Beautiful Day

Yikes!  It's been a while, eh?  (That means: prepare yourself for a buttload of photos.  Click play on the video so you can listen to the song, then scroll on down and enjoy.)

I've really been meaning and wanting to get here and write.  The fan in my iMac has been humming away extra loud, distracting me, and it seems to be the same with my brain, buzzing away with busy thoughts, and thoughts that I'm not exactly wanting to share.

But we've not just been brain busy around here.  We've been busy with good, summer stuff, like...

being super and cute, also known as supercute...

husking corn and eating it off the cob, raw or cooked, no matter...

exploring everywhere, like onota lake...

wahconah falls (only way to do it is in the nude)...

our own street...

a crazy torn down water tower that makes you feel like you're adventuring in space...

playgrounds...

 and pontoosuc lake via the old mill, riding two pups in a one pup stroller.

other random stuff we've been up to includes, a coffee date with my childhood besty...

family movie night...

which quickly turns into jump off the couch and give your parents a heart attack night.

swimming!

... and post-swimming happiness.

and lots and lots of riding and scooting around.

The song: Ben and I had this played as our guests were assembling for our wedding ceremony.  I remember back then in the midst of planning stress and wedding jitters and whatnot, these lyrics put me totally at ease.  And when I listened to it the other day, the same: it helped to put my racing mind to rest.  One of my favorite songs ever.

also: linking up with little days!

inaugural camping trip 2013

the season's inaugural camping trip!

anticipated for months, planned for weeks, postponed due to weather...

so much stuff to schlep for two adults and two littles!  (in order to camp in comfort, that is.)

but so worth it.

i love to see my boys engrossed in the elements.  they rip off their shoes and clothes -- unable to resist the calling of the mud to their toes and the water to their bodies.  they sit by the fire and add a layer of ash to their covering of dirt while they enjoy s'mores and add a whole sticky element to the situation (Owen missed this actually, he was conked out).  last year bob too was a bit young for the nighttime treats of camping: by dusk he always announced, "come on, mom, let's go to the tent.  i'm tired."  but this year he stayed up late: poked the fire, roasted marshmallows, shined his flashlight into the dark woods.  the beginnings of manhood.

going to sleep with my babes close by, listening to the crackle of the campfire and the peeping peepers and the wind in the trees, it's perfect.  so peaceful.  no distractions.  looking forward to going back.

new 'dos

Ben's been pushing for haircuts for the boys for a while now, but I've been resisting.  What is it with mamas and our boys' hair?  I was finally convinced to chop it off when Bob finally wanted me to cut it: "Mom, I want you to cut my hair so I'm almost bald," he said.

Here's Bob's long hair in all its glory...

And Owen's little trampoline-static baby hair...

The before-haircut shots...

and after...

Before for Owen...

and after...

(A little after-trimming was necessary on both 'dos.)

So now we've got a couple of short hairs.  And pretty much every time we're out someone asks if they're twins.  Because even though he's two years older, Bob is only a couple of inches taller than Owen.  I'll admit: when they're not right next to each other, they do look pretty much the same size.  Except Owen is a baby, and Bob is climbing everything and chatting away.  So I really don't understand how so many people make the mistake.

Anyway, point is -- we've got new "almost bald" heads around here for summertime.  Dad is pleased.  And I'm pleased too.

Have yourself a great day now.  Get a haircut for summer if you feel like it!