iphone upload

the bird died, so they paid their respects, and hudsy gave him flowers because "i bet he's sad he's dead"

smelling his stinky feet and thinking it's hilarious because isn't that what boys do

bathing beauty

he asked to take this picture with me, love him

hudson cruising around with his friend from school, liza

honestly, he usually looks like this

taking advantage of having the trampoline to herself, she loves it up there

a little demo derby while biking, again, it's what boys do

at the t-ball game, she could only be tamed by a sucker

hudson and his t-ball buddies, brody and everett

every morning she hangs from the window, and i see her little head as i walk away from daycare

daddy had them all in the wagon for a walk while i was jealous at the gym

it's this smile that makes me melt into a million pieces, even on the way to the ER for apparently no reason

because you can't keep her away from water for long, maddi let her dip her toes in

by far, the BEST one of the three to wake up in the morning

i miss her even when she sleeps

taking after their parents, the construction worker and the police officer

awe, and a little smooch from the dad (come on, you know you all wanted to see it!)

renting movies is so much fun, especially when you get to pick any treat you want

in order to polish her toe nails, she gets a sucker to keep her occupied

sister lives on the edge, literally

sunday at the park

The Johnson five took a stroll to the park when the rain cleared on Sunday. We got everyone in there respective traveling gear- bikes, helmets, and strollers, and we were off. Paxton gave Harlow some kisses before we left and it was a sweet, unprompted moment between them that I happened to catch. Love when that happens.

When did Harlow get so big? She followed her brothers all around the park. I watched her in awe. She went from this teeny baby to small toddler who barely needs help with anything. 

And if her brothers could do it, she was sure to try it. She made it halfway up that slide before slipping back down. But she tried and tried again. I don't even find myself always standing beside her anymore, just in case she falls. Girl can handle herself. And if she does fall, she's tough. She gets back up and does it again.

Hudson got himself in the baby swing and was determined to get himself back out of it without help. I almost peed in my pants watching him use those little arm muscles to lift his entire body up and out. He refused help until he realized it was a lost cause and had Daddy lift him out.

The boys. Have I mentioned I often times have three little boys most days. Rough housing and running around like wild animals. Daddy loves to get right in there with the little guys.

I've said it a million times, and I'll say it a million more......this boy's smile reaches deep into my heart. He has two kinds, a shy smile and a genuine one, and each one makes me melt like nothing else.

Our little show off. She doesn't stop for a picture very often, but when she does, she knows how to work it.

These two- they aren't always the best of brothers, but they are always the best of friends. They can fight, but they can love a lot better. And no matter the mood, they always want to be with each other.

These simple days together are the ones I love the most.

last sunday

We had a fun Sunday filled with low-key activities that kept us busy from sun up til sun down. It started with playing outside in our jammies. Hudson had the idea of painting rocks, so he made a couple masterpieces and then scolded his sister for getting a little too close. He is very protective of his things when it comes to her touching them. And sister, well if you tell her NOT to do something, she's definitely going TO DO IT! He gave her a little choke hold and carried her a safe distance away.

Paxton enjoyed painting rocks for approximately 3 seconds, just enough time for his concentration tongue to make an appearance. This one doesn't have much patience for artsy activities.

Hudsy practiced hitting some balls for his upcoming t-ball game. And Harlow hung from the trampoline. She hangs from everything. Later she maneuvered herself right up on that tramp.

Eventually we got dressed and headed to the park for a picnic and play. When it comes to playing, Jamie transforms from the role of Dad to child with the blink of an eye.

They went exploring and found a little creek with "water steps" and an underground tunnel. Hudson was so excited about his secret spot that he ran back and told me I just had to see it. So we all went to check it out....

Even Harlow. See her little head in there with Daddy and Hudsy. If you know me well, you know that the crazy mom in me was worried about them in this tunnel. I always think of the worst. I let my mind wander as far as imagining this tunnel releasing itself from the concrete and rocks and floating away. I have a problem I know. But give me some credit, I let them explore anyway.

But this activity, blowing dandelions...much more my pace! ;) However, I should note that shortly after doing this, he nearly went head first into those water steps I mentioned and my heart nearly stopped.

The morning and afternoon tuckered Harlow right out. Her and I went home for a little nap while Daddy took the boys down to the bike track for a ride. Sister perked right back up after her nap and we headed out to Grandpa and Grandma's house. Give this girl dirt, rocks, or grass and she's happy.

To Hudson, going to Grandpa's house is all about the four wheelers and tractors. It's about getting into the heart of farm life and he loves it. Grandpa took him out into the fields to pick rocks. Big rocks.

And he came back looking like this. Black dirt filled his face, even inside his ears. I'm pretty sure 4 days and baths later, it's still there. Pax got dirty too, he sat in sidewalk chalk.

They were kings of the world on top of the rock pile. The same rock pile I played on top of when I was a little girl.

And moments like this....these moments make the frustrating ones disappear and my heart swells a little more. That is pure happiness on their faces.

Ryan's Bday

It was Cousin/Godfather Ryan's birthday last week so we were invited to their house for what was planned as a pool party, but this summer's weather only allowed 60 degree temps, so we opted to stay out of the pool, other than some toe splashing. Ryan likes to tempt fate and see if Harlow will let him hold her and snuggle up a bit. She was nice to him on his birthday!

 Someone she always loves- Uncle Arnie. She knows, like her mama does, that Arnie is the best!!

 Hudsy was quick to sit by the pool and put his legs in and splash. Packy was a little more reserved, going in slowly for a toe-by-toe dip.

 But it wasn't long before they were splashing like mad crazy and getting soaked! They had to change into their jammies and throw their clothes in the dryer. I could only stand to stay out there with Harlow for about 5 minutes. That wild lady was all about the pool and wasn't happy with just dipping her toes in. She tried with all her might to throw her whole self in the pool! I had to lock her inside with me. She watched from the sliding glass doors as everyone outside felt sorry for her. I joked that she was in jail. An open pool plus a crazy toddler made this mama too nervous, and tired!

 She looks all sweet, but she's a ball of energetic spunk, and she never slows down! She loved wearing her "jellies" (shoes). Not sure if that's what they're really called, but that's what my mom and I call them. They made clickety-clack noises as she walked and you could tell with her little smirk that she liked it.

 Happy Birthday Ryan!



first ponytail

Big milestone happened in Harlow's life this weekend....her first ponytail! Can you see it there, at the top of her head? All 10 mini-strands of hair I fit into it. It's freaking adorable if you ask me. A small dream of mine come true. I can't wait for pigtails, braids, and curls. I have a lot of learning to do though.