Laci, Megan and Brynn Bradley

In The Meantime...

2012-02-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

I have some big posts coming up in about a week, but wanted to share a few pics in the meantime!!!

And, we were wondering why we might be having toilet issues!!!!!!!??????

BBB has learned how to take pics of herself with my phone and she loves it!!!!!

We got tired of Daddy playing Modern Warfare so Brynn decided she would lay on top of him and eventually, she fell asleep like this!!!

And, finally, Brynn crawled up on the table at my mom's house. My sister and my wedding pictures are hung right next to one another and Brynn pointed straight at her Auntie's pic, never even looking at mine!

The Tacky Penguin, Take One

2012-01-31T05:56:00.000-08:00

Laci is not having a 2nd grade play at school this year, so her teacher let them do a small classroom play. They broke into 2 groups and each group acted out the book, The Tacky Penguin.

Laci is always up for putting on a show.

She must have had fun on the playground, because her hair was a mess when I got to school!

Even though her "drama" gets on my nerves around the house, I must say, she is a lot like me!!!

Basketball Season

2012-01-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

Laci is in the middle of basketball season again and still loving it. It hasn't quite clicked yet, but each game she is getting a little more aggressive.

Sorry these are so blurry! I haven't used my camera in a while and it's taking me a bit to get used to it!

Here are a couple of other little cuties that love going to watch big sister play!

Couple of Cute Videos

2012-01-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Brynn on the trampline! She didn't want to get off!!! Love her crazy hair!!!

This was right before Christmas!! I love hearing her say new words. And, of course, as soon as I started with the video she didn't want to say any of her words and wanted to play peek a boo!

Life....again, through phone pics!

2012-01-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Good thing Brynn got 3 ride along toys for Christmas! We were going to take the one we got her back, and then, they started racing! I bet these three toys have been used as much as any!

Starbucks Carmel Frappuccino Cupcakes

Shopping with Nonny

What Cookie? I didn't eat a cookie?

One of Wesley's best friends from Georgia State came and visited! I didn't get many pictures. But, as you can tell they are still quite competitive! Headstand contest...from their form you can tell Dave won!

Fun, cold day on the trampoline! We were electrifying!

Fun at a new restaurant in Little Rock. Call All Aboard Restaurant and Grill. Train delivers your food!! The girls loved it! And, Brynn was so intrigued with the trains...she stayed in her seat the whole time!

My blue-eyed girls enjoying the nice weather.

And, most recently, shopping! She got to go with my Mom, my Sister and myself with no big sisters and she thought she was big stuff! As soon a we put her down she was off! Thank goodness for strollers...I mean, extra hands!

Brynn - One Year Pictures

2012-01-04T11:16:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken in November, but I didn't post them on Facebook because they were used for Christmas gifts. So, now I just had to share!!! One thing Benton has is awesome photographers!!! One of our friends, Rachel Vanhook, has started taking pictures and she is awesome!!! I was so pleased with these pictures and was so relaxed the whole time! Here is a link to her website:

http://rachelvanhookphotography.com/

Christmas "Wrap"-up!!

2011-12-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! Nothing like the Holidays to make you realize how blessed you really are!!!

We went to Northwest Arkansas to spend Christmas with Brad's family. First, it was at his Mom and Step-dad's! We had a wonderful meal, opened gifts and then played a great game of Dirty Santa.

Can you tell how excited the girls are to open presents! All 9 of the grandDAUGHTERS were there so they had a full house!

Sorry, this picture is small, but we also made a stop by Brad's Aunt and Uncle's (whom we call Sis and Pop, Brad calls her Memaw, but the girls said they call her Sis) RV store in Springdale. Laci and Megan LOVE going here. The whole upstairs is like one giant floor that looks over onto the bottom floor. There are stairs on each end and they just run like crazy!! They also want a big Coach/Motorhome to ride to the beach in!!! Maybe some day!

Then, Saturday morning we had Christmas with Brad's Dad, Step-Mom and Step-sister Angie.

The girls were once again excited and spoiled rotten! Brynn was more interested in the soccer ball and standing on the gifts!!!

Laci, always putting on a show!

We were back home on Saturday night. Megan put out her reindeer food! And, Laci sat out the Muffins and Milk for Santa (they said he would be tired of cookies).

Off to bed they went!

Here is a snapshot of their personalities on Christmas morning:

First one up and overly excited.....LACI

Second one up and took a little longer to get pumped up.....MEGAN

Last one up and thought the party was all about her....BRYNNIE

We went to church and then headed to my Mom and Dad's for some brunch food and presents!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight...

Thanks to all of our wonderful family!!!!!!! Never want to take you for granted!

Tis The Season

2011-12-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

Lots going on around here around Christmas time and I love it!

Laci has started basketball again. It's one of the easiest on the parents for sure!!! She loves it and I enjoy watching!

We had our annual Grant Christmas at the farm and it gets better and better each year! Here is Brynn Bradley sitting on the dolphins that Mamaw is "babysitting."

She also climbed up to the table like she was a grown-up when it was time to eat.

I love her face when she saw her new rockin pony from her Aunt Connie.

And, dear Aunt Connie got Nerf Guns for the big girls!!! But, you can see who had to get the first shots!!! They LOVE playing with these!

We play Dirty Santa and it is sooo fun! The gifts get crazier and crazier!!!! And, as us grandkids get older and more of us are buying our own Dirty Santa gifts, it can get a little inappropriate! But, it is so fun and we like to see which grown-up we can make turn red!!!!!

This hat was a hot item up for grabs, mostly because it had a $20 dollar bill attached to it!

Adam opened these whitey tighties and I'm pretty sure he was stuck with them!! He even put them on...over his jeans!

And, we even got Hannah to turn red! These Razorback-jeweled thongs were also going home with her!

To end the night, Mamaw's precious neighbors (who Laci and Megan LOVE) brought her brand new guitar over and sang and played for us! It was awesome! She is very talented and Laci and Megan loved watching her play and singing with her!

And, yesterday was Megan's preschool Christmas party. I didn't get a lot of pics because Brynn was with me. But, here are some highlights.

They had a centerpiece of their handprints, so precious!

Here is another precious highlight!...

Sweet Megan after her party!

After the party we went to try and see Poppy but he was very busy. So we sat and talked to Miss Jessica for a bit. (dad's secretary) Brynn wanted to stay with her. She wanted to play on the computer keyboard and talk on her phone. Megan took this picture of her (Miss Jessica leaned over) and it looks like she is sitting there by herself! So funny!

We have Laci's school party tomorrow and then going to spend some time with Brad's family!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

A couple of Sundays ago our church did "Christmas Pictures" for the second time in the last few years. I have gotten to work a photo station both times and I love it. Basically there are several photo stations set-up thoughout the church and as families arrive they can have their picture taken for free. We took pictures of families, singles, siblings, etc. It is so fun to watch people come and look around like what is going on. You offer to take their picture and they politely refuse. Then, after a little convincing, they gather their family and get their picture made. For many, they say it is the only or the first family photo in a long time!!!! The following Sunday, they picked up their picture and it was so great to see the smiles as they had a keepsake from Christmas 2011.

Here is one of the pictures (edited by me so a little fuzzy) from that Sunday morning!!!

These are from Glitz and Garland, a shopping event held in our town that was awesome!!!

(Megan was hunting with her daddy)

I love this time of year!!!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!!!

Birthday and Christmas

2011-12-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Megan's actual birthday was on a Preschool day and she was excited to get to wear her camo again and celebrate with her class. But, of course we got to start off the day with a visit to Poppy's office!!!!

During the Holiday season I like to dress in Christmas attire as much as possible, well, the kids anyway!!!! I love when they coordinate and you can tell they are ready for Christmas!!! I took some pics before church yesterday and I love this one where BBB is looking up at Laci like she is saying show me what to do!!!!

Brynn would not stand still long enough for me to take her picture! So, I snapped one on the run!

Tis the season to be Merry!!!!! hehe

"PARTAY!!"

2011-12-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

Megan asked a while back if she could have her birthday party at a local hunting store, Turbyfills. Now, this has never been done, but the owners are family friends and said come on, let's do it!!!

