Got milk?

I was returning from Houston today and got home after the boys went to bed. I found this photo from a few weeks ago. The boys are enjoying a tall glass of milk on the curb across from our house. Looking cute - as always.

Update

I was able to spend the day with my dad. Click here for an update. Sorry no pictures of the boys today.

Memory lane

I thought my days were full when I just had this one precious face smiling back at me. I had no idea the fun that was in store for our family when we added a little brother to the mix. This photo was taken on this date, two years ago. We had just bought our plane tickets and were packing our bags to go to Vietnam. Liam was barely five months old and we couldn't wait to get our hands on his little body. In the meantime, Ben had just started sleeping in a big boy bed, learned to ride a bike, and was talking up a storm. Sweet memories.

Well deserved break

It has been a long week of juggling many responsibilities. I decided we all deserved a break and headed to the water park. Thanks to Aunt E, who is here all the way from Washington State, to lend a hand - I have this one photo of me and the boys. We got this cool new, two sided cup so two can drink at once.

Super heros, fears and me, too

My kids love costumes and I am so glad. They get so much joy out of being super heros! And, their pretty stink'n cute, too!

I caught Ben in mid-air today. He really couldn't be happier with his little self. Ms. Carrie, his teacher, is wonderful. Each time he gets to the end of the board he says to her, "don't let my face go under". And, she reassures him that she won't. He jumps and gets the biggest grin on his face as he "swim" to the side. Oh, to conquering fears. I am so proud.

I feel so bad for Liam. He wants to swim so badly. Each morning this week he has hung out in the very humid swim arena (which is fabulous but very hot) and asked "my turn?, my turn?" over and over. Here he is trying to get his shirt off so he can go jump off the diving board, too. Soon, baby, soon.

Leap of faith

I find that it's pretty easy to cry these days. So, when Ben stepped out on the very high and very long diving board, I choked up. When he jumped, it was all I could do to hold it back. My sweet baby is growing up. And, he was so proud. He did it TWICE. He asked me half a dozen times today if he gets to do it again tomorrow.


His Aunt E, who is here helping me run our family business while my parents are in Houston, took him to the toy store tonight and bought him a HUGE transformer for his major accomplishment. She claimed it was her right because she doesn't get to play the aunt role all that often because they live so far away. Great. Now, what are we going to do when he actually swims?? (Don't worry, it's all equal around here, Liam got a special new toy as well.)

Poppy

The past week has been extremely difficult for our family. Though the boys continue on in little boy bliss, the adults are struggling with some of life's biggest challenges.

We said goodbye to my sister and her children, as they left to begin their new life in Saudi Arabia.

We celebrated the life of Rob's grandfather at his memorial service on Saturday.

We learned that my precious father, the boys Poppy, is very ill. We have created a Caring Bridge website in order to communicate with friends and family the on going situation with my dad. You are welcome to follow along here. Prayers are greatly appreciated.