Black and White Wednesday

Saturday was a busy day for us.  I had a photo shoot in the morning, then we dyed easter eggs, after that we had an easter egg hunt, and finally we wrapped up the day with a crawfish boil in our front yard.  I am tired again just thinking about it.

Ruthie had a little trouble controlling the egg holder so she ditched it and came up with her own way.

It was a little messy from then on. 

But even when she is a mess, she is still cute.

The next step was to hunt the eggs.   We had all the little ones go inside while the big kids hid the eggs.  Then we opened the doors and let the madness begin.

Ruthie worked so hard hunting eggs that she got all sweaty.

And once again even messy and sweaty, she is still a doll.

Happy Birthday Sam!

 First let me say that I am crazy about this kid.  He makes me smile everyday and I am convinced he is keeping all of us younger.  He turned 6 this week and when I told him that I couldn't believe he was 6, he replied that he couldn't believe that I am 35 and he misses me already.  I guess he figures I am already half way to the grave or something since he has assured me that he is never leaving my house.

He told me about 9 months ago that he wanted his birthday party at Chuck E Cheese and reminded me about every 2 weeks after that.  

Most birthday boys and girls get real quiet when Chuck E enters their party, but not Sam.

He jumped right up, hugged Chuck E and then started dancing.

And kept dancing...

That child has more self confidence than anyone else I know.

He is completely uninhibited.

I often say he lives in his own cloud in the sky because I have to think that if he was aware of the people around him, he would pause before performing moves like this in front of 40 onlookers

I pray he never changes and that life never deals him a blow that causes him to lose that spark that makes him so Sam.

A friend directed me to this verse today, Deuteronomy 4:9, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.” 

I pray I remember these days, who my kids are now, and how God is changing them daily.  I pray I remember moments like this where they make me laugh so hard I cry.

And as a side note of little relevance here but of great thought on my part.  Has anyone else ever wondered what Chuck E Cheese early developer thought a rat would be a cute choice for a mascot? A rat? Seriously?

Okay back to Sam.  I love you son.  I love who you are. I love who you are becoming.  You have blessed me more than you will ever know.

The Next Henderson Photographer

The family went to the park with me for a photo shoot the other day and played while I worked.  Afterwards, Sam wanted to use his disposable camera to take pictures of his own.  It was super cute to watch him tell me how to pose and where to stand.

I always underestimate how much my children watch and mimic me until times like this.

Black and White Wednesday- Why dad is "more better" than mom

I took these pictures the other night while we were playing at a local park.  I couldn't help but think about how fun Trent is as a dad.  I found a list online called "Why dads are more better than moms" but it wasn't entirely appropriate or repeatable so I decided to make my own.

So here goes...

Trent is more fun because...

1. When mom is out of town, the kids don't have to brush their teeth

2. He is better at the Wii, Atari, computer games, and just about any other form of media you can think of

3. Every meal he cooks contains chocolate chips

4. He can bounce the kids higher on the trampoline

5. If he doesn't know the answer, he can make a good one up which leaves them to still believe that he knows everything.

6. He doesn't see dirt, clutter, clothing on the floor, a raised toilet lid, dirty dishes, or anything else that interferes with fun to be had.

7. Bedtime? What bedtime?

 8. He loves to catch flying children from the stairs, the bed, the side of the pool, and oddly placed pieces of concrete in the middle of the park.

Yep, looks like dad is "more better" than mom around here too.

Spring Pictures

I have found that the more people I add to this family,

 

The harder it is to get a good picture of all of us.

                          

Rarely is everyone looking at the camera.

So I settle for a lot of individuals

Where they have the freedom to just be themselves

And I rejoice over the shots where everyone cooperates

No one has a finger in their nose

Or is flashing the web their new big girl undies.

I deleted over 100 pictures to narrow it down to these.  So enjoy.

Sunday Snapshot- An 11th Birthday

We had a very important birthday in our house this week.

It is not one that I have made a big deal out of in years past but Sam thought it was a big deal so I followed his lead.

It all started with a homemade card

And ended with an all out birthday party.

Max didn't mind the party hat since it came with good eats.

And then he decided to sample Sam's cookie when he wasn't looking.

Which got him moved to the yard.

Happy 11th (77th) birthday Max Henderson.  You're a good dog.