Sunday, October 10, 2010

Merry Christmas!

.... just a few months early :)

Since the holidays are always such a busy time for everybody, this year the family decided that it might be nice to have our annual Himes Christmas Get-Together in October. So this past weekend, that's exactly what we did!

And with festive table runners and poinsettia centerpieces, it didn't even feel too out of place when we all sang some Christmas carols before dinner :)

Unfortunately, we really missed quite a few family members due to other circumstances - a new baby, a homecoming dance, a flu bug, a few great distances, a work schedule.... - but it was still nice to get to see everyone who was able to make it. But, as always, I feel like the time flew by, and now we just have to wait another year until we get to see many of these people again.

And I know that I very much look forward to the next time, when hopefully even more family will be able to make it, and once again we'll all get to catch up and enjoy the comfort and company of loved ones.




Some of the guys visiting before dinner








Holden emptying Grandma's purse







Some of the ladies








Naomi and Holden playing after dinner








"Riding" in the Buggy out front of the restaurant!








Jared and his cousin Chris - discussing health and lifting, no doubt :)










Tyler, Jared, Bridger, and Chris

Clearly, having a good time.








Packing up to head home!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Have a Seat

So.... someone thinks he's getting pretty big....




Practicing sitting up all by himself








It usually only lasts just a little bit until he needs Mommy's help








The Big Guy!







Time to recline a little :)






Two Months Old Already. And growing up fast!


Thursday, October 7, 2010

“Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life” - Sophocles

Basket Head

Mommy has all of Holden's smaller, group-able, toys in their own little containers - ex. cars, blocks, animals, balls, etc.

And one of Holden's favorite things to do is dump the baskets. Not to play with the toys inside, just to hear them all crash to the floor in one big, mixed-up pile.

Mommy, as you can imagine, loves this.

But the other day, right after nap time (when I had once again straightened up all the toys and put them all back in their bins), little Mr. Holden went straight for the toy room and emptied the baskets. But this time, instead of just walking away, he decided to wear the baskets as hats.

At least he dumped them for a good reason this time, I guess.

Goofball.




















Sunday, October 3, 2010

We remember the times when we were together... and smile while we wait for those days again.




We had so much fun last week. Megan, Corey, Josslyn, and Felix all came up from Florida to visit. And then on Friday, my grandma also came from Cincinnati to see everyone - since we were all in one place at the same time - and to watch Tyler play football.

It was so great to get to see family and watch the kids all play together. Holden got so excited every time I told him we were going to get to see everybody. I must have heard him list everyone's names a hundred times throughout the week. He just loves everybody so much. He literally started jumping up and down around the house every time "Jossy" and "Fee-ya" came over to play.

But, just like our children, I seem to have a hard time adjusting to the end of all the fun. And frankly, I'm feeling pretty bummed today thinking about how far away they live and how much we miss them when they're not around.

It's just so much fun. Everyone is so comfortable with each other. Our kids are starting to be old enough to actually play together now. Corey and Jared are genuinely friends. And no one really "gets" me and my sense of humor (and just general ideas/opinions) quite like my sister, Megan. And when they're not around for awhile, it's sometimes easy to forget how great it is when they're here.

I think it's always hardest right after they leave. And sad to think how much we may be missing out on by not living closer together.

It always reminds me how lucky I am to have them, though. Even if they are across the country.

Because a few times a year, they're not so far away. They're right here beside me. Smiling and joking and hugging.

And I never stop looking forward to those next times.



They're here!

Josslyn, Megan, and Bridger playing outside, waiting for the boys to fly a kite.






Aunt Megan helping Holden hold the kite string







And then the kite got loose.... and flew across the road into the cornfield.







The Men. Returning with the kite. And a corn stalk.






All the kite-fliers trying to fix their toy.






Our dopey dog parading around with the corn cob he stole.







Aunt Megan and Baby Bridger







Meggy with all the kiddos.

Felix wanted to share Holden's juice I think :)







Celebrating Felix's first birthday!







Megan and Joss helping Felix open his presents







Holden waiting for Uncle Tyler to get out Felix's new truck.
But not so he could give it to Felix....







Holden kept carrying Felix's new truck around with him.

So Felix wouldn't be able to get it.

Here they were sharing it, though. Kind of. For a second.







Uncle Tyler and Joss. And the kitty.








She loves to hold the baby :)








Josslyn holding Bridger.

And jealous Holden trying to pull him off her lap.....










......and climb up himself.








Trying so hard to get Jossy to hold him. Haha.

She wasn't having it.







Holden and Joss reading books with their Mimi.







Felix - looking like a big boy - with the darkest eyes I ever saw.






My Grandma Burns!






Passing out goodies to all the great grand kids







Pretending to be puppies






Asking Grandpa Burns to kiss his boo boo









Felix, lookin' too cute, at the football game







Bridger and his Great Grandma Burns









Playing outside with Great Grandma Burns







Holden is always trying to be "sneakin' " nowadays - or as he says it "neek-a"

And since he can't really say Holden yet, he refers to himself as "Hawn-o". And his name is in almost every phrase he tries to say lately.

So as you can imagine, I hear "Hawn-o neek-a" alot. Behind the couch, behind the pillows, behind the shower curtain, in my closet, under the covers, etc.

And it always me smile.

Here "Hawn-o" was "neek-a" behind the couch with Jossy :)









Megan and Bridger







Sisters♥


Tuesday, September 28, 2010

"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." - Eudora Welty

Just some recent photos of our boys♥



My babies sitting on the rocking chair together






Finding his hands. Yumm-o.






Being goofy on the couch one lazy morning






My cheese ball







Ready for the game :)






Bridger loves his bath time.






All clean and snuggled up






Holden is always quick to sound the alarm: "baby cryin', baby cryin'" :)

This time he ran over and laid down beside him to watch. Silly Big Brother.







Playing with his favorite toy, the "boo-a (blue) car", one night before bed time








8 weeks old and getting big!

Weighed him the other day, just at home, and he was about 11 pounds already!