Definitely related...

We had a wonderful breakfast this morning at the Grandview Grille. Carl was so good, he played and he even ate his French toast. If I recall correctly the last time we went out for French toast - he threw it across the room! Guess he's growing up... or maybe it was it just hunger.

Smiles and a litle Barney influence

It's contagious...





And well, that just makes my day. How 'bout you?

Recycle

Reuse...

Carl Henry Bullen and Willow Estella Bullen

It was a trying day...

Stove/Oven range broke, the Golf side swiped and the mirror lost while Brian was eating lunch (in the car! He's fine.) and really, I'm just plain tired....
However, even in the stress of it I was able to let go of the frustrations. Thanks to Carl and Willow.

We spent some of the morning blowing bubbles and trying to catch them.



I also tried to catch a kiss but as you can see, the little rascal got away.



Carl shares his tractor - the one he napped with.



And in the afternoon we just sat and enjoyed each other.



Big sigh.

Fun filled day

I never thought watching an excavator or bulldozer could be that fun... but today Carl, Willow and I spent at last 45 minutes watching these vehicles moving and digging up the road. We walked over, found a nice step seat in front of Kate and Linda's and just sat there. The excitement on Carl's face was heartwarming. Especially when people, particularly a worker, came by. One offered him a ride but he just stared. It really was fun... except for the loudness and smell of course!


And then there is Willow, she slept through the entire time. Funny, for now, they are like night and day.
This is the dress Cali wore to our wedding - when she was 7 months old!

Creativity and the passage of time

Last week in search of things to do... fun things to do... I looked at my old digital and thought hmmmm maybe Carl would like to take some pictures. So, I put it in his hands, gave him a quick instruction on how to use it, and he was on his way. He clicked and clicked. He's now taken over 100 pictures and I am quite impressed with his work. Though it is not much of a surprise, after all look at all the artists around him!


A portrait of Momma


Momma and Willow


Flash Gordon rests on Bull


Self portrait

So much love....

Carl, Willow and I were sitting together on the sofa this afternoon. Carl was watching a movie and as I looked down at Willow, she was watching Carl with a smile - just staring at him. I said, "Carl, someone is watching you." He leaned closer to her and she smiled even bigger and cooed. She just loves him, the sight of him, his voice. He gave her a very gentle kiss on her hand and said, "I love you sister." How sweet is that!

Water adventures

Last weekend was a TVbyGirls retreat in Big Fork Minnesota at Arcadia Lodge. Brian, Carl and Willow joined me and the rest of the TVBG's group for the weekend. 5 hours is too long in the car for Carl - or is it too long for me? It was hard for him to be away from home and there were a few meltdowns.
We had our own cabin and while Willow worked with me, Brian and Carl got to play. Overall I think the trip was still good for him. He enjoyed the beach and I definately enjoyed the afternoon I was able to spend with him playing in the sand and water - just he and I.


Brian snuggled with Willow and watched from the sidelines.

The yellow dock with the ladder was a big hit.

He had his first real venture into the water and once he discovered how fun it was he didn't want to leave. He just went around and around and laughed so hard!
And through the entire weekend, Willow was the most relaxed.

We are family...

Our first family portrait. Taken overhead by Brian with our old digital.

It's been a good day.
Early this morning, with his $7 keyboard from Target, Carl rocks out while I dance.


And to finish the day before he is off to bed, he snuggles up to his "sisterbot."

What a good boy.
What a good life.

Two entries today...

and Two Months for Willow.
Yes, as hard as it is to believe... she is two months old today.

Can't imagine...

Life without such love and amazement.
It is pure bliss.


Sadly there will be a day that she says, "No more kisses Mom!"
But for now I will just kiss and kiss away.

More energy than me... But sure does make me laugh.

Carl typically has WAY more energy than me. Fortunately, we found ways to amuse him this morning while Willow slept...

First we made a big dragon out of all of his blocks. There is no photo as he knocked it down before I got a chance. Actually he layed on it and then through his arms and the pieces all over. But I did get a photo of the shoes we made for him.



That was only the start of a run of "loonEness"

This IS normal, right?

Then we moved on to some singing...


And then counting....


The alphabet...


And the last looney outbreak (so good it brought on the hiccups) before snack, potty and nap, was a message to his Uncle Wilson...


After a very good laugh we were both ready for a nap. Though I passed on the chance today to play with Willow and shower. I certainly don't want to risk offending Carl again.