After the Party

We still had this bounce house, so when the boys were up before 7 am and the weather was "cooler," we went outside for some play time. Why not? They played and I was able to clean up some of the kitchen!

Through the Window

Through the window in my parent's sunroom, I captured this moment. Made my heart smile.

First Lady

When Katy invited me to a book signing at Books A Million, I couldn't pass up the chance to meet Former First Lady, Laura Bush. Although I didn't get to technically meet her, I did get to see her face to face. We had a fun night out on the town!
Because there were no cameras or phones allowed at the book signing, this is the only picture we've got of the evening. Not Laura Bush, but her signature on my book.

Whatever It Takes

When Griffin wakes up from his afternoon nap, he almost requests, in his own squealing, fussy until I comply way, to take a bath. The past two days, I've put him in my bathtub until big brother wakes up. He splish splashes and doesn't make an unhappy sound! Today, I was washing dishes and he "asked" to get in the water. I put him in the sink.

When Big Brother woke up, he requested to join Griffin. I couldn't refuse! Besides the mess of water and a few dirty dish towels, everyone was happy and carefree!

Tea for Three

While watching Max and Ruby, Creighton was fascinated with Ruby's tea party. Lucky for him, I had a few hours and some special treats. The three of us had our own tea party on the coffee table complete with tea juice {Crystal Light Peach Tea}, mini banana bread bundt cakes {homemade for a sip and see later that morning, and fake flowers. Creighter Bug was super impressed. It's the simple things.

Griffy loved the tea juice!

VBS's Petting Zoo

Creighton's class {with his super sweet teacher, Mrs. Amanda and her son, Brady} went out to look and touch the camels today at VBS. Though he looks a bit afraid, he actually stood beside the female camel and touched her...and then proceeded to put his fingers in his mouth!

Whatever it takes to learn a little more about The One!

Jesus, The One and Only

Today we started Vacation Bible School at our church. By eight fourty-five in the morning, Griffin is in his babies room. I'm working away teaching the older 2's- younger 3 year olds and Creighton is settled in his class.

I managed to peek in on him on our way to the playground. There he is, with Colton, listening intently to his teacher. What a good little boy!

Da-Da's Day

Nothing brings me more joy that seeing these three boys. There is just something special about a daddy and his relationship with his sons. I'm blessed God granted me this joy on Earth.

And this boy is a big daddy's boy! He loves their nightly bath time. And tonight, before we go get a haircut, he loved making a Mohawk! His first one!

Share Your Muffins

It's no secret this kid loves food! Mimi sent him some banana bread muffins and he ate all but two on his own. I couldn't help but snap away at his expressions.

A Favorite Memory

The boys are learning to play together alone. When I walked into Creighton's room, I found them just like this: Griffin just taking life easy and Creighton talking {on the phone}! That's about the story of our life.

Take My Breath Away

After we read our books and Creighton was tucked in for his nap, he asked me to sing him some songs, just like every nap time. Something about today, his innocence, his grown up mannerism, caught me off guard. I had to lay beside him and relish in His wonderful ways.

Cherishing him before he is all grown up.

Spending Sometime Outdoors

After we ate dinner, we casually played in our front yard. The boys played catch with the football and we enjoyed the nice, Texas weather. My boy and his football.

Taking life easy.

Playing with their hands-on daddy.

Long Over Due

Barbs and Lynnette came for a visit today. The boys had fun entertaining them and being entertained by them. I always heart a good visit with my dear, sweet friends.

Cousin Lovin'

Big Tristan was so helpful with Griffin while Kristi and I tried to rearrange my house. He held him, helped him walk and just spent time entertaining him when we couldn't. So fun to have cousins to play with!

No Telling

There is no way to know what these two are up to! Deacon and Creighton play so well together, but we never know what they end up teaching one another!

Floatin'

Creighton wanted to use out his new floaties, so we packed the gang and headed to swim at Michael and Jennifer's beautiful pool. My big, brave swimmer and his little brother just floatin'. Tristan was a bit afraid of Uncle BB's tricks!Aunt Kristi and the boys enjoying each other's company.