First Haircut

We took the boys to get haircuts this evening.  This was Milo's first one.  He doesn't have much hair but he wanted to look extra spiffy for Auntie Lea's wedding.

Levi went first.  Milo, quite seriously, watched the whole process closely.

The 'before' shot.  His wisps were getting a litte out of control.

After she put the cape on him and spritzed his hair with water he began to reject this process.  We gave him a lollipop and all was right with the world again.

Whoops, I cut off the top of Levi's newly cut hair.

I know he just got some wisps trimmed off but it made him look more grown-up.  We went for frozen yogurt afterwards.

Good...

...to the last...

...drop.

"I'll just help myself to yours if you don't mind, Daddy."

Family Date

We had fun tonight on our Family date night.  You know how it goes, when Luke and I go out on a date it's usually somewhere with cloth napkins.  On Family date night, we usually go somewhere with napkin dispensers and plastic play equipment. 

The boys at our local Chik-fil-ay.  The play area was strangely deserted.  Milo got brave and for the first time started climbing instead of just toddling around happily watching the older kids run.

He was very excited to get this far.

"Hmmmm.  Curiouser and curiouser.  Should I investigate?"

"Well, big brother is going in so I am, too!"
Milo didn't venture far beyond the opening of the tube.  He couldn't quite work out how to get down so I did end up having to climb up there to retrieve him.

Am I incredibly blessed beyond measure or what??

My heart melted.  I assume it was from the sweetness but I suppose it could have been from the 100 degree weather.

He said, "I picked this spiky flower for you for Mother's Day, Mama!"

Next on the agenda was some shopping for the upcoming wedding.  Here the boys are trying on hats and other ring bearer accoutrements.  Side note:  do you think I should explain what a ring bearer is or go ahead and let them think they are 'ring bears'?

Levi said, "I'm pretending to be Mama!"

Our Week So Far

I watched the kids (all 6!) on Monday morning.  Making my job easier was 'Go Diego Go' on Netflix.  These four were so cute all huddled together watching the screen cheering Diego on that I had to grab my camera.  Just as I snapped this picture Levi suddenly leaned forward and gave Ben a kiss on the cheek.  He really loves his cousin.  Sometimes he's so sweet it about makes my heart explode.

Today Levi was wearing this costume pretending to be a zoo keeper.  After he abandoned it to pretend to be a soccer player, Milo toddled over to me holding out the shirt and hat and grunted purposefully.  I asked if he wanted to wear it.  He grunted in the affirmative.  I got him dressed and he strode around so pleased with himself.  It was adorable.

Milo at work with the vice grips.  In this case "at work" means thumping and banging things.

Like most things, he takes his play seriously.

Levi was busily scraping away.

They love living in a construction zone.

Friday-Saturday-Sunday

On Friday the boys and I explored our new neighborhood's park.  With the weather over 100 degrees, we didn't stay terribly long.

"Higher, Mommy!"

On Saturday we watched Ruby, Ben, and their two foster sisters for a little bit.  They played in our front yard with two big containers of water for quite awhile.  With the baby, we had six kids and it attracted the attention of both our neighbors one of whom brought out popsicles for all the kids to enjoy.  They were a wet, sticky, muddy, sweaty, happy group of munchkins.

Sunday evening we had pizza at Gran and Grandpa's.  Milo dined for the first time outside the high-chair or even the booster seat.  He was so proud of himself!  He's really not a baby anymore.  I love watching him enjoying being a big boy.

Flashback Friday- Baby Lynn

Here's a picture of my father-in-law shortly before he grew his beard.

Milo the Builder

Milo at work on one of the several 'nail boards' we have laying around for the boys. 

"I can work so much faster with a hammer in each hand!"

So far nobody has injured any digits.

"I have to be HOW old before you let me use the power tools??"

I kiss this face about a million times throughout the day.  Irresistible.

Scooterin' Around

Showing off the latest improvement to his beloved scooter: a personalized license plate.  His Gran and Grandpa brought it back as a souvenir from their recent trip to Tennessee.

He's also showing off his new "soccer shoes."  When I off-handedly refer to them as "tennis shoes" he corrects me with fervor.

Milo is holding on to another ssouvenir, this one of the noise-making variety.  I'm not sure what to call it but I think it might be Nashville's answer to the vuvuzela.

Happy Birthday, Lucas!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful, darling, amazing, stupendous husband.  You deserve all the superlatives and more.  We love you.

p.s. Maybe next year, when we have the family over to celebrate your 35th, it won't be amongst rubble.

their expressions match exactly here...

...and here.

Li'l Alison has gone thru a big growth spurt recently.

"Let's roll, cuz!"

Sunday Afternoon

We spent Sunday afternoon at Marji and Lynn's house.  They graciously let us use their laundry facilities AGAIN and fed us AGAIN.  Levi and Milo were excited about the most recent addition to the backyard: a kiddie pool.  Marjie took pictures and video as they played.  Most of their time was spent baling water out as fast as they could.

Scooter Ride

Levi's favorite activity is 'scootering'.

Every once and awhile he shouts, "red light!"  and we stop to follow the imaginary traffic light.

We, along with a lot of the country, have been under a heat advisory.  This walk turned out to be a little to long for our scooter rider.  He caught a ride with Milo in the wagon.

Flashback Friday- Baby Corrine

Marji and baby Corrine

Boys in a Boat

Two of our couches are sitting front to back in the great room.  Levi, while pretending to be a puppy, dubbed this arrangement 'a boat.'  He and Milo sail the high seas and wrestle around with each other in there.  It's extremely cute.

Row, row, row your couch...

ahoy matey!

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.

Independence Day

Our new neighborhood has the charming tradition of a children's 'Popsicle Parade' on the 4th of July.  The kids decorate their bikes, wagons, and scooters and all ride the length of the main street following a police car.  At the end, everyone gets lemonade and frozen treats and stands about being neighborly and such.  The fire department brings an engine for the kids to explore.  It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet more of our new neighbors.

He's proud to be an American.

Next year, you can ride a tricycle, I bet.

Levi enjoyed the fire engine which came as no surpirse.

This is Cookie, our next door neighbor dog.  The boys are very excited about her.  Holding her is Rick, one half of what Luke and I refer to as 'The Nicest Neighbors in the History of the World.'  Seriously, he and his wife have been SO kind and welcoming. 

Hefting the fire hose. 

Wiggly and distracted by the popsicles just behind us.

"Look!  More puppies!"

The parade had a good turn out.

Now that's brotherly love: sharing your popsicle.