there are usually big cushions on the back of the couch.

there are usually cute accent pillows

from pottery barn

placed just so at the corners.

not today.

not any saturday or sunday.

as soon as they wake up saturday morning they burrow into the big comfy cushions.

all wrapped up in their blankets...

warm and snuggly.

at some point the pillows all end up on the floor.

the couches become big lounging pads.

i have pictures of middle taking up half of one of the cushions.

my reality now.

at least he still needs his staple.

 

we hosted the young families from our church tonight.

theme...back to school bash.

event... dive in movies.

attended by... 11 families, 17 adults & 22 kids

everyone swam for two hours and filled their bellies

then picked their spot for soul surfer.

some floated (charlie didn't leave the water once)

some sat on the steps (nicklaus and cassie cuddled for warmth)

some decided they liked dry better (sam and his cohorts huddled up in the play room...sorry ashley!)

lots of laughter, splashing, & fellowship.

the night was made possible by tina & dave who lent us their expertise, av equipment and boys to run the show.

this was one for the books.

first he spots you.

a big smile flashes across his face.

he heads in your direction.

about 4 steps in he starts peeling off his backpack.

he can not wait to show you what's in there...

a picture he painted, a craft he made or a note from the teacher.

then he deliberates who is going to get the artwork he has created.

mommy, ashley, or mrs. norden...

nicklaus' teacher from last year.

 

"who left this trail of toilet paper?"

was what they woke up to this morning.

this was nicklaus' expression coming out of a deep sleep once the questioned had processed...

leprechauns!

they followed the tp trail to the green watered toilet,

and theni nto the kitchen where the chair was on the table.

all  enjoyed green leprechaun sized pancakes before getting dressed in their green for the day.

little's shirt read lucky and charmed.

big's read shamrock and roll.

middle's stated the leprechauns made me do it.

bull's eye!

 

he has few true friends.

ben is one of them.

they were in kindergarten together...

that is where the bond started.

they haven't been in a class together since.

in 2nd grade, ben went to a different school.

they see each other maybe 4 times a year.

doesn't matter.

they pick up where they left off.

he is one of those friends.

time isn't an issue.

it is like it hasn't passed at all when they see each other again.

he is one of his people.

few and far between...

lucky.