Sweater

As a kid/teen there were days when I wished for other parents and grandparents. Like when my grandmother read my diary or my dad called my school. My grandfather wouldn't let me wear black and my mom refused to buy me jelly shoes; in those moments I would have traded them in for another set, a cooler set of guardians. Alas, maturity has shown itself in yet another way, not only would I never contemplate replacing any of them but I feel so unfathomably blessed to have them and blessed that my children get to also have them, know them, love them and be loved by them. Its strange when you cross that imaginary line where your parents no longer tell you what to do and when to do it but instead just offer advice and guidance. I'm not quite sure when it happened for me but I know it had when I no longer felt like I'd get into trouble for staying out late, sleeping in or watching tv. I don't think I ever anticipated the quality of relationships I'd have with them, the adult version of my childhood bonds. Like yarn being crocheted, getting stronger and transforming into something so different than the ball it started out as. I imagine it as a sweater a few snags here and there but none-the-less warm, durable and beautiful.

Bucs Training Camp

Crisis averted, the lockout has ended. I was under the assumption that I would have a seriously disappointed hubby this football season. The heat was smoldering, the humidity was encompassing, the crowds were smothering and the excitement was riveting as we watched the first training camp of the season. Adam liked watching the cheerleaders more than the football players, so did Aliya. We seriously are excited to cheer on the Bucs this year.

Meet Kaden Kent Party

A whole party just for him. Kaden was officially inaugurated into the family. Uncle Pinky and Aunt Teri hosted a great party for Kaden. Thank you everyone for all your love and support of our little precious baby boy.

Butterfly tea party

The best thing Nanas' are for is for them to completely emerge themselves into your world. From butterfly outfits to tea parties no one is better company than a Nana. She flies around and then serves more tea with a few imaginary spoon fulls of sugar and some cream. Stir it up. Drink it up, then fly around some more with those magical wings. 

Strike

We put the bumpers up for Ali but the boys used them more than she ever did, dad had a couple of strikes sans bumper and Aliya had more fun dancing in the disco lights than actually bowling. Of course Aliya had to wear bowling shoes that were two sizes too big but they were just the right size for the game she invented with her nanimaa. It involved being spun around until the shoes went flying off her feet, putting them back on and doing it again, over and over and over again. Kaden loved it, as you will be able to see from his pictures (especially the one with Nanabapa), wink wink.

 

Cousins

 Meeting Kaden

 Driving with his brand new licence

 Strong boys

 lovely