Mother's Day photo shoot!

For Easter, we tried to go to a photo studio and have pictures taken of the grandkids for my mom. That was a miserable FAIL! So with Mother's Day nearing, I decided we should try again, and this time I'd try taking their pictures. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I was up to it! Here are some of the outtakes, as well as successes!!

Poor Grace getting her head squished by Eli

Poor Grace again, with Miles attacking her bow. At least

Eli yelled at him for it, lol! And Peej looking all innocent.

Oh boy...I was starting to get worried.
Then they were just plain funny!

And here was the keeper!

I also did individual shots of each of them, that went around the big picture in the frame:

Grace

Matthew

Eli

Miles

It was exhausting, but well worth it!! We just know Grammy will love it!!

Miles Alexander, 10 Months!!

Ten amazing, and very sleepless months have already gone by since Miles has joined our family! He is FINALLY sleeping through the night, napping, AND putting himself to sleep! I cannot explain how good it feels to finally have my hands free when he's asleep. He's cruising everywhere, and just started taking steps! I'm not ready for my little man to walk yet. He is a fantastic eater, and such a happy little man. He loves to play ball, peek-a-boo, do "so big", and babble like a mad man. Mama is his most used word, and I don't mind that one bit! ;) Miles, you're a joy to have in our family, and our lives would be so empty without you! Now of course, here's some pictures of my wild man!

Watching the dogs play

He looks a little dazed and confused here, lol!
My sweet little man!

Enjoying his first ice cream cone

Clearly, he loved it!

Happy 10 months Miles! We love you with all our hearts!!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Eli!!

My sweet little boy is growing up so fast!! Today we made a ton of cupcakes to celebrate Eli turning 2 1/2! This kid loves any excuse to sing, "Happy Birthday," and blow out some candles! As you can see by the chocolate surrounding his face, he helped me make all the goodies, as well as being my number one taste tester!

Waiting for us to sing...

Liking candles, one of his favorite things, lol!
This was him blowing out the candles for the second time...

and we had to sing a third time as well!

He was sweet and shared with his brother,

and Miles was happy about that!!

Slow down Eli...Mama's not ready to have a 3 year old!! Love you little man!! XOXO!!

Dirt, cousins, and more dirt!

Eli has always loved dirt...so much, that I'm pretty sure this love began upon conception. As you can see, he expressed his love at a very early age:

It clearly wasn't a phase...as you can see by the dirt all over his face!

This love has been passed on to his brother...

Give Miles some dirt, he's happy...but give him some dirt and a ball, he's in his glory!

Eli took a break from the dirt to share his drink with little Matthew...

and tried to keep him clean when he dribbled a little bit!

(Make sense of that one!)

At least Peej thought it was funny, lol!

I love watching our boys grow up together!! Here they are walking to the pond...

and around the pond...

and back to the house. *melt* So sweet!

Of course Grammy took Miles around the pond too!!

Back from the pond, and back to more dirt...but first, Eli wanted to take Grace for a ride!

As you can see by her expression, she loved it!

Back at it again...watching a rocket balloon I launched for them.

And finally, Eli fixing his glasses...notice the random glove on his hand? He wouldn't take it off, lol! Oh these boys! They're always good for a laugh!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

We celebrated Nader's birthday today by having a great dinner with the family at Grammy's house. (His birthday was actually Friday) Eli was very good at cake decorating!

Every time I'd tell Eli to say, "cheese," Peej would say it as well!
Adding the finishing touches!

Daddy couldn't tackle all that flame by himself, so Eli was pleased to help.

For those trying to count...there's 38 candles on there! (He's only 37, but he had to have 1 to grow on!) Gotta love having a husband who makes me feel so young! ;)

Daddy and Miles

Eli doing some damage on that cake, with only a candle as his utensil!

Matthew and Uncle Matt enjoying the frosting from a candle too!

Eli got VERY good at the whole eating with a candle idea, lol!

My boys! Miles reaching for the cake, Eli eating some, and Nader just happy to be with his little men!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Happy Birthday Nader! We love you so much and appreciate all that you do for our family! You are an amazing husband and father, and we are so blessed to have you in our lives!

Papa, Paparazzi...

We were visiting Grammy's house today, and Grace fell asleep on her own while playing on the floor. She managed to pull up her dress to cover her face, and it was too cute! Of course, I run and get my camera and capture this:

Within seconds, the paparazzi arrives and tells us he's in control of this photo shoot now!
He was so serious...it was ADORABLE!!

and of course, can't forget Mr. Miles!!