Trip to Bambee and Big Charlie's House

In early August, my dear friend, Jennifer, invited me to the beach for a few days. Thanks to Bambee and Big Charlie, I got to have a few days of just girl time. I took the boys to their house and then went to Gulf Shores for a few days on the beach. As you will see, the boys had a wonderful time at Camp Jackson. Here is Charlie "pretending" to drive the boat with Big Charlie.

Big Charlie, Charlie and Lily are best buds.

My parents' neighbors have a pool, and they were so gracious to let us swim each day. Here are the two Charlies swimming in the water.

Going for a ride...

Swimming solo (Charlie 3 years)

Jackson is a little fish as well. Here he is on the side of the pool.

Swimming to Bambee...

...and laughing with glee!

On the last night we were there, Big Charlie and Little Charlie went fishing off of the dock. here are the two fisherman with their gear...notice their matching hats.

A close-up

Charlie loved getting the bait...live shrimp.

Little Charlie's first catch...a speckled trout. He was so proud!

What a fun night! This all took place around 9:00 pm, so Jackson didn't get to participate. Maybe next year, he can go night fishing at Camp Jackson. It was such a fun memory to see my Dad and my son fishing together. Thanks, Bambee and Big Charlie for a memorable weekend.

I'll catch up more later on...off to rest and read with my little buddy, Charlie.

Cousins!

Our sweet cousins, Kate, Jason, and Baby Brooks came for a visit during the summer. They live in Louisville, and we had not even met Brooks yet. The boys loved their new cousin (second or third??). We swam, ate, and took baths! What a fun day! Here are the Crosby boys.

Aunt Ann sent goodies for the boys...Charlie got a cool flashlight which he uses all of the time.

Jackson got tennis balls. What fun gifts!

Brooks is the most photogenic of them all. He poses and smiles for the camera. Don't you love those eyes?

Fun in the bath. Jackson (1)/Brooks (8 months?)

The "best" bath picture of the cousins (Charlie 3 years; Jackson 1 year; Brooks 8 months)

Blueberry Pickin'

On a hot day in July, Ashley and I took all four of the boys to Jemison to go blueberry picking. I am pretty sure that we ate more than we picked, but that is all the fun! Charlie was very diligent in picking just the right berry. Jackson loved eating any and all of the berries. It was just a great reminder of how good fresh blueberries are to me. Next summer, we will stock up again and put them in our freezer.

Charlie loved picking just the right blueberry.

Nathan loved picking just the right rock.

Jackson loved sharing everyone's bounty of berries!

It is really hard to get a good picture of Jackson and Luke on the move. They are three weeks apart and fast, fast, fast!

Nathan (almost 3), Luke (almost 1), Charlie (3), and Jackson (1)

On the spur of the moment after the blueberry picking, we decided to drive a few exits north to the Railroad Museum in Calera. We have been there before to see our beloved Thomas the Train, but we wanted to get a few pics of the boys (and let them run off a little energy). The Museum was not open, but we made ourselves at home anyway. These conductors had the best time.

Choo Choo!

Silly boy!

Choo choo!

A posed pic....NOT!

Happy to be playing on the big trains

The crew again....ready to go home after a fun day. We are so thankful that the Matteo boys are part of our lives.

Catching up...July Fun!

Jackson (1 year)

Yes, I am finally playing catch-up on my blogging. We had a family celebration for Jackson's birthday and Charlie's birthday in July with my parents, Bambee and Big Charlie. We celebrated with Aunt April, Uncle G, and Shelby. I unfortunately didn't get any pictures with everyone in the group, but here are a few of the birthday boys.

Charlie and Jackson love sweets...yes, they take after their mama; therefore, I made them a homemade cookie cake. (Thanks to Peggy for this delicious recipe.)

Charlie (3 years and a 1 month)