First Summer Zoo Trip.

Every time.

But I love it when they try to cram both of their faces in together.

Sweet Small Fry just wants to be like his Bubby.

They moved the tiger to the old painted dogs exhibit (by the way, I do not know where the painted dogs are now, nor do I care -- those things make me so nervous!). The tiger kept walking past the boys right by the window. It was awesome and slightly terrifying too.

I mean seriously...

Double trouble.

Then he got really serious.

What was supposed to be zoo fountain fun turned into Fawn tormenting Small Fry with his very clever use of his foot to direct the fountain water onto Small Fry. Small Fry was not a fan, but loved the fountains anyway.

Brothers at play.

At it again that little sneak.

Luckily this guy is pretty laid back.

Small Fry and Mommy.

Fawn and Mommy.

I'd say based on these happy faces that it was a successful trip!

Sandestin 2014.

We spent a fabulous long weekend at Sandestin for the Alabama Young Lawyers conference. The boys were both so excited about the beach. Fawn had circled the date in my calendar, asked constantly when we were going to the beach, and made a paper chain to count down the days. Small Fry was excited simply because Fawn was excited. Fawn was the biggest helper when it came to packing -- it was so refreshing to get assistance -- and real, helpful assistance. And it made the prep work more fun and pretty painless.

It was our first car trip in the Silver Bullet. Life changing. Super easy to pack and unpack, tons of space, happy boys, easy to tend to children. How did we live for five years without a minivan?

We left bright and early Thursday morning so we got to enjoy a solid half day on the beach. Small Fry was his most fearless Thursday. Crying and begging to "go back in the water". And it was COLD. But of course we obliged because it was a gorgeous cold and Small Fry is at the age where we just marvel in his discoveries of the world. Fawn picked up right where he left off last summer and absolutely loved every minute of the trip. We got a quick nap in for Small Fry and Buck and Fawn enjoyed some one-on-one time on the beach. For dinner, we headed to Acme Oyster House. Always a great venue for kids and my oyster-loving hubby. The oyster man convinced Fawn to try a raw oyster with ketchup. He gave it a "medium thumb" -- a sideways thumb, not a thumbs up and not a thumbs down. The he told me all weekend that he made buddies with the oyster man and now he has a new buddy. So sweet. In lieu of the kids shrimp basket, Small Fry ate his body weight in saltine crackers. Like the entire basket. After dinner we headed to a welcome party for the conference. When we arrived, my hooligans were the only children there. In a really nice condo. Really nice. I quickly got the boys out of there for a trip to the awesome playground in Baytowne Village. They had fun and played so well together until we got the text from Buck that other kids arrived and we were welcome back at the party. Back to the party we went where we bribed the boys with cookies while we mingled.

While I do love oysters (though shy away from them raw in my wiser years), this guy's ability to down oysters is almost enough to make me sick. 

Getting an oyster tutorial.

Down the hatch.

We're teaching Small Fry thumbs up.

Love them even when they're crazy.

Friday morning Buck headed to his conference and my little buddies and I went to the beach. Bright and early. We attempted to fly Fawn's kite. It was short-lived; I think because of the lack of wind, Fawn thinks because of my lack of kite-flying skills. Then it was water time. We started in the ocean. It was a gorgeous day and the water looked perfect. There was a yellow flag flying, though, and the undertow was pretty strong. While we never went out deep, I was still pretty nervous about being outnumbered by children. When I got knocked down by the undertow, we took the fun back to the sand where we played for a while before heading up to the pool. Fawn loved jumping off the side and remembering his swimming skills, while Small Fry got braver and braver in the water. I was thrilled to see him enjoying the pool, and it made me hopeful for many happy summer days at Mema and Abou's house. After a solid morning outside, we headed in for lunch and naps all around (including Buck and me). Buck and Fawn headed back to the beach first -- for Buck's firm's beach party for the conference. Small Fry and I joined them when he finally woke from his slumber. More of the same -- ocean, sand and pool fun for the rest of the afternoon.

My big beach baby. (This post will be picture-lite; I made a conscious decision to leave the big camera at home and not worry about lots of beach pictures.)

Then it was time to get ready for the family-friendly cocktail party. The boys were pretty good -- running and playing with other children -- and enjoying chicken fingers for dinner. About 8 pm our evening deteriorated a bit. Small Fry fell off a chair and bumped his head -- he was NOT happy. While I was worried about the bumped head, I know he's a tough cookie. He was bringing the drama though, probably because it was much past his bed time. When I finally got him calmed down I realized that he had a diaper explosion ALL OVER ME. Like poop everywhere. I had to send a friend to track Fawn down so we could head back to our condo. Oh well!

