Hook, Line and Sinker

It is so nice when I can share my obsessions with others; kind of in the same way that it is nice to share your chicken pox with others so you can scratch with company. In this case I am speaking of my picture taking obsession (easy when you have a fabulous big girl camera) and the winner of my sharing is my super lucky, Mama! It wasn't easy, friends. It took about 10 minutes with my camera in her hands and BAM, I got a partner in photo capturing obsession. Here, look how excellent she is already...

By the way, we introduced Tate to up north during all this. Bru needed no introduction and apparently very little human interaction. We all remember how much she loves up north (and more specifically, the lake). Here is a sneak peek of our weekend vacay spot.

These are a few of my favorite photo moment memories...

This boy loves nature...

Rama and Tate

Super fun weekend. BONUS: I have someone besides Dave I can talk all things photos with. Thanks and sorry, Mom!

Ch-Ch-Changes

As we do every month, Tate had a seventh month photo shoot (a couple weeks ago). I was looking back at previous months and am just in awe of how much he has changed, not only in looks and size, but in cooperation and attention span.

versus

...and I'm supposed to get this kid to do homework some day?

Father's Day

For Father's Day I went for a walk with...

this studly man,

this sassy girl,

and this little one,

to celebrate the relationship of a father and son,

and man and his best friend.

As always on our walks, two things occurred...

and...

To the fathers and dads in the world, Happy Father's Day. To my own Daddoo, I love love love you and and so thankful and lucky to be your daughter.

Special Alert

I love these pictures. I don't know what more to say except to tell you that they were taken two weekends ago at my cousin's wedding during an impromptu photo shoot with my sister. Did I mention that I love them.

He's Got Moves

The following pictures are a re-enactment of Tate as I put him to bed last night and how I found him when he woke up this morning...

Tate (sort of) how I left him last night. (Picture him with eyes closed and softly sawing logs).

Tate as I found him this morning. Flipped onto his belly and perpendicular to how he was last night. This is further evidence that Tater is getting ready to begin his crawling/scooting/groovin' and a shakin' adventures...

And even further evidence that he is the cutest baby around. He totally is.

I Can Love You Like That

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with." ~Michael Jackson

Thank you to my wonderful sister for taking these rare pictures of me and my lovey baby boy. Here is Tate loving on you.

Whatever Gets You Through the Day

There is a bulletin board at work that has this little gem posted on it and it makes me giggle every time I walk by.

...and we can't go without pictures of the Tot. These are for Ramma, Nana and G-Pa who opened the flood gates to a graham cracker love affair.

Life Lessons

Dave and I try our very best to pass on positive values and morals to Tate, as well as everyday "good habits and skills". For example...

Always lend a helping hand.

Show affection to those we care about.

Eat healthy foods.

Perform proper CPR when necessary. Wait...what?

Self Discovery

It hit around late afternoon and Tate woke up a bit early from his nap. He wasn't happy playing with me or his toys, so we found him a new friend...

Who is this?

 

It's ME!!

Helloooo Handsome...

Mama, do you see this?

Hey, Buddy, how'ya doin?

I am so happy seeing you!

The rest of the pictures speak for themselves...

A Memorable Weekend

We spent Memorial Day Weekend with lots of friends and beautiful weather. Our first stop was a going away party for Dave and Heidi who are moving to China! We can't wait to use them as an excuse to "have" to go on a trip to explore China and visit friends.

Dave and Tater chillin' at the party...no body wanted to hang out with Tate, at all.

We went hiking at State Park #1 on Sunday and our poor black puppy got a little warm. Thank goodness for streams the width of 70 pound black labs.

Memorial Day was spent with great friends from our college days and their new baby girl (a.k.a Tate's betrothed). How nice to walk and visit with my girl while the boys took baby duty. (Apparently it is much cooler to push a stroller along side your "manly" friend.)

Our friends took us to see the local garden and while the flowers were not yet in bloom, it was a beautiful and relaxing place to walk around...and take pictures of Tate.

To quote Dave, "Just tug my hair which direction you want to go, Buddy."

At State Park #2. Nothing like a lesson about nature to sooth a fussy baby.

The weekend was a wonderful way to celebrate the freedom all of our veterans have fought so hard to keep for us! Thank you to all who serve and have served for us!