Awwwww....

Fights are a common occurrence at the Payne house right now. There's lots of arguing, screaming, fighting, and even some biting. So when moments like this happen, I remind myself to remember them and treasure them.

I walked upstairs to find a total disaster. Toys everywhere.

In the midst of the mess were 2 little boys as quiet and content as could be. Playing together and pushing their trains on their newly "remodeled" train track.
You see, the train table had been a storage container for all sorts of toys lately. So we decided to clean it up and rebuild the track.
Precious little hands,
and precious little faces
were in total,
and absolute
concentration.
It didn't last long, but it was so great to watch while it did.

Like Father Like Son

Loving Summer in Hendersonville

Last year around this time, I had started my search on the best suburb in Nashville to live. When I found out that Hendersonville was on Family Circle's Best Towns for Families in 2009, I knew we had to check it out. The city is built around Old Hickory Lake and is beautiful. When I came to visit and saw the rolling hills, new schools, and community neighborhoods, I knew it was for us. During the fall and spring, families spend their weekends outside and playing sports, and during the summer, they spend them on the lake. We've been here 9 months, and it's just confirmed that this was the best choice for us.

So tonight we went to the Summer Concert Series at the Streets of Indian Lake. It's a small outdoor shopping mall near our house. During the summer, they have a band every Thursday night. You bring your chairs, food, drinks and listen to the music while the kids play in the fountains. I didn't bring a camera, but here's the only picture I snapped from my phone.We went with another couple and their kids and had so much fun. The boys played until they were exhausted and came home and crashed. I kept thinking all night how much I love this place :) I plan on this being our Thursday night tradition throughout the summer.

Happy Father's Day!

I love him more than I could ever put into words, and these 2 boys absolutely adore him. Thank you, Daddy, for all of the hugs, and kisses, and love that you share with the 3 of us.

Curls

Last night, I sat out on the driveway taking pictures of the back of Lawson's head. It had become clear that he needed a trim. He had to lift his hair out of his eyes each time he jumped in at the pool. I get really anxious when I take the boys for haircuts. I have a hard time watching their curls get cut off.

"I-seem Man"

The Ice Cream Man is an anxiously awaited treat for the boys. If we don't hear him in time, we have been known to chase him around the neighborhood. Sometimes in underwear.

Grilling

Sitting outside, grilling, watching the boys play... one of my most favorite things about summer.

The other night we roasted vanilla/caramel marshmallows on the Egg. Yum-0.




I've never had to wonder where the kids get their sillies from :)
The boys had ice cream while we waited for the marshmallows.

Sebastian waited for one to fall.

This is what dress up looks like...

when you have 2 boys.

Pool Time!

We have had a BLAST so far this summer. Our neighborhood pool opened Memorial Day weekend, and we have been there every. single. day. since it opened. I have always wanted a pool in the backyard, but I have to say, our neighborhood pool is even better. There are always kids there to play with and mommies for me to talk to. We ride our bikes or the jeep down to the pool, swim all morning, come back for naps, and sometimes go back after naptime. It is fabulous!

Before the pool opened, we got Lawson's kiddie pool out for some water fun. When the boys' pants started falling down, I couldn't resist taking pictures of their little plumber bums :)

Trains at Cheekwood

One of my friends, Tiffany, from Memphis just moved to Nashville. So we decided to take the kiddos to see the train exhibit at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. It is a beautiful spot, and the kids loved the trains, but it was a HOT day.

Lawson had his water in his typical football hold.

Briley was in one of his "moods".

They got so excited watching for Thomas.

We took the tram to the story time and craft area. Lawson thought he was hot stuff sitting all by himself :)

"Seepin"

I'm mildly obsessed with watching my boys sleep. I just think they are so peaceful and beautiful and snuggly. Ohhh, and q.u.i.e.t. That may be the best part :)

So when I walked into Lawson's room to wake him from his nap and saw that chubby foot, I ran downstairs to get the camera. (We've been swimming at the pool every single day since it opened. So when nap time comes, he is worn out. I've had to wake him up from every nap just so that he will go to bed at a normal time.)
He was watching me do laundry before his nap and saw me fold his Elmo shirt. He insisted that he wear it to bed.
Dirty feet. Proof of a hard morning of playing.
So then the next day, I went in to wake him up and found both hands tucked under his back, so back down the stairs I ran.

Really? It's time to get up?
I'd rather suck my thumb and go back to "seep".