{pretty, happy, funny, real}

Linking up again with Like Mother, Like Daughter for {pretty, happy, funny, real}...

{pretty}

Pretty girls. Aniston will be 13 in less than two weeks. If you personally know me or have been reading this blog for five seconds, you know that I get a little weepy about the kids growing up. I am having a little freak out about Aniston's entering the teenage years. Our conversations lately have been very fun and, for me, very youthful. I am a little, teeny-tiny bit excited about this evolution of our relationship.

{happy}

With the absolutely perfect weather we've enjoyed in recent weeks, the kids and I have spent much time at playgrounds around town. Miles was so proud of himself when he climbed this rope tower at one of the parks.

While at the playground, I spend a lot of time swinging the younger two. It makes me happy. What also makes me happy is this little song that I sing to them while doing it and how absolutely giddy they get when it's "their turn." I change the names and details for each child, but it's to the tune of the country song by John Anderson, Swingin'. My version goes something like this:

There's a little girl in our neighborhood

Her name is Genevieve and she's really swingin' good

And we are swingin', swingin'

Just a swingin', swingin'

Little Genevieve, she's pretty as the angels when they sing

I can't believe I'm out here with her

Just a swingin', swingin'

{funny}

I don't even have words for this picture. It just makes me laugh every time I look at it. It was hilarious when I was there and they came marching across my parent's yard rapping to their own song. I am especially fond of Genevieve carrying the cord.

Okay. My boys pushing their John Deere tractor at Gramma's farm while Miles is wearing a boa. 

{real}

Real relationship. Aniston & Grampa enjoying breakfast outside at the picnic table while chatting about what's new. I just love this picture. Again, she is growing up...  : ( 

So all these trips to the park have brought a few things to my attention, like reminding my kids not to do things like climb on the water fountain like a wild animal. I also caught Ander with his pants down—literally—peeing in the middle of the playground. Now that behavior may be "normal" while out in the field at the farm with Grampa—where the nearest bathroom is back at the house, but not at all cool with the city dwellers where we live.

I am loving how {pretty, happy, funny, real} feels like a scrapbook. I'm hooked!