Cole was over. With Pugsly. That’s Pugsly sticking out of his shirt. That’s where he hangs out. Puuuun! And we all decided that it was high time for an adventure.
So we grabbed our shoes and headed down to our creek. It was the over a month ago. That’s how long it’s been. It was the last time it was brown. Now it’s green. Green and lush and grown in. It’s full of life down there…kind of like a jungle. At least that is what I imagine it is when it’s not Ireland.
Will is so cautious. He likes to watch. Watch and learn. I love that about him.
On a good day, there are many things to collect.
and throw. He loves to throw. I love those crossed ankles.
Cole runs around and collects things for Will. He counts them for Will…telling him which ones are best…and which ones are soft and hard.
It’s a game to Cole but he doesn’t realize he is the teacher here.
then Will throws each item…and Cole laughs and laughs.
He is just the sweetest kind of brother-cousin. He’s teaching Will how to be a boy. a good boy. And I couldn’t love him anymore if he were my own. When he looks at me and smiles – it melts me.
Cole you are the best 6 and a half year old. You make so many people happy. And we are so proud to see you read and be such a good boy at school. And whenever I show Will your picture, he points and smiles really big and sometimes he tries to kiss the photo. We all love you that much…we kiss your picture.
Sorry guys. My mom sometimes reads the blog to Cole and I want to be sure he gets that message.
On this particular day, Cole did a bit of exploring.
He found footprints. I think it was a racoon. We were all very excited. Deerprints are common…but these little miniature hands are a rare and thrilling find.
Did I mention that Will has a fascination with throwing things? Nothing is safe from little A-Rod.
And after Cole slipped and fell into the water, we three decided that it was a particularly warm March day and that we should indulge in a bit of cold water.
Do you have those moments? Those sweet as nectar moments that you just want to freeze? I literally shut my eyes and hold my breath in my chest, and think and concentrate….trying to hold onto it. trying to never forget it.
this was one of those moments.
my boys. one by birth and one by love…my boys being boys. these little guys who are being every bit of themselves as they should be. every bit of boys as they can be. one in the depth of childhood and the other at the very start of it. but somehow they connect. and have so much fun together.
I am happy to dip my toes into this memory. I want to remember that day for a long long time.
I sometimes create memory associations. this one was easy. Cold water rushing on my toes. boys in the creek. sweet and simple.
of course, I would rather forget the throwing. especially when my camera is in the direct line of fire.
But how could anyone forget this? This sweet baby keeping his leg lifted out of the water…while he snatched things up…just to throw.
Will does this thing now where he pulls his hair. I think it’s because he discovered it and he likes to test it. He also scratches his head now too…which is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen…but that’s beside the point. I think his little wet hands couldn’t help but dribble all over his forehead when he checked his locks.
oh what a happy day.
I hope that you all are open to the happiness that could happen today. I hope you invite it in. Nevermind wet clothes or sandy bottoms or keeping your toes out of the mud. Today is a day for happy. Make it happen. Dip your toes in. It’ll be worth it…I promise.
Ah this is what memories are made of! Wet butts and dirty hands. Love the pictures. You won’t forget this day.
Let’s face it – I love reading your blog. But I really love reading about your time with Cole. I have a 22 month old nephew that consumes my heart. I don’t have any children yet, but it’s comforting to know that you can love your nephew and still have room to love your own children, too. I sometimes wonder (lose sleep over) how I could love anything more than Wes, but I guess I can maybe get some more sleep. And I can’t wait until my nephew and my daughter/son can have moments together like yours. Thanks for sharing.
Love the photo story. Will and Cole are just so adorable!
The yellow flowers are Daffodils and the purple Hyacinth … like miniature lilac stems 🙂 Love them!
I love posts like this! I could look at pictures of them for hours. 🙂
I absolutely love this post. It brings tears to my eyes. I lost my son, Isaiah a year and a half ago, but luckily I have nieces and nephews that were my ‘guides’ through the whole thing, without even knowing it. My nieces and nephews mean so much to me and watching them grow and learn is so much fun. I love them all as if they are my own. I love what you said they are both your boys, one by birth and one by love. So sweet and so true.
I also agree it is a choice whether or not you have a good day. Things don’t just happen that make it a good or bad day. If you start the day saying it will be a good day, then it will be. Life is what you make it. That is what my little teacher and son, Isaiah, taught me. :))
I love this post can you tell?