So, I searched for the pink camo and we had us a camo party!! It was awesome! It was small with just a few girls. The Turbyfill's were so gracious and set up the store perfect for a party. They set up the shooting range so the girls could shoot little pink bow and arrows into a wall covered in balloons. The also set up a blind, or as the girls called it, a tent.

Megan had a blast and could not have had more fun!!!! She was so excited for her friends to come see one of her favorite places!!

Here is another one of Hannah's creations!! I showed her a picture and she did it! I was so thankful and so proud of her!!!! Meg loved it also!

Laci figured out the bow pretty quick!

My little camo baby!

My big 5 year old!

This is Daniel, (my girls call him Turbs or Turby) the owner of the store!! His family came to celebrate with Megan and help make sure everything was perfect!!!! If you need anything hunting, fishing, etc, it's a great store in Benton with LOTS of neat stuff! Including toys and things for the little girls!!

When we got home, Megan got to open her walking puppy, her present from Laci!!

What a fun afternoon!!!

5 Years Ago Today...

2011-12-07T04:36:00.000-08:00

...We were blessed with our second little Princess!!

Happy 5th Birthday Megan Lynn!!

She had her own little unique entrance. Her head came halfway out and just as the Dr. said her head is out it sucked back in (TMI, I know). After we laughed for a second, she was born a few minutes later. The doctor made a comment to the effect of she had a mind of her own!
Then, when she was born she WOULD NOT cry. I only panicked for a second, because the nurse was quick to tell us she was fine, she just didn't want to cry. She was too busy "looking" around and taking it all in!

The Dr. and Nurse could not have described Megan's personality any better! She definitely has a mind of her own and I have never seen a little kid take in the world around her like Meg. She soaks it all in and asks a million questions!! She doesn't forget a thing!

She loves to hunt, play sports, cheerleading and riding her bike!

She loves to put on make-up, wear my high heels and act like she is a complete grown-up.

She loves to play check-out and school.

She likes to be in charge, no matter what Laci says!

She loves preschool and loves to learn!

She loves to swim in the summer! She can swim like a fish! Makes me a nervous wreck.

She has a HUGE heart! She is always concerned about others and if they are ok. She asks lots of questions and worries on things awhile.

Megan makes us laugh and keeps us on our toes.

She is the precious child that I want to walk around with my hand over her mouth because I never know what is going to come out!

She melts my heart and I have a hard time thinking of her going to Kindergarten next year!

I love her unique personality and that she is not afraid to be different. I hope that never changes!!

Happy 5th Birthday Megan!!!!

Randomness...

2011-12-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

For those that have asked, I got Brynn's birthday onesie at Holiday House and her Razobacks onesie and football leggings I got off of Etsy.

I have one crazy climbing girl on my hands!!

She can now get on the couch by herself and in the chairs!!! I have to watch her all of the time!!!

Between my mom's house, my sister's house and my house (which I didn't decorate much this year) I get to decorate a lot! But, of all that I do this is one of my favorites. It is a tree I did at Sarah and Ben's house in memory of Weslee Faith. We did it in 2009. Last year we left it decorated so this year all we had to do was fluff it a little! But, I love it!!!! And, it is one of my favs!!
Here is my little pink cuddle baby!
Yes, she was "that kid" when we went to Dick's. Climbing, running, yelling!!!! WOW! Good thing it was an athletic store because I needed my running shoes!
And, finally, last Saturday when I was leaving my old neighborhood several deer came running across the road. I was so thankful to miss the first one and then I looked to my left and BAM!!!

The big doe and I looked eye to eye before she made out with my door!! Dad, Sarah and Brynn were with me and we were all ok!! I said it shattered my window and dad so no, that is just slobber!! But, she did manage to crunch my door and scare the bejeezers out of me! My brother hit one a few weeks ago, so we told Sarah to get a bigger car cuz she is next! Also, I was very grateful my dad was there, Mr. Bud at the golf course, several golfers and a drive-by hunter who all came to help with the deer!!

Guess I'm a deer hunter after-all!!!!

Look Whoooooo's One

2011-11-30T09:24:00.001-08:00

Just a few pics from Brynn's 1st birthday "party." I don't do big 1st birthday parties. So, we just ate at mom's and I got some cute little plates and things. Just a fun, relaxing night.

I did have all of her monthly pictures up. It was fun to look back.

Roll Call

And, check out these cakes. I found a cute owl cake on Pinterest and Hannah, my brother's girlfriend made these for me. So talented! Here are the 2 she made for Laci and Megan!

The big one! Sooooo cute!

Ok, first birthday done!!! On to the next....Megan will be 5 next week!!!

Brynn Bradley - 1 year

2011-11-29T08:41:00.001-08:00

Brynn had her one year check-up today and did great! It breaks my heart when it comes time for shots, but I know it's okay! Here is a quick run-down!!

She is walking...no, running all over the place. She climbs on everything! We caught her on Brad's desk the other day banging on his laptop keyboard (epic parental fail).

She is still so happy and even though she only says a couple of "words" she jibber jabbers to everyone she meets.
Her Stats:

Length 29.25 - 53%

Head 17.25 - 15%

Weight 16 lbs. 15 oz - 1.8%

Yes, that says 1.8%. Doctor (and dear friend) said she wasn't overly concerned, but would like to see her put some more weight on!! We will be working on that in the upcoming days and weeks. She loves to eat and eats quite a bit, so we are going to start some Pediasure to add some calories!! Doctor said it probably has a lot to do with genectics, she will be long and lean. And, by that I'm sure she was referring to Brad!!!!! haha

She has starting throwing some good fits and I am quick to discipline...I mean, grab my camera! I don't know if it's because she is my 3rd or because she is just so tiny and then busts out in the outragous fits, but it is soooo funny!!!! WE should probably get a handle on that, because it's only cute to us! hehe
One more BBB post to come...her little birthday party!

So Much To Be Thankful For

2011-11-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

This year we had a fabulous Thanksgiving!! We had breakfast at the farm!! Now, that is a great idea!!!! It was an awesome meal and great time to hang out. The guys hunted and we met them out there as they were coming in! It was awesome!!! Brynn loved it this year as well! Last year, she was 3 days old when we went out there! This year, she rode the 4 wheeler! (I have a feeling it won't be long before we will have 3 pink 4-wheelers out there!)

Laci introduced Brynn to the swing Papaw built.

Brynnie getting to know the goats!
BBB loved loved loved the 4 wheeler. If she heard it start up, she was looking around to see who was riding it! When I was loading the car, this is how I found her when I turned around!

Love my little camo girls. Meg braved the cool weather and was up at 5 to go hunting with Brad, Uncle Wes and Hannah.
That night we were invited to Ben's parents house for supper and we went and had a great time, and ate way too much! The boys met us up there after they hunted!
Meg and Trent have a common bond...deer.
And, of course a family tradition...BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING! Mom, Sarah and myself started this tradition a few years back. Last year we didn't do it because, well, I was home with a 4 day old! But, this year, we made up for it! We even invited Hannah to join us! Now, people say they would never get up and do that. But, here is the deal. We are not going to get some great deal or find some bargain. We just like to do it! Brad watches the girls and we just go about 4;30 in the morning, shop, eat, shop, eat and laugh!!!!! We laughed a ton this year and it was a blast!!!!!! Here is Sarah at our first stop!!! She didn't want to pull a muscle! haha
This Thanksgiving, I couldn't help but think of Papaw Grant, his presence is always missed at the farm. I thought of Nana, Brad's grandmother. And, of course, little Weslee Faith. I had to hold back tears several times as I wondered what it would be like if they were here! And, when that sadness hit me, I made it my prayer that this year I did not dwell on what we were missing, but rejoice in what we have.

I am so thankful for family. My family and Brad's family, also my church family and so many friends. God is good!!!!

"Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

A Year of Smiles

2011-11-22T07:37:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate Brynn Bradley's first birthday!!! It's been an incredible year, but has gone way to fast!!! The one thing we have heard most over the last year is about her smile and how much smiles!!! That is Brynn! Always content and smiling! If you don't speak to her, she will get your attention! I guess I will not have a shy child!

