As you know….the monsta doesn’t like to give those beautiful, natural smiles anymore. It is cheese galore with him. Yesterday was different. We were playing outside and he told me NOT to bring out my camera. I said ok. After we came in to warm up again, I asked him if I could bring it out. (Can you believe I have to ask?) He said yes. We were tackling eachother on the front lawn because that is what a Mom of boys is required to do and I said, OOOH, let me set up the timer and take our picture. He said yes. He sat down, I focused and pressed the shutter and ran to him. He got a kick out that. Everytime the camera beeped faster, he laughed. The 5 pictures I took are all great and I will cherish them forever.

Still trying to unpack from our great weekend in Montrose, PA……

Boy, does a family of four need a lot of things!

We did remarkably well for all staying in one room though.  Believe me, I was worried about it.  Ben slept on an air mattress and David in the pack n’ play.  They both rolled with the flow which was really nice.  Although it didn’t snow, there were still leftovers on the hill outside the cabin.  The kids managed to go sledding and had a great time.  We did a lot of eating and resting and talking.  Always nice to get away.

Did I say just kids?

Jace reviewing one of his hundreds of pictures.

Sweet Sunny in the morning light.

Wait! Get back here.

Jack pointing out to Ben the pink marker in the trees.

Look how happy they are!

Ben made an official statement that Jack was a really great guy.

Jack really wanted to pull him up the hill!

Good Morning!

Don’t smile Jack!

Snake that is going home to Jack’s house – YIKES

And she says she can’t take a good picture – NOT!

Resting…

Crying…

Contemplating…

Just looking so cute in general.

Hey LOOK! I was there!

Winding down.

My apologies to Aunt Les, Allegra, Jazz and David for not taking you guys. I don’t know what happened. Next time, I promise.

it came

it fell

we played

he plowed and plowed and plowed

are noses were red

muscles (Craig’s muscles) were tired

soggy socks were placed next to the heater

we drank hot chocolate

priceless…….if I could bottle that feeling up, i would.

Leave it to Grandma to come over with a bag full of cream puffs for Ben. For those of you who know me, that doesn’t usually fly around here. I have been really good though. I understand that Grandparents have certain rights. Spoiling is one of them. But a BAG? Just for Ben? Given to him when she walks in the door, BEFORE dinner? Come on Mom!

The Monsta was lucky that he ate his entire meal. I think he was imagining the puff during every bite. Well, the time came….

for dessert:

He examined it, smelled it, lifted it up slowly and took a bite….

When his teeth sunk into it, it was pure ecstasy in his eyes…

The rest is history!

I’m off to tackle some much needed shopping for the holidays today.  Picking up the Monsta from school and dropping him off at Mom’s house.  Me and the babe will fight the crowds together.  I wish I knew what people wanted…..everyone has everything nowadays.  It is making it so hard to be thoughtful.  I will do my best.  Wish me luck!

Cub vs.  Catapillar

Getting smiles left and right now.

I’m going to let these images speak for themselves.

……I <3 my boys

A couple of weeks ago, Craig and Ben were playing outside and I darted out there inbetween feedings.  They were having so much fun that I wanted to capture it.

My handsome Hub. I just love all that salt and peppa going on!

Finally, a glance toward the camera.

and finally, the neverending tickles. If you could have heard his squeals – you would be sitting there with a HUGE smile.

It is times like these that I don’t ever want to forget. I look at Ben now and see the big boy he has become. What happened to those baby days? They are fleeting. Thank goodness that I love photography. Keeping these memories is just priceless to me.

David having fun with Abuelito.

I’m getting ready for Thanksgiving. Monsta and I will be making place cards. That should be fun. We picked up the turkey from the Turkey farm yesterday. Ben’s third annual trip. We saw Ruka rabbit, sheep, ducks and a dog. Brining later on when Craig can pick up the pot for me. Being that my Turkey is 20lbs this year! I wish everyone a happy day and remember to give Thanks all ’round.

xxo

Let me start this post saying that Craig bought me a new laptop. Whooo Hooo! I love it. The reason that I needed it was not only because my old desktop was a dinosaur but as you all know, we have been transitioning my office into the new baby room. In turn, I need to be mobile. My space will be no more. Sob. Anyways, it has been a tedious job to clean everything up. It is not like I have a new space to dump all the stuff. Now it is down to the computer. I have so many folders of crap, it is ridiculous. Today, I am trying to delete. During this fun process, I have been coming across some great stuff.  Pictures mostly.  I figure I should share a few.  Todays picture is of me and Craig the day after the night he asked me to marry him. 

We were (and still are mind you) so happy.  I have to say, we were definitely on cloud nine.  It was August 28, 2004 and we were going to a wedding.  All dressed up with my sparkly ring.  Now, it is two kids later and I can’t believe how all this time has gone by.  We were married on July 17, 2005.  What an awesome day that was! 

I like this picture because it shows the Mariachis that came out to play after Craig stepped on the glass.  They continued to play throughout the cocktail hour.  It was very special. 

Hope you like the history lesson today.  There will be more.

Had to show off at least one part of the beautiful outfit my Mom made for David. She made it before he was born so that is why she chose pink and blue as the colors. There is a matching sweater which is really darling but I haven’t been able to get that shot yet. Thanks Mom!