Brave Hunter.

Well, I suppose when you take hunting paraphernalia every week for show and tell, you guarantee the Indian name of  "Brave Hunter" at Thanksgiving.   Fits him well.  Ashton did amazing.  Actually a little too amazing a couple of times.  Although he spoke and sang his solo parts with confidence and enthusiasm, he also interrupted the entire production, not once, but twice.  Once to apologize for forgetting to sing a particular part of the group song they were singing, and once to ask his teacher if he could spit out his cough drop: "MRS. CAROLLLLLLL!!!!!!  EXCUSE ME!!!!  CAN I SPIT THIS OUT PLEASE!?!?!?!?!".  That second one felt like it was happening in slow motion ;)    C'est la vie!!  He has definitely inherited the Porter "I am a total ham in front of a camera" bone. 

Ashton's solo performance of "Onward Christian Soldier".  Something about seeing a child love the Lord that just puts everything into perspective.

"I am a little Indian".  He gets into this one ;)

Brave Hunter - Mama beamed with pride today. xo

Two.

Well, time flies when you're having fun.  Truly cannot fathom the fact that it has been two years since Hayes completed our family of five.  Even when a raging fever and incredible nausea, there are no words to describe the deep love and bond that I felt immediately for my last little bundle.  I guess I am feeling a bit nostalgic today, because here is Hayes, every month since he was born.

The world holds big things for you, my little man. 

He really is super sweet...

Working on the two year old post, but for now...

What happened in September

Couldn't really think of a clever, snappy name for this post. August and September were definitely transition months for us. After our big move to the dirty South, we were "hectic". Three little ones + huge life change = chaos. I did manage to capture some of our memory making. Baby Hayes' chicklets at the beginning of August and again at the end of September. He went from two to eight in a month and a half.

Rainy day fun in September. Woo woo (Jackson, the dog) found the first turtle on the day I took these. I say "first" because five more followed in the days after. He even brought one inside our home and left it in the hallway for me to find! We have been calling him "the great white turtle hunter" lately ;)

Happy biwthday to Emowy...

Emory sang this, oh, about three hundred times in the weeks leading up to her birthday.  She was just a tad excited about turning three.  Just a tad.  If she wasn't singing happy birthday to herself, she was saying "Hey mommy, guess what?!  It's my biwthday sooooon." 

Pirate Pool Party / Best Bud Birthday Bash

That is a mouth full.  What a bash it was.  This was Ashton's first real "class mate" birthday party. And a co-birhtday party with his best bud, Major, to boot!  The kids had a blast.  I hope that Ashton will always remember having this special party with his bud.  I was a beautiful day filled with lots of swimming, laughter, fun and candy.  LOTS of candy...

The amazing sign that Jaime made for the fence entrance and the big ole birthday boys.

Ashton and his friend Jack sorting out all of their loot from the Pinata.  Sweet Maddie James.

The treasure chest of booty for the kids take home.

Sassy made herself a friend at the party! Pals, Emory and Lily.

Grill Master.

The AH-MAZING cake!  Can you tell it was a hit?! Ha!

Our gorgeous cake makers (and Major's Aunts), Mamie and Mary Jo.  Hayes is ready to dive in to some sugar.

Proof that I was there!  Aunt Jordan and Uncle Travis brought Avery Banks for us all to oogle over ;)

Emory's face, looking at Major, cracks me up.

Our dear friends, Jaime and Mark.  Also known as Major's parents.  Daddy and Ashton looking through the pirate booty.

Sweet school friends.

Put me in, coach!!

Sweet, precious Ande girl.


The men, doing what they do best!


What candy, mama?  Jaime and Mamie.  You know you're at a kid's birthday party when everyone's accessory is their camera!


Birthday loot!  The boys made out big!


Pintata time!  A sword and a floatie...  I have no idea.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY to two of the sweetest, bestest, biggest, most awesome boys I know. 
Cannot wait to watch these two grow up together...