Is there anything more pure than lil boys being boys? Love the pics and what a great example you are!
Katie,
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault.
Glad you take time to enjoy these little things. It’s great to see.
Oh my goodness Katie, you’re so lucky with your boys. I liked this post a lot.
This pictures in this post are so cute that it hurts.
I love those pictures! Cole looks like Huckleberry Finn in no shirt and rolled up jeans! These will be pictures you’ll always love. But I think you already knew that 🙂
Everytime I see pics of Will it reminds me of my little guy Lennon, even though he is a little older at 16 1/2 months, but probably similar in size- he’s a little peanut! The pic of Will sitting with his little toes curled- so cute. And the leg left- too funny! My guy is a little thrower too, and now thinks it is funny to hit mommy (I am trying to discourage it!!) and a climber and also a “I get into everything” little guy. Boys!
Hi Katie,
I absolutely love your blog, the way you look at life, and your family!
I think most of your happiness is due to your optimistic spirit and hope!
These pictures are amazing. We can see and share your happiness!
🙂
Filipa, from Portugal
Beautiful – I was there at the creek with you, seeing your love and the joy of two young boys. Thank you for sharing the love 🙂
That place looks magical!!!
Somewhere that will, will have amazing playtimes and adventures! Lovely memory 🙂
Awww its just so precious! Do you read The Pioneer Woman, Katie? You and Ree’s writing styles and humor are so similiar. 🙂
carpe diem…muddy toes, sandy bottoms and all!
I have a little boy about a week younger than Will – I love reading your posts about Will because you manage to put into words so many of the feelings I have for my son – the two boys seem so alike. You are a wonderful mom and Will is a lucky little man. xx
I just love the picture of both of their feet together in the water! Makes me wish I took more pictures of my boys’ feet when they were really little. My guys are 7 and 5 now and they both love jumping in puddles too. It is such a boy thing. One day I was out with my older son when he was about 5. I walked around a big puddle but he jumped right in it and made the hugest splash. An older women was walking nearby and got such enjoyment out of watching him. She was all smiles and started telling me how it reminded her of her own boys when they were young. So cute!
Don’t let the raccoons know you were thrilled with their visit! These animals are pure evil!
I love the pictures of Will’s little piggies. They just kill me.
What a great post. Melts my heart. You are all so lucky to have each other. 🙂
Katie,
I just started reading your blog, and I love your beautiful photography and sweet writing. Keep up the good work! Oh, and I am secretly hoping you end up doing things more on the ‘rainbow’ side of things for Will’s room. Looking forward to seeing whatever you end up doing.
This post definitely falls under my “favorite Bower Power posts of all time” category. I made it up just now because this post was that perfect.
P.S. It is SO cool that all that land (and that wonderful creek) = your backyard. Jealous! If my boyfriend promised me a house with a creek in the backyard, I’d be willing to leave sunny California and move to the South. Maybe. 😉
What a great day! You were able to get some really good pictures to help keep the memory alive. They are both so cute!
Oh and I am green with envy that you get to have a creek in your backyard. I live in Orlando, FL so there is a lot of concrete everywhere. There are plenty of parks but there are always 10,000 kids that have idea that the park is for everyone.
New to the blog.
I really needed that post today to put somethings in perspective.
Thank you.
I found your blog through younghouselove.com and have enjoyed seeing pictures of your new home and your 1/2 bath reno. However, this post was beautifully written… I felt like I was there with yall- so many beautiful pictures. You have gift with words and this was a moving post for me… kinda like a “stop and smell the roses” reminder. Always enjoy the little things- that’s what keeps us moving forward in life!
So cute, Katie! Thanks for sharing such special moments, and I agree, Cole is a wonderful big brother-cousin.
That was really cute Katie! Thank you for sharing such sweet and personal moments 😀
love this quote!
This was one of my favorite posts from you to date! Love the pics of Will in the Water. Yes I did just say that to the tune of “smoooke on the water” 😉
Katie, you have a special, special gift. Your posts are refreshing, honest, and just a pleasure to read. It’s my favorite read of the day, every time! This post was beautiful and as a PP mentioned, it was also just what I needed – putting things in perspective when life seems hard to manage. Thank you for that.
Keep up the great work, you have quite the following. And well deserved.