The secret to getting a full out smile!!!

Got it!  Strapped into a carseat and a sweet little candy on a stick! Now I know how to get this busy active almost 3 year old to smile - and I don't even have to ask him to! He is ear to ear right now. 

I heart drive thru banking, and so does Kent.  He is polite about it, and doesn't ask for one but I know that he is dying to have one.  They recently started giving him a lollypop at each visit.  It makes Kents day along with theirs.  Whoever is serving us lingers to watch Kents reaction and first taste of his lollypop! They love it and so do I.  I am glad I had my camera with me this time around!
Before we had children I always went IN.  Even when Kent came along I still went IN. And then when Leon came I hauled us all in with the infant carseat. Twice. And then decided I would get out of my comfort zone and "try out" the drive up.  (drive thru, whatever it is)  ....So it isn't that difficult afterall hahaha.  I only pull up to the window closest to the bank so I forgo the slightly intimidating cannister and vacuum dealio.  I've done it before - yes it is easy to use, but I like being closer to the CSR.  more face to face, since I didn't make any effort to go in, I at least get to be able to look them in the eye and thank them.... through the glass and they can only hear me if they push the button to listen.... I don't know do they even have drive thru banking back home right now?  It is convenient. I love it.  But just not the same.  I'm so old fashioned ;)

sleepy in the swing

As much as he tried to fight the heavy eyelids, he fell asleep gently swinging back and forth in the swing.  I think at first his giggles and grins were the teensey tummy tickels from the swinging and then all that wonderful fresh air and being at the park for a long while got to him. He gave in and dozed off. : )

At the park

A couple of Hotwheels at the skate park is pretty fun.  Kent loved racing them down the ramps and having them do some sweet tricks.

He is growing up...look at those feet

And look at those feet.  I had to capture the crossed ankles. There are pictures of me when I was a baby doing that.  My mom's told me I often crossed my ankles.

Kent is NOT a fan of the camera.  He will stay still for a second - but then he is off.  I just want a face shot, with teeth and that smile I adore so much.  But it looks like it is just for me and I don't get to share it with you.

ah but I can still get grins from him!



I would like to learn the name of the tree that produces "those"  super sized string bean like seeds. They look like a snake infested mess on the ground.  Almost as long as my forearm.

My favourite trees in Kansas that are in our neighborhood are Red Bud trees and Magnolia's.  Beautiful! Actually, breathtaking.  Also, we are surrounded by large Oaks which is a welcome plus in my books.  Grew up with Oaks in our back yard.  I love anything that reminds me of home.

rev it up!

on our way home from the pumpkin patch we happened upon a car show on our downtown street.  We actually woke up both of our boys to go and check it out.  They had slept for a good 45 minutes at that point we rationalized.

reminded me of the hub cap that hung by at our front entrance of the home I room mated at.  fond memories. That's Leon in the reflection.

the old and

the new.

Kent liked seeing a lot of his hotwheels cars in real life.