Happy Birthday Brynn Bradley!!!!!

Newborn

One Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

Happy One Year, Baby Brynn!!!

I think she will always be my Baby Brynn!!!!!

A Little Bit of Brynn

2011-11-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

While Brynn and I were waiting outside for Laci and Megan to come home from school, I grabbed my camera and took some pictures of her wondering around the yard. I used to do this all the time with Laci and Megan, but haven't done it as much with BBB. I am thankful I captured some of her signature faces!

Here is how she is the majority of the time!

Giving Kisses
Showing you her teeth
Checking out that leaf

Checking out the world upside down

Riding Sister Scooter

Swanky Baby Vintage

2011-11-02T09:19:00.001-07:00

This is new brand of clothes (new to me at least) that I am loving lately! Very cute and fits my girls so well, which is tough since Laci and Megan are built so differently and Brynn is still so little! I just had to share the pics and I put the website at the bottom if you are loving the clothes as much as I do.

www.swankybabyvintage.net/lindsey

(Lindsey Cobb is the local rep if you are around Central Arkansas)

The Traditional Post-Holiday "Post"

2011-11-01T05:43:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Shortcake, Pebbles and a Butterfly!

Preschool Party

2011-10-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Megan had her preschool party Wednesday and she had a great time! She got lots of candy (that we can use to give away on Halloween night, great money saving idea). She is, if you can't tell, Strawberry Shortcake. But, apparently she told everyone she was Strawberry Tallcake. She may have a complex about being short. Then, the guy at Kroger told her she was going to be vertically challenged! She asked me what that meant and I told her it meant she was going to be good at math! Works for now!

Of course Brynn joined in on the fun! She stayed in Poppy's office while we got the room set up. He brought her back and said she didn't want her bottle. Her mouth was blue and I said I wonder why!!! He offered her an airhead!! She chose the airhead!
The table...a little Pumpkin theme!

After they ate, they got to paint and decorate pumpkin.
My little left-hander...I love it!
Looking forward to our church's carnival! Sunday night 5:30 at FBC Benton. Lots of games, candy and food! Proceeds go to world Hunger!!! Lots of fun!

Brynn Bradley - 11 months

2011-10-26T06:05:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it!!! 11 months old!! Time is flying! This is a little late, but that 's ok!

It's getting harder and harder to take her picture.

She was trying to slide out of the chair.

She has 2 teeth on bottom and I think the top 2 are starting to cause some pain! She is eating like crazy and loves everything! Still dark hair getting thicker! Her eyes are blue/gray, but not as bright as the other two. Soemtimes they look very much like Brad's eyes!!
She says dada, mama, and uh-oh...more like uh-uh! I swear she tried to say Laci, but that happened only once and it came out like acie! Sarah and Ben say she tries to say Avery and to be honest sometimes it sounds like it!
She loves Sonic drinks, especially her Poppy's grape slushies! She wants to be outside at all times. She can throw a good fit, but that is seldom! She loves to play with Laci and Megan and hates it when they shut the door or do not let her play. They usually will let her play and they pretend she is their baby. But, when they are coloring or playing school, she is totally in the way!
This last week she went from standing...
...to stepping...
...to walking!!! She walks most of the time now (still wobbly), but it is so cute to watch her go!
This little girl pretty special!!!! It's amazing how God makes a place in your heart and in your life for each child and their personality!! Brynn is little bitty ball of joy and she is smiling most of the time. Still greeting people with a "hi-d." Love her bunches and can't believe she is so close to being one!!! I'm pretty sure I'll cry as we start putting away the bottles!!! (I will not cry, however, when I fork over the $25 for that last tub of formula)!!

2 Years Ago Today...from the heart of Auntie Am

2011-10-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today was one of the hardest days of my life...and, in the life of my family. On this day we said hello and goodbye to my niece, Weslee Faith. I haven't written much about it on here since that time because I can't seem to express what I have felt the last 2 years.

I held her lifeless body that day for quiet some time. It seems so silly, but that day I rocked her, swayed back and forth and talked to her like she was going to talk back. I told her that she missed out! I already had outfits picked out for her to match my 2 girls (Brynn was not here at the time). I had Halloween costumes picked out for 3 girls. I told her I would've made her tutus, hairbows and lots of blinged out shirts. I told her I had LOTS of hand me downs for her. It took me several weeks to process all the events during that week. But, once I had the chance to think back on what I had said to her, I couldn't help but shake my head. Who would've wanted tutus and hairbows when you have the glory of Heaven and majesty of our Heavenly Father!?
As I examined her little bitty body, I looked at what did not develop causing her to not be able to live. I looked at the back of her head and asked God many times why he couldn't have just made that part correctly! Why didn't he finish her!? Although, I still struggle with those questions at times, I am at piece knowing she is whole in Heaven and knowing that someday I will hold her again.
There are many blessings from that day. I am so thankful I got to hold her, see her and talk to her. I am so thankful I got to dress her and change her cloths. I am thankful for my family and the strength we have because of one another. I am thankful for the days following when many days and late nights were spent at my house with all of my family, and even Ben's family some nights, just loving on one another. I am thankful for the nurses that loved Sarah and Ben and all of us as we spent a day and a half in sorrow on a floor of the hospital full of balloons, flowers, cheers and babies crying. I am thankful for Laci and Megan. Because although they didn't know the full extent of what went on that October 24th day, they were a source of joy and laughter and hope for all of us. I am not sure I had ever seen Ben love on Megan like he did in the days following.

I know Sarah and Ben have feelings and memories about that day that are different than mine. And my hurt cannot compare to what they experienced losing Weslee. But, this has been just a snapshot of what I felt that day.

If you would have told me that day that two years later Sarah would still have empty arms, I would've thought you were crazy. If someone had told me about their fertility struggles, their miscarriages, her surgeries and on and on...that they have had to deal with, I would not have believed it. You know when you read a story, watch a movie or listen to someone's story you can't wait until the climax. You listen or watch so intently waiting to hear how it turns out! That is where I am. I want to be at the end of this story, ready to start the next. I want to hear how it turns out! I am ready for that half-completed nursery in Sarah and Ben's house to be full. I know God is in control and have never had to lean on that more than in these last 2 years. God is the only source of life. And, when I am angry, asking Him question after question, and trying to figure it out myself, I always go back to God! HE IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF LIFE. Even when doctors say no, God can say yes. When doctors say IVF is the only way, God says I am the only way.

Their fertility story will be complete some day and they will be able to share their story with others going through the same situation. But, while we are in the midst of it, I pray we can continue to be a family that loves on each other, prays for each other, encourages each other and laughs with each other. And, most importantly, never miss what God is trying to teach us all through the struggles.

She's Almost Got It!

2011-10-21T05:17:00.000-07:00

Brynn is about to just take off! She will walk back and forth to things and to us. But, when she wants to get somewhere fast....she still drops and crawls!!!!

She willl also get excited in the middle of walking and start clapping for herself. That usually results in a loss of balance and her falling and then she'll just take off crawling!!

Panther Fans, Get on your Feet...

2011-10-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

Last week was the Panther Cheerleader Cheer Clinic! The girls had a blast cheering at the game!!! I can't wait to line up all the pictures one day and see how they have changed from year to year!

Ok, so I had to include the picture below!!! It is Laci doing the cheer clinic when she was 3! I think she looks a lot like Megan at 4! But, that is just me!

Laci's hair definitely grew faster than Meg's. She had more hair at 3 than Megan does now!

Sorry some of these are blurry. I was running back and forth between Meg and Laci. Also, Laci was standing behind her friends so the camera didn't focur on her.

And, of course, a couple of their biggest fans came! Thankfully, Poppy agreed to stay home with Brynn so I could enjoy watching them and not chasing her!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Megan's preschool went to the Pumpkin Patch last week and she had a blast! Brad wanted to go with her this year and as much as I wanted to go with her, I knew she would love having her daddy there (since she's around me all the time).

