Park Play

I took the entire week off that Tonya died. I really couldn't have cared less that I was completely out of days from maternity leave from when I had Landry. I needed that week to process things, work on the service, and just shut myself in my room when I needed to. Heck, I still need that! I was terrified about going back to work. Was I ready to go back? Could I handle it? I didn't really have a choice, I had to. So the night before, I did what always make me feel like life is good, we packed up the family with the boys' bikes and headed to the park. 

We fed those ducks like pros. Cam's got quite an arm. Too bad those ducks are totally ignoring our stale bread.

I've discovered something about ALL three of my children. They absolutely love being outside. When they were babies, they could be having a level 5 screaming fit and if I walked outside, it was if angels were outside and the crying suddenly and magically stopped.

Landry is no different. Sister loves the outdoors.



And there was all kinds of love going on. Oh please Lord, let them like each other this much forever!



I mean it's true love if you kiss toes.

Landry is quite the conesseiur of the swings. Good thing because our baby swing at home had to be put up finally. It was making audible groaning noises from this adorable chunky monkey.

Swing + #1 man in her life = Bliss in the life of Landry Kate.



My children might have inherited my eye shape but I'm so grateful that they inherited their daddy's blue eyes.

It seems weird that life goes on normal after such a horrible thing as death. But it's the fact that life goes on that is keeping me going.

My other medicine is being with my nieces as much as possible.  These smiles are medicine.

And Campbell trying to squeeze his ba-donka-donk into Landry's Bumbo makes for good entertainment too.

 

 It's amazing how fresh air and tossing a child frisbee can make you smile.

 

There's this great distraction right now that's helping me through this difficult time. Her name rhymes with Landry Kate. 

And I think Billy Joel wrote the song about her...She's got a way about her. 

It's been such a rough road of recovery with grieving the loss of my sister. I'm just so thankful that she was able to meet all my children and that I have such a great relationship with her beautiful girls. There are days that are rougher than others but at the end of the day, I keep reminding myself that all you need is

LOVE...

Outdoor Love

The good ol' outdoors. Right now the weather is something out of a fairy tale. I know, I know the 100 degree heat and the "why do I live in Texas during the summer" rants will come but for now, I'm loving me some Texas.

Speaking of lovin' Texas...it's like Texas knew it was cute today and just showing off. And I wasn't the only one feeling the love. 

 
 The boys and I went to go discover a new park I had heard about from some teachers at my school. I guess I tricked the boys when I used the word "park" because they were expecting a playground with all the bells and whistles so when we pulled up, Nolan said, "Mommy, I want to close my eyes so I can be surprised." Well, that he was. When I told him, "Open your eyes, we're here!" I heard crickets chirping for a few seconds and then a very let down, "Hey, wait a minute, where's the playground?"

Turns out this park was right up next to the lake and had amazing trails that were really trails....no cement! They had some rusty old farm equipment that was perfect for some cute shots of the boys and they thought the old rusty truck was too cool.

 

 And here's Campbell's famous frump face that tells me, "I'm not digging this place so much, Mom." 

 Campbell was a little freaked at first to get into this rusty truck. 

But once they saw some rowdy older boys have a blast, he climbed in too. 

 

We found an old cabin and they didn't waste time to act like it was a dark cave and a bear was coming... love their imaginations.

 

And the only way I could get their attention for a picture during the cave scene they were acting out was to act like I was a bear sneaking up on their cabin. Made for some cute pics though.

 
That little bit of imagination loosened everyone up and before I knew it, they were actually digging this new park. Campbell's surprise face has now turned into his happy face, I think. He does it every time I ask him, "Are you happy?"

 
Nolan took this next picture. What a natural! I'm loving how he framed us in the photo.

As I told the boys that this park was the kind where you go for walks, they just kept walking and loved discovering new things. It made me realize we need to do this more often.



And we probably hiked a mile or so but not bad for having two year old little legs with me. They were such troopers....no playground and all!