Yay and Neigh

Were playing in the yard Saturday night, when we were reminded that Ronnie was playing at White Rock Coffee. So in neighborly fashion, we jumped in the car at 8:10pm to catch his set. Reece was a little rambunctious with partner in crime Aidan, so we didn't stay long.

I enjoyed Trey and Ronnie both, and love watching people do what they absolutely love.

Whole lotta love

Friday was Building Blocks Open Playgroup, where moms can connect while the kiddos play. We started these back up in hopes that moms really in need of community, a playdate, or just some time out of the house could come and just be. After all, many of us were and are this same mom at times.

It started a slow morning as Reece and I played in the mat room for about 45 minutes before anyone showed. I was playing 'hostess'.

Once they showed, I really, really enjoyed our time together. Being in the mat room brought back so many memories of that cherished room and friends. And, does anyone remember how BALD he was? Click here and here. I wish I took a few pics of that room today, as a reminder of how much things have changed. At the same time, today felt much like things had stayed the same...so many good friends to share life with.

We retreated outside to eat lunch and the kids sat and at so nicely (what?, i know!). Then they played and had so much fun together. Although I haven't taken many pictures lately, today I was inspired again.
Seeing their joy brought me joy.
I've got a a whole lotta love for both these moms and these kids. I adored playing with them today.While I just had to catch Bailey in the moment (I like a good challenge, Bailey!), Katherine was quite the opposite. It was clear she was used to the camera...and liked it. ; )She's a good big sister, too, encouraging Caroline up the steps in her ADORABLE leg warmers!LOVE. Twisted tongue, princess cup, sassy pose, and tickles from Ms. Sundee to get that beautiful, beautiful smile.Jack gave me so many smiles. He is absolutely adorable with that red hair. Below is one of my favorites today.I have a feeling this is Kyle's studio smile. Cracks me up.Most of the time your head was deliberately turned the other way...
but I caught you again, Bailey!Played peek-a-boo with Caroline.
(I saw you being born, beautiful girl!)Even though he's a great smiler, this one above of Crawford I love. See what I mean about the smiles?Now there's a real smile, Kyle!
Lacey, oh those eyes, that smile, that skin, that hair...what a beaut!While most of these were candid, in-the-moment shots, these next two REALLY were. Kyle, Reece, and Bailey were pretending to be dogs asleep until someone would break out into a giggle...LOVE these!There's a whole lotta love to go around.

Eyelash

Last night at the Memorial Day celebration at Flag Pole Hill, my two guys and I picnicked on a blanket listening to music and waiting for the fireworks. So many other families sat with us and did the same. What a neat evening.

7 months pregnant and a hot one (the evening, not me!), I didn't take many pictures. But, I peered over my shoulder and saw this...an eyelash moon peering through a magnificent tree, and children playing as families relaxed under the peacefulness of the sky.

I must admit, I didn't even get out of my chair to take it, although the twisting of my awkward belly was something to note. ; ) I was so thankful, though, to be given such a sweet memory from our evening.

I saw this contest on Stacey's blog and thought I'd enter with the picture given me last night. I'll be adding this site (www.iheartfaces.com) to my Google Reader for sure. What a great name. <3

Check out Stacey's and other great silhouettes. Hope you enjoyed this one.

Tuesdays

Tuesday, we have a bit of a routine. Kir runs an errand in the morning while I watch Foster (Gman is at school). Then later, I go to yoga while she watches Reece.

Today, the ducks were back again so we grabbed our bread heels and sat on the stoop. Reece 'frew' the bread to the ducks, while Foster was more interested in eating it himself. That's soooo Foster. ; )Back inside, I fussed at Reece when he took a toy away from Foster. In my reprimand, I said, "Reece Foster!". (I know. I've become that kind of mom that calls my kid by his first AND middle name when he's done something wrong.)

Well, poor Foster immediately looked up at me, the smile gone from his face. Thankfully, he didn't get upset by my tone, but it was hard to explain to the 1 year old that I wasn't actually talking to him. I'm sure going to have to be careful about that!

Memor-able evening

Spent our Memorial Day the same as last year, at Flag Pole Hill's celebration, complete with music by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and a pretty spectacular fireworks show. Sitting on blankets spread under a big shady tree, and a picnic dinner with neighbors and friends - my kind of evening. Evidently, this guy's too...Ahhh, my handsome guys were really into me snapping a quick one of them, weren't they? D caught me, and Reece gave me his ornery face. ; )We broke out the glow-in-the-dark bracelets as the sun began to set.It set quickly, and spied the eyelash moon sticking out of that big beautiful tree, while kiddos and families enjoyed the evening.The fireworks started, and we quickly learned that Reece is still afraid of the loud booming noises. I am in no way saying these are great firework pics, BUT...I was holding and comforting a crying Reece (saying "I want to go home.") with one arm and took these one-handed with the other, with a slow shutter speed. I was amazed any of them looked even half way decent.The dome is where the orchestra was playing, and the blue sparkles were the start of the show...sooo simple and beautiful.Love the smoke wave effect and the simple white sparkler.

