Anti-Nephi-Lehies

So, as McKay and I were reading the Book of Mormon tonight, we read about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. I think McKay was a bit confused because he kept asking... "Is that guy a 'Tiny Nephite'?"

McKay's prayer tonight.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for nanna and papa;
Thank you for grandma Cox.
Thank you for David and for Becky.
Thank you for Dave and for Vickie.
Please bless uncle Ballin...
And uncle Dallin...
And uncle Gallon.
Please bless momma.
Please bless Benson, that he will make us strong.

In the name...

PJs

This morning, in bleary-eyed exhaustion, I plopped down on the couch next to McKay, after he'd awoken me at an unearthly hour. I happened to be wearing the oldest and tackiest pair of pajama pants I own. My first hand-made article of clothing (and my last). Made in middle school, they are a Capri covered with light houses and sailboats.

McKay sat on the couch for a moment, drinking his juice, then cuddled up next to me, looked down at my pants, and said enthusiastically, "Cool pants, Mom!" He then proceeded to list all the maritime paraphernalia on my PJs.

Perhaps it's time to invest in some real pajamas.

4th of July

We had a wonderful 4th of July! We spent the morning at a great little parade in Wilmore with the Ashford's. The kids loved the tractor brigade, the lawn mower brigade, and the emergency vehicle line-up.

All four of us actually looking in the same direction!

McKay and Shaelynn mesmerized by the parade.

Eric and Shaelynn...adorable.

And Trisha and Alyssa!

C.S.F

C.S.F = Capri Sun Fetish

My Friend Benson

The past 14 months have been a little rough for McKay. Benson, from day one, has been a sweet smiling, easy-going guy. He is delightful to be around and has been lots of fun. Not so much for McKay though.

During Benson's first few months of life, we would hear McKay plotting as he played with his toys. Though his language was stilted, his intentions were clear. "Hurt, brother. Hit, brother." We'd often hear mumbled under his breath. Needless to say, I didn't leave the two of them alone together, ever.

Once Benson reached about a year old, things began to improve. McKay would tolerate being in the same room without threatening bodily harm. He began asking with real concern, "Is Benson alright?" anytime Benson would be napping. There was a light at the end of this tunnel we began to hope.

And, just today, we reached a huge milestone. Over the past few weeks we've noticed the boys playing side by side, with the same toys, even handing toys back and forth. Then, today the boys were in the family room, playing with cars together. I was getting ready in the bathroom, cautiously listening for screaming, when Benson came around the corner to find me. He began playing next to me for a moment, when, around the corner came McKay. McKay looked at me and asked, "Mom, could you tell my friend Benson that I want him to come play with me?"

Tears welled up in my eyes. More than anything, I want my boys to be friends. My brother, Daniel, is just 15 months younger than me. He and I were best friends growing up. I honestly don't remember ever not being happy that he was around. I have always hoped our boys would love each other that way too. Perhaps there's hope after all!

Business

So, yesterday, while Rachel and Benson were napping, I was finishing my business in the restroom. Just as I was about to close up shop, McKay came running into the bathroom and shouted, "Wait, I need to wipe your bottom!"

Park City

While in Utah, we went to Park City with the Grandma Cox and the cousins. We had so much fun playing with the cousins at the resort, swimming, and shopping.

These were taken at the city park. One evening we had a picnic there and all the kids played. McKay followed Bo around pretty much all week. He loved to have older cousins to play with.

One of my favorite pics from our trip. Aunt Trina swinging with Benson. Trina and Spenc shared a condo with us and we had a great time. Unfortunately, McKay decided he was afraid of Spencer but loved the time to play with Kimball and Isabelle.