winter/fall family pics

Posted on December 18, 2013 by mommyinthemidwest

I’ve been waiting to share the photos that my very best friend took of us because I wanted to save them for our Christmas card – I’m weird like that. Since I’ve gotten most of my cards out, I can’t wait any longer!

My best friend and her girlfriend live in Nashville, TN and are very much a part of our family. I’m lucky that my BFF is a trauma ER nurse with a history in peds, as well as a talented photographer. She comes in very handy. 🙂 If only she lived closer.

When she offered to take our family pictures, I was elated. And nervous! What? I don’t know. I don’t know how to pick out clothes…for 4 people. I didn’t know if the boys would smile. The weather was super crappy that day. With all that being said – this lady is a magic maker! I love what she was able to capture. Okay, enough talking!

So many faves:

And, our 2013 Christmas card:

A big thanks to my best friend for reminding me that I’m pretty lucky to be surrounded by 3 of the cutest dudes in town.

xo,

~C~

santa’s little buddies

Posted on December 5, 2013 by mommyinthemidwest

You guys!?!? I want to cry when I look at these pictures!

How is it possible for 2 little guys to change SO much in 3 short years?! For instance…Dexter didn’t even exist (okay, he existed but not on the outside of my body) and now look at this kid who wears big boy unna-wears to the mall when we pick out ornaments and visit Santa. And don’t even get me started on Theo – he looks like he’s aged 8 years since last December. Meanwhile, that mall Santa stays about the same.

We made a big production out of going to the mall and it was a lot of fun.

Checking out the gingerbread house contest.

Checking out the little mermaid…haaay pretty lady!

The line was not long but it was kind of slow moving so the boys were excited to finally talk to Santa! Theo was the teensiest bit apprehensive this time, wanting me to hold his hand as he walked up to Santa. He asked Ryan if the parents are ever in the picture. But he was fine – and told Santa he’d like a whole bunch of Legos and “maybe some key chains or somethin.” Ha. Dexter said he’d like a blue candy cane and some blue presents.

Afterwards, they were given the choice of cookies or ice cream for a special treat and chose….

Ice cream!

At last, it was time to make final decisions for 2013 ornaments and get home to hang them on the tree.

Picking the perfect spot…

And while we’re on the subject — can anyone solve this mystery: The Case of the Disappearing LED Christmas Lights. Evidence A & B:

Not really excited that half the lights on my tree disappear in photos?! WTH…help??

happy, happy –
~C~

trick or treat 2013

Posted on November 2, 2013 by mommyinthemidwest

Some severe storms were on the radar so every town around here postponed trick or treating to November 1st. Initially, I was not happy because Halloween felt kind of empty but trick or treating on Friday was nice.

I picked up pizza on the way home from work and after the boys ate, it was a typical night…for a few minutes. Theo played Legos and Dexter watched the first scene of Toy Story 2 for the 500th time while I ran around getting out treats ready for prospective trick-or-treaters.

We’re out trick or treating

And having fun like you

So please help yourself

To a piece or two!

Ryan got home and we pretty much headed right back out the door.

My little Donald Duck and Buzz Lightyear (that helmet was a nuisance and barely made it out of the driveway with it before I took it back home).

Our neighborhood is a wonderful place to trick or treat! This was our first time trick or treating here. Last year (OMGEE they look so little last year), we went back to our previous neighborhood to visit people since we had recently moved. The houses are a little further apart than in some neighborhoods so we took the wagon for them to rest their feet when they wanted to. People were SO generous and absolutely adored seeing the boys in their costumes – known neighbors and strangers alike. It felt like a mutual thing. There are many older people in the neighborhood and I think they appreciated the visit as much as we appreciated the treat. It was a lot of fun and nice to make conversation with neighbors we hadn’t met before.