I sent Brad with my little camera, not expecting any pictures. But, he did get a few and I was so thankful!

This is my favorite picture! Take your pumpkin and run!!!!

Someone told us the other day that Megan was our little "boy." And, I have to agree! I honestly think I could put Meg with any age group and she could hang! She could intitiate and carry on a conversation! She would do all she could keep up in sports. She would ask one million questions until she figured out answers! She would be the dirtiest, have the most injuries (without telling anyone) and would have found the most insects!! I love that about her and I pray we never squash her unique personality!!!

Few Word Wednesday

2011-10-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

These pictures do not need much explanation. We had a good time at the Razorback game and Laci and Megan had a good time with their grandparents. Brynn got the stomach virus, so Brynn, Brad and myself were on clean-up patrol in the hotel!

Thankfully, we all felt great on Saturday and the virus waited until we got home to attack the rest of us!

pre-game nap!

Today we are all feeling better! It's amazing how many times you can wash sheets and clorox the house! Just when you think you are in the clear, the next person gets it! But, all 5 of us have had the stomach virus and hopefully, that will be it for awhile!

Taylor Swift

2011-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday Laci, Megan and myself went with some friends to the Taylor Swift concert. They had a great time and thought it was pretty cool!!! The only hard thing was that Taylor did not come on until late. So, we saw a lot of her show and then we left. The girls were getting tired and so were the momma's!

Brynn stayed home with daddy!

The girls were so excited that I am pretty sure we were ready 2 hours early!

As soon as Taylor came our Laci started waving! I know she thought Taylor was looking right at her....and, she loved it!
This was her walking away from us. She was very close when she came to the platform on our side of the stage!
Let me get this out there. Before last Tuesday night I was not a huge fan of Taylor Swift. I thought her swinging was kind of one note and when I saw her perform on TV it sounded kind of off. Well, I was wrong! She can sing! And, she sings beautifully! She can also put on a pretty incredible show!!!! She was interacting with the crowd and could speak so well!! Such a sweet voice! She made me a fan!

Step It Up

2011-10-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

We were over at mom and dad's the other day playing in the garage. Brynn was pushing this stool around and all of a sudden let go and took several steps. We stood her up to do it again and Hannah had her camera phone rolling. Sorry it is sideways, but I am so glad we have some of her first steps on video.

Since this video, however, she has decided it is so much easier to crawl! Now, she will take one or two steps and then drop and crawl!!!!

Panther Fridays

2011-10-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

In the fall, just like Saturday's we get up and get in our Razorback attire, on Fridays, we get our Panther gear on!!!! I enjoy taking the girls (Meg and Brynn) to the Pep Rally. There really is nothing like a Benton Pep Rally! (and I have been to several school's pep rallys) We go up top so we can see everything and also that keeps us away from the mascots!!!

This was Brynn's first pep rally (outside of the womb)!!! She loved it, can you tell! The band is on the end we stand on and she was mesmorized! There was so much going on and she was just taking it all in!

Megan was still trying to get used the fact that there were 2 Panther mascots!!! She only remembered one from last year!!!
When the band stopped playing, Brynn Bradley was over it! Time for a snack!
Megan, the old pro, showing her the ropes!!
And, big sister Laci, was teaching her about the Panther games!!!!
This is what Laci has been waiting for. Last year Brynn was not born yet and at basketball games she was too small to carry around. Laci played with Brynn for almost the entire first half! She carried her around and showed her the Panthers, the cheerleaders, the dance team, Mrs. Hilborn and everything she loves about the games! Brynn has 2 pretty great big sisters!

This last pic cracks me up!! Brynn loved the mascots!!!! She would reach her arm out and squeel until they paid attention to her. And, if they didn't she would look at Laci like she was saying get their attention!!!!

My last throwback!

2011-10-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 videos that I have watched over and over the past week. When people say your forget how small your kids were, they are not kidding. After finding these videos on discs that I had in storage I could not get over how small Laci and Megan were and how sweet their little voices were!!!

This is Megan when she got stuck in the pantry. She had cleaned out the bottom shelf and climbed up looking for "bites."

This is Laci talking after Megan was born. She was a proud big sister and I am so thankful we have this video!!

Laci when she first started golfing. When I first turned on this video Brad said that's Megan, but as you can hear...it's Laci back when we thought she was left-handed! haha

For all of you that have had the opportunity to blog about all of your children from their births, consider it a blessing. I would love to have a blog from when I was a naive first time parent with Laci. Or, blogging through the move to Birmingham and back when I was pregnant with Megan!! I would have loved to have a place where everything was recorded chronologically and to see how it differed from one child to the next. Right now, I have a stack of about 100 CD's full of pictures that I don't want to lose scratch!!! So, continue blogging, scrapbooking or doing whatever it is you do to capture all of your memories!!!! It is a blessing!

Guess Who, again...(updated)

2011-09-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, just a few more pictures. There are some that my family had trouble figuring out who's who! One consensus we have come to is that MEgan and Brynn looked more alike as babies than Laci and either one of them. Brynn's defining feature is her dark hair and honestly, her eyes are not as blue as the older two, yet.

The first 2 pics of 2 of my babies about the same age! Guess Who....

This is Megan below

This is Brynn below...

The next 2 pics of 2 of my newborns...Guess Who...

Brynn

Below is Megan

These next 2 pictures most of my family guess wrong!!! Who do you think is in these pictures! Could be the same child, maybe not!!! Guess Who....
Both of these pictures are Laci

GUESS WHO...(updated)

2011-09-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so one of the questions I get most often is, "who does Brynn look like." Then, that usually starts a whole conversation about who my kids look like, did they look alike as babies and on and on!! So, I finally dug out old pictures and I want to see what you think! This is mostly for family and those that know us best, but I am interested to see what people think and if they think like me! I am going to post some pics and you can either comment or just guess to yourself. Tomorrow or later today I will update this post with which of my children that picture actually is.

These are pictures of all 3 of them around 10 months to one year!

The picture below is Laci

Although you can tell all 3 of my kids are sisters and lots of their pictures are hard to tell who is who, I think you will be surprised at how different they actually look when comparing pictures of them at the same age!
This picture is Brynn
The picture below is Megan

The picture below is Laci (see, she really doesn't look like the other 2 at this age)

The picture below is Meg
One thing I have noticed is that many people say Megan looks just like Laci. And, what I have learned by looking back at pictures is that Meg at 3 looked like Laci at 2. And, so on!! But, just look and see what you think! Tomorrow will be baby pictures of each of them!!! I love looking back at old pictures!!!!
I don't think they look that much alike at this age!

Brynn Bradley - 10 months

2011-09-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Another month and more milestones!! Brynn is 10 months old and as sweet as ever!! She still flashes that smile to everyone she meets! And, usually follows her smile with a "hi-D!" My true southern belle!!

This month another tooth poked through, making a grand total of...2! Her dark hair continues to grow! ...and, so do her eyelashes!!

She is crawling like a maniac and can get places (like the toilet) faster than I can keep up! She can stand all day long and has taken 3 steps once. But, she still prefers to crawl. She will take on or two steps then drops to crawl.
She says dada and that is still about it! She loves for us to do animal sounds to her, but she will not repeat them. When I try to get to her to talk back to me or say mom, she will blow a toot noise at me and spit...so ladylike!
She will eat anything and is finally holding her own sippy cup! geez!! I thought she was going to let me hold that forever! She still will not hold her bottle! Spoiled Rotten!

The above picture is one of my favorite things she does. Her sweet 2 teeth smile!!

Then, below thought she was getting ready to take off crawling, then...

...she stood up!! I love that I can stand her up in a store if I am checking out or needing two hands for a second. She will usually stand there and wait on me to pick her up! I need to enjoy that, because I know it won't be long before I put her down and she takes off running!!!
Brynn's favorite thing is being outside!!!!! We could sit outside all day and she would be happy! She will crawl all over that yard. Last night we ate outside on the patio's at YaYa's in LIttle Rock. She was asleep when we first got there, but when she woke up and we put her in the high chair she kept taking deep breaths and smiling real big....she just loved being outside!! It was a great night!!!!

