Lake Martin = Awesome.

After the graduation, we were graciously hosted by some of the Steel's long time friends at their lake house. I can't even describe how awesome and relaxing our two days were there.

We left after lunch and made the hour and a half drive to the lake. G watched Toy Story instead of napping. He was some kind of cranky until 5 minutes into our boat ride.

He hasn't slept on me since he was an infant. I loved every minute.

Jackson was in crawling heaven. The lake house had lovely big porch that shielded his milky white skin.

I love my sweet fair skin boy.

Our hostess. She hosted us in her lovely home, fed us delicious food and loved on our children. Thank you!

This next picture is a real gem. I'm going out on a limb here, but this may be the silliest picture of Jenny ever documented. It's a keeper.

This is probably the one she likes more...

These sunglasses.... They go everywhere with us these days. He likes to tell me that it's a "beautiful shiny day" and that he needs his glasses.

He's also into doing things he knows are cute but won't show anyone. He almost got the glasses off before I got my picture.

This was a cute one too. He found this motorcycle (big wheel) in their garage and was sure to put on his helmet (lovey) when he rode it. And naturally he had to wear his glasses...

Sweet sweet Jackson.

G fell in love with the boat and water....

I'm framing this one somewhere.

Brothers.

Once Matt and I got in, G was right behind us. After only a few minutes he was swimming between us. We were so proud of him!

And on the ride home.... Passed. Out.

When did my little baby get so big? Slow down Graham!

Precious.

The big boys...

We had a truly lovely weekend spending time with Bryan before he returned to base.

Our drive home went much more smoothly. We're thankful for safe travels.

And also thankful for friends who love on our family!

Going to the Army

We went on a little trip. A big trip for Graham. We went to the Army.

The Army is most of what he talks about on a daily basis.

We now have four boys in our two families in the Army. Wow. My two brothers are in the Army ROTC (one at SLU and one headed to Auburn in the fall, War Eagle!)

Matt's youngest brother Jon graduated last summer from boot camp but we weren't able to go because Jackson was about to be born.

But Bryan, Matt's other younger brother and G's favorite person in life, just graduated last week.

G was thrilled that we were going to go to the Army. I mean, what did he think it would be like?

We left on Thursday and literally drove all day long. Twelve hours in the car (thanks to my missing a major highway change...) with two babies could have been a disaster. I have to say, Graham was a ROCK STAR. I mean, he talked our ears off and watched probably six movies through but he did great considering he's only 2. The same can't be said of Jackson. Poor little buddy was miserable most of the time. He did sleep more than usual but he just wanted to be out of the car seat. I can't blame him.

When we got to the hotel you'd have thought they were on speed. Graham ran and talked as fast as he could and Jackson rolled and played all over the room for like an hour despite it being way past his bedtime.

We don't have any low mirrors in our house so they thought this was hilarious.

Early the next morning we all (much of Matt's mom's family) gathered to watch the graduation. We were so glad to get in a little visit with them!

Sadly my camera battery died right before all the soldiers filed out. Major fail.

When all the soldiers filed out and stood at attention, Graham was speechless. That never happens. We were sitting on the front row and they were right there. He was totally staring and soaking up every detail. He leaned over to me and whispered "take a picture, Momma." Adorable.

After the ceremony we all went to lunch. G was content to talk Bryan's ear off.

We were so excited to be part of this major event, and on Memorial Day weekend!

four babies, one me.

A couple of weeks ago I stayed out at my parents so that I could babysit the twins for my sister to go out of town. You read that correctly. Me watching 4 babies under 2 1/2.

It was really fun! The twins love them some Graham. When they see him they squeal with delight and run to him. It's cute.

See what Jackson learned while he was there? He went from rolling around constantly to crawling and pulling up in the same week. He's crazy curious that little Jackson.

Twin breakfast. They're so cute.

Cue the silliness. With his new crawling and speed, he is increasingly in love with big brother. Graham thinks its so funny to let J crawl all over him.

He spots the camera. All things electronic are awesome.

Quadruple nap time was delightful. G also looked forward to waking up and playing with some of the big boys' toys before the twins and J woke up.

He loves the rock band equipment for obvious reasons.

Jumping on the furniture is always fun but usually not allowed. On this special occasion, they were thrilled that no one was stopping them!

"we're working on the windows, momma."
J was rocking some pretty early morning wake times. I actually fell back asleep and my mom found me like this. Thank goodness someone came to J's rescue.