Duet

Labor Day weekend also included some guitar duets with Uncle Logan. 

4th of July

Backing up just a bit, here are some photos from our 4th of July holiday with family. We spent the afternoon on the lake, then ate dinner and went "in town" at sunset for a fireworks show. Ellis was worn out from swimming all afternoon, so he didn't make it for the fireworks. That's why he's only in one photo, if you're wondering. :)

Bike Fun

The  boys had so much fun playing with their cousins and uncle on Ma Wink's porch. It makes my heart happy, because I have so many fond memories of playing on her porch with my cousins. Potentially riding some of those same bikes, actually. :)

Porch Swinging

If you go to Ma Wink's house and the weather is nice, you've got to swing on the porch swing. Period. Silly faces are optional.

Christmas Recap: The Lead-Up

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. We had a really nice Christmas with our family--lots of good food, tons of presents, and just enough viral illness to keep everyone on their toes. We started our festivities on Christmas Eve Eve (the 23rd, in other words), and here are some of my favorite shots:

A Christmas tradition: family photos by the fireplace

I took about a dozen of these, and not one turned out. This is my favorite outtake, though.

Present opening

Cookware! I love it!

Yes, that's my foot. And genuine laughter.

Oliver and Great-Aunt Sheila playing in styrofoam packaging

You know what they say--the kids' favorite toys are boxes

Most moving Christmas moment: my mom opened a necklace my brother made her from some of the only items recovered from their house fire. It's a necklace made from remnants of my great-great-grandmother's silverware. The comic relief, of course, is that my stepfather beside her is obliviously tickled about his new coffee mugs. 

I think Logan even got a little choked up. He gives the most thoughtful gifts. And he's crafty to boot.  

Fun with Uncle Logan

Hiking

Ellis wanted to hike and "look for interesting things" after one of our many delicious Thanksgiving feasts. I was happy for the opportunity to get a little exercise in, as well as spend some quality time with Ellis (there were plenty of volunteers to hold Oliver indoors). With Uncle Logan's help, we found some interesting things, like a dried up creek, sticks, and mushroom spores.

Snuggle Buddy

Oliver enjoying some snuggle time with Uncle Logan