Sweetest son.

Hobbes is definitely his own person-and at times can be challenging for me to understand. He is a lot more like Bray-only says what he thinks is necessary (I know, I know, a quality that I should work on) can get lost for HOURS in something he's interested in, and has a creative, fun and wild imagination. But the quality I love the most is his sweetness- it can be a peck on the cheek, a hug around my legs (although it's getting closer to my waist-he's growing so fast!), 1 of his slow-spreading, face-lighting smiles, or just a simple, "Thanks SO MUCH, Mom!" Today, however, I noticed something that truly melted my heart-Madeline had gotten up when we were getting ready for work (around 6am) and had gone and fallen asleep again on our bed. Hobbes woke up around 6:45, and stumbled in to say good morning. But instead of asking for breakfast, he ran back to his room and came out with Madeline's special doll, Jenny (looks like an American Girl doll). He then ran over to Madeline, and laid Jenny next to her, under the covers. When I mentioned this to Bray, he said that whenever Hobbes wakes up before Madeline, he always brings her her favorite doll. It may seem silly, but I thought that was one of the sweetest, brotherly things to do. What a sweet guy-so blessed to call him my son!
In their new spring duds before church last Sunday. Such good pals.

Snippets

crazy boy who loves to jump

our 1st real Mardi Gras parade!

Bray's 30th bday celebrations!

So I have full posts to do, but since Bray leaves in a week, we're pretty busy getting everything ready...so here are a few snippets for you-till I can fully post about them.

Bray.

About a week ago, we were carrying on with life as normal-kids, work, eat, practice, play, coffee, etc., when Bray received an email. It was from the director of Opera Birmingham asking Bray if he would be interested/available to play the role of Normanno in Donizetti's opera, Lucia di Lammermoor. The production is set for the 3rd week of March, and rehearsals begin on February 28th. Bray competed and placed in the Opera Birmingham Competition last May, and they had remembered him. This seems to be the way it happens for us!:) However, with 2 kiddos and 3 jobs, it made it a bit trickier for Bray to leave for 3 weeks. But due to the grace of God, and giving, gracious family and employers, Bray is going to do it, and will still have a job when he comes back! My amazing in-laws will be helping out with the kiddos when I go to play at the University in the afternoons, so I know this will be a wonderful opportunity! It is Bray's true first 'debut' as an emerging professional, and with a good company. So thank yall for your prayers and words of encouragement and support-we still need them, and will keep yall updated! Pics will come as Bray gets into rehearsals and production!!

my funny valentine (s).

kiddos, ready for their Valentine's breakfast!
deliveries ready!
cookies, made and ready to be delivered.

Happy early Valentine's Day!!!

It's official. We have some really cute kids.

Jungle kids!

another indoor activity: the Jungle Gym. It's an indoor bouncy-castle/obstacle course/ball pit/playgrounhd/arcade from 30 years ago, that kids think is absolute heaven. I try to not think about the germs while there, but they had so much fun, and got out SO much energy, I think it was worth it. I thought this little coin slot-game was fun, though-it was only 25 cents, and they go around in a circle like a ferris wheel.:)

took this girl nearly 4 years to FINALLY go in a jumpy castle-and then she didn't want to get out!

Hobbes LOVED it.

taking a little rest with Tom & Jerry.

Easy-Bake.

the weather has been terrible the past few weeks, so we've been trying to think of extra-fun indoor activities. I found a recipe online for homemade easy-bake oven cake, and the kiddos tried it out the other day. they had a blast, and it didn't even taste that bad!