For Gammie

This post is dedicated to our Gammie, a Southern lady who loves her sweet tea and bridge, but most of all her family.  She always makes us feel so at home and I have undying gratitude to her for raising her son to be such a wonderful man, husband, and father.  
  Peanut and I are always up for pictures... he likes to ham it up for the camera and I am on the ever elusive quest for that perfect shot.  My mother in law had mentioned that she would like to get a photo of him in a special outfit that his cousins had worn for their one year pictures and we were happy to oblige.  I was even more excited when she asked if I would take the pictures!  All of the others were professionally done and they are gorgeous.  I was so flattered that she would ask me and I think we got some good ones...

 The photo above is my favorite.  This was Best's wagon and I love that Gammie saved it.  She is so good about preserving family heirlooms and traditions.  She was also able to get some good smiles from Peanut which was no surprise, he loves her bunches!

 I know I have a huge bias, but I think they are precious.  They were taken at Cedar Lake Farm this morning. Poor Gammie had to drag the wagon all over the park and then it started to rain!  We stopped by the store on the way home and Gammie ran in and got Peanut some milk.  When we got home he had a big cup of it along with a cookie and he is resting now.  Modeling is tough work you know.  Smile.  Have a great week friends and family!

Hockey and Sons

This past week Best had a wonderful opportunity to take our nephew along to hockey camp.  This isn't just any hockey camp, but one that Best has been a part of for many years and run by a man that Best has worked with professionally and also considers a good friend.  I think this camp is so special because it focuses on family, and the special bond between fathers and sons.  I love the bond that is already so strong between my boys, and it was touching to watch them say goodbye. 

 

 It was about 100 degrees the day Best departed, so Peanut and I busied ourselves with indoor activities.  He can now reach a new shelf and is exploring the grown up books...many titles on child rearing are available on this shelf.  I think he might be checking up on our parenting skills...

The highlight of our week was visiting Best at camp.  Here is Peanut watching the Zamboni.  Just wish I could know what was going through his mind!

 Picking out a stick.  

 Helping Dad get ready.

Waiting for Daddy's turn to go on the ice.

 My very favorite "non posed" pic of the day:

Best looked great out there.  I am so glad he can still enjoy the sport he has loved since childhood.

It was so hot outside that the ice rink felt refreshing.  It was hard to leave.  I am so glad we were able to visit and on the way home as I talked to Peanut I realized that in a few years I might be making this drive alone.  It's fun to think about him out there on the ice and playing in the father vs. son games as I cheer in the stands, but I'm also not quite ready for it yet.  We will grow together and be ready when the time is right, but for now I am just loving my baby  toddler. Smile.

Best gets home today.  I know he is tired from lots of fun and physical activity.  I know he sleeps better at home too, and I sleep better when he's here.  No pictures tonight...just some floor time with Peanut, good night stories, a home cooked meal, and maybe a movie in bed.  I love those kind of nights.  Welcome home babe.