Outtakes

And just in case you think it is easy to take a picture with a two year old...here are some of the outtakes of our photo session.

Bubs and Mama

Here I am with my Little Man.

 

Aww...kisses!

Bubs and Daddy-O

While up at Huntington Lake, we took advantage of the scenery and borrowed lens and took some family pictures.  Here are two of my three boys.

Can you believe I took that picture?!?  That tells you how good a lens it is!

Fourth of July

This past weekend, we were blessed, for the third time {2010 and 2009} to spend the Fourth of July weekend at our friend's cabin in Huntington Lake.  Kc borrowed a fun, new lens for his camera from a friend and had a blast taking pictures of Noah's adventures.   

We went on several walks around the cabin and down to the lake.  Bubs enjoyed finding rocks,

no matter how big 

or small {Bubs is signing "little"} they were.

He also liked to find sticks to throw.

 

I think his favorite activity, however, was looking for bugs.  

 

He laughed every time he found an ant on the ground and even insisted on taking a stuffed bug out for a walk.

There were climbing adventures all around the lake

 

 and so much fun to be had.

 

After all that work it was nice to sit on the deck, admire the view of the lake, and relax just a bit.  Bubs love to sit in the rocking chair with his books {Mr. Man just LOVES books}.

 

Sometimes he relaxed even further.

Sierra enjoyed naps on the deck as well.

Kc downloaded a new game on his iPhone for Noah...it's a concentration game with animal cards.  Mr. Man just LOVES it.  He does amazingly well, remembering where the animals are and picking the two that match.  Here is his concentration face.

After a long day in the mountains, we settled down and had chili and cornbread {in a jar}

and enjoyed the fire. 

What an amazingly relaxing weekend!

Thinking

So...I've been thinking about Ryan quite a bit over these past few weeks.  Don't get me wrong, not a single day goes by where I don't think about my precious boy, but lately...well...it's been different.  I am experiencing a pain and longing that seems so fresh.  So assaulting.  So raw. 

Perhaps it is because I'm home all day now {glorious summer} and am constantly looking at reminders of Ryan.  His treasure box where we keep all the cards we received, his birth and death certificates, and the tiny hat he wore in the hospital.  His photos scattered throughout the house.  His urn.  

Perhaps it is because Noah has taken to carrying around Ryan Bear almost as much as Charlie.  {Don't worry Charlie, you are still his favorite}.

Perhaps it is because we've had several play dates with friends who have two beautiful children.  I look at those mothers struggling to feed one child while the other is crying or running after one child while the other is darting in a different direction and long for that.  

Perhaps it is because I am his Mother and I will always miss my sweet angel.

Whatever it is, I know that my little peanut is resting in Jesus' arms and that one day we will be reunited as we sing praises to our Heavenly Father. 

my sweet boys