We love this little thing more everyday! Her little personality is so unique and so incredibly sweet!!! Can't believe she is almost 1!! Love you, Brynnie!

Woo Pig!!!

2011-09-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a fun day! Laci and Megan got some 2 on 1 time with Daddy, while Brynn Bradley went with my mom, my sister and myself to Conway for a much needed shopping getaway!

I think Brynn loved getting all the attention! (not that she lacks any)

We got all dressed up in our Razorback gear and headed to Conway. Our main destination is the amazingly huge and newly redone TJ Maxx!
While each of us were checking out the other would sit in these chairs by the check-out line with Brynn. She would greet everyone with a "hi-dee." She was quite the hit and one lady even took a picture of her. She assured me she wasn't a freak and wanted to get a pic of the outfit to show her friend who sews.
It was such a fun day (it was more fun before the Dave Ramsey budget), but fun, none the less!

Some pics from the phone

2011-09-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

On our way to buy school supplies...I'm With Miller! Click on the link to learn more about the Woodruff Family, Baby Miller and how you can be a part!! For all you Central Arkansas people, these awesome hats/visors can be bought at W.E.L Dressed in Bryant!! Proceeds go to...

The Miller McNeil Woodruff Foundation

I hate that this picture is so dark, but when we were leaving the Traverlers game I put Brynn in Megan's booster seat so I could get situated and she was just fine to stay there. She did not move and looked at me like don't put me in my carseat...I'll be still right here!

Waterpark Fun!
Brynn climbing up Avery's leg (this is Sarah and Ben's dog).

Playing Outside

2011-09-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

Last week the weather was perfect to play outside. So, after Brynn and I picked up Meg from preschool, we took our mats outside to play. It was so fun and a nice break from the heat!

Brynn Bradley LOVES being outside!!!!!!

And, one of her new favorite things is riding around with Megan in the Mustang! Seriously, they could do this all day! They rode it this day until the battery ran out!!!!
Loves Brynn's arm hanging on the side!!! When Megan would get out, Brynn would scream at her until she got back in and starting driving!
If Laci and Megan are outside and Brynn spots them, she goes straight to the door or window and yells at them and slaps the glass! She will eventually start to cry until I take her outside!
Loving this time of year!!!

iPhone Videos

2011-09-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

While we were in Northwest Arkansas the big girls got to go to the Springdale Aquatic Center. You have to pass a swim test to get to do some of the bigger slides and things and this time Meg took the test and passed. So, she got to jump off of the high dive! She was so excited!

Brynn has gotten pretty fiesty in the last couple of months. Here we were playing chase and she turned around and knocked the phone out of my hand!

Preschool!!!

2011-09-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Megan has started back to preschool...4 year old Preschool, that is! She is going to preschool 2 mornings a week at our church and has the precious Mrs. Helen again this year and she (and I) could not be more excited! She loved preschool last year and was so excited to get started this year!

Her first morning...Brad was leaving to take Laci to school so she had to get in her bye hug!!

Telling Laci bye!!
Her First Day of Preschool Sassy Pose
One of the neat things about preschool this year is that it starts at 8:15. So, Brad can drop off Laci and then take Megan. It's kind of their thing! Here is Megan this morning before she headed to preschool on her Daddy's "bus."
After I fixed Laci's hair, Megan brought me a ribbon and ponytail holder and said to do hers the same! She is pretty independent, so I thought it was sweet that she wanted to be like Laci.
Megan waiting on Daddy's "bus."

Funny Story:

Brad goes out the garage to start the "bus," and I wait on the front porch with the girls. This morning Brynn was in the house and Laci went back in to get her so she could wait with us. Laci came back to the door with a look of panic and said she couldn't find her!! I heard the "bus" pull up and when we looked at the truck, this is what we saw...

Busdriver Brynn

And they're off!!!!!

Desperately trying to get Brynn to wave and say Bye Bye!

What I learned at the Razorback Game...

2011-09-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I observed several things that brought me to one conclusion...I have crossed over into being "old." I experienced 3 things that brought me to this conclusion!

First, I quickly realized that the comment, "you look good, FOR HAVING 3 KIDS," is meant to be a compliment!

Second, I remember in college I thought the athletes on campus were so cute (so cute that I ended up marrying one, hehe). Well, Saturday when the football players came over to the sidelines and took off their helments I looked in amazement! They looked like they were barely old enough to drive! They were big, but they had baby faces (don't get me wrong, some looked like grown men). But, they looked so young and I immediately realized I was getting older!!!!

Lastly, I realized I was still in style...kind of. I saw several of the college girls wearing 3 specific articles of clothing that I own!!!!!!!! The only difference is....I bought them to be shirts and they WERE WEARING THEM AS DRESSES!!!!! They did not take into account the wind, or bending over!!! I could not believe how short some these dresses/shorts/skirts were!!! I'm pretty sure the cheerleaders skirts were longer than some of these dresses!! I wanted to pass out Monkey Bar Buddies while tailgating!!! ...getting older!!!

As a mom to 3 daughters, these observations were a little overwhelming. And, it was even more overwhelming....to Brad!!!!!! I saw him watch a girl walk across the parking lot and he turned to me with big eyes, shaking his head and said, "our girls are not coming here. They will live at home and commute." I'm sure all parents have said that at one time or another!!! I know this is all quite a ways away, but we hear all too often that it will be here before you know it.

I say all this to be funny, but it was a reality check and a reminder of the world we live in!!!!

I just keep repeating to myself, "Train up a child in way they should go..." And, we cling to the fact that Laci, Megan and Brynn are first the Lord's and He can watch over them and protect them better than Brad and I ever could!

And, yes, I have invested in Monkey Bar Buddies for Laci and Megan!

Fun Weekend in Northwest Arkansas

2011-09-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

We went to Springdale this weekend to celebrate Brad's birthday and go to the Razorback. We had a great time!!!

The girls ready to cheer on the Hogs, even though they decided not to go to the game!

Three girls from Benton are cheerleaders!! I found Jacie (didn't see Carly or Jenny in The Pit)!!!
We had super close seats!!!!
Brad's birthday cupcakes from the night before we left at Mom and Dad's.
Friday was the Salt Bowl (Benton/Bryant game). The girls dressed in their Benton gear to show support, but we headed up to NWA before the game to eat with Brad's mom and step-dad!

Instead of going to the game, Laci and Megan got to go swimming. They had a great time and got one more swim in just before the temperature change!!
We had a great weekend and I am looking forward to sharing tomorrow a few things I learned from this Hog game!!

Clunker Car Night

2011-08-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

We have had the privilege of going to the Arkansas Traveler Clunker Car night the last 2 years. It is so fun to watch all the adults buy lots of programs (that is where the number is to win a clunker car) and write down all of our numbers in hopes of winning a very old car that may or may not work!!! It is very fun, but so far, unsuccessful.

This year when we arrived there was a wedding happening!!! The girls were very impressed! haha

It was a very fun night and Megan even talked someone into getting her some cotton candy!

Brynn Bradley - 9 months

2011-08-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

Another month has past and again I look back and think where did it go!?!?

Brynn is 9 months old today and this time I was chasing her trying to get her picture. Thankfully, Meg was here to keep her attention for a second!

She is crawling all over the place and pulling up on anything and everything. She can walk around the furniture and will go from one piece of furniture to another (only if it's super close). She still prefers to crawl and boy is she fast! She has learned her way to the potty and we have had to start keeping the door shut or she will be in bathroom going to the toilet!!! She will stand for a few seconds without holding on to anything, but then she will drop and crawl when it's time to move!
She still only says dada and variations of that. She is very curious and nosey. She watches everything and takes it all in! She is very happy and smiles all the time! She does not want baby food, she wants what is on our plate and does pretty well eating whatever we give her! She likes graham crackers and sweet peas. I have a cute video of her picking up peas and eating them that I will download later!
Her dark hair continue to grow and eyes are staying blue. She is so little, yet acts so big!

