Family Pictures

I've slowly been letting go of the idea that our family pictures need to be perfect.  For a long time I let family picture day turn me into a crazy person.  Sad, but true.  Stressing about everything from what we will wear to whether or not my kids will have "normal" smiles.  (You know what I'm talking about!) ;)  When I'm older and the memories of this time in my life become fuzzy around the edges, I'll have our pictures.  In perfect pictures I'll probably see a slick hairdo I forced some one into that morning, a fancy pair of loafers that were never played in because we only got them for picture day, and the kind of smile plastered on a face that says "my mom just threatened me."  Is that really what I want to remember?  Or do I want to remember them as they truly were?  I can imagine my heart being warmed as I notice that unruly patch of hair that just couldn't be tamed so we never bothered...the collared shirts paired with crocs because what else would they grab when we tell them to put on their shoes...glimpses of their personalities that shine through in a signature smirk or a thumbs up.  That's them.  That's what I want to remember.

I've been doing better the past year or so, and my crazy has been showing less and less come picture day.  But this was the first time I feel like I really got it right.  Now, in all honesty, I was totally at Kohl's two days before trying to pull together coordinating outfits.  But, I wasn't stressed!  It was actually fun (I was alone so that contributed heavily to the no-stress factor) :)  Anyway, Abby is not only an amazing photographer, but I'd also count her as a friend.  I'm sure that comfort factor had something to do with things going as well as they did. She just let my boys be boys and I think they actually had fun on family picture day!  Gasp!!  She captured some fantastic shots.  I'm in love with all of them. :)  My sister's response to the one I posted on fb?  "This is SO your family!"  Nailed it.

A beautiful birthday

Hubby has drill this weekend, but Nana and Papa are in town and were able to join us yesterday for pumpkin baby's birthday.  There just happened to be a fall festival going on at our local park that I thought would be a great way to get out and celebrate.  The weather was absolutely perfect!  As soon as we got there C wanted to head straight to the sand art tent. He and Papa did that while my mom and I took the littles to check out the farmer's market that was going on right next to the park.  I got some local honey and lil' peanut got to see a big 'ol monarch caterpillar so I'd call it a win.

The festival had lots of fun carnival game booths set up for the kids.  They were all Halloween themed and the kids loaded up on candy prizes.  Well actually, lil' peanut loaded up on candy.  C would sift through the prize buckets to find the few non-candy trinkets that were up for grabs.  That's so them.  The way to lil' peanut's heart is often through food. ;)  And C loves his "stuff."  It's how I know that when they both get money for a gift we'll be making a trip to Starbucks and Toys R Us. Treat for one, toy for the other. :)

A bounce house is always a hit!

My mom thought she was photo bombing me, but in reality, lil' peanut was photo bombing both of us.  Ha!

The birthday boy trying his hand at pumpkin bowling.  Remotes, train tracks, sippy cups...the kid is always throwing something at home but he was too unsure about that plastic pumpkin to do anything other than skeptically look at it. ;)

"I'm outta here mom!"

After we did all the carnival games Nana treated the boys to snow cones and we settled in for a little magic show with Ronald McDonald.  It was cute (entertaining even for us grownups).  C started out right in the front row close to the action and after quietly gathering his courage lil' peanut joined him. It was so cute to see him plop down as close as he could get to big brother.  Then he even stood in line by himself and took a picture with Ronald after the show.  Big stuff for my cautious little introvert. :)

After the magic show the boys played on the playground and in between watching them run around I was able to look down and see this.  One of my favorite things about babywearing.  It's hard to believe an entire year has passed since this sweet baby made his entrance into the world.  

Daddy made it home in the evening just in time for cake.  And just like that, the day was over.  My baby is, according to some definitions, now no longer a baby.  He can technically be considered a toddler.  But, you know what?  I woke up the next morning with the little bug snuggled up next to me and really nothing had changed.  Just as his oldest brother has woken up after each birthday and still managed to stay my baby, it seems he has the same ability. :)  I've learned over the past 8 years of mothering that I cannot control time....whether I'm wishing to speed up the day or slow down the years.  As cliche as it sounds, all I can do is "enjoy the ride."  The lighting of birthday candles will always be bittersweet.  Because there are things about every stage I find my babies in that I wish I could hold onto forever.  But, as they grow and change, there is always something new to love.  And candles on a cake don't mean a thing.  They'll always be my babies. ;)

Happy First Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday sweet baby.  What a bright year it's been with you in our lives.  We love and adore you like we never thought possible.