A little randomness...

So I discovered, thanks to an email from my sister, that The Pioneer Woman has updated her Photoshop actions since I downloaded them about a year ago. I absolutely love textured/artsy/doctored photos, but typically find it hard to drastically alter the shots I take of the boys. I don't really know why. Maybe because they are more snap shots of our life than the are pieces of art? But whatever the case, I usually just leave them as is (with a bit of minor editing). When I saw the new Pioneer Woman action set, however, I just couldn't help myself. She has some awesome stuff. I used her "seventies" action on these. If you have photoshop and like adding some fun character to your pictures, you should get Pioneer Woman's sets...they're free, and awesome.

P.S. These were taken one morning this week when we made a little trek to Fort Simcoe with Leah and her boys (minus Hudson).












In other very exciting news, Silas is sleeping through the night!!!!! (I will likely regret saying this because the minute you open your mouth regarding anything in baby development it tends to change the next day, but whatever, I'm shouting it from the mountaintops anyway.) More precisely, he has slept for 9-10 hours without nursing each night since we got back from Seattle, and in my opinion that qualifies as sleeping through the night. People, you have absolutely NO idea how wonderful this is (ok, except those other moms out there who are currently waking up with babies themselves). We were all desperately in need of a bit more sleep, so this little development has made a HUGE difference in our household. Let's just hope it's here to stay. Also of note is the fact that Silas did not just do this on his own. It was actually after the world's worst night ever (a night involving an hour and a half bedtime fit from a certain 3 year old and a baby who woke up and wanted to nurse 9 times in one night) that I decided it was time to make some drastic changes. So, with a substantial amount of crying, a week's worth of practicing, unswaddling and rolling over onto the tummy, we now have a baby who sleeps through the night. Can I get three cheers for that? Thanks.

Until later...

Dear Daddy...

We really really miss you. Owen decided today that he wants you to come home, and I definitely agree. But since we still have one week to go, we thought we'd fill you in on what we've been up to since you left...

A lot of playing at the park (including Silas' first time on park swings):











A picnic dinner at The Locks with Grandma, Grandpa, and Jack:











A tea party in Grandma's garden:











And a lot of other random goodness:










So there you have it. We sure do miss you and can't wait til you get home!

Love,

Us


P.S. You can thank Grandma and Grandpa for taking such good care of us while you're away. They spoiled us, that's for sure!

Happy Birthday Uncle Ryker...

We love you and miss you lots! We tried to upload a video of Owen singing "Happy Birthday" to you, but it didn't work. And without C.J. here, I'm afraid we don't know how to fix that. But Happy Birthday just the same!!!

A dear friend...

The past few days we were blessed by a visit from a dear friend of mine who I haven't seen in a LONG time (since our wedding day, to be exact). Vani and I got to know each other when we worked together in Seattle, but through some good tennis playing, unofficial private cooking lessons, and time spent babysitting/playing with her darling kids we become good friends. She and her kids, Meera and Nishaant, were in town for a tennis tournament. I honestly can not believe how much these beautiful kids have grown (and improved on the court!) since I last saw them. Even though it has been more than 4 years since we have seen them, it was absolutely wonderful to be able to visit and catch up. Vani, thanks for venturing out our way. I truly enjoyed seeing you!

Summer lovin'...

Happy 4th of July!

Oh, how we have needed this weekend. On Friday, we went to the local rodeo...which brought out the inner cowboy/girl in C.J. and me. There's a special place in my heart for all things country and rodeos really bring some warm, bubbly, "ah, life is good" feelings. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Saturday we weeded the roses, got to meet my cousin's beautiful new baby girl (and visit with some extended family we don't see nearly enough), and then enjoyed an evening at Brian and Sam's house with C.J.'s siblings and their kids. It was some serious fun and good laughs (oh yeah, and good food). And today, we have done absolutely nothing productive (as in, no house or yard projects) and it feels wonderful!!! C.J. got to sleep in and I got to take a nap. Tonight, we're headed to C.J.'s aunt and uncle's house for the annual St. Hilaire 4th of July celebration. Oh yeah, and we even hung up our flag on the front porch. I love my family, this house, warm summer days, and especially the wonderful country we live in! I praise my God for who He is and all He has done. Hope you all are enjoying life this weekend, too!















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While we were at Brian and Samantha's house yesterday, I got to take a couple of pics of their beautiful daughter, the lone girl on that side of the fam. She is so stinking cute and girly...I just can't get enough.

Brothers...

You have no idea how much joy it brings to my heart to see these boys together (ok, maybe you do if you have children yourself). There is something about seeing sibling relationships develop that is priceless. It makes me think, "Thank you, Lord, for brothers and sisters. Because that's what life is all about." And I know the bond between these two will only get stronger.