Boys Bath Time

Before church last night, Hudson and Reed took their first bath together. They both loved it. Hudson did because Reed entertained him and Reed did because somebody actually thought all the goofy stuff he did was funny. I was really cute. Mt heart swells when I see how much they love each other! And I'm amazed at how much they look alike! In the picture below, the look like carbon copies (one is a little fatter, but I won't name names).

Grace Elizabeth Blevins

Grace Elizabeth was born on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 11:52 P.M. She is quite the beautiful little girl if I do say so myself! Sara did AWESOME and was quite the trooper! She was induced Monday morning at 6:00 and after laboring for MANY hours and not much progression in dilation, the doctor told her that she would get just a little longer to make some progress or they would need to do a C-section. I tell you, I am so proud of that girl! After going through all of that labor and being SO tired, she had the best attitude! Of course, she did not want a C-section, but she didn't make it about her - she wanted Grace to arrive safely and knew that's what mattered! In the next couple of hours, she progressed GREATLY and was able to have a natural delivery! In the end, after 18 hours of labor, a c-section scare, one epidural (that wore off at one point) and a very tired mommy and an emotionally spent daddy, Grace is here. She is gorgeous and has some awesome parents!

A Great Daddy

Some of my favorite pictures are of Brian and the boys - this is no exception. A couple of days ago, Brian was in the office hooking up the computer and Reed was "helping". (Evidently, Reed needs to wear certain things to keep him in his work mode. Notice the necklace - he got it at the parade and called it his "working necklace". He later found a cheap cowboy hat I got him at the dollar store, put it on Brian and said "Dad, it's your working hat.") Anyway, Brian always lets him help with most tasks at home from hooking up the computer to mowing (I don't know many other 4 years olds that can operate a zero turn mower the way he can!) to powerwashing the house to get rid of our many spider webs (like they did Sunday night). I'm so thankful that I have married a man who see the importance of teaching his sons responsibility and how to attack not-so-fun jobs with a great attitude instead of disgust. He's a great father, a great husband and a great provider. I am very blessed!

Independence Day (or should I say weekend?)

We had a fun couple of days with all of the Fourth of July activities we had planned! On Friday morning, my mom and I shopped on the square a bit (it was the perfect time & day to go - not many people!) Friday afternoon, we went over to Brian's parents for a little swimming and relaxation. That evening, we went to the fireworks. I wasn't sure how Hudson would like them, but he actually just stared for the first 5 minutes! He got a little wiggly then, but the finale grabbed his attention again. After fireworks, we packed up, waited on traffic to clear and headed home. We got in bed and midnight (!) and were up again at 7:00 to get ready to leave and get a primo spot for the parade. Reed was pretty tired, so he wasn't in the best of moods. He did end up with a lot of candy from the people on the floats and told me later that it was his favorite part of the parade. It was a great weekend! On a side note, Hudson is 5 months old today! I can't believe how the time flies by!

The kids decked out in their Fourth of July finery

Waiting on the fireworks to start

The boys at the parade - Hudson's first time (he does look a little shocked, doesn't he?)

The horns & noise were a bit too loud for little bitty ears

Splash Station

My mom was planning to take my two nieces to Splash Station yesterday, so Reed & I tagged along. I gotta say, it was so much fun. Reed, Lilly & Abby played like crazy. Their three favorite things were the fountains, the kiddie slide and the "lazy river'. We had a blast and would love to go back - although the next time, I will put on sunscreen on myself. I was a bit of a tanning snob and truly believed I didn't need it. Well, I did - too bad I don't have a picture of that! :)

Reed, Lilly & Abby running through the fountains/sprayers

Reed on the slide

Reed (& Abby) covering up as many fountain sprayers as he can...

All three munchkins

My Boys

I've started Hudson on baby food and came across this bib in his stack. It was so sweet, that I can't believe I cut it off in the picture! It says "I love my big brother" and boy, isn't that the truth. I can tell that Hudson misses Reed when he's gone - he's actually more fussy. They already have a very sweet relationship and I hope it continues to grow. I love my boys!