The Blog is Moving

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Having had this blog address since we started the website and blog in 2004, it is a little emotional to let it go.  But, letting go of the price tag that we’ve been paying to keep it and maintain so many databases…not so much. :)   It never became what we originally envisioned as an extended family website/blogsite, so  it seems silly to own so much capability when we primarily use two blogs.

I have worked to transfer all the content of this blog to our new one and in the next few months we will be officially closing down coxtree.com :(

If you want to keep up on the latest happenings with our family, you’ll need to bookmark our new address.  It is…

www.benandsaracox.com

I’ve transferred all of our old content and have been blogging recent news at the new address.  Just so you know, you might have to re-enter your information when you leave comments as I’m not sure if that will have transferred.  If your comments don’t post right away, it is just because they are in moderation.  They will go up right away next time.

Along with the new site, we have some new fun capabilities.

  • You can decide to “follow us” on our new blog.  To do so, put your email address in the sidebar where it says “follow.”  You will get emails on our new blog posts and keep up with the latest news
  • We have slide shows of pictures, not just galleries.  I think this is a fun new feature!
  • We will have a “Fan of the Month” spotlight for our most devoted blog follower.  It order to qualify for this title, you must leave the most comments on posts for that month.
  • We have added tabs at the top of the blog page to have important info more readily at hand

We love you all and are thankful for your support.  Can’t wait to “see” you on the new site!

Love,

Sara, Ben and boys

Happy Valentine’s Day

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

I am one lucky lady!  I have 4 precious men in my life and therefore 4 wonderful Valentines.  This year I was able to do Braedan’s Valentine Party at school which was a blast and then spend the lovey-dovey evening with all my squeezes.  Here are my sweethearts – They are all “Too Cute” for words!

My Thirty (mmphph) Birthday

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

So I turned 29 for the 6th time!  Wow, gotta love 29! :)   No, but really, it was a wonderful birthday.  First we celebrated with our church small group on my actual birthday and then I was blessed with a birthday weekend extravaganza.  Yummy dinners, date nights, great thoughtful presents, surprise decorations and homemade cupcakes….  It was wonderful!  Here’s some pics to commemorate one of my celebrations!

Mason is 7 Months

Monday, January 16th, 2012

So I’m totally a typical mom of 3 and posting about Mason being 7 months old when he’s already 8 months.  But that’s okay, because aside from this first sentence, I’m going to pre-date this post so that it falls in the right place. :)

Mason at 7 months old is just as precious as ever.  I feel like he has changed the most in this month.  He’s so active and babbles A LOT!  He loves to flap his arms, clap for joy (and on command), and says “da da,” and “ma ma.”  He has found his voice and his voice is loud.  He’s started that baby screaming/squealing thing.  I think it is absolutely adorable–although rather inconvenient while I’m on the phone. :)   He is mesmerized by his own hands and feet and always is attempting to have all 4 in his mouth!  Because his brothers got their first teeth at 8 months, I’m suspected that this propensity to chew is a precursor to his own coming in.  Mason is no longer content to swing in his swing or lay in his bouncy chair.  He loves to sit in the middle of our rug, surrounded by his brothers and play with toys.  He also loves to jump in the door jumper.  In the car he talks, sings and laughs.  Big brother Braedan still gets the biggest smiles.  Braedan is so patient with him and nurturing…. even when Mason gives him a good pinch or grabs his hair.  That brings me to another favorite of Mason’s – pinching!  He has a very strong grip and has brought tears to my eyes a couple of times with his grabby hands.  He thinks it’s funny and is surprised when his victim cries out in pain.  This sensitive boy will then join your tears with some of his own.  As far as eating, Mason has reduced his milk intake in favor of baby food.  He LOVES every vegetable, with peas being his favorite.  He is NOT a fan of fruit and will make a sour face each time he eats.  Shockingly, he HATES bananas (a favorite of my other boys).  If I mix it into his morning oatmeal, he will partake but otherwise definitely NOT.  He’s tried a few soggy cheerios, but isn’t yet fond of self feeding.  He seems to be more lazy, and enjoys being fed while banging on his tray with his hands.  He is still a champion sleeper and goes a long 10-12 hours at night and takes 2 naps a day.  His reflux has gotten worse, and so he is still propped up during sleep.  We’ve changed to Prevacid as I suspected we would.  Thanks to a great friend, we were sent some solutabs while we await our insurance pre-approval so that we can fill our prescription.  It is horrible to see him in so much pain and spitting up LONG after eating.  We are awaiting our EI evaluation and although he is doing much better on his milestones, I suspect that he will still qualify for physical therapy.  He barely bears weight on his legs and seems to still struggle with weak trunk strength.  Having been through this before, I’ve been working on pt strategies at home with him too.  I have no idea on his weight and length as he hasn’t been officially measured this month, but we finally put away the 3-6 month clothes and took out the 6-9 month ones.  He’s still a little peanut, but has some chubby cheeks and thighs that are kissably round.  He is my treasure and the icing on each day!

