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.

Swim

The boys are loving the water! We spent hours in the pool while in Jonesboro for Paw-Paw-Paw's memorial service. Liam surprised us by jumping in and wanting to go unassisted with his "shark" life vest. He was so proud. Ben also completed the "Snorkel Challenge" - putting his head underwater ten times - and he got a snorkel. He starts swim lessons tomorrow. We have talked a lot about how you don't wear your "shark" to swim lessons!

Brothers

Little kids holding hands is the sweetest thing!

Just a few things

With my sister's move out of the country, came the distribution of many of their worldly possessions. My sister and her family choose to give away, loan or dispose of things they didn't want to put in storage. We are the proud recipients of many such items!
Here are just a few...
The piano our great aunt bought us when we started to learn to play (many many years ago). Liam is stink'n cute sitting at it. Makes him look so tiny.

The Rudolph slippers that Rob bought for Riley when he was in kindergarten and they were having pajama day. Ben was THRILLED. He wore them the entire day - even for his nap. (Yes, he covers his head with his blanket if he is trying to fall asleep in the light.)

Play time

Waiting for the door to open. I had them put their socks on at the house because I can't stop them once we are in the building. Off go their shoes and they in the maze.




About ten times through this huge maze and they are ready for a nap.

Meet Good Dog

This is Good Dog. He is a very good dog and we love him very much. Good Dog has come to live with us and we couldn't be happier. As I said, he is a very Good Dog.