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?  :)

Two Boys at Play

 Just wanted to share a quick glimpse of some peaceful, happy playtime that the boys had this afternoon.

This little man carries a train with him everywhere.... to the store, up to the bath, etc.

 Can you believe that sweet smile?

I LOVE this shot.... can you tell that they're brothers?  :)

A quick "selfie" with Stephen... look how trendy we are!

Love to all!

{pretty, happy, funny, real} Snowman edition!

Hosted by Like Mother, Like Daughter

{Pretty}

Our decorations have been up for a little while, but... you know...life with two small boys leaves little time for picture updates.  I really am trying to be better! 

Our Tree!!  Before Stephen got at it.  The bottom third of the tree now has large bare patches, punctuated by groups of ornaments that I made him pick up and put back on the tree.  In a nice little addition, I also found the baby's teething ring hanging from a branch.

{Happy}

My little "happy Joe," as Stephen calls him.  Seriously, is there ANYTHING cuter than a happy baby?

{Funny}

Steve and Stephen ventured out to create a snowman.  Stephen got cold and was a little underwhelmed by the whole process. 

But the result was fantastic.  Just look at that handsome smile!  (yes, Steve, I am talking about you! :) )

They used all the snow in the yard, as evidenced by the mud patch in front.  Unfortunately our snowman has gone on to better, colder pastures... but hopefully he'll be back soon enough!

 {Real}

Briefly, I just want to mention how very meaningful this Advent has been with a small baby in the house.  I think that my Advent with Stephen was consumed with trying to figure out life as a new parent.  This time around, both Steve and I are more relaxed and able to appreciate things as they come. Joseph's beautiful presence in our family brings my thoughts right to the stable and manger.  How very vulnerable our Savior was... is... and He continues to teach me through His littleness.   

There's a poem by Frances Chesterton (G.K's wife!)  that we're singing in choir.  I had never heard it before, but I'll copy it below. 

Here is the little door.
Lift up the latch; O lift!
We need not wander more,
but enter with our gift.
A gift of finest Gold,
Gold that was never bought nor sold;
Myrrh to be strewn about his bed;
Incense in clouds about his head;
all for the Child who stirs not in his sleep,
but Holy slumber holds with ass and sheep.

Bend low about his bed: for each he has a gift!
See how his eyes awake--lift up your hands! O lift!
For Gold he gives a keen-edged sword (defend with it thy little Lord)!
For incense, smoke of battle red.
Myrrh for the honoured happy dead.
Gifts for his children, terrible and sweet,
Touched by such tiny hands and oh! such tiny feet.

Have a beautiful rest of Advent, everyone!  

Fa la la la la

Soooo.... that cute little boy in those sonogram pictures is now a smiley, adorable 4 1/2 month old named (as Stephen puts it) "Happy Joe."   Joseph is such a gift to our family with his sweet eyes and crazy hair, and his personality is starting to blossom.  He adores his mommy, loves his brother, and there's the beginnings of hero-worship in his eyes as he looks at his dad.

And now it's Advent!  Time for some Christmas pics, I do think:

Whoops:  I forgot I wanted to add this picture of Jessie and Joseph.  Isn't it the cutest?
Ok, onto our Christmas tree set-up day! Joseph spent most of it in his Exersaucer.   He's a big fan of the carousel toy.

Stephen LOVED the gloves.  I asked him to say "cheese" and this is what he gave me!

 Handsome guy.:)

Another handsome guy!

I think Steve deserves an award for doing most of the tree set-up and lights with a toddler on his back.

 I'll try and get a pic of the finished tree up soon!

Love to all family and friends stopping by the blog!  You are in our hearts this Advent!