By the way – this is not his typical hairstyle – it was just a REALLY GOOD NAP and I couldn’t resist.  My little blond mohawk dude!

Christmas

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

As usual, Christmas was a whirlwind.  Thankfully we were able to slow down and really reflect on the true meaning of Christmas as Christ’s birthday.  Our church had a fabulous Christmas Eve service full of singing and reflection.  We also had wonderful Christmas celebrations with family.  As usual it was a marathon of parties, as we went from one event to the next.  Although this can be exhausting, I am so grateful to have so much family locally.  We weren’t able to see everyone, because of schedules, but it was wonderful nonetheless.  Enjoy the picture album below.  What wonderful memories we made with everyone and how fun it was to have my boys with so many of their cousins on my side of the family.  My favorite picture of all is the one of Braedan, Logan and Mason with Dylan and Marissa in matching PJs.  I love making new memories and am excited to make many more in the years to come.

Slacker

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

So are there any faithful blog followers out there anymore?  Or did you all get tired of looking at the same pictures for weeks on end?  I tend to do this a couple times a year.  I get hung up on keeping my blog a chronological archive of family memories and letters, and when I’m waiting on something, I just halt everything.  In this case, I was waiting for some pictures from my brother’s camera from a family trip to the petting zoo (my camera died mid-trip).  And then as I was waiting, some very exciting changes in our household occurred (stay tuned for more on that in a later blog after the NEW YEAR).  This made me take a brief hiatus from family blogging.  But have no fear – all “3″ of you faithful readers– I’m back! :)

Since catching up on things is going to be slightly overwhelming, it’s probably best that I take the bullet point with picture evidence approach.  So enjoy the cliff notes version for the end of October, all of November and the first half  of December.  Scroll through the following posts for the pictures and highlights of each month.

Pre-Christmas December

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
  • We took a trip to Kentucky to visit with Mimi and Papa
  • We went to see Santa with cousins Marissa and Dylan
  • We enjoyed the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo – it was a blog worthy adventure with Sara forgetting her coat, having to buy a new one downtown, and a frigidly cold night with 10,000 other brave souls
  • Ben and I celebrated our 12th anniversary, with a wonderful surprise evening planned by Ben – romantic dinner for two, reminiscent walk through the Christmas lights, and an orchestrated surprise of flowers and jewelry handed to me in the place we got engaged.
  • Cookie Bake traditions with Grammy – The boys, Grammy and I made a couple batches of family recipes to be enjoyed on Christmas.  The boys enjoyed decorating, and we learned that there can never be “too much” when it comes to sprinkles.

Mason is 6 Months

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Our little prince is 6 months old!  Wow!  Can it really be that long since he was born?  I look at my rolley polley little baby and realize that long gone are the infant days.  His sounds have changed.  He no longer has that new baby smell.  In the place of this infantum is a new alertness, a new excitement for the world around him.  He is discovering new things in his world each day.  He loves to dance with Mommy.  He loves when Braedan plays peek-a-boo.  He loves Logan’s silly faces.  He love Daddy’s tickles.  He loves to explore with his hands and try to put his own feet in his mouth.  He loves to grab anything in his reach, including hair–ouch!  Mason tends to be quiet when surrounded by people, but when he’s on his own he loves to babble.  He still loves the “da, da” and “na, na” sounds but has started to use “ba, ba” too.  I’ve been working hard on “ma, ma” but besides getting a big smile I’ve had no success yet.  Maybe by next month?

