Remembering Our Memorial Day

We had a great Memorial Day with our little family!

We started off with some brother/sister playtime in the morning. JD is just fascinated with his "living doll" sister. He wants to poke her eyes or pull & twist her arms and shake her legs because he wants to see what will happen! So far, Meg is still just enraptured with her big brother, but I'm thinking our little girl will be able to defend herself pretty soon!

We went over to our friend Jordan's house around noon for a "Day of the Goat" cookout. Jordan cooked goat over an open fire, as well as some chicken and we had some great tacos! It was fun to visit with everyone and eat some great food!

In the evening, we went to a park near our house where they were holding a Memorial Day event. The Allen Philharmonic was playing some patriotic music for us and they honored all of the men and women in service.

They ended with some fireworks - which JD loved!

What a great memory!!

First of the Summer

It is just starting to hit the steamy season here in Dallas. So we are already scoping out things to do to stay cool.

Last week, we had a playdate at the new fountains in a shopping complex near our house. The kids loved it! And the adults had a shady spot to sit and watch the kiddos!

JD and Maddox splashing around the fountains.

Margaret and Maddox enjoying purple ice cream cones from the Purple Cow. JD decided that he didn't like ice cream that day, so he didn't want any.

This morning, Jon and JD played in the backyard while it was still cool and then moved to the front for a little yard work.

It is only May 29th and it is already in the mid-90's every day. I think we are in for a hot, hot summer!!

My Future as an Artist

I'm not sure that I will ever make a living as a painter, but I sure had fun on Saturday night!

One of the girls that I used to do Baby Boot Camp with invited me to a fun girls' night out on Saturday to paint my first masterpiece! We went to Painting with a Twist where we learned how to copy Monet's Wild Poppies.

We really had a great time with a bunch of girls, some yummy food and a lot of paint!

Erin, our hostess, made this beautiful cake that had the painting that we almost picked to paint. She also made our aprons! She is amazing!

I'm not even going to show you the original Monet painting that these are supposed to look like. I prefer to think that we all created new interpretations of the original!

Two New Cousins for JD & Meg!

We have had two recent additions to the Boyd clan in recent weeks. Jon's sister Sarah and husband Joel brought Miss Grace Elaine into the world on Mother's Day (May 9), weighing 8 lbs and 20 inches long.Proud big brother Jackson isn't quite sure what to make of this new addition!! We can't wait to meet our newest niece!

Then yesterday, Jon's brother Dan and wife Heather brought Dane Oliver into the world, weighing 6 lbs 7 oz and 18.5 inches long!

We did get to stop in yesterday afternoon to visit, but Dane was a little preoccupied getting lots of attention from the nursery nurses! So we came back today so we could get a little snuggle time with our new nephew.

He really does look a lot like his big sister Kenna, but definitely a more masculine version. He has big "paws" that he will definitely be growing into and a sweet little head of hair. I even got to change a diaper while Jon and JD took Dan out for a bite to eat. Such a sweetie!

JD loves all things baby right now, so he wanted to give Dane a kiss and a "tater" before we left.

I know JD and Meg are going to love playing with these new cousins!!

Sittin' Pretty

Meg learned how to sit up by herself this past week! It was just amazing because when we did her 4 month old photo session, she really couldn't sit up at all. Then by the following Tuesday, she turned pro! Kids are just incredible when it comes to their capacity to learn new skills!

She is still wanting a hand in this one.

The trusty rings make a good balancing stick.

Look Mama! No hands!
Ta da! I am a pro!

Four Month Photo Session

I have been just terrible about the monthly photo shoots with Baby Meg!! It doesn't help that my favorite around-the-corner, print-while-you-wait kids' photo studio (Kiddie Kandids) went out of business right before Meg was born.

Well, anyway, Jon did a great job of capturing Meg in all of her 4 month old glory! She wasn't her normal smiley self, but I just love these pictures.

And we got a beautiful brother/sister picture! What a loving big brother!

Nevermind that it took us 325 shots to get those three...

JD's Sunny, Funny Face

JD is cracking us up these days with his silly faces for the camera. Jon had JD pose to test the light before we took some baby pictures of Meg. JD decided it was an opportunity to ham it up! I just love my funny little guy!