Four to One

Hi there...sheesh, once again I find myself behind on this blog and not doing a very good job at updating, which makes me sad because I love to look back at older posts and reminisce about all the fun, challenging and simple day to day things in our lives. Speaking of looking back, Brad had my blog printed out into a hard back book form and I cannot wait to get it in the mail...what a wonderful gift for our family to keep forever!

Everything is going well in our world...obviously keeping busy and trying to keep up with a 3 year old who's imagination is on fire these days.....in fact yesterday I went to Mars, rode on a pirate ship and played on the beach all before noon. And Paxton is keeping me on my toes with his lightening speed crawling skills and his new found ability to climb up and over everything.
Maddox has been super sweet lately, giving the best hugs and asking anyone around if they are going to "miss him". He loves super heros, Batman in particular and flies like Superman throughout the house. I am quickly learning that if I ask Maddox to do something and he is less than thrilled to do it, I can ask "Batman" to help me and he comes running!!
Oh Paxton, he is a stinker. Getting SUPER fast crawling and standing independently for longer stretches of time; however, he still throws himself forward to "walk" thus face planting A LOT! He plays really well and loves to play by himself.  He can entertain himself pretty easily with a simple straw or anything long and skinny! He loves to put smaller objects in bigger ones, and makes the funniest crying sound when he gets frustrated. He is learning to sign for "more", "finished", "please" and "Thank you".
He can verbally say "Momma", "Dadda", "bubba" (for Maddox) and makes a funny sound that sounds like "momma" when he wants more of something.
There are plenty of days when I feel super out numbered, almost as though there are 4 of them and only one of me, but I get more hugs and kisses and lovin on in a single day than I ever imagined possible. My heart (and my arms) are FULL, and I love it all!!!

Just in case I need a reminder that it really is not 4 to 1 on most days,

 here is what it would look like if it were

(Maddox age 3, Cameron age 2, Crew age 1, Paxton 13months)

Sweet Conversation

Yesterday I had the sweetest conversation with Maddox.
Here's how it went:

Maddox: "Oh Momma, I'm gonna be late for my gate"
Me: "You're gonna be late for what?"
Maddox "My gate"
Me: "I'm not sure what you are talking about sweetie....do you mean you'll be late for a date?"
Maddox: "Yes momma. You've made me late for my date!!"
Me: "Oh, so sorry.....ummmm...who are you going on a date with Hun?"
Maddox: "With Aunt Sarah....we will go eat dinner then come back. Don't worry mommy, I will come tell you good night when I get home."
Me: "Oh my....well, where are you going to take Aunt Sarah for dinner?"
Maddox: "To that burrito place....that's her favorite place."
(he was referring to Chipotle...which is Sarah's favorite place to eat when she is in town)

After that sweet conversation, we called Aunt Sarah and began to plan their date. I tell ya what....Maddox is going to be quiet the catch someday. He certainly knows how to sweet talk some one...he has the sweetest heart (when he's not being ornery) and he is clearly observant to what others like; however, I'm not sure his date would be able to get a word in edgewise with his non stop, once sided conversation tactics. It sure is a good thing we have about 20 years to work on that!!! You sure are cute little man, but don't you go growing up on me too quickly!

Kim and Austin's Wedding

We had the amazing opportunity to celebrate Aunt Kim and Uncle Austin's wedding! We were so blessed to be a part of their big day and witness true love and a new life starting together! Brad was a groomsman, Maddox was a Junior Groomsman and I was a Bridesmaid! (Sweet Paxton enjoyed the wedding with Brad's cousins, who took amazing care of him that day, and kept him entertained sitting quietly in the chapel during the wedding). I have to brag on my boys a little here....they did AMAZING. The wedding started at 7:30pm and Maddox acted like it was no big deal at all to walk down the isle and stand with the big boys. He stood quietly (I know...a shocker right...I am serious, this kid NEVER stops talking..hahha) and stole the show with his swag as he strutted his stuff down the isle to James Browns' "I Feel Good". The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a blast. The DJ did a fantastic job and Maddox Loved dancing the night away and sweet little Paxton enjoyed the night in my arms!!!

Congratulations Kim and Austin. Thank you for including us on your special day and we are so excited for your lives together!!!

Have you ever seen a prettier bride?? And look at that handsome little man!! Can you see the red lipstick on his little cheek!!

Our little family all dressed up!!!

It's Party Time

You have to fight....for your right....to PARRRRRRTTTTTTYYYY!!!!

My sweet sweet friend Sarah took amazing pictures of Paxton's first birthday!!!

Are YOU ready to Monkey around with us??

We had a sock monkey theme for our sweet P's birthday (he learned to sleep by himself by snuggling a sock monkey so I felt it was a great theme for our little ones bday).

The food table

WOW...look at those balloons

Is this ALL for me?

The sweets!

My mom made these awesome banana shaped cookies...YUMMY

The amazing big brother!!

Sweet hugs with Aunt Kim

The loot

 Now it is time to open Presents

Oh WOW

Can I eat this?

OOHHHH

Big Brother Maddox certainly loved helping/opening the presents

Ohhhhhhhh...(this toy had balls with it...he loves it)

Team work

Going for their first wagon ride together in the new wagon from Papa and Gigi 

Who wants some cookies?

He wasn't too sure what to think about that candle

Amazed

First Bite

YUMMY

Paxton is happiest when playing with a ball

sweet grin

My Best friend! Thank you sweet Sarah for taking these amazing pictures and for coming to Lubbock for Paxton's birthday!!! So blessed to have you as my friend!! Love you sweet sweet girl!

Cherish the Gibberish

Oh Sweet Maddox,  this kid talks NON STOP from the minute he wakes up in the morning until he falls asleep (well...he talks in his sleep, so I guess in all honesty he NEVER stops talking). He has such an inquisitive mind and you can tell that his little mind never stops either...he wants to know how something works, why it works and how he could do it differently! He can have the sweetest spirit about him (when he wants to) and will tell you "I love you" all throughout the day...such a sweet little man! He can also point out his strong opinion very quickly and makes sure you are well aware if his desires are not the same as yours....which can make for a very long day at times; however, I came to the realization  today that while some days are long and exhausting with all the non stop gibberish, I am already far too close to this stage in his life coming to a close.  All to soon I will awake with the realization that my super talkative Maddox will no longer have the need or desire to talk with me all day long! That thought brings tears to my eyes and places a hole in my heart.

I will embrase the questions and cherish the gibberish!!

Oklahoma Fun

We had a wonderful time in Oklahoma for Aunt Kim and Uncle Austin's wedding. The wedding was beautiful and our boys did fantastic. 

While we were away, made leaps and bounds as far as walking goes....he is getting much closer to actual walking and is so proud of himself when he holds on to someone and takes a few steps! (He is SUPER fast crawling and when he stands he tends to throw himself at you rather than moving his legs...its funny to watch, but scary when he speedily crawls to some steps then throws himself down the steps before anyone has time to catch him....poor baby had a scabbed nose and red/bruised forehead for the beautiful wedding pictures!!! OOPS)

Holding hands with Daddy and Grandpa

 Maddox playing with some toys at the farm

Pax enjoying some water from Grandma's cup (LOVES drinking from someones cup)

Grandpa and Maddox playing on the swing set...so much fun

Brothers having fun