Big Boys and Bikes

As you can see from the fact that our children are still in their jammies, from the time they wake up till the time we drag them inside kicking and screaming after dinner, we can usually be found playing outside on our big boy bikes. It makes no difference to Drew and Ben if it's 6:10 in the morning (which it was when this picture was taken, and we had already been up long enough to hit the donut store and come back home for our second cup of coffee), if its nine thousand degrees hot, or if its pouring down rain. None of that matters to them. What matters to them right now is being outside and playing together.

Here are just a few of my recent favs:

Smiling for Mommy on the "Bap-mobile"...pretty sure they don't get it.

Obviously, sticking your tongue out helps with concentration.

Ben consistently puts his sunglasses on upside down. Maybe he knows something about what all the cool kids are doing that we don't.We've had this little one-seater for forever, so I'm always surprised that this one is always the chosen favorite. This is what Ben, Drew and Brax decided I meant when I said to "share". But, at least they are all happy. This is how they drove around for at least 10 minutes, laughing all the way.

Fun With Our Cousin

Aunt Chelle, Uncle Dan and Dresden came for a quick visit on their way to Knoxville, and we had so much fun. It was a short trip, but we jam packed our time with them with a trip to the pool, grilling out, churning ice cream, golf in the backyard, church and Vittles (of course).

We only wish you guys could've stayed a little longer!

The Sun and Sand, Part 3

So after feeling very relaxed and rested from our time in the water, sun and sand, we unpacked our bags, did two-days worth of laundry, packed back up our bags and headed down to southern Georgia to visit my Nana and Papa. As it turned out, Michael had a sales meeting he had to atttend for work on Jekyl Island, which is about 45 minutes away from my grandparents' farm.

While we waited for him to get done with his meetings we had a great time picking all the blueberries and strawberries that we could eat. We happened to be there at peak harvest time for blueberries, so Drew was eating every one he could get his hands on. Ben, on the other hand, is quick to tell you that "I no wike bwew-bew-wees." But he sure can pick 'em.

We headed over to Jekyl Island to pick up Michael once he was done, and took the rest of the day to play at the beach there. Drew LOVED running after all the seagulls and couldn't understand why "they no want to pway wif me." Ben, screamed with excitement at every wave that he jumped into, with Daddy's help, of course. Then, after we had had all the fun we could stand for one afternoon, we headed back for two days of hanging out with my grandparents.

My Papa had a very successful career as an engineer for the CSX Railroad line before he retired. He graciously gave the boys several things of his for their Choo Choo big boy room, and he also wanted to show them one of the trains that he worked on. That train - and lots of other railroad stuff - is set up at the RailRoad Museum in Waycross, so we took the boys to see it. Here are Ben and Drew in the Conductor's Seat. This was so cute to me because they have a book that they love called "Engine, Engine Number 9". And this is such a special picture to me. This is my Papa showing Drew a picture of himself with his crew of men in front of the very train the boys were just on. When the museum opened, my Papa not only helped get that engine in it's place, but also donated many of his own personal memorabilia for exhibits. We were lucky enough that my Mom and Dad were able to drive over from Montgomery to spend the last couple of days there with us too. It was great to all be together, and we definitely can't wait to go back at Thanksgiving.

The Sand and Sun, Part 2

About three days after MawMaw and PawPaw left, MiMi came into town for some fun of her own. She stayed with Ben and Drew (with the help of BeBe) while Michael and I went down to the keys for a little getaway of our own. Here's a picture of us girls down in Key West.And here's a shot of Michael and I at the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S. the last time we were in Key West...can't you tell I'm almost 7 months pregnant with Ben and Drew in this picture??? One week after we got back in town from this trip 3 and a half years ago, I went into preterm labor with them, and then promptly got put on bedrest. And here we are this year!

It was such a perfect trip, full of great food and a great time with friends.
We sure did miss our boys, and were really glad to get home. But we had a GREAT time hanging out with some of our dearest friends and reconnecting with each other. Thank you Mimi and BeBe for playing with the buddies while we played on the beach!!! We love you so much!

The Sand and Sun, Part 1

A few weekends ago, we were able to spend some time with MawMaw and PawPaw. We were -- of course -- so excited to spend some time with them, and take them to do some fun things. But as it turned out, they brought all the fun with them, and we really didn't need to leave the house to do any of it. They surprised the boys with a new sandbox for the backyard, and new sets of golf clubs.

Needless to say, these have both been a huge hit, and we spend most of our days playing with both. The boys were much to "busy" working on sand castles to be bothered with a picture. But this is the best I could do to get all four of them together.


When we did finally leave all the fun of our own backyard, we did end up taking them to our favorite park up the road. Here Ben and Drew are showing PawPaw how we like to throw rocks in the creek and pick up worms. We also took the to see our zoo, but for some reason those pictures won't upload.

Suffice to say, we all had a great time getting to visit and catch up with them. Thank you for the awesome sandbox you guys!! We love you!!