Saturday morning took Buck back to his conference. We dropped him off and explored the bay side of Sandestin. We started at Jolee's Island, where I'd never been before. But such a cool place -- the bridge to get there even fascinated the boys. They loved walking around the paths, listening to the many birds, and playing on the pirate ship. I think their favorite part was the wooden path around the edge of the island. After that we drove over to the Village and walked through the treehouses. Fawn was in awe -- exclaiming that we had to bring Buck back. We also strolled through the Marina to look at boats. Fawn attempted to ask a man if he could drive his boat, but I quickly steered him away (the man did not look amused). After a brief stop in the condo to change into beach clothes we headed down to the water. The boys insisted they wanted to play in the sand so somehow I managed to haul our chairs, towels, sand toys and beach bags down there (not to mention kept up with the two little boys themselves!). Literally, within five minutes of getting set up on the sand, they were ready to pack up for the pool. I obliged, though I left the chairs and sand toys behind, and we enjoyed the rest of the morning at the pool. After lunch and naps all around, we headed to another beach party as part of the conference. The boys and I didn't stay long and spent most of the afternoon back in the water.

Beach bums.

Saturday night was so much fun! We met three other families for dinner at the Marina. The kids had a great time together. Though Fawn was hesitant at first to mingle with children he didn't know, he quickly made friends. While waiting for their food, the kids went to the treehouses and also were thoroughly entertained by a talking parrot. After dinner, we walked to the Village and to an amazing arcade. Buck and Fawn played some awesome games together -- their favorite was probably a hunting game. We also rode a simulated roller coaster as a family (so realistic) and Fawn attempted to navigate a laser field. We pushed Fawn past the limit, though, and he ended up with a migraine. Poor buddy!

Maybe my favorite picture ever -- courtesy of Buck.

The good news was he woke up fine on Sunday morning and we enjoyed a few more hours of sand, water and sun before heading home. It was a fabulous four days as a family and a great start to summer.

Catching Up iStyle.

We bought a new car on April 5. I think it was a combination of big school and carpool staring us in the face, the timing being right to sell the Honda Accord, and Buck and me being sick and tired of trading cars back and forth and back again (first world problem, I know). My parents watched the boys one night so we could go to CarMax and check out an assortment of used vehicles. I was trying to be open-minded, but pretty much had my mind made up that I wanted a three row SUV. Little did I know Buck felt the exact same way. Little did either of us know that we hated three row SUVs (felt like sardines, too many moving parts, very little usable space) and...wait for it...loved minivans. We spent a couple weeks looking for used vans but it just didn't seem to be the right financial decision. So one Saturday, we went to the Toyota dealership in workout clothes and came home with a new silver minivan (the Silver Bullet) -- though Fawn says it's the Blue Silver Bullet because it looks more blue than silver. I'm in love. I do have to say that I was doubting and second-guessing our decision the night we bought it -- and generally feeling very guilty for having a brand new super nice vehicle. But, on Sunday morning when I woke up and went downstairs I saw the identification number of the vehicle -- 41881 -- otherwise known as my birthday. It was meant to be! A little sign from God that it was a good decision after all. (I was extra thankful for his provision of this sign the very next morning when we woke up to several inches of water in our basement and I worried that we would need money to fix a water problem and we shouldn't spend money on something like a car.)

My boy before his second appointment with our pediatric neurologist. It was a scheduled follow-up and we were so thankful because winter and early spring were tough headache-wise. They seem to have gotten more frequent and more severe. The doctor advised we add another vitamin supplement (B2), and although it is only available in capsule form Fawn is swallowing it nightly like a champ. I'm not sure it's helping, but we seem to be in a holding pattern with three headaches in the last month.

Fawn and Buck always play games when we're waiting at the doctor. The doctor did advise that we do an MRI. We were supposed to get it late one afternoon, but thankfully ended up with a morning slot. Fawn was not allowed to eat before the MRI in case they had to sedate him and just getting through the morning on a hungry, empty belly was tough for Fawn -- I cannot imagine if we'd waited all day! Buck went back with him and said he was a rock star. He was perfectly still for the eighteen minutes of pictures -- they did not have to retake a single one. Perhaps he was so excited about his prizes that I'd bought for still cooperation. That or he's just an awesome patient. Or both. We were so proud of him and then so relieved when the MRI came back clear. Praise the Lord! We will stick with the supplements for now and continue to evaluate if we can do something better to take care of him.

I loved spending Tuesday mornings this year at Together Time with Small Fry. He loved it too! Of course we enjoyed it when Fawn played hooky and joined us, but Fawn is a bit old for the program and Small Fry is at the perfect age to soak up the fun.

Right before a haircut. Buck was pushing a buzz cut but I couldn't let that happen! Unfortunately our precious barber Mr. Eddie retired. Someone else from the same barber shop cut Fawn's hair (and cut Small Fry's a couple weeks later) ... and they are just not Mr. Eddie quality hair cuts. We are in the market for a new barber!

Zoo trip!

Rest time.

We could not figure out why this little nugget was so tired. A couple days later we knew -- when he came down with a double ear infection. Fawn had a double ear infection in April too. Ouch! Poor boys. Thankfully, they both bounced back fairly quickly after a couple days of antibiotics.

He's very into accessories...be it hats, shoes, gloves, or goggles. 

They played with goggles on for days.

The dune racer is still a huge hit -- they ride around in it several afternoons a week. Fawn always driving, Small Fry always riding. Small Fry cannot steer. Just can't do it yet.

