The Boys

What's that you say? It's time for some random photos of the boys? I think I can make that happen.

Playing ice cream shop, according to Colter. Elliott's take might be that they are playing prison.

Outtakes.

Do you think most models fog up the lens on their close-ups?

Oh my. Best photo of E to date.

Keith says Elliott needs a haircut, but do you see that little curl behind his ear? No way I'm cutting that anytime soon.

I'm seeing Uncle Travis here.

Oh Colter, those eyelashes are going to get you the ladies someday. And are probably the reason I can't keep a straight face while scolding you – total parenting fail.

Dear Grandpop

On Friday, we paid our last respects to my grandpop. It was certainly not an easy thing to do, but I count myself as very fortunate to have had all my grandparents in my life for all these years, to have grown up with their influence and to be able to get to know them as an adult. And certainly to have them meet my babies.

Everyone had lots of memories to share about Grandpop, and we reminisced over old photos. There will be so many times we think of him, the very particular and practical and generous man that he was.

So Grandpop, we'll be thinking of you when your birthday rolls around, which you shared with Colter...
...when we hit the road for Maine and pull out your handwritten directions, complete with exit numbers, mile markers, and approved restroom stops; you were the original Mapquest...
...when we cringe as someone says "irregardless" or "I don't think"...
...when we make snack mix and can't stop eating it...
...when we pull out the trains and pizzelle iron at Christmas...
...when the men in the family get a thirst for PBR at 11 a.m. the Saturday after Thanksgiving...
...when we play Monopoly...
...when we mix a gin and tonic or pour a good Scotch...
...when we pass the New Hampshire liquor store...
...when we look at my brother, who looks so much like you did as a young man...
...when we look at Elliott, who has that look as well...
...when we see a special for spaghetti on a Wednesday night...
...when hunting season rolls around...
...when we make lists and organize...
...and so, so many other times. You will be greatly missed, but certainly never forgotten.

Pretty in Pink

When you have little ones, and especially little boys, the house is often a wreck. It is blocks, tractors, diggers, cars. And crumbs. Oh, the crumbs!

Not only are these the things all over your house, but they are the things you talk about. You talk about diggers and tractors and cars, and their mufflers and wheels and air filters. (Yes, Colter wants to know about the air filters.)

So, when a friend (also the mother of two little boys, very close to Colter and Elliott's ages) comes for a playdate and brings a beautiful bouquet of peonies, it is like a breath of fresh air. An injection of girly-ness. A bit of pretty in the midst of kid-chaos.

Pretty flowers and adult conversation – just what I needed in the middle of a gray and dreary week. Thanks, Tawanda!

Up to the Farm

We were recently up at my parents' to take in a tractor pull, and nothing brings out the boy in Colter quite like being on the farm. And it won't be long until Elliott is tagging along behind him, getting dirty and asking loads of questions about how everything works.

Starting the morning off with Popper while he has some coffee...

Burgers at the tractor pull...

Riding along in the sled...

Elliott was a good spectator, chomping on his teething biscuit.

 Yep, they are a handful! (And an armful, and a lapful...)

Kittens! And no, we didn't bring one home. But it was tempting.

Maybe Colter is not such a fan.

Things with wheels top things with fur for one little man...

 ...but the other is pretty thrilled by cuddly and cute.

There are four kittens hiding in the woodpile.

Carmela got a couple shots of the little working men.

Doesn't he look like he's ready to hop up there and get to work?

Let's dig!

And that's a man pose if I ever saw one...

It was a busy weekend, and both boys were asleep by the end of my parents' road. That country air must wear them out!