Just a Little Throwback

I have no words.  My heart is breaking, but I LOVE the man that he is becoming.

Grant's Farm 2015

Summer would not be complete without a trip to one of our favorite St Louis attractions.  We decided that we should make visiting Grant's Farm a priority and managed to work it into our busy weekend.  This was Jaxson's 3rd visit, but this was the first time that he actually experienced the animals up close and personal.  He definitely had mixed feelings about the aggressive goats and birds.  The animal encounter show is always a crowd favorite.  Of course, we are all convinced that the innocent human volunteers are the most entertaining part of the show.  Once again, the humans didn't disappoint.  Scott took several random photos of me with the kiddos, and he warned me not to delete them.  Can I just say that seeing photos of myself is humbling?  Ugh...  Anyhoo...he explained to me that the kiddos will appreciate them when I pass into Heaven.  Somber, but true.

What's Up? (said in my best gangster voice)

Sometimes I blink and the weeks seem to have vanished.  It often feels as if nothing important happens in the normal day to day, but the "normal" moments that happen in the quiet are often the ones that I desire to remember the most.

-Last night, Jax headbutted Olivia which resulted in a chipped permanent tooth.

-Andrew earned the title, MVP of basketball camp last week.

"This boy... Something amazing happened for him today, but he asked me not to share with the ENTIRE world (aka Facebook). His humble spirit makes me even more proud. He inspires me to work harder, overcome my anxieties, and have a teachable spirit. I have never been more confident that God has the most amazing plans for him. ‪#‎proudmomma"

-We hosted an Independence Day celebration on Saturday.  God encouraged me to practice hospitality this year, and I am really learning to enjoy it.  Our home has never been more loved and filled with laughter.

-Scott and I planned the perfect date night at the Muny to experience the award winning musical, Hairspray.  Unfortunately, the weather took a quick turn for the worse, and we found ourselves racing to the car in a downpour.

For the Love of Water...

Jaxson had a change of heart this year.  He went from hating any and all water activities to absolutely loving them. In fact, we think that a healthy dose of fear would be a blessing at this point. 

Splash him in the face...he giggles.  Dunk him under the water...he comes out screaming, "More!"  

I think that these photos sum up his relationship with the water hose perfectly.

Sweet Memories (Summer Edition)

He steals my phone and hides multiple times each day.

I know that one day very soon her room will be void of any and all dolls.  I am really treasuring these precious moments.

We traded the hustle and bustle of our real life for a day 

spent fishing, boating, bike riding, and relaxing in the country.

 (There might have been a little accident involving a gator, a birdhouse, and a grandma.)

Olivia, the Stylist

After helping me with Jax's photo shoot yesterday, Olivia was inspired to style her own photo session.  She chose and created the props, wardrobe, and poses.  I just showed up, held the camera, and snapped the photos.  I really enjoyed watching her personality shine, and her bossiness was put to good use.  Maybe there is a touch of me in this child after all.

(This shot is my absolute favorite.)

Yep.  Just of touch of me and a whole lot of her daddy...