Milo growing

Milo is getting old. I know, I know, four isn't forty. But he has gotten so grown-up lately. I guess I'm feeling a little on the sentimental side because I spent the last day and a half going through his old baby clothes to see which to store and which to sell in our garage sale (THIS FRIDAY - COME SEE ME!). It seems like yesterday I dressed him in these amazingly tiny onesies that looked too small for even a doll, and he was absolutely swimming in them. Now I can't even spell things in front of him anymore because he can sound out words and read. He's thinks pretty often about who his wife will be (he can't help it - he's a planner extraordinaire, just like his Daddy), even though I tell him that he has such a long time before he even has to consider it. And he can do cartwheels. How does this happen so quickly? I read this post by my friend E today, which referenced this post from Coffee & Crumbs, and I found myself nodding, even though my little man is so much older than theirs. Because I still find myself whispering, "Don't grow up so fast," every time I kiss his sleeping cherub face before I crawl into bed.

All this to say, here are a few pictures of my handsome, funny, ridiculously smart little man.

Matching outfits = fun times

This smile. We're all in trouble.

Milo recently built a birdhouse with Nate. He felt so amazing.

Safety goggles and all...

These legs...

We already knew that Lucy got my big, wide mouth. It turns out she inherited my solid legs, and it's so much more adorable on her. I'd say those little legs are perfect, and I'm pretty much smitten.

Lucy saw this picture and kept saying, "Lucy in Milo boots!"

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

I think Nate and I have talked about going to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every year since we've been married. How funny that this is the first year we actually made it there. These little people were delighted with everything we came across - animals, pony rides, carnival rides, an animal birthing center, and, of course, the rodeo itself. It was a fantastic day!

I had to include this strange picture in which we all look slightly awkward. I'm not saying we're the most photogenic family, but something is off here...

This picture, however, is absolutely perfect.

Thank you, Freebirds, for having a stand in the food tent.

Burrito ad, anyone?

We sat through a bit of a cutting horse show, which absolutely fascinated these people. 

Oh, how deeply I love these two people. Look - do you think Lucy's hair matches Nate's beard (which Milo has described as being "the color of apple juice").

Carousel. Good enough to ride twice.

Two super serious faces for two little people who were having a blast. Lucy got to ride a few of the rides and she was SERIOUS about having fun. 

Milo Bandito

The cutest little rodeo princess.

Milo and Nate rode a flying elephant ride while Lucy and I took pictures and she said pathetically, "I ride? I ride?" Nate was the most amazing Daddy and marched right up to the front of the line to see if they'd let her ride, but alas, she was too short.

Lucy was SO delighted with this cow - Mis Moo? I've never heard of her, but there were grown-ups scrambling left and right for a picture with her. She loved Lucy because Lucy blew her countless kisses.

My normally cautious son is a natural on a horse. I know this isn't Nate's picture face, but I had to show you the look of pure joy on Milo's face.

Lucy's face. I have no words.

 So there you go. The pictures tell far more than I could do justice with words. We had a fabulous, fun, miles and miles-walking, exhausting and exhilarating day. I sense a tradition in the making.

Heartwarming things

Be still my heart. These little people are almost too much. Do you remember this song? It was on The Elephant Show with Sharon, Lois, and Bram and I distinctly remember singing it all the time when I was little. It popped into my head a few weeks ago and I sang it to my little people while they were in the tub, and they haven't stopped singing it since. That's got to be the mark of a good song, right? It transcends generations and makes little people look even more adorable. That's my test. That also might be why I don't have any hit songs going on...

Anyway, speaking of the tub, we have rediscovered the joy of tub paints here lately.

Also, I caught these little people in one of the most adorable moments a few weeks ago. I had given them permission to watch one little episode of Paw Patrol on Milo's Leapster, and this is how I found them. Serious, focused, and with Milo's arm around Lucy (and the two of them looking so much alike). It's these little moments I have to remember when Milo is teasing Lucy until she screams...

Happy Tuesday! Hopefully you're having a wonderful week full of indoor sunshine (because there's not much in the way of that outside...).

A grateful heart and a dental appointment (yes - they go together)

I am overwhelmingly grateful today. I got up super early to grocery shop, and I bought my food with such a thankful heart. We are fed. We are cared for. The only hunger my little people know is when I don't let them have a snack after naptime. There are too many people in the world this very moment who are hungry. Who are hurting. People with cancer and MS and people who just lost someone they love. People who are running away from problems, both literally and metaphorically. We are at peace, and the only fuss I make is when I feel a little too still. Forgive me for the over-sentiment this morning, but I had to let it out.

I took Milo to the dentist today for his first ever appointment (Just for a check-up - no problems. Again, I am so thankful). He was so calm, so cheery, and such a delight to everyone who met him. This little man didn't even gag when the assistant took his x-rays. What a little gem.

It's a happy face, not a lemon, on the apron.

Milo got a new toothbrush and a balloon. Little man heaven.

It's only cookie dough.

Every now and then things like THIS need to happen. Even if your little people then get so amped up it's like you gave them crack instead of cookie dough. Which is horrible to even joke about.

But if you saw Lucy giggling and running laps around the living room you'd know what I mean and realize that these people almost never get sugar. And when they do, fun and mayhem follow closely after...

Homemade gnocchi update

UPDATE: Pan-frying the gnocchi for a few minutes on each side and then using 1/2 cup basil pesto was absolutely perfect. These were amazing and they are officially little people approved.