Granny and Mimi

My Granny and Mimi are great grandmothers. Both literally, and descriptively.:)

I have a wonderful, close family, and my children are blessed to have not one, but two great-grandmothers that live close enough to visit often. They also have a THIRD (another Mimi!) who lives a few hours away. Very rarely, however, do we get to visit two at the same time! Today was a special day. We picked up Mimi on one side of town and trekked over to Granny’s place for a little visit.

These lovely ladies had some catching up to do.

My Mimi is my Dad’s mother. She’s more than a little bit spunky, vivacious, and quite the social butterfly. Mimi single-handedly took my brothers and me to Disney World not once, but twice growing up. I’ve taken many-a-trip to the mall with this lady…she knows how to shop! (much to the delight of her only granddaughter)

My Granny is my mom’s mom. She is the quintessential kind-hearted (yet no-nonsense!) granny that every kid should be lucky enough to have. She’s a MARVEL in the kitchen, but don’t ever think she can tell you a recipe…everything comes in pinches and dashes and simply can’t be recreated. Granny also has a mischievous streak. Don’t turn your back when there are locust shells around!

Though these awesome women are very, very different, they certainly have at least one thing in common. They love their great-grandkids!

But I’ll admit…they ARE quite lovable.

Since my parents have been divorced for almost 20 years, Mimi and Granny don’t see each other very often. But regardless of how much time passes, they share a special bond. And it shows. ♥

Don’t you remember having special toys and treasures to play with just at your grandparent’s house? Parker and Bailey were thrilled when Granny brought out these dominoes. I’m sure they will ask for them straight away on our next visit.

Bonus find for Bailey. HA!

Family life can be complicated, confusing, and at times, downright exasperating! But at the end of the day, I am so thankful for the special people that make up my family.

I didn’t pick ‘em, but I sure do love ‘em!

July 23, 2010 - 10:43 pm

Crystal - So, so sweet. <3

July 24, 2010 - 7:34 am

Amy @ Muddy Boots - The pictures of your beautiful kiddos are wonderful (as always), but I really love the ones of your grandmas. What treasures (the images and the ladies).

July 24, 2010 - 2:10 pm

Rachael Earl - Your kids…on the bench together…that needs to be in your house RIGHT NOW.

Today, my Husband is 30

We love you.  We miss you.  We’re so glad you’re ours.

Happy Birthday, Matt Boles.

July 22, 2010 - 7:47 pm

Matt - Thanks, from the bottom of my heart.
Love you guys.

Breezeranne and Juicy Fruit

I hope everyone is lucky enough to have a Brianne.

My Brianne has been in my life for almost 25 years now…25 years!  We have been blessed with the kind of friendship that simply ENDURES.  She is a precious part of so many of my childhood memories, and I was thrilled that we finally bit the bullet and made arrangements to get our little families together for a few days.

The kiddos were quite the crew.

Are these girls beautiful, or what?

Addison is spunky, smart, and so much fun to be around.  (she had Parker and Bailey fighting for her attention!)

And sweet Temperance is truly the most laid-back baby that I’ve ever witnessed.  She gives out grins and giggles like it is going out of style.

Bailey was in princess HEAVEN.  She was overwhelmed by Addie’s impressive collection of pink paraphernalia, and wasted no time in making herself at home.  (don’t be fooled by Parker’s furrowed brow…the kid loves the ladies!)

Oh Bri, it’s almost too much.:)

Hot ride.  Hot date.

Angel, the wonder pup.  (seriously, if you only knew what all this dog has been through!)

And since nothing screams “BFFs!” quite like an out-of-focus, under-exposed shot from an iPhone…

I love you so much, my friend.  Thank you (and your fantastic Ed) for hosting us for a few days.  Nothing says heaven like wine on a back porch with four little ones sleeping soundly inside.  (followed by donuts the next morning – score!)

Can’t wait until next time.

Bonus Rex!

Who wants more Baby Rex??

It has barely been six weeks since I first met this sweet boy.

But what can I say, I just can’t get enough of this smiley little man and his gorgeous mama, Jennifer.

Have you ever seen such big, beautiful eyes?  No, really.

Love you two.:)

July 14, 2010 - 6:32 am

Leanah - Love, love, love the second picture!

July 14, 2010 - 8:18 am

Suzanne Sherman - He is the epitome of beautiful! Love the first picture and the second and so on and so on….

July 14, 2010 - 2:12 pm

Mary - Thanks for sharing! You are both beautiful people!!

July 14, 2010 - 6:38 pm

Brenda Behne - Awesome pictures! Love all of them!!!

July 14, 2010 - 8:29 pm

Jessica - Looove that first one! So cute.

July 15, 2010 - 7:39 am

Sherri - Oh, so wonderful!

Natalie

Sweet, happy, baby Natalie.

You gotta love those new baby eyes that work so hard to focus…

Can’t.  Stay.  Awake…

Baby #2 for this beautiful mom and proud dad.  They’re pros.:)

Big sister Audrey!

Tea time

♥ Sisters ♥

Leyla, Bryan, and Audrey, what a pleasure it was to visit with you again!   Natalie Rose is an awesome addition to your sweet family.  Enjoy each other!

July 10, 2010 - 8:47 pm

Sandra Toruno - Gorgeous and adorable girls! Amazing pictures :)

July 10, 2010 - 9:20 pm

amy christman - They are beautiful!! I can’t wait to meet Natalie..looks as though Audrey loves her baby sis!!! Congrats!!

July 10, 2010 - 10:01 pm

Amy @ Muddy Boots - Okay. That first picture?? How can you not smile looking at it?! Awesome.

And I love the first picture you posted with mom and dad. Really lovely.

T w i t t e r