Wings Over Houston

Aunt B and Uncle James have been going to the Houston Air Show for over 10 years. They used to go with my grandpa who flew during wartime. A picture of "Paw Paw Johnny" hangs in Ace's room and, though he is no longer physically with us, Ace talks about Paw Paw all the time and knows he flew. Paw Paw used to share his good candy only with me and he has a really special place in my heart.

Jonathan's grandad was a highly regarded airman too. Ace comes from good stock.
He was lovin' driving the hummer.
The big attraction this year were the Thunderbird. They were A-MA-ZING.

I cannot describe how closely they flew together. It was as if any of them changed their speed at all, they would touch.

Can't believe I actually managed a picture of one upside down and one right-side up! Most of the time, they were so fast my camera was pointed in the entirely wrong direction because they had flown past me.

Yup! He rode the mechanical bull. HE insisted that's what he wanted to do and, despite promising me he wouldn't cry, the bull bucked a little too much and he cried to be let off. Hey, high points for the attempt.

It was a fantastic time and Ace loved it. He told Uncle James as we left that "it was the greatest time." I have to give credit to Jonathan who stayed home with Lily Kate so that I could go. He did feedings, naps and everything!!! When I got home, she was happy, fed and clean. I am still pretty amazed. He was a little unhappy that he'd missed going to the HUGE Baylor win over Kansas in Waco but plans to travel to their bowl game to make up for it.

Ain't Settlin'

Love a good smile

Is there anything better than your babies' smiles? I'll answer that: NOPE.

I am so greedy for Lily Kate's for smiles.

Jonathan and I were soooo against "baby talk" with Ace. We got off that high horse when Lily Kate was born because she ADORES baby talk and we will do anything and talk anyhow to get her to smile. I thought Ace was a smiley baby but he has some competition here.

Pouty Pumpkins

Ace has always been a fabulous picture-taker; he will say "cheese" for me whenever I get out the camera. For the past two weeks, he has not cooperated. Lily Kate was having none of it today until we just wore her out enough for her to go limp on some pumpkins. Ace does this face when he's tired of pictures.

Worn out.

(I will brag and say that this little pumpkin stopped traffic. Everyone around us stopped to ooh and aah over her. She's getting more beautiful every day.)
Attempting a pic of both kids at the same time.

Ah me. I tried.

Ace got ice cream afterwards and I'm about to get a nap.

This is why I'm a CPA and not a photographer.

Best afternoon ever!

If I were to imagine my perfect afternoon, it would have been last Sunday:

75 degrees

A shady spot at the park

Burgers

A blanket

Holding my babies

I shut my eyes a few times and just listened to Jonathan and Ace playing and laughing & the sound of Lily Kate breathing. I can't imagine a bigger gift.
It didn't last long enough and I'm hoping for a repeat this weekend.

It was nice to slow down, turn the tv off (which never happens in our house) and just feel the sun on my skin along with a cool breeze. (Houston gets plenty of the sun but not the breeze!)

I will retreat to the memory of this afternoon whenever I have a bad day.

Last week

We had some fun...

Ace went to his first Baylor game with Daddy.

Daddy had a bunch of late nights at work so we entertained ourselves however possible. Thursday, Ace spent the afternoon running in the rain.

I guess there's one good thing about hot and rainy Houston.

And Lily Kate started smiling.

I had really begun to worry about this little thing not smiling because big brother had set quite a precedent of smiling all the time.

I am desperate for a new camera. My PowerShot is really taking horrible pictures lately - they are all grainy and all of my nighttime pics are smudged. Taking suggestions.

Playground Pictures

Yesterday evening it was in the 70s! I took the kids to the playground and we stayed over an hour. We had it all to ourselves. I love these times with Ace when he does nothing but giggle and smile and indulges me by letting me take countless photos of him.

I guess Lily Kate doesn't like the swings yet.
If I could make time stand still, it would be looking at this face...

...or maybe this one.

Big Brother showing little sis how it's done.

No, I didn't slide her down the slide. She was so pooped, she hardly cared where I put her.

So I took pictures of her all over. =)

Maternity leave is over this week and I start back on Monday. How I will miss the time when the only thing I have to concentrate on is my two angels. Last night was a treasure.