2nd annual, I think we'll make it a 3rd. It's simple, right down the street, and just a special evening I look forward to. Join us next year!

Kir

Dude, happy birthday most awesomest friend of mine.
I could get majorly sappy, as it's easy to do with a friend like you.
All I'll say is that I am so thankful God made you.

Last minute lunch plans at Matt's on Saturday changed to Bob Armstrong dip and shopping extraordinaire at North Park. Great choice, if I do say so myself.

At Matt's, Kir opened her gifts from Mel, Ang, and I. She loved the Boy Mom t-shirt, but THIS was the reaction to the necklace with a picture of her two handsome boys. (with an added, 'put that camera down' element)The last time we took a picture together was at the end of the photo shoot of the James family. We thought we were looking decently cute, but never laughed harder once we saw the results. We coined ourselves blow-up doll and giraffe neck. I think we can say both nicknames work for me now...The mall was fun. Kir got THE CUTEST brown dress! I, on the other hand, got new underwear...yeah, exciting. Seriously, I guess I haven't been in public much (aside from w/ other moms), because EVERYONE looked and stared at my belly. I must be huge!I was thankful for our unexpected time together today. Kir had the best birthday and was showered with phone calls, emails and special moments, making her day feel something extraordinary.

Extraordinary - that's how I'd describe her.
Happy, Happy Birthday, Kir!

haircute

Today was haircut #5 I think.
When I was on the phone with Wes making the appointment, Reece said, "Noooo. I don't want a haircut. I don't like that tickly thing." Ah yes, the dreaded clippers.

He actually did great and chatted with the other guys in the barber shop even after he was done. I asked him if he was ready to go, and he said, "No, you have to take my picture first...on the bench."

Well, ok then.

He darted outside, plopped down on the bench while I quickly nabbed my camera.Wes came out and asked him to make a silly face.This last (and the first) are my favs.
That's why it's not just a haircut...it's haircute.

interview

While I was at yoga on Tuesday, Kirsten interviewed Reece.
Some of these answers are sooo random, some are sooo funny, some sooo sweet, and some sooo true.

I'm certain had I done the interview with him, I would have gotten different answers. So glad she did it. Thanks, Kir.

K: What is something that your Mom always says to you?
R: I love your toys.
(so random!)

K: What makes your Mom happy?
R: When I give her hugs and kisses.
(oh yeah!)

K: What makes your Mom sad?
R: Not minding her
(Amen to that, Reece)

K: How does your Mom make you laugh?
R: by singing songs

K: How old is your Mom?
R: I don't know. 3 or somethin'

K: How tall is your Mom?
R: Really big, like you.
(Then he told Kirsten that she looked like she had a baby in her tummy too. Nice.)

K: What is her favorite thing to do?
R: play in the kitchen
(uh, neither playing NOR my favorite, but super cute answer)

K: What does your Mom do when you're not around?
R: "Where are you???" Like that.

K: What is your Mom really good at?
R: bringing me things
(uh, yeah, too good at that)

K: What is your Mom not good at?
R: I don't know. She's really good at anything.
(good one, Reece)

K: What does your mom do for a job?
R: Writes stuff for people. And that's a really good job to have.
(huh? this is the weirdest one. Every time I have ever asked him what my job is he says, "taking care of me". Evidently I'm more diverse than I realized.)

K: What is your Mom's favorite food?
R: eggs
(clearly I was trying to encourage some bfast eating this morning)

K: What makes your Mom proud of you?
R: When she gives me kiss and hugs
(I'm guessing he was answering what I DO when I'm proud of him)

K: What do you and your Mom do together?
R: play

K: How are you and your Mom the same?
R: (makes a silly face) Like that.

K: How do you know your Mom loves you?
R: I think that I just learned it.

K: What does your Mom like most about your Dad?
R: giving him hugs

K: Where's your Mom's favorite place to go?
R: Target. (by far the quickest answer he gave)

New Kid on the Block

Palmer is our newest kid on the block. We're excited to have another boy; the gals were starting to really outnumber them. And, he is sooo incredibly handsome for a brand spankin' newborn.Big sister Ainsley is learning to adjust to life with this little guy.Ainsley giving her little brother a kiss...uh, or is she? ; )Palmer recovered quickly from his 'kiss' and went back to his sleepy, cute, drooly self.

Man, just a couple more months and we'll have two more newborns on the block. Sooo exciting!Welcome, Palmer!!!