Grandpa's Hat

In clearing my Dad's stuff out of his house and packing it up, we ran across several of his cowboy hats. Gabriel found this one in the garage the other day and put it on. He hardly ever takes it off now and prances around with it all day, literally - almost unaware he even has it on. He loves the thing. It's a tender reminder to me of two things. Of course, my Dad ... but also of my Gabe's heart. I'm sure it is that much more special to him because this hat is no ordinary hat. It is the hat of his grandfather ... fisherman extraordinaire, outdoors man to the hilt and owner of pretty cool hats. I think this picture would bring a smile to my Dad's face.

(and yes, Gabriel just recently got braces ... such a big boy)

I know this is blurry. I just like how it shows the love between Gabe and his sister, Ivanna. He really is a tender boy and has a heart for each of his siblings. He is always right there to try and help or play with a little. Look at Ivanna's face - she loves the attention.

Big Brother

Woz, the Ladybug

Meet Woz

Woz (pronounced 'Rose' - for those confused) is a new found pet. Ellie, our five year old, came in with Woz the other day and declared her a pet! What do five year olds do with tiny bean sized pets? Put them in a Ziploc baggie of course! She then found a pen and wrote (phonetically) Woz's name.

I laughed hysterically.

I never figured that to her, when people say 'Rose' - it sounds like 'Woz'. How cute she is.

The name Rose, will never be the same to me...

Random Browning ... ness

I will apologize right from the start for all the pics. I admittedly got a bit carried away in this post.But, who can blame me when there is so much cuteness to behold?

Like this.

Or this.

This T-Shirt was from Uncle Lucas and Aunt Jessica. It says:

"Nothing Tips Like A Cow"

... or how about a cute little girl ...

This pic below is of two eagles soaring above our house.

Eagles are beautiful and in recent years, are becoming quite common around our home.

These pics below are of a recent project Ellie and Ethan did. "Snow"globes. Actually we took old chess pieces (civil war) and super glued them to the insides of canning jar lids. Then we filled the canning jars with glitter and water. Once the chess pieces are adhered, then you can tip them over, screw them on jar and super glue the lid on and viola - a pretty fun project.

Just don't be like me and super glue your own fingers together.

The day my Dad passed away, I decided to go for a walk down to the beach which is just down from the hill from our house. I took my camera to have pics of the day - I don't know why, just wanted to. Glad I did.

The ferry was coming in.

The sun was setting.

Then my husband found me and decided to try and make me laugh. He succeeded.

I am glad I got these images. It was as if God was just using His creation to help calm. Plus, my Dad always loved being outside, and when he was upset - he would often go for a walk to help calm him. It just seemed to be the right platform to reflect upon and remember him.

Yes, beautiful. The ferry passes right through as the sun sets.

And what is being down on the beach without throwing around big rocks?

Boys may grow into men, but somehow that little boy spirit remains.

... and it's perfect in times like these ...