Out smarted.

I heart Pinterest for all the amazing ideas I find on there.  I also hate it for the same reason, but that's another post.  I saw an idea on there for our car ride to the beach, to gift wrap a bunch of little presents (think dollar store) for the kiddos to unwrap along the way, to encourage good behavior and to keep them busy to help the time pass.  Loved this idea.  We didn't need our buckets-o-fun on the ride to the beach since most of the trip the boys were sleeping.  But on the way back home, they were awake the majority of the trip, so out came the buckets.  They were a huge hit and I was patting myself on the back for being mom of the year.  And then...

Papa was "manning" the buckets, distributing the gifts as needed.  And then Papa took a phone call and the boys knew he was distracted. Smart and perceptive these boys are.  Some how they were able to reach their buckets and it was like Christmas morning in that car with wrapping paper flying in the air.  Tearing through present after present.  And I couldn't stop them.  I just stared at them laughing my booty off.  Buckets-o-fun not as effective when opened ALL AT ONCE!  But the boys were still ridiculously good the rest of the trip.  So good in fact, we'll be taking another LOOOONG road trip with them later in the year!  

The buckets that I spent so much time on and that were destroyed in seconds!

Life Lately.

Last week was a weird week.  Like super weird.  I'm really good at adjectives.  There was really sad stuff.  There was really happy stuff.  There was even scary stuff.  And even in the midst of all of that, life...it does go on.  And so, all the "in between stuff" I documented on my iPhone this last week.  Here ya go...

Storms rolled in one night and the thunder was super loud.  Our dog does not do storms.  I'm going to be completely honest and say that usually when it storms...I kind of want to kill her.  There is pacing.  There is jumping in and out of the bath tub.  (??)  There is jumping on top of me, usually on top of my head. (??)  If its the middle of the night, I will not get sleep.  I just won't.  But for some reason, this night Darcy jumped on the bed and a miracle happened.  She STAYED on the bed and snuggled right up against me.  She was happy and content and felt safe.  Something that NEVER happens with our crazy dog.  And it was really sweet and made me want to keep her another day.  

Computer time at the library.  Sweet brothers.  Notice Brady's crazy hair.  Haircut was soon to follow!

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping child...your sleeping child.  Am I right?!  This is Blake who had just finished an afternoon snack, head down, asleep, on our kitchen table.  Love him.  

My handsome Bray-Bray.  Seconds after haircut, provided by the best looking stylist I know...Brad.

And as a reward for Brady actually sitting still and having NO TEARS the whole family celebrated by getting shaved ice.  A wonderful summer treat.  The rest of the pics are of the refreshing-ness.  

Happy 36!

Before the clock strikes midnight, I have to get an anniversary shout out to my parents.  36 years!  THIRTY SIX!  Isn't it crazy how we go our whole loves not fully understanding what it takes to make a marriage work, especially while raising a family? And then you become an adult, get married and have kids of your own and you're like jeez.  I was such a brat sometimes.  I was so ungrateful sometimes (or a lot of the times.) I never really understood the sacrifices made or the commitment that my parents made to each other until I had kids of my own and while some days or years it was really hard for them, they never backed down.  They never walked away.  Because they have undying love for each other.  They have unconditional love for my brother and I.  I am beyond grateful for my parents and the love they share for each other.  Their love not only continues to provide so much happiness for me but more importantly my children.  My boys ADORE their Grandma and Papa.  Congrats Mom, Dad/Grandma, Papa on 36 years!  We wish you MANY MANY HEALTHY and HAPPY years to come!  

Yarrrr

This is Brady in the car on the way back from the beach.  The VERY long car ride back.  Although, the boys were absolute rock stars I have to say being in the car so long.  Brady wore this pirate hat the entire way home.  He wore it into any restaurant or gas station we happened to stop at along the way.  This cute little pirate got sick two days after we got home.  He was running almost a 104 fever for a few nights.  Poor pirate.  Not only has icky illness welcomed us back home, but some upsetting family news.  Devastating, life changing, family news.  Its been one heck of a week back to reality I must say.  Another reminder that life is SO precious.  And this cute little pirate that wants nothing but hugs and kisses from his momma when he's sick, help keep my heart full and the tears at bay.  Fever and all he was chugging along on the pirate ship he got for Christmas last year, wearing the hat of course and Brad said, "Oh, you're a pirate this morning!"  And his reply, "I'm not a real pirate."  I tell ya, this precious one makes it impossible not to smile.  

Gulf Shores Beach Trip - Part III, FINAL POST

The rest (or some of the rest) of our beach pics.  Such a fabulous week that our family will never forget.  Perfect amounts activity, relaxation and family bonding time.  I even got to start and finish two books.  Sitting on the beach or on the patio listening to the waves with a good book...is a little slice of heaven for me.  Blake and Brady were absolutely crazy over the ocean and the beach and was also greatness we had a pool they enjoyed.  Always good to be back home, in our own beds, but now I kinda wish I was back at the beach.  Must.win.lotto. so we can pack up and have a permanent beach vacation!