Some photos by Brooks

As promised...... some pics from Brooks and his new camera. Apparently he likes to take pictures of his feet. There were probably 20 of his feet when I downloaded these pics .

Our feet too.Off the back deck--he was trying to get a hummingbird in the shot, but they were too fast for his camera. You can tell the importance of his toys, here are just a few favorite toy shots
His camera has a neat stamp feature that will put a stamp on the pics, it is fun for him!It is pretty neat to see his perspective on things--through the eyes of a 4 year old.






And finally...............Devil Dog Dixie

Even Super Heros Need A Break

Cooper loves wearing the Super Hero cape. I think he loves it because it is his big brothers.Apparently this day he was a weary, sleepy, superhero "I'm back--just needed a little break!"

"I'm out of here"
"Anyone need help"

A Moment to brag

I am sure you expected this to be about the boys, but I just wanted to brag about my Dad a little bit. The first weekend in May my Dad was invited to give the commencement address and his Alma mater Northwestern Oklahoma State University. My dad did not attend his own college graduation because he had already started Graduate school at the University of Texas. My Grandma Dorothy attended the ceremonies just to hear my dad's name read because he was the first in his family to graduate from college. In giving the address at NWOSU he was able to experience graduation in a new way.In his great speech he spoke some words of encouragement, gave some advice and provided an insight into what is to come for these graduates.He is very modest about this invitation but in thinking about it, very few of us will be asked to give the commencement address at our Alma mater! It is quite an honor indeed!

Home

We made it home safely Thursday. The boys did great and were really ready to be home. Sorry no updated pics, come to think of it I don't even know where my camera is..........must keep unpacking. Most all of the snow is gone. Mike dug out the boys sand box and they were so excited to see it again. It is blustery and cold--with a chance of more snow today and tonight (5 to 10 inches).

Brooks and Cooper had checkups yesterday. They went fine. Brooks had to get 2 shots and was not happy. He seemed like his feelings were hurt more than being in pain. It was so sad. Cooper now weights 27lbs and continues to grow like crazy! We may sign Brooks up for a sleep study to check out his snoring and apnea, but have not decided yet. Doc didn't seem too worried. Guess that is all for now.
Happy Friday!

Jump Brooks, Jump!

Brooks has gotten very brave when it comes to the pool. He was jumping off the side and decided he was finally brave enough to jump off the high wall. It took several takes and he would jump again........
................and again while Papa tried to get the right shot.
Here he is going in. He was so pleased with himself! This is down at the deep end, but he would come right to the surface with his "noodle." Mimi was close by in case he needed help.
The bigger the splash the better. He has even started jumping off the side backwards. He is quite the show off.

Swimming

Just a few swimming pictures to share.


Brooks sure loves to swim. We figured he has been swimming about 2 hours every day. As soon as he finishes breakfast he asks to swim and then we have made him wait until after dinner to swim again. I am sure he would stay in the water all day if we let him.
Cooper likes the pool--but doesn't want held the whole time, so we are trying to teach him to play on the steps.

HOT, HOT, HOT!

Second day of record setting temps in CA. It was 113 degrees today which set another record for Palm Springs. We have been swimming twice a day trying to stay cool. The boys don't seem to mind. We are having a great trip, even thought Cooper is a little under the weather. I'll post swimming pictures as soon as I get a chance.

Let's Go Bowling!

We made it to California safe and with no problems. To take a break from the pool and hot weather we took the boys bowling. There is a big bowling ally in one of the casinos about 15 minutes from my folks house.
Brooks was so excited. Doing the "Brooksie Dance" see his arms flapping?

Go Ball Go!Brooks loved the shoes.
Yeah Mimi--Great Shot
Ty did not want help caring the ball, but it was a little heavy.They had the ramps to help the boys. It is also great how they have the bumpers in the gutters. It makes it so much for fun for the little ones.

(Sorry the pictures are so bad. They had the hardest time holding still and waiting for pictures)

Brooks the Photographer

Brooks may be working on his future career. He got a new digital camera for his birthday and he will not put it down. We have lots of pictures of half a face or part of a brother or just Dixie's legs but luckily with it being digital we can just erase the oops!
He practices a lot and is getting better at finding the subject before he snaps away.
I must say he is getting the hang of it.
If you see Brooks in the next few weeks this is probably what he will look like, his camera is never far away.
Look at his cute finger, raised and ready to snap the next great shot! I will post some of his shots as soon as I get his software on the computer.

P.S. He took a picture of me in the bath today. You have never seen me move so fast to get that camera from him. We'll still have to work on whats okay to take pictures of and what's off limits!

Last week I gave Ty a cookie while he was outside playing to cut down on the mess in the house. Apparently he needed to sit down to eat it because he climbed in the bike trailer to eat the cookie! Mike came in the house to get me and show me where he had to sit to enjoy his snack.

Look at how he is holding it, trying not to get frosting on his hands.
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM