Time marches on...

Yes, that is my beloved paper holder.  The one that cost about $70 a few years ago.  The movers set heavier things on top of it---then blamed the "wimpy material it was constructed out of..."  Hello, I didn't buy it because it was made out of superior material, I bought it so it could hold my card stock.  And, it did that well!  Boo.  Oh well.  Since this was the worst of the damage, I'd say we faired pretty well in the move.

I have a great story about a replacement paper holder situation---a happy ending, if you will.  But that will have to wait until another time so I can show you pictures!

In the meantime, let's talk about a fun little event called "Trade Days" that we decided to go to one afternoon.  Apparently, it only happens once a month and it's basically a big flea market.  They had a little bit of everything there---from handmade wooden objects, little tinker toys brought over from China, random old cd's and dvd's, antiques, yard art, and your choice of puppies!  There was this huge aisle full of little playpens with all different breeds of puppies.  It was crazy.  And, yes, I thought about buying one.  They were SO darn cute!!

Anyway, here are some of the pictures (Aaron was working this day, so Becca and I took charge):

Can you tell I was loving the yard art?  One day.  One day...

Puppy Row.  Tillie was as enamored as her mother.

 Loved these keys.  I'm going to go back and get me some.  

I have a small (in comparison) print like this guy's US map.  The real deal would be SOOO much cooler.  But, alas, I don't have the money to spend on his delight.  Until then, I'll enjoy looking at it.  The birdhouses made out of license plates are pretty rad too, right?  Agreed.  Our friend, David Martin, makes similar maps of Texas out of old TX license plates too.  (see right side of picture)  In fact, I bought one from him before we left San Antonio.  I'll have to post pictures soon.  I love it.  So much.

::: Get a load of these Texas skies.  Amazing, right?  I couldn't believe how the rays of light were streaming out of the sunset one night.  Amazing!  Luckily, I had my camera in the car.  I thought you'd enjoy seeing this awesome-ness like we did.  I love that quote by Frank Lloyd Wright that says, " I believe in God, only I spell it Nature."  Amen.

not too bad for driving down the road with our point and shoot camera, eh?  

::: Oh, and lately we've been big fans of making BANANA BOATS.  Peanut butter on bread, then wrap it around 1/2 of a banana.  Delicious.  So easy, even a three year old can do it. (kind of like those geico commercials with "so easy, even a cave man can do it.) 

With this next photo you can see the new map we bought for our big wall in our kitchen.  Aaron is a big map guy and has always wanted one of those humongous ones, which I fully support.  One day, we'll get a big big one and frame all the other random maps we've been saving in one great room.  Until then, we're really enjoying this big one we found.

::: We've also been enjoying trips to different parks in the area.  Good news, there are TONS of them!  And, obviously, Tillie and Cal love that.  Luckily, we've made a friend (hallelujah!) and she's great at inviting us to come join her and her kiddos.  So great!

trying out new braids on Tillie.  One of my new favorite past times.  And, they actually STAY in!  And keep her hair out of her face without a ton of little clips.  Win. Win. Win. 

::: Last but not least, Tillie loves to sleep in crazy positions.  Here are a few different ways we've found her lately:

Okay, normally, her room doesn't ALWAYS look like this, but since she can either choose "Quiet Time" in her room, or take a nap each day---well, let's just say on this particular day she chose both. 

The funny thing is that on days where she plays and plays and then konks out, she usually is able to find her way to her bed beforehand.  On this day, she opted to lay down right on the floor.  Paper/Fabric doll dress in hand.  So funny. 

 And, if you're curious to know, yes, that is a pink diaper cover she has put on top of her little shorts.  Perfect ensemble to nap in, if you ask me.

Here's another shot of her one night while she was in bed.  Or should I say 1/2 in bed, 1/2 out of bed?  

Not to be outdone by his sister, here's Cal.  You see, on days that Tillie opts to play quietly and then sleep, Calvin has his mom and Becca all to himself for a while.  Cal is one of those babies where you say, "Are you ready for nap time?"  He nods his head, and then proceeds to lay down on your shoulder. This is one area of life that he definitely SUCCEEDS in!  

Here he is post-nap, applying chap stick (one of his favorite activities).  

For the record, Aaron thinks chap stick is a conspiracy theory.  

Love you, Aaron.  

AND, I love my chap stick.  

So do our kids.

p.s. yes, those are little mosquito bites all over his head.  Those darn mosquitos get us every time we venture outside.  Hopefully our new bug spray will keep them at bay!

that's all for now, folks.