She wakes up once in the night, which is a bad habit that I should have broken a long time ago, but we are working on it. She only has water now instead of milk (which is where I went wrong with Laci), so I'm hoping we will drop that soon!
She has learned to give kisses and she still loves to clap her hands.
Gotta love her bedhead!!! She already needs product...haha!
I put the next two pictures in here for 2 reasons. First, you can see her one and only tooth that has finally broken through. It caused her some pain and fever, but it made it's way through last week and she is very proud of it!
Also, you can see a little yellow spot on her cheek and a little puffy spot above her left eye. She has started walking behind her toy that she can push. She will walk across the house pushing and all of a sudden it gets going too fast and she falls. The two little spots are where her toy bumped her face. But, she doesn't mind. She gets back up and goes again.
Happy 9 months, Brynn Bradley! You are a joy and precious little girl!!!!

2nd grade...day 2

2011-08-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

Laci has had a great first week of 2nd grade.

Laci is not saying peace here, she is holding up 2 fingers so I can remember this is the beginning of her 2nd grade year. I meant to do it her first day, but I forgot!!

...off to a good start!!!!!

I have a 2nd Grader!!!

2011-08-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

WHAT????

I cannot believe Laci is in the 2nd grade. But, Monday was her first day and she loved it! She said it's fun and she likes her class and her teacher.

Wedding Weekend!!!!!

2011-08-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

I started babysitting a little girl named Olivia when she was around Laci's age. (her brother, Luke, also) Well, this weekend she got married and made me feel so old!!!! Here is our weekend in pictures!

She got married at the Diamonte Club House in Hot Springs Village. We all headed down there Friday afternoon and here is my car packed to the top!!!!

Trying to keep her mood light!!! No Stress!
Keep Smiling!!!!
Once we got to the house we were staying in, we rested!

Then, on to last minute details!
Ready for rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Here are the 2 cutest flower girls, if I do say so myself!

Yes, it was hot...but we made it through!
The Groom, Tyler
Practicing!
Laci read scripture during the ceremony and it was precious!
Brynn Bradley came for the food!
"Little" Luke (he is not really little anymore) made his rounds at the rehearsal dinner taking everyone's leftover pork medallions! They were delicious!
Wedding Day! Laci giving last minute pointers!

Here are the flowers and one of the reception rooms. They were beautiful. Olivia did a great job picking out the colors and flowers. One of Patti's friends offered to make the arrangements and I got to help. She made an example and then I copied and together, with the help of a few others, we made all the arrangements for the tables and I thought they turned out great! And, a great way to save money. Considering I have 3 girls I need to remember all these money saving tips!
My sister and I did a candy table and I thought it turned out cute! It was a big hit, even with the adults!
My precious little flower girls who did a great job!!!!
Laci went home early with mom and dad, but Megan stayed and danced the night away. She did the sprinkler, the lawnmower, the fisherman, the cupid shuffle and the cha cha slide! She had a blast!!!!!!

The bride and her flower girls having a last minute snack before the wedding starting.

What a fun weekend!!!!!! Can't believe Olivia (Siba) is married!!!!!! I hope Tyler doesn't mind 3 little girls making cupcakes, playing play-doh and hanging at his house!! haha

Congratulations Kids!!!!

Gummy Smile

2011-08-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things Brynn does right now is stick chin out, put her gums together and smile. (still no teeth) I was taking this video of her playing at my mom and dad's and at the end she does it and I was so glad to get it on video!!

She is already a little ham, can you tell?

Her Other Birthday Surprise

2011-08-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

With Laci having a summer birthday and not having a friend party this year, she said I guess my friends won't know it's my birthday. I didn't think too much about it because that is just life! Then, I had an idea that I thought she would enjoy. I emailed or facebook several of her friend's parents from school and asked if they would send a birthday card in the mail for her. (She loves getting mail) They did not disappoint. She got lots of cards in the mail and even a couple of special things! She was so proud of everything and I loved seeing the look of, "how did they know it was my birthday?"

Her morning started off with a visit from one of her friends from school and his sister and mom. They quickly dropped by the say Happy Birthday to Laci and brought her some beautiful flowers, a pool noodle water gun and birthday card. She couldn't believe it and what a great start to her day!

This is random, but I asked where she wanted to eat lunch and we ended up at the Target snack bar. personal pan pizzas and Starbucks!
Her Mamaw Grant also dropped off a card and balloons! She racked up just on cards and deliveries alone!!!! What great friends and family!!!
Whew, birthday number one for the year over with! Believe it or not, Laci is the first in our family to have a birthday. From now until the end of the year there is Brad's, mine, Brynn's 1st and Megan's 5th. Then, we end the year with our 9 year wedding anniversary! PARTY!

A Beiber Birthday

2011-08-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

Laci's birthday was a little different this year. She chose to go to Fayetteville instead of having a friend party. And, on her actual bday we were just going to go to mom's house to have burgers. But, I wanted to make it special for her on her day. She had asked for a Justin Beiber cake. And, as much as I am tired of her Beiber obsession, I decided I would grant her this one last wish and then not encourage the Beiber craze anymore! So, I "Beibered" mom's house out and Laci had no idea. Here is a little bit of the fun!

the door walking in from the garage

the Beiber table
Laci arriving and getting her Beiber Birthday Badge...can you tell she was excited?
She stopped dead in her tracks!
I told her I waited to long to get a Beiber cake, so bright colors and flowers had to do....she was shocked to see this....

Brynn Bradley had fun under the presents table...
Megan was a huge helper in getting everything ready! She shopped with me and helped decorate. The balloons around the table behind...all her doing!
It was a great time for all of us and I know Laci had fun! There was one more surprise for that I will share tomorrow!

moving...well, moved!

2011-08-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

Someone said to me the other day that they couldn't believe they still hadn't seen our house. She said the one you built not too long ago. I said well, you will have to ask the new owners if you want to see it! haha

Brad and I have been married 8 and 1/2 years. And, we have just completed our 8th move. That includes our rent houses, apartments, and moving in and out of my parents! And, the funny part is that we are living in a rent house which means we have to move out...another move!!

People have asked why we sold it and where we are going! The answer to the first question is easy! The answer to the second is not so easy! We are praying about that and right now just being patient. Praying that God will reveal to us His direction for our lives and that we will be obedient!!!

Right now we are enjoying the huge backyard that came with this rent house!

Happy 7th Birthday, Laci!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my precious first born!!!!

Laci was born at 2:45 in the morning, so 7 years ago today I was waking up a first time mom!!!
Laci is independent! Laci likes to put on a show! She is a natural leader! She is compassionate towards others!
Laci loves to read! Laci loves softball and golf! She likes to ride her bike and play outside! She loves to swim!
Around the house she is a great helper. She likes to be in charge. She loves her little sisters (especially when they do what she says).
She likes school and works very hard. She will talk to almost anyone. She loves to laugh and sing.
Laci is a wonderful kid and we have come to expect a lot from her. Many times we have to stop and remind ourselves she is only 6 (now 7) and she's still a kid!
She has brought continuous joy into our lives and we look forward to how God is going to use Laci.

Golfing Saturday

2011-07-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we decided to try out a new driving range in Little Rock. It was pretty neat and not very crowded and when you are taking 3 children to a driving range that is a good thing! I love going to the driving range because Brad has his stepladder of girls. There is me, then Laci, then Megan and then Brynn Bradley is crawling around eating golf tees! haha

Megan had a hard time getting her tee in the ground!

Laci did really well and hit a lot of balls, which is good since it was so hot!
Meg still having trouble with her tee.
Brynn says what, I'm not getting anything!
We had such a fun day. Brad always says I don't have to wear pink and they don't have to wear a bow. So, he was glad to see on this day I dressed all 3 in collared shirts, shorts and tennis shoes!!! (proper golf attire) But, I still managed to throw in some pink...and some hairbows!

Brynn Bradley - 8 Months

2011-07-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

Brynn turned 8 months old this week and again it's all going so fast! Another month full of her big ole precious smiles!!!!!

