182/365... enJoy

His hair has a reddish tint to it. His big blue eyes are sparkly. His ears kinda stick out. And have I mentioned his two dimples? The one on his right cheek and the one on his chin? He's destined for a life of crime because I'm just not sure I can discipline a kid that looks like this.

He's so cute that we're all in trouble joy...

181/365... enJoy

It doesn't happen often. And when it does it deserves to be documented. All five boys are still and quiet at one time.

Peace reigns (if even only for a few minutes...) joy.

180/365... enJoy

These two little friends have had their picture taken together every July 4th since they were 10 and 13 weeks old. We hope they're still game to carry on our little tradition even when they're old.

These sweet faces melt my heart joy...


179/365... enJoy

We spent much of our July 4th on our bikes this year. Jimmy chose to get up ridiculously early on his day off to go on a ride that was likely very long and torturous (I wouldn't know for sure because I was still snug and cozy in my bed when he returned). Then we allowed Travis to try his hand at "babysitting" for the first time while Jimmy and I took ride around our neighborhood. After filling lots of bellies with a quick breakfast, we loaded both vehicles with bikes, helmets and a trailer, took sweet Eli over to Unc Won and Auny Ninny Nin's house for a nap and started out on a family bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. We returned home for our very patriotic lunch, some very patriotic naps, then headed back over to the B's for some good ole' all American celebrating. Burgers on the grill, lounging in the Brellaxter, ice cream cones, kick ball, fireflies and fire works (that Ben was still leery of and "enjoyed" from inside the house). It was a great 4th of July.

Independence Day joy...











177/365... enJoy

This year for Fathers Day Travis gave Jimmy a coupon good for an early morning coffee and donuts date. As they planned their man trip, Jimmy took it up a notch by suggesting they ride their bikes there.

Two of my men riding off into the sunrise joy...


176/365...enJoy

There's a new baby at the Kyker house!! Baby Wren hatched this afternoon, to the delight of many very excited children. He's tiny and bald and so ugly that he couldn't be any cuter if he tried. We're completely in love with him and so is his mama! She rarely leaves his side.

Sweet baby wren joy...


175/365...enJoy

Love it when my big kid decides to bake chocolate chip cookies. And then does it completely on his own. And cleans up the mess. And goes outside to play and leaves me with two full pans of soft, chewy delicious. I thought his ability to make breakfasts and lunches was awesome enough,  but now desserts?! I'm a spoiled mama.

My own personal chef joy...

174/365...enJoy

One thing I love about my husband is his ability to help me change my perspective when it needs to be changed. During a particularly stressful moment (don't remember exactly what was going on but I'm sure it involved whining, crying or begging) he saw the wild look in my eyes, took my shoulders and said, "This isn't crazy, it's just our life." And as simple as that sounds, it revolutionized the way that I (try) to see those stressful moments.

Yes, it's wild and loud and messy and it sometimes does feel crazy, but it's our life. Together. And I love these wild and crazy kids more than I can even think about. And I love their daddy even more.

They run circles around us (but we're in it together!) joy...