Friday's Favorite

Happy Friday!

Is it just me, or has this day taken forever to get here this week? I think it's felt extra long because we've been cooped up in the house because of the excessive heat. Thankfully, it rained yesterday and we were able to actually play outside for a little while yesterday. Brady was thrilled to be able to do one of his favorite pasttimes: picking flowers (or, as he puts it, "picking towpers").

We had a fun family outing to Lambert's last night to celebrate Brady's B-Pa's birthday. If you've never been, it's certainly quite the experience. They are famous for their "throwed rolls" where they actually throw fresh, hot rolls at you...you must be on constant alert or you may get beaned in the head...just ask my mom. The wait is always insane and they don't take debit (but accept checks-bizarre!) and the food style is downhome cookin'. And they bring you more food than you could ever possibly consume. It looked like Brady had eaten a bowling ball by the time we left.

They bring around pass-a-rounds in addition to your meal, one of which was fried okra, a first for Brady who thought they were tator tots (I'm slightly ashamed to admit he knows what tator tots are). At the end of our meal our waitress brought Brady a balloon-and he was delighted. It was orange, or, in Brady-speak, "oran juh juh". Believe it or not, I snapped a lot of pictures, but they didn't turn out so well due to the lighting. This was the best one and it's still not great...but you gotta love the barbecue sauce on the little guy's face.

After the meal we all headed back to our house for some birthday cake and ice cream. Not that anyone had enough room for cake or ice cream. Brady helped me make a German Chocolate cake and homemade vanilla ice cream earlier in the day and was very proud to share it with everyone. He announced (several times) that he was a "big helper" to mommy. And he was! The little guy is a blast in the kitchen. He was beside himself when I brought out the mixer and right away said "Mommy, up!" at which point he sat on the counter and helped me mix until his heart was content....or, at the very least, until the cake batter was light and fluffy!

Brady thought it was his personal duty to make sure the candle was blown out. Twice. The first time was midway through the Happy Birthday song and the second was promptly after the song ended. Hopefully, for B-Pa's sake, your birthday wish still comes true if someone else blows out your candle! 

The little trooper stayed up an hour past his bed time, and had a great night. We all went to bed with full bellies and happy hearts...loving life and each other.

Weekend in Review

Yes, I realize it's Wednesday and I'm just getting around to posting this. I contemplated skipping "Weekend in Review" because of the delay, but the weekend was too good not to recap and remember. Besides, better late than never, right?

We had family come down from St. Louis this weekend. Namely, Grandpa Mac (we're working on a better name) and Nami (who's real name is Tami, but Braden has renamed). We were afraid it was going to rain all weekend, but we managed to sneak in some fun times in between the stormy weather.

Our friend Keebee (Keri) told us about the St. Jude Dream House open house on Saturday and joined us for a viewing. We didn't buy the tickets to try to win the house, but we did fill out entries to win some free furniture. Here's hoping!!!

After dreaming our way through the dream house, we all went to the Japanese Stroll Gardens. If you live in the area and haven't gone, I really suggest you do. It is beautiful and relaxing, and perfect for pictures...providing you don't forget to charge your batteries....which I did (and that was after we made a special trip to go back by the house since I forgot it in the first place). Oy.

I did manage to get a couple before the batteries gave up the ghost.

This was the last shot I was able to take. I'm generally not good at capturing scenery, but I love this picture. I edited it a little (ok, a lot) more than I did my other pictures, but there's just something about this picture that makes me happy.

The visit went by too quicly, as it always does, but we enjoyed it, as we always do.

MayMay and Papa

These pictures make me smile.

Though from a technical standpoint they are far from perfect,

They manage to capture the feeling of the moment.

From tickles and belly laughs, to snuggles and reading the Bible.

Moments captured. Memories made.

Anticipation

From the moment Brady woke up Thursday morning, he knew MayMay and Papa were going to be here...and he was excited. Any time he heard a noise outside he would run to the door, certain they were here.

When it came time for them to arrive, we decided to wait outside.

Braden watched. Vigilantly.

Every car that passed was looked at with anticipation and the declaration of "MayMay, Papa". Unfortunately for the B-Man, our neighbors were having a garage sale so our usually quiet street was not all that quiet.

Still, Braden continued his watch. Hands in pocket. Gaze set.

He was only (briefly) distracted by a snack.

Hey, a boy's gotta eat.

After the snack was polished off, he was back to the task at hand.

Finally, after all that waiting, the moment arrived....MayMay and Papa were here. And this was Braden's reaction:

Go figure.

M.I.A.

Are there any of my blog followers left after I've abandoned you for so long?

I've been intending to update for a few days, but time just got away. I've been on a cleaning kick and have been anxiously trying out new all-natural cleaning solutions. When I get a few favorites, I will post the recipes for you. I am still waiting on some supplies to arrive from Amazon so I'm in limbo right now.

Braden's favorite Uncle Dance came over last night for some pizza and time with the B-Man. It was a great visit, as always, but I think we may have to rename Uncle Dance yet again. The pronunciation has changed from "Dance" to something that resembles "A-Lay". Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it?

I finally broke the camera out from hiding to grab some shots of Uncle-Nephew fabulousness and got this shot:

And these two:

Brady also wanted to show off his peppers and Uncle Lance lovingly abliged.

To top off the evening, there was a visit from the ice cream truck.

Brady was happy to indulge.

He was a sticky mess, and the treat came a little too close to bed time, but sometimes the extra work is worth a great memory.

On a side note, I've been trying out some different photo editing techniques. I haven't quite found my groove yet, but I'm getting there...I think?

B-Man's beloved MayMay and Papa are coming for a visit tomorrow. He's been talking about it all week. He "helped" me make the bed for them and ever since we've been having this conversation:

Brady: MayMay, Papa

Me: Yes, MayMay and Papa are coming on Thursday

Brady: Sleep

Me: Yes, they're going to sleep here

It's a good thing they are sleeping here, otherwise we would have one very disappointed B-Man on our hands. He's been so excited about their upcoming visit he falls alseep saying "MayMay, Papa" and wakes up saying the same thing (no exaggeration). Despite the broken record, I'm thrilled he gets so excited about their visits. Anyone who has the privilege of knowing them knows what a treasure they are and I love that Braden seems to realize that too.

Here's to a great visit and, of course...sleep.

Uncle Dance

As Braden and I were finishing up planting some flowers (technically I was finishing, Braden was too busy, well, being Braden), a car pulled up to our house. The B-Man instantly recognized his beloved Uncle Dance and ran right to...his car. Yup, that's Braden for you.

After my brother (who's actual name is Lance but has lovingly been renamed) chased the little guy around the yard, the cars, and into the house, we sat down and ate dinner together (mad props to Mike for grilling his most amazing burgers ever!). Then it took effect....

"What's it?" you ask? It is this strange thing that happens to my usually calm little boy when he's in my brother's presence...think Road Runner meets Woody Woodpecker. Ok, maybe that's not the best comparison, but I'm telling you: the kid gets whacky! He giggles, spins in circles, falls down...just an outright goofball. I don't understand it and, to be honest, I don't entirely mind it either. It's always good for some laughs.

In the midst of the madness, I did manage to get this:

Say it with me: awwwww!

Braden must've had a good time, too. We heard him still laughing long after we put him to bed. It was the kind of laugh that's contagious and, before we knew it, Mike and I were giggling right along with him as we listened.

These are nights I love.

A side note: You may have noticed the watermark on the above picture. All pictures from here on out will have one. It' s just a security thing and a way for me to protect my images.