Beautiful Belle

Oh Lola, I could squeeze your sweet face and kiss your little neck all day long. You are the happiest baby and are a dream come true for our family. Here you are at 7 months.

 The other day I as cleaning the garage and the backyard, simultaneously, and washing things off with the hose in between. There has been ocassion where Ez just sprays the hose around and stays entertained. So, that is what I ran in the house expecting...spraying and minding his business! He comes in and casually says, "Lolee is crying." I run out and on the way am saying, "what happened". I saw her at the same time his little voice says, "I sprayed her!" She didn't seem too bothered.

 Then I look down a minute later and see this...

 then this.

Whatever works, buddy, whatever works. Even with a big poo in his diaper. Lovely!

dreaming

When I back packed through Europe we were open to any and all suggestions and really didn't have a "plan" once we got there. Train ride after train ride and one hostel stay after another, led us to this gorgeous Italian experience. Cinque Terre, Italy. 5 little villages connected by train or an old walking path. My heart wants to travel.  

 This is one of my all time favorite paintings. I had a large framed print of this until after about the 4th move it broke. I saw the real version in Paris at the Musee D'Orsay. It was right after I ran into these ladies that knew my grandma in St. George, utah. They took a picture of me standing by this painting and promised to show my grandma. They did. But all they showed her was a photo of this painting and my right shoulder.

 The Boxer. I've always been drawn to this statue. Probably because it speaks to the will of the human spirit. This boxer is totally defeated (if you look close you can see he's really had it) but he still looks up and is not "defeated".

 And today when I was at the gym, the worker who I've smiled at for a year now stopped and asked me if i'd like some suggestions on weight training. yes, please! He told me that if I was athletic (which I seemed to be) that I should be able to do some pull ups. So that's my goal folks. Pull up by November. And not the pull-ups for Ez, though that would be nice. I'm talking about the good ole' GI Jane pull ups that make others in the gym go "seriously wish I could do one of those."

back to the past

On Saturday and Sunday we drove out and visited some people, and a place, close to our hearts.

We ate a little Mexican and told stories during dinner. And said Happy Birthday to a great uncle.

 Smiled a 7 month old smile.

 Played with grandma who was in town for the weekend.

 Wandered the Red Barn art festival. (more like small town craft festival but fun)

 Learned to "shoot" a pop gun.

 Made our own slushies. too much juice.

We walked down the street Brad would walk to school every single day even in the freezing snow...And walked past the white house on the corner of Washington street. I started to learn how to be a mom in that house and learned to be a very supportive medical student wife. I learned so much while living there and loved the quaintness and simplicity of life there. It will always be a fond memory and sweet experience.

Taking photos with EZ

So, I'm loving have time with the little guy. He is so full of spunk and spirit. He loves for me to play with him. He loves holding my hands and calling me mama. He says "thank you" in the sweetest tone. and he has started saying, "that's yucky!" you'd have to hear it. So, I took Ez to take photos in the same spot we took Chloe's photos at the same age. It was pure fun (even in the humidity)

"are you sure a train won't come?"
Yes, buddy, just smile quick and we'll be done (and I'm sure I added a donut in the next plea)

 "really, mama, I think this garage may open soon"
To let you know this is about 4 feet off the ground and totally old and may or may not have actually been a working garage at some point:)

 "Smile like this?"

 Some of my favorites of today and the past.

 I love how both the the outfits totally represent them at this time.

 "should we go down there and take some pictures now."

 "I am refusing to show you anything but sass."

 worn out.

 Spirits are lifting.

 There's my cute guy.

 These images are in my memory...forever...oh, how I love these little ones.

 And that's my boy...always interested in how things "work"

 Have a great Tuesday. I got to spend the day with a fun friend and taking photos of my boy. A very good day.