Although last month housed Mason’s first cold, this month brought him his first ear infection.  The poor little guy was miserable for days and between the ear pain, drainage down his throat and his reflux, he was at his breaking point.  Thank the Lord for a wonderful pediatrician with late hours so we were able to get him the antibiotics that he needed.  Of course these kicked out the ear infection but also did a number on Mason’s stomach.  Let’s just say that we both had many baths and outfit changes per day for a couple of weeks.  On December 10th Mason rolled over for the first time from his back to his belly.  This was such an exciting feat!  A few weeks later, we had Mason’s 6 month doctor’s appointment.  I was excited to get his ears re-checked and discuss starting reflux meds because Mason’s discomfort had multiplied greatly in the last few months.  The stats from his 6 month appointment were good, but it has been a little shocking to me how much smaller Mason is than Braedan or Logan were at the same age.  Mason was 16 lbs 15 oz, 25 1/2 inches in length and had a head circumference of 18 in.  He is nearly 1 1/2 lbs lighter than my other boys at this age and 1 1/2 inches shorter.  His growth curves have looked steady though so the doctor is unconcerned.  But it definitely explains why he is fitting in clothes much longer than my others did and why I can still carry him around in his infant seat without as much difficulty as the other boys posed (they were both in a regular convertible carseat by now).  The doctor and I decided to try Mason out on reflux meds finally.  It has become apparent that Mason is miserable for hours after eating and can not lie flat for any length of time.  He is happy if he’s propped up but miserable otherwise.  We started with Zantac, but I won’t be surprised if we end up on Prevacid as we did with Logan (who was on it until 2 years old).  The doctor was excited about some of the growth that Mason had made with his milestones, but we still decided collectively to have an EI evaluation done just as we did with Logan.  It seems to be a muscle tone issue with Mason too, but we want to verify.  He is able to hold his head steady, but his trunk and core strength is weak.  We will see what they say after we have him evaluated in the new year.  Then of course there was the yuckiest part of the appointment–the shots.  Mason had to endure 3 shots including the flu vaccine.  He was not a happy little guy, but again forgave us quickly.  He ran a low grade fever again and slept the day away but then all was fine.

November

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

  • NEPHEW DYLAN TIMOTHY WILLIAMS was born
  • The stomach virus hit our house
  • Mason got his first head cold and we had many days of no sleep
  • Mason turned 5 months!!! (I will devote a separate blog to this!)
  • We celebrated Thanksgiving twice and had lots of quality time with family
  • Our closest friends, the Whitings, came into town.  It was so good to catch up in person and give big bear hugs.  Game nights resumed in full force.  Once again, time went too quickly.
  • Many play dates and lunches with friends
  • We decorated our house for Christmas and took our first pictures of Mason with the Christmas tree

Mason is 5 Months

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Our little peanut is 5 months old!  This last month has been a blur–but a good one.  We’ve been busy, busy making memories with family and special guests and visitors.  Mason has taken all the craziness in his usual stride.  He is still a happy, delightful baby.  He eats well and is a great sleeper.  He’s even made some growth this month with some of his milestones.  He is so close to rolling over and I think it’ll be any day now.  He can sit almost unassisted, although he still tends to fold forward.  He is also babbling a lot more, and his favorite sounds are the “da, da’s” and “na, na’s.”  He is still head over heels for his Daddy and gets wildly excited when Ben gets home.  He is also quite a riot in his bath these days.  We tend to lay him in about 1-2 inches of water in our bathtub instead of using the baby tub, and his excited response is to splash until everything and everyone around him is soaked.  He has the most contagious laugh and freely gives them these days.  Both Braedan and Logan get many giggles and I love watching the bond continue to grow between all the brothers.  I’m not sure how much Mason weighs or what his height is because he hasn’t been to the doctor in the last month, thank goodness… but it is apparent that he is growing.  His is starting to stretch the 3-6 month clothes and it won’t be long before he is in 6-9 month outfits.  Mason’s reflux seems to be getting worse instead of better and we will be discussing starting meds at his 6 month appointment.  It makes us so sad to see him in so much pain when he is laying flat, so we know something must be done.  With a family history of GERD, we aren’t surprised that it has come to this, but I guess we were all hoping that he would grow out of it on his own.

