Jack Sparrow is Hard Core

 Kaleb was pretty excited to show me what he made his legos do...

...which inspired Jaden's "circle of death."

Pretty sure Jack was the only survivor this round... oh wait... and Captain Barbossa.

A Natural Daddy

 I know Jaden will make a great dad someday.  Not only has he had Kaleb to give him the best lessons on patience, but Jaden is just a natural when it comes to caring for others.  He is so tender-hearted and sensitive to the feelings of others.  Sure he's smart and can be manipulative at times, but for the most part he is always looking out for others.

Without even needing me to ask, he always wants to hold Brynnlee.  I was sure the novelty of her would have worn off by now, but not for him.  He knows the right amount of milk to to give her before needing to stop and get a burp.

He's actually really good at getting her to do it, too... even if he forgets she is on his lap.

He loves to hold her when he is watching his shows.

He is so comfortable with her that he thinks he can feed her with no hands.

Kaleb on the other hand... I think he likes to pretend that he's put out by holding his sister. :)  Oh, Kaleb....

Daddy Time

Charles gets home from work around 5 or 6 each night.  He has fallen into a routine quite nicely.  He gets home, changes his clothes, plays with the boys, helps with or makes dinner, then plays with the boys some more. One of the boys' favorite things to do with their dad is horsey rides.  This time, Brynn got to join the fun.

Charles is going to need a bigger back!

The boys look forward all day long to when Daddy comes home.  That's when they can escape the crazy slave-driver known as "mom," and can go have some real fun. Bradley likes to watch for him out the front window.  If he's not there, he grabs my cell phone, hold down number 2 and then demands an answer from Charles as to why he isn't home yet.  Yes, he knows how to do it all by himself.  He's had a lot of practice.

 Jaden wanted to give Charles a break... it was a nice thought.  :)

After Charles is done playing with the boys, he bathes them and puts them to bed.  Next is Brynnlee Time.  His last hour and a half before he goes to bed is devoted to her.  He holds her, feeds her her last bottle of the night, changes her diaper, puts on her jammies and just plays with her until it's both of their bedtimes.

We're so lucky to have Charles.  His family is his #1 priority and we all know it.

My Mommy is Crazy

I decided to get a little crafty with my friend, Shanade.  We made headbands.  

My next project is to learn to more accurately measure Brynn's head, so her brain doesn't get squeezed out of her ears.

Bradley Loves His Boo.

And the Home of the Brave

Our  4th of July began with a trip to the mailbox.  Every holiday, my sister Kare takes a trip to the dollar store and fills mailing envelopes with holiday fun... for each kid.  They were so excited to walk in the door, each carrying their own package surprise.  Even Brynn got one.  :)  (Thanks Kare, you rock!)This time they got  red white and blue: candy, pencils, glow bracelets and more.  But the big hit was the patriotic tattoos.

 Usually they just slap one of them on their upper arm, but this time they wanted them all over.  I thought, Why not?  School's out, it's pretty much just like face painting, right?  But a heck of a lot easier. Well, here we are, 4 days later... still proud to be American.  :)

Brynn's package had this cute little red swimsuit, red and blue nail polish, and 2 bows that Kare made.  It was a little big, so we crossed the straps.  She only cried a little... oops. 

That evening we went to celebrate with my mom and dad.  The boys learned how to shuck some corn...

...while Bradley lost himself in the chips and dip.

Then we had a BBQ out on the deck.

My kids are so well-mannered at the dinner table.

They have such a nice view.

I guess Bradley was still hungry after dinner.

Bradley's game face.  Too bad he lost that courage when it was time for the fireworks.

Here's Kaleb trying so hard to do a handstand.  He's getting close!

And what's a party without a little Lego Indiana Jones?

Here's Mom making Brynnlee smile for the camera.  She's really good at that.

 

And what better way to celebrate America, than by playing America's favorite sport?

Here's a video... where I come very close to swearing in front of Mom and Dad.  Enjoy.

Brynn at 12 Weeks

Yo yo yo!  I'm 12 weeks old.  That's right, y'heard.

It's crazy, right?  The parental units can't believe it either.  What can I say, time flies when you're eatin', sleepin' and poopin'.

 This here is my boy Jaden. He tries to make me smile. Keyword bein' try.  That's right... I'm in control.

Here we go. Bring it.  My eyes are on you.  You don't want nunna this.

Ah, see now that's just straight up cheatin'!

 

Uh oh... not the walking fingers up to my nose...  not the walking fingers up to my nose!!

 

Must... Not... Smile... 

Must... not... smmmi-ahhh!  

AH-HA-HA!

 *sigh*  Well played.

Here I am with all the bros. I love 'em like a fat kid loves chocolate cake... Or so I hear.  But the feeling is mutual, cuz I know they love--

 --mmphh. 

Back off punks!  Let a sista breathe! ... Dang!

But, y'know.  Now that I think about it, life is pretty good... y'know, when I'm not gettin' smothered in love all the time. 

And that's all I gotta say.  Peace to the out.