Summer Memories

It's time for me to dump a bunch of poor quality pictures from my phone onto my blog for memories sake. 

We've had such a great summer together. I love these boys and the bond they share. It's unbelievable! 

They love playing at home, on our playground. Eating popsicles. 

We enjoyed the 4th with Nana and Papaw Brad. We sat by their outdoor fire. It is so nice. Kevin and my dad put off a few fireworks for the boys. Mom cooked pizza breads on the grill. 

Sparklers and pop-its were a hit. Anything with a BANG is what boys like. 

They have went to VBS at a church near our house. I am so proud of them, because they have never been to this church but have loved all of the days. They made these masks the first night, and proudly wore them when we got home for a picture. 

They have had many visits to the fishing store with their daddy. A rare can of pop and a fishing store are a highlight! 

We have visited the park and met new friends. I am thankful that my boys are not shy in making friends. They will walk right up to other kids, and make friends instantly. 

Karson went with his Nana (my mom) this week and picked out his Kindergarten backpack. He chose Lego's. It was a great idea because he LOVES building with Legos each night before bedtime. He also got a lunch box. They finished up their fun trip with lunch at McDonald's per request from Karson. :) 

They love to pick me flowers, roots and all. I have to laugh everytime. 

More park days. Fun summer playing.

They have visited with both sets of grandparents many times this summer. This day they were visiting their Mamaw (Kevin's mom) and after swimming, they built a tent. 

Then, they hoped into their Papaw's boat for a picture. They sure think they are special. Cousin Dane is also in the picture too.

They have both grown so tall this summer. 

It has been one great summer, with many great experiences. 

The best memories do not include money. It's TIME & relationships. That's what is important. 

I can think of a million memories from my childhood. They all have to do with time.

Playing barbies all day long. Swimming, playing house, being with neighborhood friends, VBS, riding my bike, church events, and being with my family are the memories in my mind.

The memories are just priceless. 

Brothers

The power of brothers is so strong. There are many loud and messy times, but there are even more loving days. These two are together all day long except for sleeping and Karson being at morning preschool 3 days. I can honestly say they are best friends. 

I think a big part of that has to do with the fact that we live in the country. Don't take this the wrong way, I don't want my children isolated from the world. However, being in the country forces them to play with each other rather than neighborhood kids. When we moved to our current home 4 years ago, we left friends from the subdivision who they both really enjoyed playing with. Now, it's a different type of play. Learning to play and get along with your sibling. It's a sweet time of togetherness. 

They are never really bored. They are pretty good at keeping entertained. 

The water hose is a great entertainer, as well as our creek in the back yard. Both are a big blessing on those hot summer days. 

Karson has really been interested in catching butterflies, and looking at the colors of their wings. 

He even shares with little brother. Who often ends up killing them from too much love (oops!)

These wildflowers are everywhere on our property. They seem to really attract the butterflies.

I am so thankful to have these brothers home with me this summer with no interruptions.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 18:24 

Differences & Chick-fila Santa

Here are a few pictures from last year 2011 and this year 2012.

 

My goodness time is flying by and these boys are growing like weeds...

 

Kipton Lee 

2011                                            2012

 

Karson Bradley

2011                                    2012

 

After seeing these pictures there are a couple things I see:

 

My babies are getting soo big soo fast

 

&

 

I've learned alot about my camera settings and last years pictures were awful and I'm still learning alot about taking pictures.

 

Here is a blurry one of Kevin & I, but we had a 3 year old photographer :)

 

 

Kevin was off during the week this week and so we headed to Chick-fil-a this Tuesday for Family Night. I saw that they were having Santa and Santa Cow so I knew we didn't want to miss this week.

 

 

It was honestly the best Santa experience we've ever had. No lines and he was incredibly friendly and loving. He loved on Kipton like no other and it felt so special (not creepy) like a few other times I have wondered who's under that suit. Karson requested that he would sit on the Cow and Kipton would sit on Santa and they both agreed and were happy as can be.

