Redneck Swimming

Last weekend Trav and I tackled the dreaded project of cleaning out the garage.  It was beginning to look like something from an episode of Hoarders, so it was high time we cleaned out that bad boy.  Our house does not have an ideal amount of storage space so it seems that the garage has become the go to spot when we don't know where to put the superfulous stuff. 

The children woke up from their naps and we were only about halfway through "Operation: Attack Garage," so we blew up the baby pool that I bought from Target for $0.99 at the end of last summer.  It entertained our two long enough for us to accomplish our project.  I'm sure our neighbors enjoyed the view of our redneck swimming pool, but hey, we now have a clean garage and two babies that love to swim.  

As always, the cautious one looks on from afar.

And tests out the water tempurature before entering.

She agreed to get in the pool, but was still slightly hesitant to get too soaking wet. 

Love her. 

And this guy was not so shy.  He jumped right in and splashed all over the place.  

My favorite moment (other than the clean garage that I can now park my car in!) was when Lucy Mills kept saying "It's okay Buddy, I hep you get in da pool."

"Come play wif me McClain-Clain,"

He loved every minute.  In fact I had to drag him out of the pool when everything was said and done. 

Summer 2012.  Bring it on. 

To the One I Love:

Happy Four Years Travis! 

In some ways I can't believe fours years of marriage has come and gone so quickly, and in other ways I feel like "really...just fours years? It seems like it's been at least seven or eight." {And I mean that in the kindest way possible! We've covered a lot of ground in this short span of time!}

I remember the day we met and the courtship that followed.  You were unlike anyone I had ever met, and you pursued me in a way that was honorable yet romantic.  I hope our own daughter is so blessed one day. 

While I didn't know what the future held for us, I love how God so beautifully crafted our love story. 

 Travis, thank you for loving me when I don't deserve it, supporting me in my role as a wife and mother, and leading this family in such an admirable way.  

My very own Prince Charming...

So thankful for you. 

Love, your bride.

McClain

McClain, if I had to hand pick you off the store shelf, YOU are the little boy I would chose to take home. 

You have the most pleasant disposition - much like someone else I know...

While you are always on the move, you catch my eye and offer up a quick, flirty smile before heading off in into the next mischievous activity.  Boys! 

At 17 months old you love bats and balls, baths and swimming, your "ba-ba," books, Dora the Explorer, saying hey to anyone and everyone we pass, climbing on things that are not meant to be climbed on, putting inedible objects in your mouth, saying Dada when I ask you to say Mama, playing outside, and keeping up with your Sissy in everything she does. 

Even though you are in constant motion during the day, I can always count on a bedtime rocking and snuggling with you sweet boy.

I'm so thankful for you buddy!

Sweet Girl

She is a helper, that is for sure. 

Rather if it's with the dust buster, the laundry, wiping the table down, or grabbing the handful of dog food out of her little brother's white-knuckled grip, she loves to be needed and to be praised. 

I always wanted a little girl.  She is the perfect combination of sugar and spice.  

I love that she looks up to me, wants to be like me, wants to make me proud of her.  While I know that won't always be the case, I sure enjoy my celebrity status with her in these fleeting "little" years. 

She is a gift.