Just a Few Things

I finally finished my Daisy Granny Square Runner.  It's pretty cute.

Maisie's tags came!

We're very excited around here.

Austin is building built-ins for our master closet.  

My pumpkin is more and more orange.

Friday-night lights.

A bit more Vegas.  Bellagio fountain.

The Bedford Restaurant by Martha Stewart.

We stayed in The Paris.

We relaxed.

We bought matching Samoas and Dunks.

Our magnet for Melijah.

AUSTIN COMES ALIVE

 ALL CAPS FOR THIS POST!  FOR 2O YEARS (like since the early days of dental school -- aka when we were babies raising babies) Austin has listened daily to his favorite band, The Killers.  He quotes their music in church (as have both Meg and Maisie), ear buds their songs while working in the yard, and plays their music while on our dates.  OUR ENTIERE HOUSEHOLD HAS MOST OF THEIR MUSIC MEMORIZED.  

Okay, that's the set up for this post.  But the other bit is the part I posted about my realization in NYC -- Austin is a silent spectator -- he quietly attends my musicals, plays, concerts and all things live band.  But, he rarely shows any emotion.  If I'm lucky, I get a stotic and very expressionless, "Yah, that was good.  I liked it."  

BUT NOT TODAY!  He came alive completely at the Killers concert in Vegas.  (I'll post the concert first, then relate all the Austin Vegas details.)

DID I MENTION THAT OUR TICKETS WERE IN THE PIT?  We were off to the side on a little flange where we could dance and go so big.  The Brit on the front row just behind us said, "You are totally brilliant!"  We were.

The Opener

Smile Like You Mean It

Somebody Told Me

HE'S ALIVE.

FEELING IT.

AUDIBLY SINGING.

Watch at the end of this clip Dave, the guitarist, sees Austin immitating him.  Look at Dave grin at Austin.  So good. Austin's Air Guitar. 

"We're taking all the family next time."  I agree -- there will be a next time.

We're All Together Again

The Armstrongs and Andy came home to visit!  We lived our best lives.

We swam as long as we wanted.  Then we followed that up with sitting together for hours on the balcony or in the family room.  

Nick is almost as tall as Andy.

As am I.

Eddie taped a character to my backup cam.  I freaked out for a second.

Maddie and Nick had school pictures and back to school night.

Maisie's cupboard is still painted.

Eddie brought up the huge bin of baby toys.  The sweet twinnies were mauled.  And mauled.  And mauled.

Besties.

We attempted family pictures -- but there was a huge storm, and it rained on us.  Blast.

Eddie had the foresight to bring a tarp. GOAT.

Austin often carried a baby around.  I think their matching hair cuts prove their kinship.

More pool.

More balcony.

This boy still wraps his legs.

Sous chefs.

Nice Elijah -- those silly babies preperred his lifeguarding.

Grandpa with his baby.

This was his idea as well.

Andy with his baby.  She followed him around.

THEN!  Cherie and Haley drove all the way here to spend the weekend together and support Maisie in her missionary farewell.  They were chill, loving and so easy love.  I really hope they come back.

More bonding.

This is the only group shot we have -- worth it.

These two.  Nice Haley will submit her papers next week.

Vibers.

Boomer Andy.

Jumpers.

Aunt Molly living her best life.

Feeding time.

FHE.

Finally, I sat with both Bea and Winnie and just rocked them.  They endured my songs and kisses.  What delicious babies.

Sunday vibes.

Grandma vibes.

Two little pumpkins.

My little pumpkin.

Posers.

Flexers.  Not flexors.

So much food consumed.  So much love shared.  So many memories made.  So many reasons to be live, grow, testify and hope.  I love my beautiful family.  (And my pumpkin, I really love my pumpkin.)