I remember...

this game from when I was little with my dad and siblings. The way I remember it (which isn't all that accurate according to some...) is that we called it "Monster" and I was the champ at wiggling out of his arms. Asher and Caleb sure love time with their dad!

Photo props

I know you're curious, so I'll just tell you. The photo in the header was taken by one of the best photographers I know. She does some great things with limited equipment and resources. She has great ideas and can take amazing pictures. I'd recommend her to anybody. I also love her with all my heart.

Great pictures Abby! You sure made our cute boys look even cuter. I love you!

- Justin

I get terribly sad...

The first hair cut is really hard for me. I love funny baby hair. I feel like they aren't my baby anymore when they get their first little boy haircut. I miss how soft it is. I miss knowing that it was the hair that was on his head when he was born. So, I let it go way too long. My boys have both had really funny hair too. Gigantic swirls, major come-overs on top, crazy messy in the back. I love it. So, the fact that Caleb thought it was funny/tickled and laughed the whole time made me feel better.

After my very first hair cut!

Big C

Caleb doesn't say much, but the big open-mouth smile says it all. He was really having fun. It was too cute when Asher was pushing him.

Bedtime...

Anything but calm. These two are crazy! They sure have fun doing "tricks" in the cribs.

His happy side...

This kid's cheesy smile kills me. He thinks he is so funny when he does it. Oh, those squinty eyes...

Chacka Chacka...

Caleb's got some real talent on the maracas and wooden flute that we brought back from mexico. Too cute, but after about an hour straight I couldn't remember why I thought it was a good idea to buy them!

Dear Justin, I'm sorry you tore your ACL. I'm so glad that everything went well during your surgery. I think I read the same page at least 20 times while I was waiting for you because all I could think about was if you were okay. I was really happy that all you wanted to do after you woke up was see me and you kept asking the nurse if I could come back with you. I'm glad that you are such a helpful husband that the day after your surgery when you couldn't help was probably the worst day of my life.

Dear Mom Carrier, Thank you for coming to take care of my babies so I could go take care of your baby. It was wonderful to have you there all day. I can't tell you how much you helped! The best part is that I know you are always willing to do that!

Dear Mom and Dad, Thank you for calling to see how the surgery went and hearing that I was overwhelmed. Thank you for offering to take the boys again so that I could take care of Justin. It made all the difference in the world! P.S. Thanks for helping the boys SKYPE with us while they were away.

Dear friends and neighbors, Thanks for the yummy meals, care, and concern. You are so selfless!

Love to all,

Zoo day with Daddy (and Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins)

Asher loves to see the animals at the Zoo. He had a great time with everyone.

The silly goose still loves the grates on the ground best!

Holding his ticket for the train.

Such a big boy!

This video cracks me up. Asher could have watched this "kitty" all day long.

I can't believe he's one!!

Lisa made the most ridiculously adorable cupcakes and little cake for Caleb's first birthday party. I'm so lucky to have a not only talented, but generous sister-in-law. Thanks Lis!

Caleb has been our "baby-ish" baby so it was really hard for me to believe that he was turning one! What a crazy fun year!

"Hummm, what is this big chocolate thing they are giving me?!"

"I like it!"

"Don't even think about it, Asher!"

He sure liked it! Thanks everyone for celebrating with us.

We cruised!

Justin's parents took us on a cruise this summer! It was fantastic. We still haven't thanked them enough. The boys stayed with Honey and Papa and had a great time. We went to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico. I can't do anything these days without missing my boys terribly, but this cruise kept us busy and it was wonderful to see and try new things! Thanks Mom and Dad! Here are just a few pictures:

I'm pretty sure we need these glasses to be cool.

Paul and Joyce in Ensenada.

Cabo was beautiful! (and hot)

My best friend.

Too bad he didn't bring his stretchy pants ;)

(I can't believe I just made a Nacho Libre joke. I couldn't stand that movie!)

Love,

Tonight I think I'll blog...

Dear friends,

Thanks for coming back. It's been too long! I've had a hard time lately keeping in touch with all of you that I love so much, but know that I think about you and hope that you're all doing well.

So, last night Justin took the boys and slept over at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was a lovely (and lonely towards the end...) evening all to myself. I think moms' need those every once in a while. Anyway, guess what I did? Well, I didn't blog. But, tonight I think I might.

Love,

There's nothing better...

...than sitting with your big brother in a space small enough to feel like a fort.

I just love how these boys play! It was a pretty great day.