Memory Monday

This is a very special Memory Monday because it's Harrison's first day of Kindergarten!  Yes, that teeny 6-pound 11-ounce bouncing baby boy who seemingly was just snoozing on my chest and making sweet baby sounds is now big enough for kindergarten.  It's truly bittersweet.  As sad as I am to see him growing up (so very quickly), I'm ready to celebrate this next stage. 

So, let's take a look back one year ago at Harrison's first day of Preschool...

It's hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that this photo was an entire year ago...seriously seems like maybe 3 months ago.  And from what I hear from seasoned Mamas, the time really flies from this point.  I'll have a full "first day" post up in the next few days, so stay tuned!

One Last Summer Hoorah!

We spent Saturday at our church's annual "Family Fun in the Sun Day" celebrating the final weekend of summer break before school starts.  Though the heat was...well, hot...the kids kept their cool on a total of 4 water slides, lunch, snow cones and ice cream on our church grounds.  We headed home around 1:30 and both boys crashed in the backseat.  We all took a nap when we got home.  What is it about the heat that just makes me exhausted?? 

Special thanks to our awesome church family and the Children's Directors that give 110% every day for our kids -- We are so very blessed!

"Chillaxin out max and relaxin' all cool..." (Yes.  Fresh Prince of Bel Air throwback)

This picture cracks me up!  The look on Brig's face is terror, but Harrison's got that evil grin because he just pushed Brig down the slide -- they are brothers for sure.

Snow Cones!

Fun at the MOSH

A lazy Friday morning itching to get out of the house, we found ourselves at the MOSH.  I have to say this was my first time there in a very long time and the boys' first time, and we quite enjoyed it.  After our morning at the museum, we had lunch with the Thomas bunch at one of our favorite places to eat -- Cracker Barrell.

Playing in the Water Exhibit

Soaking Wet from the Water Exhibit

Logan, Meghan and Harrison

So interesting...

Water Balloons!

Harrison got a ginormous container of water balloons as part of a birthday gift from the Thomas family.  On a steamy July morning, I pulled them out and patiently filled 50 or so for the boys to play with.  I figured it'd buy me an hour minimum of play time.  What-ever!  Those things were g.o.n.e. in about 48 seconds!  Partly thanks to Brig, who just wanted to pick one up, pinch it til it bursts, repeat.  They still had fun and there are still hundreds left in the container to fill!

Independance Day

We celebrated July 4th weekend relaxing at the beach and visiting with family.  In the weeks leading up to July 4th, all of us except Justin had battled the stomach virus, and Harrison had it the worst.  Our weekend was great until -- true to form -- Daddy got the bug.  Needless to say, we just our trip a little short and headed home so Daddy could recover.  It was fun while it lasted!

Snow Cone with Cousin Gavin

Yummm

I made the boys 4th of July shirts and in all our busy-ness, I never actually snapped a picture of them in the shirts.

Pool Fun

Summer Family Portraits

Since getting my new camera back in December, I've been excited to take it to Sanibel.  It seems that every year we attempt to put together some family pictures on the beach on our last evening there, but it always falls through.  Either we head out too late and it's already dark or we're just exhausted and don't even feel like it.  Not this year!

For amateur portraits taken by myself (except the ones I'm in -- my MIL snapped those), I was very pleased and the boys did great.  Well, I never really worry about Harrison, but that Brig can give me a run for my money!

My Heart

Brothers

Mama's Boys

Best Buds

By far my Better Half

I may be partial, but this is the most beautiful child on the planet.

My Guys

Daddy's Clone

Sanibel Vacation 2011

As expected, the boys had the most fun on our annual trip to Sanibel.  It seems the older I've gotten, I don't feel like we need to spend an entire vacation going and doing and seeing everything.  It's much simpler now and I get the most joy out of simply spending time with my little family.  Playing in the sand.  Walking the beach.  Bike rides.  Mornings on the balcony. 

Though we're hoping for a different arrangement in accomodations next year, the summer is nearly over and I'm already aching to go back.  Maybe, just maybe, I can talk J into a little Labor Day Weekend trip, ya think??  (I can hope, right?)

Beachin'

Beachin'

Fun at Sanibel Park

Daddy's Boys

"Diss??"

Chillaxin' on a Bike Ride

...and a much-needed Icee to cool down!