Afterdark

Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out. -John Wooden

I came across this quote this afternoon while working on Landon's baby book. It was a well overdo scrap booking session with me and recent memories of Landon's babyhood. This quote struck me for so many reasons, as it applies to many situations. Something I always try to remind myself of, even when things are not going according to plan: No matter what life throws at us... be it bad luck with a vehicle, monetary issues, or being hurt by others actions... Jon and I have always looked inward to all that we are so largely blessed with. We look at our surroundings, our children, each other, the four walls that shelter us, and the people in our lives that make small (and large) differences everyday.

In celebration of Jon's birthday (Feb. 23rd) we had a little belated dinner celebration this evening. The chef's apron went on (not literally) and I got to it, cooking a chicken & waffle feast with mashed potatoes, and corn. The meal ended with a butter cream cake with chocolate icing. Birthday boy ate 8 waffles (with all the fixin's each time), and two ginormous pieces of cake. Landon certainly didn't get his appetite from anyone strange! After dinner we headed outside for an after dark romp in the snow. It was a wonderful evening spent as a family.

Heading out the door... the boys were being cute as ever... so I had to snap a few.

Mr. Meiser's father is in the hospital and Shawn drew this portrait of Pap Meiser to cheer him up.

I was in the office working on some wedding paper work and Jon whispers (rather loudly for a whisper!) "Come here. Come here." Daddy and his boys were snuggling very sweetly on the couch.

Attempting to look all rough and tumble.
Mommy knows the truth ;)

He's Mommy's little charmer.

Happy-Go-Lucky.

Daddy's little men, tickle toes, and one excited Shawn.

He's got personality. That's all I'm gonna say.

Our nighttime snow battle.

Snow Bunnies.

Two sides of the coin. The battle starts.

A lesson in the art of snow ball fighting.

His smile melts me 1,000 times over. We look at our sons everyday and thank God for them and for the gift of being their parents.

Gearing up for battle.

The boys going at it.

Its on!

Blue Eyed Babe.

That's a seriously big ball!

But Daddy's ready to retaliate.

Uh oh. Strike!

Moving in for an up close and personal attack.

Oh no! Protect the little guy!

Yes, it was truly dark out.
Landon amazed by the branches.

Two on one.

Snowball throwing master.

It just might be more fun to play in the snow after dark... when the winds calm... and the sun's glare is gone.