Blessing Day

Aidan's special day was July 3rd, and Holy Hades, was it hot!!  We had scads of family and friends and a only a little bit of shade, but the day was special and fun, all the same.  He looked so dapper in his little tuxedo shorts and we actually got to church on time!  It was close, but still...
Aidan is named after my grandpa, Royce Chamberlain.  He was such a kind man, and loved his family so completely.  He showered his grandchildren with love and attention and we always knew we were special to him.  He playfully sent us out back to "eat grass" trying to convince us it was delicious, whereas candy was nasty.  He played with our ears and bounced the babies on his knee until they were so fascinated by the sound of their own jiggly voice that they forgot why they were crying.  When he found something funny, he'd laugh til he cried, and he watched Married With Children just to make me mad.  He died in 1995, when I was 21.  It was years yet before I met Sam and began our family, but we have felt his gentle influence and I'm quite convinced that he is aware of these precious little ones that have joined us here.  

Royce and Alene Chamberlain

Brooklyn really enjoyed a key lime pie facial. 

Mommy and Aidan

Aunt Bethy gives some snuggles!

The official "Brand Family" section, nothin' like some garage shade!

Aunt Mandy, Uncle Dan w/ Kara, Uncle Jeff w/ Elle and Uncle Jake

Daddy and his little man.

We love this little guy to pieces, sometimes a wee bit on the literal side.  He is hugged, held, squeezed, bounced and carried...a lot. 

We're so happy he's part of our family, he's rounded it out quite nicely!  

Small Fry

Ok, seriously.  How cute is he?!  Babies are supposed to double their birth weight by four months, he's almost done it in two (he's an over achiever.)  I think there's at least a pound in each of those cheeks.  I'm not going to lie, it's been more bitter than sweet to watch the "newborn" fade, but all he has to do is flash that lopsided grin and I'm completely in love and anxious to see what he'll do next!

4th of July

This year was perhaps the best 4th of July celebration in recent history, at least my recent history.  Some wonderful neighbors organized a neighborhood block party that lasted all weekend, complete with huge blow up water slides, a BBQ and an amazing fireworks display.  Although it has to be said that we'd love to be in our very own house, we are very blessed to live where we do.  We have the most generous, wonderful neighbors and friends and right now, it's exactly where we need to be...I guess. (wink)  All whining aside, we're happy as clams (what does that mean, exactly?) Here's a sampling of our holiday fun: 

It was a late night for McKenna

 Sam is seriously proud of this picture. It is quite lovely.

I hope your 4th was grand!!