man's best friend

I realize the intention of this blog is to document and share the journey of motherhood and raising these kids of ours and not for the purpose of voicing opinions on politics or the news that flashes before you on MSN.  But, I'm going to make an exception. 

 This photo just slays me. It's a picture of a black lab, Hawkeye, lying next to the casket of his owner, Jon Tumilson, a fallen Navy SEAL. It seems that the lives lost during war these days become just numbers and become overshadowed by the stock market, pop culture, or weather.  It shouldn't be this way. 
The loyalty of this soldier to his country and the loyalty of Hawkeye is absolutely profound.  We all know my love of animals and my own best friend, Koby.  I guess that's why I couldn't pass up a moment to share this.  It makes me wonder if they played ball together, swam together, and the jubilant homecoming Hawkeye would have provided at the site of his master coming home. 

Whether it's this photo or another, I hope there's a reason that makes us all stop for a moment in these crazy lives of ours to think about the men and women that are far from loved ones for extended periods of time, only to carry out orders they are given so all of us back home can live with the freedom we have.

Lisa Pembleton / Getty Images

Grandma & Grandpa's

We spent the weekend in Salem with Grandma and Grandpa Wasenmiller.  It was our first "road trip" with the three kids and the five hours in the car on the way down definitely reminded us just how fun this sort of thing can be. 

The weekend was perfect-hot summer days, warm summer nights, fantastic food, swimming, and naked kids.  Naked.  Everywhere.  In fact, I've had a difficult time finding pictures that are suitable for posting.  I know Grandma and Grandpa are rethinking their "open door" policy after our clan graced them with our presence.  We were constantly looking for kids-one upstairs, one downstairs, one out the front door, one out the back door, one on the swing.  Nope, he's trying to get in the fish pond. One headed for the pool. Now she's running for the garden.  It was crazy.

 Grandma's kitchen was always dirty and I'm certain their house has not seen this much noise and commotion for quite sometime. 

In fact, when we were pulling out of the driveway this morning, I saw Grandma through the window....she was pouring Baileys in her coffee.  Eeeeek!!!  (not really)

Warning: picture overload!

We swam in the pool

 Discussing the "jump"

Convinced!

splash!

sitting pretty

Grandma's lemon tree

 swinging

We stuffed our bellies in the garden.

Raiding the blueberry patch.

Hiding the evidence

Homegrown berries

Graham tasting Grandma's beans

Delicious!

Filling their bellies with berries

Eating apples under the apple trees

We ate and played some more.

A new kid-friendly kitchen knife and scissors for Grace. 

She was so proud to have cut the lettuce for our salad.

I'll have that koi, please.  Fried, a little salt. Thank you.

Our little water worm. If there's water, William will be there.

I want my tea brought to me each morning by this sweet face.

Testing out our walking legs while breakfast is cooking.

Loving these three to pieces!

"I'm stuffed......but what did you say is for dessert?"

"Peaches!  I'll take a bowl."

Food coma.  In daddy's high chair when he was a baby. I love a family heirloom.

Sitting for just a second. 

Tuckered out.  This little girl rarely stops long enough to snuggle.  I love these moments.

That's my girl.

William and I soaking up the rays.

Graham's first dip in the pool.

He likes it!

We had a mini reunion.

A small reunion.  Handy husband, Josh, and Ryan.  It's been five years.....far too long.

Getting the three families together to attempt a group photo.

 Success!  Except Grace wanted nothing to do with a swim suit.

 Graham didn't know if he was coming or......

 ...going.

Taking a ride in one of daddy's old toys.

Graham & daddy in the pool. Notice the supreme absorbency of Graham's diaper-we forgot to take it off.  Why the heck have I been changing his diaper every few hours?  Nonsense!

Checking out the digs.

One last swing before we hit the road.

 And one last raid of the garden too!

Harvesting carrots.

A happy customer.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa.  We had a great time!

my room

This just makes me smile.  Just a few months ago, this magical little guy of ours was spending his days swaddled and sleeping.  Now he's enjoying his room and so proud of his standing abilities.

cherries

Gone.