Brynn is crawling, sitting, standing and she can move herself around our ottoman. But, if she has to go longer distances, she will just drop and crawl. She will be sitting in the living room playing and the next thing I know she is in Laci and Megan's room playing with them.
She still has no teeth. But, that doesn't stop her from eating. She loves basically anything we let her try. She says dada, but that is about it when it comes to talking. She has learned to clap and will do that when we ask her to.
People have started saying who does she look like? Because she is really starting to have a look all her own. Still dark hair (that is growing like crazy) and bright blue eyes. She also has started letting out a squeel when someone takes something she is playing with away. Right now, it's so cute.
She loves water. Whether it is the swimming pool or the bathtub, she will splash and play for as long as I will let her. This week she started sticking her face in the water and it scared me to death.
We love you, little Brynnie!!!!!!

Backyard Ball

2011-07-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

It is so hot during the day that it is almost unbearable to play outside (unless you are in the water). So, one evening Brad told Laci she had softball practice in the backyard. She and Meg got their gear on and we spend a couple hours just playing softball.

Brynn played outside also. She even ate a little dirt! haha

If you are wondering what is on their faces, let me explain. I'm not sure how long they have been around, certainly not when I played. But, they are called game faces. The girls wear them in the field while they are on defense. They are not recquired and not everyone wears them. And, I was totally against them at first saying I don't want my girls to be sissys! They need to learn to be tough. Then, I saw how girls around here hit the ball and I saw a little girl take a ball to the face and decided it was in the best interest of my girl's faces to invest in these contraptions!
I love the picture above because it shows how totally differently Laci and Megan are built!
Sweet little softball girls!

Girlie Girls

2011-07-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

I got this precious outfits from a girl that runs a home based business called Bratti Mati. She makes very cute stuff (even hairbows and headbands) and I thought she did a great job on these outfits.

The Beach - with friends

2011-07-21T05:58:00.001-07:00

It just so happened that this year at the beach most of Benton decided to go the same week. We ran into lots of people we knew and even got to have dinner with good friends one night. It just so happened some very good friends stayed in the same condo as us!!! Even on the same floor!!! It was great for the kids to have friends to play with, the girls had people to talk to and boys had lots of "guys" to do guy things.

There was an afternoon whiffle ball game, lots of throwing the football and on one of the red flag days they tried body surfing. One of the most amusing activities was on one of the days when the water was rough, the guys decided they would try and stand and let the wave hit them and see who could stand through it! I don't think anyone of them did it! Here is one of my favorites. You can see the wave crashing the side of Brad's head and hitting Brandon right in the face.

The boys searching for the perfect wave!!!

Megan and Evie
Look what I found!!!
Drew, Evie and Megan

All of the kids loved Hannah and Wes. I have known these kids since birth and if Hannah and I walked up at the same time they would all run to Hannah!!! In fact, Hannah and I were walking up from the beach and heard someone yelling, "hey Hannah," from the balcony. I looked up and said, "hey drew." And, she was so cute and simply said, "get Hannah." haha I don't blame them!
Michael playing catch with Wes
wave jumping with Hannah!!
I cannot believe I do not have any pictures of the rest of us playing! Mrs. Susie was so fun and spent most days playing in the waves with us! And, one afternoon, Anna, Christa and myself had our goggles on "exploring." It was fun to watch our kids play plus get to play ourselves!

4th of July

2011-07-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July. We had a good time at the farm and then just relaxed!

I was in charge of dessert (imagine that) and I wanted to do something festive! I found this recipe and not only did it look the part, but it tasted great! A little side note; it was supposed to go on a white serving tray, but I didn't have one so I was going to use my big cookie sheet. I needed 48 phyllo cups to make a rectangle that would fit perfect on the sheet so it wouldn't slide all over the tray. I sent Brad to the store and the phyllo cups came in boxes of 15 and Brad got 3 boxes, 45 saying, "I wasn't buying a hole box just for 3 cups." ugh!!!!! That is why there is aluminum foil around the flag, so that it wouldn't slide all over the baking sheet in route to the farm.

Mamaw had the picnic tables set up under the tree and it was so nice.

The Spread!

I wasn't feeling super that night so when Brynn went to sleep I went to bed also. I learned the next morning Brad took the girls to see the city fireworks show and they said it was awesome!

8 Seconds

2011-07-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

We found a mechanical bull while we were in Destin and Megan was the only one that would ride it. The first night we went there they told us she was too small, the second night we went back and they said, sure she can ride! Anyway, I was fine with letting her do it because they told me they could do it easy. But, after she did not fall off he picked up the speed a little bit and I got nervous. (You can hear me telling her to just fall off on the video) I was afraid she was going to get thrown off and in trying to catch herself she would break her arm or something! But, she did great and loved every second of it.

I hope this fulfills her desire to "ride bulls."

Vacation from my phone

2011-07-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

Brad, myself and the girls left a few days early for the beach and made some stops along the way. I didn't want to take the good camera in and out of the car on all of those stops so I relied on my phone and a new app to make some great pictures!!!

Here is Brynn sitting next to the chains on the USS Alabama. I used to ask myself who stop and tours a ship on their way to the beach. And, now I know. It was awesome! I found myself near tears several times overwhelmed at thinking back to what it must have been like to be on that ship during wartime. Made me so thankful for those that men and women that serve in the military! These chains, by the way, were huge!!!!!

We did a lot of shopping before we actually go to the beach part of the vacation. I think the girls starting wondering if we were really going to the beach or just visiting different malls!
We did finally get to Destin and started our time there spending a couple days at Baytown Wharf (I think that is what it is called).
At one of our favorite restaurants...
Here is one of my favorite pictures. We went to the Track one night and the girls played. A storm was rolling in so we wanted to get out of the arcade before it started raining and everyone that was outside came rushing in. We were all waiting at the door and we couldn't find Dad and Wes. We looked around and finally saw them!!! Neither one would let the other win!!! Love that!

The Beach - the whole clan

2011-07-10T05:35:00.001-07:00

This is the first summer in a long time that my whole side of the family got to go to the beach at the same time. Usually, someone has school or baseball or something like that. But, this year it was my mom and dad, the Bohannan 5, my sister, Sarah and her husband, Ben and my brother Wes and his girlfriend, Hannah. We had a blast and it's always nice to have that many eyes and hands to keep up with the girls!

Dad taking the big girls to the ocean early in the morning.

The majority of the fam floating on a nice day!

Brynn Bradley's usual morning nap spot.

Wes and Brynn

Dad and Mom
Sarah and Ben

Hannah and Wes

The Beach - The Bohannan 5

2011-07-09T06:24:00.001-07:00

One thing I love about going to the beach every summer is watching how the girls change from year to year. One of these days I will get all the beach pictures down and line up the pics of our family each year and we have changed and grown!!!

Daddy and his boogie boarding babes!!!

Brad and I love our 3 girls!!!
Sure wish I had a dollar for everytime we heard, "3 girls, bless your heart." We could probably pay for their colleges!!!

The Beach - Brynn

2011-07-08T06:46:00.001-07:00

Little Brynnie loved the beach!!! She would play, eat and sleep! Then, usually Brad or Poppy would take her to the room after some more playtime and she would take her big nap!

She would literally crawl all over the beach, but we had to watch her bacause she liked to eat the sand.

Her little pool that she liked to play in.

Naptime on the beach! This is the life!

The Beach - Megan

2011-07-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Megan was also fearless at the beach this year! Until she got wiped out that!!! She wore her puddle jumper part of the first day and then realized she could go out a little ways and jump the ways. She loved that. But on the red flag days she quickly realized it wasn't as fun and returned to wearing the puddle jumper. Towards the end of the week she wanted to spend most of her time at the pool.

She did love riding her boogie board on the calm water days.

She also spent a lot of time in her chair...eating!
At the pool, she turned into a little fish. Finally remembering that she did swim last year and she could still do it!

Look at that beautiful water!! And, my beautiful little Meg!!! Megan can talk to ANYONE and she will. She made many friends on the beach and at the pool. We would get on the elevator with an adult and she would say, "where's Jack" or "did you have fun at the waterpark" or "where's your sister." I would have no idea who these people were, but they answered her like they had known her for years! It's a gift of hers and I pray she never looses it!

