He Is Papa's Boy 231/365

When most kids are saving up money for electronics or some cool toys, my son is spending his money on rope.  He is very into making things out of paracord lately.  I think this is somehow supposed to turn into a stick ladder tomorrow so that precious Hope can actually get into the trees with him.  I have no doubt that he will succeed (just hope she doesn't fall off.)  I love his creative mind.  He is such a Papa's boy!  Just wish my dad could see all these fun things he makes.

Shop Until You Drop 230/365

We literally shopped until we could shop no more. We made our annual outlet mall trip to Georgia for back to school shopping. The kids racked up with clothes from their favorite stores. Now all we need is to find LeeLee some shoes she will be satisfied with and we are done!

I Love This Bird 229/365

I seriously fell in love with this bird.  He was hanging out at the boat launch in Indian Pass.  I headed down to the Pass right before be headed back home.  At first he was up on the railing.  Then he flew into the water and just stood there right beside us.  I think LeeLee could have caught him if she tried.  When one of our Captain friends came up with his boat, he said that this guy hangs out looking for handouts.  That's a pretty smart bird if he has figured out that the boaters dump the rest of their bait as they are pulling out of the water.  I just really love the majesty of birds, I think my chickens are cuter though.

We Just Weren't Looking In the Right Place 228/365

The girls that I took on the trip to China walked all around Disneyland Hong Kong just waiting to see Mulan.  We never found her.  Even the precious little Chinese girls that were walking around dressed as a princess had chosen the likes of Belle, Cinderella, and Ariel.  I know, it may be stereotypical of us, but we were definitely thinking we would find Mulan somewhere.  Well, I have finally found her, she is in my living room.

Noelle dressed up Hope in a hand me down Mulan costume that we have and even finished off the look with bamboo skewers.

I often wonder what Hope will do when she grows up, now I'm thinking if we can just get Mulan's signature down, that Hope may have a future at Disney.

Happy Birthday Aunt Demetria 227/365

My kids have an Aunt.  Her name is Demetria.  She is married to my brother.  We don't get to see them as much as we would like, but that doesn't stop us from thinking about them.  Aunt Demetria is great about keeping up with our blog, so I suspect she will see this soon.

So when you do see this, we really want to wish you a happy birthday.  Hope you have had a great day and wish we were there to have cake with you.  After all, cake is my favorite part of a birthday. 

One More 226/365

This one just makes me smile too!  I think that this is one of the few pictures I have of Hunter smiling with his mouth open.

Sibling Love 225/365

For the most part, my kids don't mind having their pictures made.  In fact, they often fight over who is going to get in front of the camera each day because they really want to be featured.  However, the moment I start packing matching outfits for beach pictures, they dread it.  They don't want to miss out on any beach time to get organized pictures.  They love the candids I take all week, but planned pictures do not get the thumbs up from this crowd.  For now, I will continue to torture them.  

Four kids and three dogs are not easy to capture.  Christmas card pictures are always easier than beach pictures. The dogs are ready to go romp and play on the beach with all their other doggy friends.

Hope may be the one exception to the "I don't wanna do pictures" club.  She always wants to do pictures.  Honestly, I think she is just thrilled that someone wants pictures of her.

Hunter always gives me the same expression and always wants his dog in the picture with him.  This is the sixth year I have the same picture.  Same expression, same dog....just wish the boy wouldn't grow!

 My Irish friend, Rob, said that when Noelle is older, she is going to be "stunning." I have to agree. (PS-the word stunning with an Irish accent is awesome!)

Then there is LeeLee, always willing to get in front of the camera as long as she can show a little sass. It comes out in the group shots too.  She just can't bottle her personality for five minutes to do anything with a serious expression.

Even though the wind was blowing I ended up with this one picture of the four of them that is worthy of framing.  I'm actually kind of digging the windblown look.

The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:9