First Day of Preschool

He was beyond excited for this day to come. "First day of school, mom! First day of school!" He was so excited to finally use his backpack and his new shoes from Uncle Chase and Kortney. He woke up at 6:30 since his excitement could no longer be contained. And the hand in his pocket below was all his idea.

And then he was loosing patience and just wanted to get to school.

Finding his name to hang his backpack with his friend Noelle and sweet teacher Mrs. Handley.

And then he ran inside his classroom without looking back like he had done this whole school thing for years.

At least when I picked him up I got the warmest hug and the widest smile. He had so much, for the record, and cannot wait to go Thursday.

One Handsome Senior

Speaking of discovering old photos, look at this handsome senior. The white blazer and black tie, and do not get me started on the beauty of the black and white print. Timeless.

Comparisons: Logan and I

Most people have no problem identifying that Gavin is a mini-Sean except with my hair color. Logan, however, often draws a bit more investigation from which parent he gets his looks from. The conversation is on the table in case you have any input, by the way.

Last May I was looking through my father's old photos for a 60th birthday photo book when I stumbled along some great pictures of him and I. While scanning them into my computer, I instantly saw several faces that Logan often pulls. I tried to find similar poses for comparison, but what are your thoughts? Do you think Logan looks similar to me as a babe?

My New Favorite Running Partner

Last night I was gearing up for an evening run since sleeping in that morning was divine, and Gavin insisted he go running too. He has been asking for a couple days so he strapped on his running shoes and came right along. He was such a good runner! He went much further than Sean or I thought he would. He was chatting with me the whole way while running a great pace. At the very, very end with home insight, Gavin asked if he could hold my hand cause he was 'just a little tired.' That request moved Gavin to the top of my favorite running partner list. Sorry Coach LeAnn, you might have just been replaced.

Another Sneak Peak of 30

Sean's mother has been mailing one postcard a day to celebrate the 30 days prior to Sean turning 30. I love it! Gavin has even asked occasionally if the pictures were of him as a big boy. Ha! Well we have a wall of pictures growing in our kitchen and I will happily showcase the final result. Until then, here is another sneak peak. What a stud!

Motherhood in Motion

Gavin got ahold of the point-and-shoot camera the other day and took the following series. Gavin is always a little eager to show me the picture he just took so all the shots are a little blurry for him moving the camera prematurely. No matter for the moment was captured and he enjoyed himself. Besides isn't motherhood always in motion anyway?

30 days until 30

In 30 days this guy turns 30!

Here is Sean reading in his bedroom in 1986.

Fun with a Puddle

Yesterday we encountered a beautiful afternoon storm which altered our outside play plans. Logan was sweetly napping while Gavin and I were watching the rain fall outside our large, front room window.

Gavin exclaimed, "I know mom! How about we collect rain in a bucket?" I countered his idea with "What if we put on our swimming suits and played in the rain?" "That's a pretty good idea, mom!"

By the time we woke Logan and donned our swimming suits, the rain had all but ceased to our disappointment. The giant puddle in our driveway bend, however quickly caused spirits to rise again.

Somewhere someone first said that a boy is basically moving dirt.

So true, my wise friend. So true.

Seven Years Ago

At 11:10am in the Salt Lake LDS Temple seven years ago, I sat next to my best friend and felt completely at peace about to marry him. Looking at the picture above, we were both kids making a very big, but what proved later to be a wise decision. I still remember him smiling at me and holding my hands as we waited in the Celestial Room for our family and friends to fill our Sealing Room for the ceremony. Our hearts were racing and we were excited to start a new life together. We have had a beautiful marriage these past seven years and have had countless blessings fill our lives. In the past seven years we have lived in 3 states, owned 3 vehicles, rented 3 places, earned 3 degrees, owned 1 home, and happily welcomed 2 perfect sons into our family. I am starting to feel older than the age I have frozen myself at mentally, especially now that we have been married seven years. They have been happy years filled with laughter, travel, excitement, learning, growth, and additions. We live a blessed life, but we live it together happily.

The Beach with Papa

Before staking our claim of St. Augustine Beach, we stopped by the splash park for some morning fun. This park had a playground steps away too; the all-around package.

Then off to beach cruising for the perfect spot. It was high tide so that made for sandy waters. A characteristic that does not stop our boys. Look at Gavin attack the water with his jumps and kicks.

And lastly, proof that I do exist and experience all this great fun too.

No Noise was Sweeter

Here is Logan enjoying his breakfast one-arm rested style.

He is cool like that. Actually, he is super cool like that.

Then after breakfast, my dad dusted off his guitar case much to the boys' excitement.

First there was a quick lesson and then the music began.

All of sudden Gavin started to dance around like a crazy man. Camera worthy for sure.

Running, spinning, jumping, and waving his arms about as if independent from his body. It was hilarity to watch.

And finally a band was formed right there in the living room when they busted out the harmonica.

You can only imagine the noise that was created.

No noise was ever sweeter for pure happiness filled the room.

The Essence of Summer

Papa's pool is always a hit. The water is slightly cold at first but the boys never seem to mind. The close to 100 degrees with 93% humidity might have something to do with it.

One happy boy except when brother dumps a bucket of water on his head.

It's tough being the younger brother sometimes.

And who is that lurking under the black car trailer? Why that is Miss Floyd, my father's cat, watching from a safe, toddler-free distance of course.

The essence of summer: water and smiles.

A Visit to the Beach with the Ravishing Blonde

This past weekend the boys and I headed south to visit my father for some quality time and the beach. Since my father had to work our first day there, we met up at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club with a long-time family friend known as the Ravishing Blonde. She prefers this name for she is a ravishing blonde but she is also known as Kathie. We had a beautiful visit of perfect weather, great amenities, and awesome company. Kathie is always a gracious host who loves to play with my boys, talk about life, and have fun being social.

The sun, the sand, and the sea air equals great happiness for me.

Thank you Kathie for a perfect day at the beach!