Crazy For This Boy

I can't resist Joseph. He's incredibly cute, sweet, funny, smart, amazing . . .



Just scrumptious!



Look at those big eyes!






Little acrobat.





Sharp-dressed little man. (Even with the slobber.)



This is my favorite . . .

1. An amazing son

2. Laughs, smiles, and giggles together

3. Photographs

Meet Joe Black

No, again, he's not going by Joe. It just fit too well.

I haven't yet posted about my trip home to Georgia -- I took Joseph home to meet several of his family members for the first time. We had a great experience, and it was truly wonderful to be with everyone again, even for only a short time.

He was so happy to meet Granny, his great-grandmother. Her father and grandfather were both named Joseph, as is one of her sons. They got along smashingly.



He had already met his Marmee many times, but they had fun hanging out.



Here is Joseph hanging out with Two-E (Chris' mom) and Aunt Shannon, along with some of his cousins . . . Kaitlyn, Baeley, and Nick.



He also got to know his Uncles Josh, Adam, and Matt, along with his grandfather, G.B. (my dad), and my grandmother.



He hung out with my most excellent good buddy, Katie.



It was a fun time. I'm thankful to Chris for letting me have a plane ticket for my birthday so I could go home to visit, and I'm especially glad we were able to see some of the folks we don't usually get to see. Thanks, everyone, for coming to see us and taking the time to hang out. It was wonderful.

1. Family, near and far

2. Introducing a new baby to everyone

3. Air Conditioning for August in Georgia

Day One

The boys started school -- Nathaniel, in 5th grade, on the 18th and Bradley, in kindergarten, on the 26th. A new school year is bittersweet . . . I miss the security of having them home all the time, and yet I like to see them learning and growing.

And of course, I worry, a lot. It's a scary world out there, when you're a parent, watching your innocent little babies go into the unknown. I never want to become fanatic about things, but I wouldn't mind if we could separate ourselves a little more from the things that are going on.

But that's not what this post is about, so let me not digress.

Here's my super-duper son on his first day, looking as thrilled as one might expect. He really does enjoy school . . . really.





Bradley the great began his very first year of school! What??? How can it be?

He is as happy as a lark.





Lindsey insisted on being in the photo with him.





Hum-dee-dum . . . waiting for the bus.


Chris: Bradley, do you know where you are supposed to get on and off the bus?

Bradley: Yeah, in the front where there's a door and some steps.



He pauses for a picture.



Waving goodbye.




. . . sniff. My little boys are so grown up.

1. Education

2. Smart kids

3. Two still at home