October

Monday, October 31st, 2011

  • Fun times spent with Uncle Ben, Auntie Kristy, Grammy and the kiddos.  Fun trips included parks, the local petting zoo and pumpkin farm.
  • Visit to my Aunt Diane and Uncle Warren’s lake house to catch up with the Williams Family, celebrate Marissa’s belated 1st birthday and say good-bye to Tutu and Pop Pop as they went back to Maui
  • Ben cashed in on his last year’s birthday present – RACE CAR DRIVING SCHOOL!  And the good news is that he returned in one piece and with a smile that didn’t wipe off for days.
  • Ben’s cousin Jennifer came to visit for a week!!!!  Here’s a list of rambling words to describe the visit….laughs, pajama parties, cooking, long talks, play time, tickles, train rides, birthday celebrations, apple cider, stinky animals, cold windy walks, yummy food, and LOVE!  It was so great to have Jennifer here!  Time went too quickly, but then it always does with those you love.
  • Logan’s 4th Birthday Fun.  We took a trip to a local farm to ride trains, look at animals, and then went out to eat at his restuarant of choice–California Pizza Kitchen.  Then it was home for a Batman party and cake
  • Pumpkin carving and family pictures
  • Trick or Treating with Marissa and neighbor Jack
  • Logan graduating into the next highest swimming class

Happy 4th Birthday Dear Logan

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

It seems like a moment ago that I wrote about Logan’s third birthday, and it seems like yesterday that I first gazed upon his newborn face.  How is my little Sunshine Boy 4 years old?

Oh Logan, you have been the delight of my heart.  Whenever I feel down, or overwhelmed, you are there beaming, laughing and bringing sunshine into my world.  You have a giggle like no other.  You are not shy about it, and are never hesitant to laugh.  Some people’s laughter is like a little blip on the screen of funny.  But yours is like fireworks, and rainbows, and cotton candy.  You have shades of laughter, and none of them are quiet.  Like a rising river, your laugh builds up inside until it spills over flooding everyone around you.  This is a family that loves to laugh, yet it feels like our laughter began with you.  You love anything that will make you laugh.  Jokes, tickles, games, cartoons, friends, and often just yourself.  Logan, you are hilarious.  And if Bill Cosby was still on TV with kids who say the “Darnest Things,” you would be a worthy co-host.

Your imagination knows no bounds.  I remember sitting with parents at Parent-Teacher conferences and complimenting their children’s imaginations because it is unfortunately such a rarity these days.  It is SO important to pretend, imagine, and dream.  It shows a unique kind of brilliance- and you have it.  Those around you often have trouble following your genius play and stories, and I think that Braedan probably is still the one with the greatest handle on your train of thought.  But even still, I could spend hours playing with you – watching you interact so creatively with your world.  You still love to sing and make up your own songs like it’s your money maker.  You are an artist already.  An artist with words, with drama, and with common childhood mediums like crayons and paints.  I love how your brain works, and I truly can’t wait to see how God uses your gifts as you grow up.

Sweet Logan, you have grown up a lot this last year.  I’ll be honest, Mommy and Daddy have sprouted many new gray hairs over you.  You do things at your own pace and are never in a hurry to welcome change.  At this time last year, I was worried you’d walk down the aisle in diapers.  You can be so stubborn and hard to motivate.  Where the typical kid is motivated by rewards such as stickers and trinkets, you are and were not.  I secretly think that you’re somewhat of a perfectionist deep down, and that you don’t follow through if you’re not sure you’ll be successful.  I guess only time with tell on that one.  Either way, you are hard to motivate.  It is difficult to get you to try new things (dinner time can definitely be a trying time), and in the absence of bribing you, I’m at a loss as to what to do.  But slowly and surely, through patience and a new-found commitment on your part to try your best (all that we’ve ever asked of you), you have seen such accomplishment this year.  You’ve found that it is exciting to try to ride a bike, or climb a jungle gym.  That it is easier to find your toys if you clean them up.  That it’s fun to dress yourself, and put on your own shoes.  That it’s grown-up to go to the bathroom yourself and brush your own teeth.  And maybe most importantly that its okay to be “our baby,” but still be independent.  You will be starting preschool soon and you are very ready now.  You write your name beautifully.  You know your letters and many of their sounds.  You can color, cut and fold.  You are learning and growing and perhaps never more than this last year.

