when we first met, the 4 big ones in the back row were in baby carriers.

we would prop them up.

make silly faces.

buzz our lips.

anything to get them to to look at the camera.

they brought us together for play dates.

trips to the zoo.

exploring every park in town.

they teethed together.

gave each other their first kisses.

held hands.

clapped for first steps.

it brought us sanity knowing there were others going through the same thing.

no matter how crazy it was...

we never missed a play date.

then, when we didn't think it was possible to have our hearts any fuller...

phase two came along.

one set of beautiful identical twin girls had us all holding our breaths during our ultrasounds.

sam was the only phase three.

they only see each other once, maybe twice a year.

a couple of curious glance.

getting reacquainted.

then games of chase.

lots of giggles.

and hugs like they have found a long lost friend.

in a way...

they have.

this morning...

my guitar blowed down.

tonight crossing the street...

jack, i can't hold your hand. i'm too cool.

putting on his coat after dinner...

i don't like my hands. they're too little. when are they going to get big like me?

these aren't all of them.

just a few.

he says exactly what is on his three year old mind...

all day long.

 

we got to meet her today.

mr. dave makes her tails.

for a christmas present they gave us the movie and a day with the star.

the pelliotts are well versed on the true story of winter and the movie version.

they have seen how her tail is made from start to finish.

a day with their friends, cousin and an inspirational dolphin...

doesn't get much better than this.

 

 

sam & katie.

just the two of them.

in the living room.

2 huge couches to sprawl on.

sharing a 1/4 of one cushion.

watching mr. poppins penguins...

they both love the penguins.

airwick not far.

touching toes.

enjoying the show.

clearly haven't been introduced to cooties yet...

or they just don't care.

 

 

poor 3 year old.

i might be ruining him to ever look at a camera again.

all he wanted me to do is take his shoes off.

the lighting was so good though.

i wanted to practice filling the frame without background clutter.

he was pretty patient for the first 7 or 8 shots.

then this face.

followed by the plea to please remove his shoes.

i got in a few more shots before i obliged.