Play Date Pictures

Our First Official Play Date

We had a play date this morning, and it was awesome! Wendy brought the little boy that she takes care of during the week, and the kids really seemed to have a good time. I enjoyed watching them play and get to know each other, and they really wore themselves out! Brady cried when they left, but he and Reese both took a good long nap! Here are some pictures of the fun! I hope we can make it a more regular event!

Busy Weekend

We had a lot to do this weekend, and Gary and I tried our hand AGAIN at taking Brady and Reese out in public. The next time you hear me attempting this feat, maybe someone close to me should kindly remind me how my sweet little angels can convert to devilish toddlers in the blink of an eye! I don't know how we manage to fool ourselves into thinking that large crowds and tight spaces will be no problem, but French Quarter Festival got us good. The first hour was a thing of beauty . . . lots of open running space, bubbles, throwing balls, kind neighbors parked next to you with children . . . and then the crowds come. I guess that the toddler fits would not be as bad if you didn't have Joe Schmo over in the corner discussing your parenting techniques and what you should or should not do. Joe must have forgotten how his kids were, doesn't have children, or had mutant alien children that turned off with the use of a remote control. Anyway, we left with both children screaming at the top of their lungs and with very frazzled nerves. Maybe next year we will go and I will just go up to the strangers that you know are DYING to give you their unsolicited advice and ask their opinions. Be proactive in the matter. Or maybe we will just get a babysitter instead! :) Brady and Reese, when you are old enough to read this, know that Mommy and Daddy love you anyway!

The Cat in the Hat

Spike is such a good sport. I don't know if you will be able to tell, but she does look a little disgruntled as she wears a hat and they do the baby sign for hat very close to her. She probably wishes for a little more privacy, but they really enjoy playing with her.

More pictures from the party

Cameron's party

We were invited to Cameron's birthday party yesterday, and Brady and Reese enjoyed terrorizing Darrin and Marcela's home. They were very busy inside and outside. Lots of kids playing on a huge water slide and jumping into the hot tub after. I am not sure I look forward to the days of those gigantic messes! Everyone seemed to have a great time. I will attach some pictures.

This basket is just right!

Reese and Spike have something in common . . . they both love to try to squeeze themselves into the tightest spots imaginable. Here is a picture of Reese in a basket that usually just holds Baby (her bear). She played and sang in it a good part of the morning.

Crawfish festival

We made a trip out to the crawfish festival last Sunday to have some good food and get out of the house for awhile. Brady and Reese rode the merry-go-round for the first time. You can see in one of the pictures that Brady was upset when I wouldn't let him re-arrange the fencing for the ride. He was more worried about that than the ride! They had some excellent food to try, some live crawfish races for the kids, and some cajun music from a band. The kids just focused in on pushing the stroller all over the place. Brady would throw out some dance moves when the mood hit him, but they weren't very concerned with all the people trying to come up and interact with them. It was a good time.

Playing at the grandparents

We are so fortunate to be able to share the same yards that I played in as a child with our children! Brady and Reese enjoyed Clifton, and I am pretty sure that their great-grandmothers enjoyed seeing them! Here are some pictures playing with Papa in the yard.

A new way to contain Brady

Dad put together a dog pin at Grandma's for the family dogs to go in while we had so many visitors. The good news is that Brady was very content helping and staying in the pen to play! We had several passers-by slow down to examine our poor parenting skills in "caging in" our little man. They can come talk to me when they have 2 toddlers!

Reese took a wonderful rest with Grandma, and enjoyed playing with the leaves while everyone worked.

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend brought us sad news. My grandfather passed away on Saturday, so we drove to Texas on Sunday. We were welcomed with family and friends, and so glad that my grandfather doesn't have to experience the burden of illness any more. It was a beautiful opportunity to remember, share, and make new memories. Lots of love to all of you. My words are not eloquent enough to express how important you are to us!

Good Friday

We had a wonderful day off on Good Friday, and were able to meet with Pete, Teresa, and their children at R&O's. You can't beat good food and good company! Reese wanted to stay with the Wilkinson's when it was time to go, but I don't think they are interested in adding to their clan! We are hoping to connect with them in Mississippi soon!