Fireworks!

I was on vacation over the Fourth of July, but the rest of my family was at my sister Jenny's house for a surprise birthday party and fireworks. I love this picture of Zachary. I think he's a little bit excited about the fireworks portion of the evening!

Caden looks like he's not quite sure yet. I heard they had a wonderful time and I'm sorry I missed it.

My not-so-new great nephew, Micah

Micah Bradley was born February 5 and I'm very late in blogging about him. He's the second child for my nephew Andrew and his wife, Rachel. And big brother Caden just loves his Micah! Here's is a picture of him fresh in the world (photo by Jack and Jill Portraits):

Doesn't it look like he's waving to everybody? I love this picture. The next one is from June, I think. Taken by his mommy, who he thinks is the funniest person ever.

And this one is from mid-August. I can't believe how much he changes. And she's not only funny, but a good photographer. His mommy took this picture too.

Here's the big brother, himself. Caden at my house with Mardi Gras hat and nerd glasses. He loves those glasses!

This one of Caden was taken outside in August. His mom tells me she bribed him to get these pictures, but I'm not at liberty to say what she bribed him with. I still think it was win-win because it's such a cute picture. And yes, he's just as ornery as he looks.

 

I finally met Patricia

Almost two weeks ago, I drove up to Kansas City to see my good friend, Tristan. We were talking about the fact over the weekend visit that we are each other's "oldest" friend. What we mean by that is that we are the first friend that each of us remembers making. Our families lived pretty close to each other in the country (Tristan had horses at her house and I did not) and we are sure we were friends even before kindergarten. Over the years we've seen each other off and on, but it's always like we have never been apart. Friendships like that are few and far between and I cherish those connections when they happen.

This past April, Tristan had a baby. A precious little girl that I had only seen in pictures until two weeks ago. I met Patricia that Friday evening and it took only about 30 seconds for her to decide she liked me and we are now the best of friends. Which illustrates just how smart she is. Unfortunately, neither Tristan or I thought to snap a picture of the two of us together, but I did get one of Patricia and I:

See what I mean? Precious. Thanks for the hospitality to Tristan and Dave. And to Patricia for all the smiles and coos. We'll do it again soon, I promise.