Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real - Birthday and Car Wash Edition

~Pretty~

I thought that my summer birthday cake for Joseph's party turned out "pretty."  I was going to do some themed cake deal, but since Joseph loves fruit and berries so much it seemed the easier way to go.

~Happy~

Well, now, I think under the category of "Happy" should be some pictures of a very cute one-year-old enjoying a chocolate cupcake!  (round two of birthday celebrations).

 
One of my favorite parts of a first birthday... except for the half-hour scrubbing they need after.  :)

~Funny~

Yesterday I drove through the car wash with the boys.  I explained to Stephen all the steps, and he was fascinated by all the mechanics and brushes and lights and such.   Apparently this was a Big Deal... so he spent most of the morning constructing and washing his Hot Wheels in the Play-Dough car wash.

 

~Real~

Just thought I'd share a snapshot that beautifully illustrates what it looks like to try and read a book to BOTH boys.  I know that someday that will be a cozy, happy activity... but for now it looks something like this:

Linking up with Like Mother, Like Daughter

"Selfies!"

How is this little man almost one?  Lately I feel like I can actually see him turning into a toddler... so crazy!  My sweet Joseph.  :)

And, of course, there's my resident ice cream man.  No meal would be complete without at least asking for "an ice cream cone!"  Stephen is now sporting a little boy haircut... when did he turn into this adorable big kid?

Fun times with Mom on a hot afternoon.

I love Joseph's expression-- "Are we done with this yet??"

Happy happy Fourth of July!

Some wedding pics from Arizona!

So, I not-so-shamelessly stole some wedding pics from Craig and Ashley when they were up visiting and emailed them to myself.  There was one particular shot of Stephen that I was dying to see.  The photographer snapped it after the ceremony, looked at her little screen, and turned to me.  "Oh, mom, this one's a keeper."  And it truly, truly is.

Also, can you believe how much kids grow up in only 6 months?  He looks so little to me!

In the following:  this is what a "slow dance" looks like with two littles.  :)

Such a lovely wedding.  As Steve and I approach our 5th wedding anniversary, my heart is very full of gratitude for what God began in us on June 20th, 2009.

The Arboretum, in Picture Form

... because while I really want to share these gorgeous pics,  I don't want to waste time typing when two (TWO!!!!) dear kiddos are napping simultaneously.  :)

Enjoy!

Bonus pic of Happy Joseph as he finally can crawl to get at his big brother.  

Pretty, Happy Funny, Real - Dumbarton Oaks Part II Edition!

Hosted by Like Mother, Like Daughter

A couple of years ago, we went with our good friends to Dumbarton Oaks, and I have an old post detailing that trip.  Here we are, almost two years later, and it's fun to see how much Stephen has grown--and to have Joseph in the pictures now!

{Pretty}

This past weekend was peak Cherry Blossom Week-- one of my most favorite things about living in the DC area.  There is NOTHING like a spring weekend around these parts.  Unfortunately, that means it's tourist weekend, and while Steve and I love the ring of blossoms around the tidal basin, we decided to not to attempt it with a double stroller.  We've been here 10 years (10 years??? craziness!)  and so decided to check out Dumbarton Oaks instead.  It was completely the right choice.

Our future home.  Of course, we don't have the down payment QUITE saved up yet.

The blossoms in the background are set on a grassy, sloping hill.  I do believe that heaven has many a cherry blossom hill in it.

And the daffodils were also gorgeous.

{Happy}

Who can be stressed in a place like this?  Not Joseph.

Goofy Stephen face.

Can you believe this forsythia?  Just... breathtaking.  

 

{Funny}

Down this pathway by the pool was a mosaic of what looked like Roman bathers--in their birthday suits.  Stephen and I walked past, he saw the mosaic and turned to me with a very concerned expression.  His little voice echoed down the hall-- "Mama!  Haven't any clothes on!"  A few passers-by got a chuckle out of that one.

{Real}

Holy Thursday is here, with all the lovely, haunting Triduum music to go with it.  I'll share a piece that my choir will sing on Good Friday.  "O Vos Omnes" by Casals.   I truly believe that music can evoke the emotions and mystery of the Passion that is all too easy to forget.  

Have a blessed and beautiful Holy Week!

Stephen's First Haircut

My mom and I took Stephen for his very first hair cut today!  He really was a trooper with minimal tears and fuss.  Here he is with his certificate.  We are so proud of our handsome boy!

"What do you want me to do with this?"

"Smile? Got it."

Bonus picture of a deliciously chubby, delightfully happy 8 month Joseph.

Cheers to all! ~C

Photo.... Shoot.

This morning, while watching the (late March?) snow come down outside the playroom window, I had the *bright* idea of trying to take Joseph's baby pictures myself.  I got a LivingSocial deal for Stephen when he was 8 months old, and I wanted to make 8 months the time when I framed a baby picture of our children.  They are just so darn cute at 8 months.  

So I brushed Joseph's hair, dressed him in a preppy little sweater, grabbed a red sheet, and snagged a couple of cute shots.

That's when this started to happen:

And then this:

And then this.

But... who can resist this face?  :)

I think I'll leave this to the professionals.   Heard of any photo deals, anyone?  :)