The Beach - Laci

2011-07-06T06:19:00.001-07:00

Laci LOVED the beach this year. It was like she had grown 5 years since last time we went. She wasn't scared of the waves, almost too brave. The salt water didn't bother her eyes and she didn't mind the sand. We had to watch her close because she would get brave and on those couple of Red Flag days she didn't realize how rough the water could be. But, she did great and even after a couple of wipeouts she got up smiling and laughing!

She mastered boogie boarding as well. She could ride the waves all the way to our chairs. Her High School Musical board broke early in the week so we had to make a run to Alvin's Island!

She even joined in on the Wiffle Ball game!

Brynn Bradley - 7 months (a little late)

2011-07-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

This post is way late, but it is because we have been on vacation!! And, I wish I was still there! While we were gone Brynn turned 7 months! My sister asked why I didn't do these pictures with a bow and it's because I am loving her hair! It is growing pretty quick, but my favorite part...it is staying dark!!!!! I may have a dark haired baby with blue eyes. Here is a Brynnie update:

I am not sure of height and weight, but she is still petite. As of her 7 month birthday, she was crawling and pulling up. She was crawling all over the hotel rooms, condo, and even on the beach. Then, I would look over and she was standing up.
She loves to eat (even sand) and we recently introduced the puffs. She loved them and it really helps when we are sitting at a restaurant. She can say dada and says it all the time but that is about it when it comes to talking. She likes to blow toot noises. She has no teeth, which is about par for the Bohannan girls. I keep thinking one is going to poke through, but no such luck.
She was an absolute angel on the beach. Yes, she smiles all the time!!!!! She loved the sand and she loved the water. She would just splash and splash and didn't care if it got in her face. She also loved riding the waves in her floatie when the water was calm. We had a small pool for her on the beach and she would sit in it and play until she got tired and then, she would take a nap on the beach. We had a fan that we layed her by and it worked perfect.
We took her everywhere we went and she just enjoyed the ride. People always ask if she is really that happy and the answer is yes. However, I think yesterday morning at church she got a reality shock. After traveling and being spoiled for 2 weeks, I think she suddenly realized she was in the church nursery (when she should have been on the beach) and she freaked out! For the first time with Brynn, her Kiddie Keeper number came on the screen and I panicked! Laurie, our preschool minister, doesn't usually call me out because she can calm my kids pretty well. (the one time with Megan I got called out was because she got bit on the face). When I turned the corner I heard her screaming and then my fast walk turned into more of a....sprint (I even took my shoes off). When I got there, as soon as she realized it was me, she stopped crying and that was it. I really think she was just so disoriented after being on vacation and all out of sorts! Anyway, she was fine after that and we are getting back into our routine at home!
Another thing I learned about little Brynnie is that she tans well! My family is an outside family. We love to be outside, play outside, and swim!!! I am so thankful that all 3 of my kids tan easily. I put 100 spf on them each morning and reapplied with 85 spf wetskin throughout the day. Brynn's little legs and arms got a little darker and it's so cute. But, you would think I never put sunscreen on Meg and Laci. They are dark little girls.
Happy 7 months, Brynnie Bradley!!!!! We love you!!!!

Lots of beach posts to come!! I ended up with 722 pictures! Don't worry...I won't post them all!!! hahaha

Fun at the Farm...again!

2011-06-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Mamaw Grant's birthday a couple of Saturday's ago out at the farm. We had a great time and got some great pictures.

This picture is hillarious! This is Adam (one of my cousin's on the Grant side). When we got out the horse and saddled him up, Adam went inside and got one of Papaw's cowboy hats and really looked the part. Unfortunately, the ride was a little more than he bargained for and ended the day with some saddle burn!

Brynn loved the animals!!!!!! especially the goats and horse!!!!

Laci was helping Katie put candles on the cake.
Sarah trying not to get headbutted by the goat.

Aunt Connie and Laci going for a ride. I'm not sure who was driving here, but they were going pretty fast!

So long 1st Grade...

2011-06-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem right to say, but I have a 2nd grader!!! It's amazing how fast time flies when they start school and it doesn't seem to slow down! Here are a few pics from Laci's last day of 1st grade.

Laci had an amazing year with an amazing teacher. We have been blessed with great, Godly teachers and we are so thankful for that.

In the meantime...

2011-06-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have so many pics and fun things to blog about, but we are in the process of moving and I don't have the time...or the internet, really. Anyway, here is a little sneak peak into the beginning of our summer!!!! We love to swim and be outside!!!!!!!

Laci is still playing softball and her team is doing an amazing job!! It's so fun to watch them understand more and more of the game and become more aggressive and competitive!

lots to come....if we ever get moved!

Spotlight on the Big Girls

2011-05-28T05:55:00.001-07:00

I haven't put much on here about Laci and Megan and didn't want to leave them out!! It's funny because there was a day last week I had all 3 girls dressed alike!!! I think that is the 2nd time I have done that and I didn't even get a picture of all 3. Oh well...I'm sure they'll wear it again!

These two girls have very distinct and different personalities. They are built differently and behave differently. I love watching them play and interact with each other. It's also fun to watch them argue and fight with each other. I hope it's no indication of how they will handle conflict in the future, because Laci usually tattles or starts crying and Meg ends up throwing a punch!!!
Megan just finished up 3 year old preschool and loved it. She will be in preschool one more year, then kindergarten! She is very caring and compassionate towards others. She always reaches out to those in her class that are upset. She loves to help me with Brynn, sometimes a little too much. Brynn loves her and laughs at her all the time. Meg loves softball (I should have let her play this year) and gymnastics. She does not let Laci boss her around. Megan asks a ton of questions!!!! Sometimes she is inquisitive and other times....just plain nosey!
Laci is finishing up her 1st grade year in the next couple of weeks. She also loves school and does very well. I have come to expect a lot out of Laci in school, at home and in public. And, sometimes I have to remind myself she is only 6 and I must let her be a kid! Laci is so tall!!! She is built just like Brad. I bet she will be taller than me before she is in middle school. Laci is a natural leader and can be borderline bossy! Laci loves to learn and loves to teach. She is loving softball this year and ready to get back in gymnastics, well, cheerleading is what she really wants to do....we will see about that!
We love our girls, all 3 of them and are looking forward to a fun-filled, yet relaxing, summer!!!!!

My Little 6 Month Old

2011-05-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

6 months Stats Update:

Weight: 13 lbs. and 15 ounces (12%)

Length: 26 inches (58%)

Head: 16 and 1/2 inches (33%)

Brynn Bradley turned 6 months old this past Sunday. It just doesn't seem right for her to be that old and act this big.

She is still a wonderful little baby that smiles all the time.

She now loves food and eats like crazy. She is drooling like crazy, but still no teeth and not really any sign of teeth. That is par for the Bohannan kids, though.
She still loves her sisters and watches them very intently as they play. She has started saying dadadadada. But, it is not very often.
Most still say she favors her sisters, but really has her own look. Her hair has stayed dark and eyes have stayed blue. She has her 6 month appointment tomorrow so we will get her stats then. I have just started putting some 6 month cloths on her, but they are still a little big (mostly just wide). I am finishing up a box of size 1 diapers and then going strictly to size 2.
She can sit up and play for awhile, but when she gets bored or tired of sitting she will just fall over. She has started recognizing people and it is precious. When she sees me, she will start wiggling her arms and ususally lets out a squeel.
She does, however, scoot all over the place. It's like an army crawl and she is on the move. She has gone all the way across the bedroom and living in a matter of seconds. Her little knees and elbows are getting carpet burns because she is moving so much.
She has also figured out how to get up on all fours and rock back and forth. Then, she will propel herself forward and usually head face first into the carpet. It will not be long for she is crawling on her hands and knees.
We love you, little girl!

ZOO

2011-05-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I took Megan and Brynn to the zoo. We had a great time and loved seeing the animals!

This little girl was perfect!! Rode in the stroller and took it all in!

Megan checking out the lions.

A baby "monkey" with his blankee!!

I have a few more pictures but for some reason they will not download! maybe later!

And, don't worry, I have promised Laci a trip to the zoo when school is out!