Logan, you have a magnetic personality.  No matter where we are, you start conversations with others.  In the elevator at church, you’ve been known to tell whoever will listen all about your family.  When we’re out and about you chat with and say “hi” to everyone we pass. You’re always the favorite of the waitress, the store clerk, the nurse, the mailman. You make friends at the park without trying.  You pay attention to people.  You compliment others spontaneously (your favorite phrase of the moment is “you look fabulush.”.  You give unsolicited hugs and kisses (most recently to a downcast woman in the grocery store).  You know how to love without reserve, without discrimination, without contest.  Your heart is beautiful.

Little Sunshine, make no mistake, you can still live up to your nickname of “Squirt.”  You are one-track minded and do what you feel like doing even if it’s not the best idea.  You will see something you want, and ignore the busy street you’d have to cross to get it.  You run and stomp wherever you go.  No one could ever say you’re invisible.  Many times a day, you crash into something or trip over something.  It is a sheer miracle that you have not had stitches yet.  You can be such a tease (often reminiscent of my own brother Uncle Ben).  You like to jump out and surprise us, yelling “boo.”  You wake people up by tickling their feet.  You have trouble knowing when to stop, when to keep your hands to yourself, when to take it easy.  You get in trouble usually for not heeding warnings and not taking your parents seriously.  If you can, you push the boundaries as much as possible.  You wait until the last minute to obey, the last second to heed warning, and are still extremely impulsive.  Some of this is part of your sensory needs, and some of it is just your personality.  You are not easily swayed or convinced.  This is both frustrating and encouraging to us as your parents.  You have a strong sense of self and this is good.  But we are worried for your safety, because sometimes you don’t have the best ideas (jumping off your bed for example or the earlier street reference).  It has been a journey learning to discipline you and nurture your heart.

And that beautiful heart of yours is sensitive.  It hurts easily and deeply – both for yourself and those around you.  Trying to find the right balance of disciplining you so you know you are wrong but not crushing your spirit is difficult.  We’ve found that you take time to absorb, to understand where you went wrong.  Time out, although frustrating for you, has begun to grow your spirit.  Although usually hysterical when you are first in trouble, you’re starting to grow in your reflections of your own behavior.  I’ve had wonderful discussions with you about your own heart and how it’s displayed in your behavior.  You asked Jesus into your heart this year and this fact has provided a whole new realm to our conversations.  You are beginning to see yourself as a child of God and have a desire to please Him and grow to be more like Him.  We pray daily that you and your brothers continue to claim God as the most important piece of you life.  Just as your parents , Son, you will fail often.  But never forget Who longs to know you,  Who loves you most, and Who you should follow all of your days.

We love you dear Logan.  We love everything about you.  Your quirkiness.  Your hilarity.  Your laugh.  Your heart.  You are a precious son, and brother.  You are the neon paint across a black and white landscape.  :)   Happy Birthday!

Mason is 4 Months Old

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Mason turned 4 months old on Sunday.  How is it that he is a 3rd of the way to 1 year old?  I know, I know.  I’m being ridiculous and melodramatic about his growing up.  Maybe it’s because he’s such an easy baby.  After all if a baby is sleeping and pretty much stress-free, you certainly don’t wish the time to pass quickly.

At 4 months old, Mason is just as delightful as ever.  He is so smiley, and happy a majority of the time.  He loves to talk in his own little voice, and has the cutest facial expressions.  He has definitely discovered how to pinch, grab and grasp anything in his reach.  He still loves to hold his own hands, or grab his own shirt, but I’m now having to watch him around my hair (hello ponytail).  He studies books when we read, loves to listen to and watch his brothers play, and bounces like crazy when music is playing.  When I sing to him, he gazes at me and coos along.  Mason has a special heart for his brothers already and loves to be wherever they are.  If they leave the room, he is well-aware and protests until they come back or he is moved.  Braedan is especially sweet with him.  It just warms my heart how Mason responds to Braedan’s voice and touch.  It’s not uncommon for Braedan to lay next to Mason or hold him for 30 minutes at a time.  Mason still seems to be his happiest when Daddy has him in his arms.  There are sounds that he makes that are only for Daddy.  With all of the kids (fur-kid included) bombarding Daddy at the door, Mason makes sure to let out some noise to tell Daddy he’s there too.