 

 

Afterwards ice cream for everyone and playtime before heading out to see Christmas lights.

 

 

 

What a great family night. I love Christmas time!! :)

Fun times in December

There have been a lot of fun parties and get togethers with friends and family latley. I love December because there is always something going on, and I like to stay busy.

 

Brandy hosted a charity event at her house for a local preschool who needed toys and diapers. There were a few of us moms from the mother's club that came along with lots of her friends from college. It was a great time and I wish I would've taken pictures of her food and drink tables. They were amazing!

 

 

My good friend Christie and I

 

 

On this evening the boys and I were meeting up with my parents and sister for dinner at Cracker Barrell. The boys love it there because they like to look around in the gift shop. Whoever thought of that was a genius! It helps pass the time if there is a wait.

 

 

I picked up these shirts from Crazy 8 and they say "Worlds Coolest Brother". I thought they were really cute for them. Karson always gets a kick out of matching shirts.

 

 

Kevin couldn't go to dinner with us because he was leaving for work that evening. So we took a quick family picture before he left. Look at Kipton looking over at me. We can never get a good picture of him looking straight when he's with all of us. He wants to see what we are doing and doesn't want to miss a single second of anything. He is so fun!

 

 

I have to share something special about Kipton and our week this week.

 

My baby is no longer a baby :)

 

Pictures to come!

Love

 

Just look at the love Kipton has for Karson.

 

He seriously LOVES him and adores him more than anything in his life.

 

 

Kipton wants to be just like Karson.

 

Even on Karson's bad days, Kipton wants to be just like bubby.

 

 

Karson has his bad days, but he is so good. 3 years old is so much easier than 2.

 

Then other days I wish for the age of 4.

 

I LOVE my boys! They are rough, rowdy, but so sweet.

 

 

Karson said in the bathtub tonight

 

"Hey look mommy, Kipton is hugging and kissing me, I Love him!"

Happy October!

 

Happy 1st day of October!

 

One of my FAVORITE months. It's so fun! The boys and I are having a day at home today because the rest of our week is super busy. It seems like Fall time is so busy.

 

 

The boys and I went on a hike this  morning before the rain came. They love getting out and looking for nuts and deer tracks. Karson normally leads the way and is so willing to find a good rock for us to sit on and listen for "bears".

 

There has been many moments over the last few weeks of mere sibling fighting. Not sure where it came from all of a sudden, but boy is it brutal! I am TRYING (hoping/praying) to keep my patience and train these soldiers into great men someday.

 

 

Here is our new "management strategy" (insert teacher voice) HAHA!

 

 

I am thankful for being home with these boys.

 

 

 

They can fight one minute and be best friends the next.

Our Week

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." (Psalms 127:3-5)

The boys and I are spending our days playing, playing, and some more playing. They are both full of life and so much fun. I am so lucky to have them!

Kipton is now saying "Hello" on the telephone. Too cute!!

The workers have been very busy with the new house.

We have had to be there a lot this week to make changes and see the progress along.

 This is a very exciting time for us.

- The garage -

Karson in his bedroom. Very excited!

"This is Karson's room."

"This is where my bed will go."

"Here is my potty."

-Some of the things Karson says as he is touring the house. He is too funny!

The chickens have moved to the new house already. Kevin and my dad built them a new chicken coop and it is much bigger and has a place for them to lay their eggs.

Karson has named them "Jackie" and "Lou Lou". I know the Lou Lou came from a story we read about chickens but not sure where Jackie came from?

Giving them tomatoes

When we move to the house we plan on getting more chickens. But for now it's just the two of them.

Karson really enjoys going to see them. I think we have all found enjoyment from the chickens. They are fun and will let you hold them and are so tame. I am hoping the boys will always love the animals that we have and want to raise many different types of animals.

Nothing like watching a movie on the trampoline

Kipton is Mr. Drools while he works on his 9th tooth

Mommy's helper boy. Loves to sweep

Nothing better than brothers

Hope you had a great week!

We are looking forward to Kevin's long stretch off from work.