Father's Day Weekend (From the 1st Person)

I had one wish for Father's Day - spend one on one time with each of my outlaw boys. 

Ok.. two wishes.. First sleep in on Saturday. Then I took the Hambone out on a man-date to the YMCA splash park.

He didn't quite know what to do without his brother, but quickly figured out that he had all of my attention and we had a blast swimming and splashing around.

After, we went and had some pulled pork at Pipo's in South Tampa. It's amazing how they can focus and eat responsibly when one on one. He killed some pork and had a great time being a big boy at the restaurant.

He's definitely the more adventurous of the two (currently) and has the kindest heart. Time with Hambone was a great gift that I normally don't get the privilege of..

The next day, I got one on one time with Lil' B.. and because I had already cut a deal with him that involved a prize for pooping on the potty 5 times in a row, he of course delivered all week so we could go to Disney World!

He had the time of his life running from place to place. His age was perfect because everything seemed larger than life...

He listed his favorites as: 1. Riding the little mermaid ride; 2. Watching the Monsters comedy show; 3. Hugging Donald & Goofy..

In all, it was great one on one time with this smart little old soul. I was amazed with his endurance and fearlessness to try new things.

I feel so blessed to be the Father to these two misfits and enjoy seeing them grow.  Their Mother is not half-bad either.  Can't wait to be the Father of a little girl in September.  Sure, life will get a little crazy.. but we won't have any regrets.  Cant wait to spend one on one time with YOU next year Mary Katherine!

"Young man, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do."

Ecclesiastes 11:9

I hope that my account is worthy to God when I reach His Kingdom.

Birmingham Trip

The boys and I headed to Birmingham for the only open week we had this summer.  I planned this trip back in March when I knew I would be in my second trimester and hopefully feeling pretty good.  This was Hampton's first airplane ride and the ride there went pretty well for the most part.  He was in my lap most of the time as it was a full flight but at the end I let him stand and walk between Bradford and I's seat.  The way home was much better as a family canceled last minute and they let us have an entire row.  Hampton sat buckled the entire hour and a half- I'd fly anytime if it goes as smooth as the ride home did!  I had a whole pack of goodies and we used them all on the way there- on the way back I barely had to pull anything out to play with!

I love Southwest.  We were the last to get off of the plane and they let the boys go up in the cockpit. Little B asked the pilot. "Which button do you press to land?"

Of course the boys got dinosaurs once we boarded the plane...

One of the highlights of the trip was being reunited with Bailey!

Letting a grandmother's patience take over as I had lost mine!

Getting popsicles with our buddy Sam.

Hanging out with grandad

The biggest highlights was getting to see our cousins!  We got to see them 4 days in a row- what a treat!  My boys sure do love them!

This picture sums up the fun! 

Watching Q at his all-star game- getting to cheer for Homewood was fun!

Hanging out with Uncle T

Hampton was in awe of Uncle Trent- he just kept looking up at him all day

Hanging out at the West Homewood Pool

My favorite part was picking out fabric and patterns for Mary Katherine.  My mom has got quite alot of smocking and sewing to come in the next few years:)

Hanging out in Ranger's chair

Flight home- all my boys needed were there own seats and dinos.

See ya in a year or two Birmingham.  It was fun! 

Kiawah Island- Mother's Day Weekend

For Mother's Day weekend we headed to Kiawah, South Carolina to celebrate Mother's Day.  This was our first Mother's Day without Nanny so we purposely planned it so we could all be together.  My cousin flew in from NY and stayed with my aunt and uncle while we rented a house near the beach with my parents.  We had a great time- when we originally booked the house over Christmas, we got each boy a room for sleeping.  The boys ended up sleeping the in the same room together at night but each had their own room at naps.  We are hoping to make this trip a yearly tradition.  I grew up doing every holiday with my cousins and the last few years our schedules haven't overlapped.  Knowing we have this tradition in place makes me happy and I know makes Nanny smile too.

Hambone loved the "ocean pond" as the ocean water was pretty cold

We split up cooking duties- one night our family cooked and the other night my Aunt and Uncle did.  Big Bradford actually cooked it all while we just watched the kids.  He made a meaty gumbo, his famous potato salad, steamed shrimp and corn on the cob.  

 My Aunt Karen and mom- Hampton passed out on a walk before dinner with my mom.  This boy loves to sleep on people

Lindsley, my cousin's little girl, is a month younger than Hampton.  She is wearing a dress my mom made for her. She is adorable. 

 Enjoying the yummy meal- Thanks Chef Bradford

The house we rented had a great back porch overlooking the golf course.  Lindsley and Bradford were getting Uncle Tom with the blow up swords

My famous "Cousin Lauren"  So excited that we are both expecting together again! 

The Kiawah club had an awesome kids pool

If only I could have one of these in my backyard..

The next night we ate dinner at my Aunt and Uncles. My mom made the cousins matching outfits.  So cute.

On a boat ride after dinner

The boys loved it

Hambone passed out on the way back...

This one makes me laugh- how many people does it take to kill a roach :)

Thanks Mom and Dad for a great trip!  We enjoyed every minute of it!