Bragging On My Girl & Some Updates

So, I took a blogging break. School has really been cramping my free time! But I have 6 weeks off for the summer.

I have to start out with a little bragging on my girl. I took the munchkins to the park last week. We've had pretty sketchy weather for the last couple months- it's been either hotter than blazes, or raining. A LOT of raining. Like 2 straight weeks + a day here, a day there. And hot. Did I mention hot? And raining? So, when we saw a day without rain, and a decent temperature (read: our skin wasn't melting off of us), we ran to the park!

While we were there, a girl came up to Xandra & Milo. I'm guessing this girl was older than Xandra- she was taller & bigger (but that doesn't mean much, as Xandra is pretty dinky- 40 lbs at 7 years old). Anyway, the girl apparently made fun of Milo's arm. Xandra told her "it's just the way God made him." Then Xandra led Milo back to where I was sitting (having no idea this was going on- I thought they were all just playing together). Xandra went back to the girl & told her that she'd hurt her brother's feelings. The girl apologized. Finally, Xandra came back to Milo & I and told Milo that if anyone hurts his feelings again, he should just walk away. 

I'm not sure if I've ever been more proud of my girl. It almost made me teary-eyed. She loves him so much, and the feeling is very mutual. They have the most amazing relationship. I'm not sure how exactly I fostered that, or if I should even take any credit. I just love that they will stick up for one another, and show the world their love for each other. 

I'll post a few iPhone pics, as I haven't gotten my big-girl camera out lately (other than for paying customers- but that's another post). 

Proof of all the rain. Milo's pretty sick of it, as are the rest of us.

Milo washing his car, in the rain

Milo & Xandra got into some of my photography props

Did I mention we got a puppy? Her name is Lucy & she's a pug/shitzu mix. 

Xandra is head-over-heels in love with her.  

Xandra lost a front tooth. & the other one isn't too far behind. 

Photo Dump {instagram}

If you follow me on instagram, you've seen these already.

But, with my school semester winding down (finals in 2 weeks!), this is all I have time for right now.

Hoping to enjoy this weather with a good photo shoot soon... 

A family who reads together...

Ironman... with a Spiderman shirt on

Took this one with my big-girl camera

This was also with my big-girl camera

Did a photo shoot of one of my favorite families & Xandra tagged along.
She jumped into a shot with her buddy Landon.

Another shot of my girl at that photo shoot.
Love this park- great backgrounds! (cute subject too!)

So Lunchables came out with awesome smores snack packs.
Yeah, the kids loved them!

Little boy's toes.
Best things ever.

She's learned to pump.
She went & grew up on me when I wasn't looking.
But she still likes to be pushed now & again.

Slide!!

Almost down!

Quick break to look at the water.

Last year, he wasn't allowed to even attempt this.
This year, 1st day back to the park, he's almost mastered it.
Makes mama's heart skip a beat or two.

He struggles & powers through.
Always learning to overcome this world that wasn't built for him.
Resilient. Smart. Determined. Strong.
He has taught me so much about seeing everyday things differently.

Summer Daze {Fav Foto Friday}

Here's a study in contradiction....

"Mama, PLEASE can we go inside?? I'm SOOO HOT!!"

Can't you just see her hands on her hips, giving me "the look"??

We come inside... & she wraps up in a blanket!!
WHAT????

Keeping Busy {Sunday Snapshot}

Nikon D90
50 mm prime lens
f3.2  SS 1/400 ISO 100

We found some matchbox cars that someone left at the park.

Milo had so much fun playing with them!

He was a little bummed when we had to leave them there.

But I wanted to make sure the cars were still there for their original owner to find (hopefully).

I love hats!

Especially on cute little boys!

He has the most handsome smile!

Milo's still throwing this goofy look when I ask him to smile.

Xandra has started asking me to take her picture!
Music to my ears!

And she poses!

Finding rocks...

to throw in the pond

In my quest to keep busy & keep my mind off my mom (see this post), we've been doing a lot of this.
Sunday is the day we lay her to rest.
If you're the praying type, I could use a little encouragement.
It will not be a good day for our family.

Participating in Sunday Snapshot

Outside Play {Sunday Snapshot}

I am seriously in love with this tunnel.
The lighting effect it has is just awesome!
Plus the colors are kinda cool, too.
Nikon D90 50mm prime
f 3.5  ss 1/320  iso 100

A mishmash of the past few days' activities.

The weather has been all over the place (anywhere from 80-30's within 4 days time)- no wonder we're all staying sick.

But we've been out trying to enjoy what we can.

Xandra stole my jacket when it got a little too chilly for her.

I really have no idea why they're lying down on the sidewalk.
Too tuckered out to play any more?
I wish.

The majority of my pictures have been of Milo lately.
I'm trying to get ready for Milo's final post-placement visit. (Yea!!)
It's coming up shortly.

We might need a machete to get through this jungle!
Or just turn around & walk out of the garden...

Milo has an aversion to socks.
He'll wear them, if he's forced.
But as soon as he comes home,
they're the first things he peels off!
Just like Daddy.

You know, an open fly is just easy access.
(I totally didn't notice that until I uploaded the pics. Oops!)

I'm participating in Sunday Snapshot!