Do these kids resemble anyone???

 Doesn't Izzy look amused?!?

 Even Milo joined in the fun!

Ryan and I have started catching up on Duck Dynasty this season.  We find it to be hiliarious!  I think I need an Uncle Si in my life...
Duck Dynasty is one of those shows that guarantees a laugh for me.  Some days... I just need a good laugh!  Now I have these pictures on my phone as well to keep the laughs rolling.  Whatever works, right?!?

The latest

*Beware... photo overload

In the midst of feeling like- life sucks at the moment or your being tested beyond what you think you can handle, I am always looking for the little things in life that can make me smile.  My kids... because without a doubt, they can and do make me smile- along with pulling my hair out but hey, we are focusing on the positive right now.

Anyone elses kid this flexible?!?  Try and do this move and you might end up in the ER.

Our little sick girl getting a breathing treatment.  We have been passing the same little bug around the house for the past month.

The look of - do you dare ask me to move??  No Sister, I do not dare ask you to move out of my spot that you stole while I was up getting you some milk.

 A perfect match- converse and her Sunday dress.

 A night out at Chili's.  If you can't locate us, check at the local Chilis and we will probably be there.

 A random and spontaneous need to do the wave.

 Having some fun at Laser tag. 

 Big brother reading to Sister and she isn't even paying attention.  Welcome to my world Aiden!!

 Morning kisses.  Nothing better!

 A lazy Sunday afternoon.

 The best Daddy/Papa attempting to paint my toenails after our car accident.

 and then attempting to paint Izzy's.  It takes an army right now to paint her nails.

A little taste of the puppy's tail.  Gross but whatever...

Is Milo as flexible as me??? 

 Fun times at Ian's (cousin) birthday party.

 Minding my business, folding laundry and I find this...

A little to scary first thing in the morning.  I hadn't even had my coffee yet!
She is up to something... and so is that puppy behind her...

 Standing on the couch while watching TV.  She is getting brave.

 Izzy made sure Yoda is comfortable and now she is unfolding all my hard work.

 A boy with his dog.  Sweet... until that said dog decides to get hyper and tear through the house like a mad man.

 Doing the happy dance when I was told I no longer had to use crutches. 

 Boxes= cheap toys and hours of fun for everyone.

 She is so proud of herself... she covered up her bulldog with the tiniest blanket she could find.

So, I don't know about you but these kids definitely put a smile on my face.  Our current troubles will pass and new ones are sure to come but I always need to remember to cherish these special moments.   

Shout out

Guess who has taken some steps all by herself recently.

This girl...

I love getting texts at work from Izzy's PT to find out that she had an awesome therapy session.  (Major Mommy guilt for not being at the session but I have to bring home the bacon) Izzy consistently took 3-4 steps towards her favorite toy only to take more steps.  She ended up walking back and forth across the living room three times!!  This is huge and we celebrated big time last night. 
It won't be long before Izzy is running around and keeping us all on our toes.
Sister is a rock star!!

Her lost word...

Mommy. 

Izzy refuses to say that one important word.  She will call me Dada, Papa, Yaya and I even swear she said Tonya... anything but Mommy.  I haven't heard my name since the car accident.  I wonder how long until I will hear it again???

Chipley and Reunions

In July, the kids and I spent a few weekends in Chipley with our extended family.  I have been going to Chipley since I was a baby and I have always enjoyed my time there and now, my kids love it just as much as I did.  It is our "little country" away from the big city of Niceville.  Ok... just hearing that our town is called Niceville, you can imagine that there is nothing BIG about it.  It is Nice though!
Our first weekend trip was to visit an Aunt and Uncle that came into town from California.  We decided to stay an extra night and go to the Marianna Caverns with Nana and Papa.

Doesn't eveyone need bunny ears??

This is also the weekend that Izzy realized she could stand all by herself and totally showed off her new skills to everyone.

These pictures are about a year apart.  Look how much she has grown!!

The next weekend, we headed back up to Chipley for the Barfield reunion.  There is a bunch of eating, fellowship and singing.  The Barfield group is very talented. 
We were all a little upset that Chad/Steph and the kids couldn't join us this year.  Izzy didn't get the memo that we ALL were upset. 

Getting a little love from Nana (aka YaYa per Izzy).  Photo taken by Angel Davis

                                        
Aiden is so interested in learning how to play the guitar.  This is where you could find him most of the day.

 Izzy just scooted herself front and center.  She is a star and no one can tell her otherwise.

Sister loves her some music!

Doesn't everyone take selfies during their down time?!? 

I spy some little eyes...

 The kids got a private lesson by one of my cousins.

 An Ethan sandwich.  Don't let him fool you... he loves the attention.

 These are some of my Daddy's brothers and sisters.  Three of his brothers have passed away and they are missed so much.  He is the baby of 10.

Photo by Angel Davis

Papa is the youngest but he has the least hair.

Ethan helped Nana cooked her meal for Saturday.  I wonder why he won't cook for me???

We sure do love our extended families.  I am glad we are all so close and my kids get to share in these experiences I had growing up.