This little one has been napping more. Definitely not daily, but when he needs it and we put him down he will usually fall asleep. Being tired is one of his migraine triggers so we have attempted to be very vigilant in getting him as much sleep as possible.

Fun in the lunchroom on Fawn's last day of preschool with his friend Denton. He was in a class with the sweetest and most fun group of boys this year. What a blessing!

Last Day of School!

It was a big day! Not only was Fawn done with pre-school completely (time please slow down!), but we were saying goodbye to Covenant Day School. This mama was a wreck!

On one hand I am so excited for what's to come. The closer we get to starting BWF the more excited I get for Fawn. I am constantly reminded by people in the community of what a great school it is and how great the kindergarten year is. And, one of my prayers this year has been answered as we have met more and more BWF families. I can picture our bubble expanding to include this awesome community, and for that I'm excited. I'm also thrilled that Small Fry will go to IPC Day School next year. I love so many things about it -- most importantly that my mom is in charge! The horizon is bright for Fawn and Small Fry. And, it's bright for us too.

That said, I do not do change well. I'm not terrible at it, but I get anxious and sad with letting go. It is hard to say goodbye to pre-school for Fawn. Not having him home an extra day of the week and every afternoon is going to be a hard adjustment for all of us. It is hard to say goodbye to Christian education for him. I can see the footprints it has made on his heart, and I mourn the end of school being infused with the gospel. It is hard to say goodbye to Covenant Day School, which has been the perfect place for Fawn the past three years -- including all the amazing teachers and sweet mamas I've met. And, Small Fry's sweet three teachers -- there are no words for how amazing they've been for him this year.

But we had to say goodbye so we did! We started the day with some end of school pictures and a trip to Magic Muffins. It was bike day for Fawn -- and he was so excited. He also really wanted me to eat lunch with him on his last day, which was so sweet and fun. It wasn't everyone's last day -- Friday was the official end of the school year, but we were heading to the beach so we missed it. I almost think that was a blessing for me because the emotions of others weren't compounded with my own. Even so, watching Fawn hug his teachers goodbye for the last time about did me in. The lump in my throat was huge -- and we still had to get Small Fry. I couldn't handle it, so I avoided it. I did pick up my two year old, don't worry. I couldn't even acknowledge the goodbye aspect -- it was just too sad. When we finally got back to the car, I started sobbing. Fawn insisted that I needed to be happy, but I was overwhelmed with the "end". I was sad on and off throughout the afternoon. While I know the new chapter is going to be filled with more blessings than I can even imagine at this point, closing the book on this chapter of our lives was bittersweet. I will forever be thankful for the past three years -- they have been the happiest of my life. Can't wait to see what's to come!

Love him so.

Small Fry was having no part of it.

Do you know how hard it is to get two little boys to look at the camera at the same time?

He is so big.

Brother boom for the last day of school.

Last Tee Ball Game.

What a great first season of tee ball! Thanks in no small part to the best head coach in the world, Buck, and his awesome assistant, Whitt.

Instead of a team party, we celebrated our fabulous season and sweet White Sox boys after our last practice. Buck and I filled up lots of water balloons and we asked the parents to send water-appropriate clothing. At the end of practice, Buck let the boys hit water balloons off the tee -- it was a huge hit! Then we handed out pictures and trophies all of the families picnicked together, and the boys followed up their picnic dinner with some good, old-fashioned boy fun (tag, races, and lots of running).

We still had one game to go, and it was a fun one! One of the moms brought baseball cupcakes to celebrate after the game, which was fun for the boys and their siblings. And, though it was the last game, there was a first -- Fawn got out for the first time of the season. Sweet boy was so sad. Thankfully, they don't keep outs, so he still got to run the bases. And, he bounced back quick with a great attitude after a pep talk from Buck. Fawn vowed that he would never get out again. Ever. Not ever in another baseball game.

Who's more serious?

Ready, set, hit.

The dynamic duo of Buck and Fawn.

Good fielding.

So proud of him.

Maybe my favorite picture of the season.

Last hit of the season.

Cupcake madness.

Good thing Pops doesn't mind a mess.

That icing isn't near as sweet as him.

Fawn and his coaches.

Buck and his number one son.

Meanwhile cupcake madness continues.

Until he looks like this.

Cheers!

Sixth Tee Ball Game.

(You will note that we are missing pictures and documentation from the fourth and fifth games. Small Fry was sick for the fourth game -- double ear infection and a fever, which kept us home snuggling instead of getting hot at the ballpark. Buck reported that Fawn played an awesome game, though. We all attended the fifth game to cheer on Fawn, but without any additional grown-up assistance, I didn't get the camera out to snap pictures.)

So, here goes...pictures from the sixth (and next to last!) game. Fawn played first base in the first inning and did an amazing job. He is a great little fielder! He played pitcher in the second inning and did great there too. You will note the presence of the slap bracelet in his back pocket -- he said it was for good luck.

Cheering for Fawn? More like watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Belle's iPhone.

Hey Batter, Batter!

How can he see to hit and run in this helmet?

Pitcher.

Swing.

Love my runner.

This picture makes me smile -- this is one of Fawn's church friends.

Hope the hitting coach is good :)

Go Fawn Go!