Mason seems to be more like Logan was with his milestones…aka slower.  This is probably due to the fact that he has some reflux issues as well, and often has to be propped up at 45 degrees, instead of laying flat on the ground.  It doesn’t provide as much opportunity to work on rolling over, or sitting up.  He has good head control though, and while on his belly, he can lift it pretty well.  He loves when I lay him on the couch facing out towards me, where I’m sitting looking at him face to face.  For some reason, he finds this really funny. :)   Mason can roll to his side, but not over either way yet.  Both my other boys were closer to 6 months when they rolled over, so I’m not surprised.  He is able to sit assisted, but does not bear weight on his legs yet.  So far lazy baby = sleeping baby, so I can’t complain.  But we did discuss with the doctor at his 4 month appointment my plan to contact Illinois’ Early Intervention (EI was the same place that provided all of Logan’s therapies) at 6 months if he hasn’t made significant progress.  Again, can’t hurt – will help.  So we’ll see what changes in the next 2 months.

At his 4 month appointment, everything looked great for Mason health wise.  He is growing like a weed, and instead of having people comment on how tiny he is, we have people adoring his chubby cheeks and thighs.  His weight at 4 months is 14 lbs 7 oz.  His head circumference is 17 inches and his length is 25 inches.  This makes him the smallest of my boys at this age.  Both of his big brothers were a pound and a half heavier and 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch longer.  No wonder he’s just growing into 3-6 month clothes!  And of course, the worst part of the appointment was the vaccinations at the end.  In a “brilliant” plan, I brought the bigger brothers to get their flumist at the same time.  Well, it turns out that they were out of the flumist and the boys had to get real shots.  So I held down 3  crying boys and certainly earned myself a “GOLD STAR”!  Mason ran a fever overnight this time, but thankfully although a little fussier the next day – was just fine.

Fall Fabulush Fun

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

Those of you who have been recipients of our recent text messages or facebook status updates know that Logan has been “on a roll” lately with hilarious quips.  One recent one involved the word “fabulush” which Logan first used to describe a game move he was proud of while playing Sequence.  Since then, he has used it quite a bit more and sometimes says “fabulish” instead.  Either way, it is a perfect word to describe the fun we had this last weekend.

My brother Ben, his wife Kristy and their daughter Marissa arrived late last Wednesday. Can I just say “HIP, HIP, HOORAY!?”  Kristy headed straight out to New Jersey/Pennsylvania :( to attend the wedding of one of her former small group students and Ben and Marissa came down to stay at Grammy’s house.  We lucked out with beautiful weather for the weekend and took advantage of some time outside.  Friday we played and played and talked and talked.  Saturday we went to our favorite Apple Orchard.  And on Sunday, just the Cox clan decided to venture (after church and a yummy lunch) to our favorite hiking spot for our annual Fall Walk and Picture Extravaganza.  (Ben, Marissa and Grammy did their own tour of the suburbs visiting our family’s home church, and dropping by the great-grandparents’ houses to visit).

Highlights of the weekend:

  • Watching cousin interactions and play time
  • My brother meeting Mason for the first time
  • Cuddling Marissa and being the recipient of her kisses
  • Quality catch-up time with my brother
  • Enjoying the new walking gait of Marissa
  • Watching Marissa nearly eat a whole apple by herself
  • Boys skipping through the same orchard that we’ve gone to since Braedan was 1 years old – Marissa’s current age – what memories
  • Running into two friends and their families at the Orchard and having an impromptu reunion of sorts
  • Freshly picked apples, and homemade apple cider doughnuts (YUMMY)
  • Climbing tractors
  • Long detour drive home and relaxing deep conversations with my best friend as the boys napped in the back seat
  • Fabulushly convicting sermon at church – and time to catch up with an old friend after the service
  • Glorious weather
  • Exploring the woods and hiking with my boys
  • Finding the perfect walking sticks
  • Taking pictures on our family bench (a tradition for the last 6 years)
  • Collecting leaves, acorns and anything else deemed a treasure
  • Having Logan warn everyone that passed us on the path of some horse poop (that was WAY down the path).
  • Piggy back rides and shoulder seats
  • Silence and listening for nature sounds
  • A happy, happy dog who ended up covered in burrs
  • Introducing Mason to some of our family traditions

The Rest of September in Pictures

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

We’ve had too much going on to keep up with the blog much lately.  We’ve been busy with school, play dates, baby cuddles, family, travel, church, and gasp– I’m crazy and trying to read 5 different books right now.  Here are some pictures to represent the last few weeks, so you can see what we’ve been up too.  I especially love the ones of the three boys with their numbered t-shirts. :)