Henry and Fisher

Beach 2011 Photoshoot

2011-12-18T17:30:00.001-05:00

On the last day of our beach vacation I got the boys all dressed up in white shirts, beachy pants and straw hats and talked them into doing a little beach photoshoot. It is pretty obligatory these days if you have kids and are at the beach you must dress in white shirts for what will later be your Christmas cards...but we just had fun and got a couple we can hang on the wall and remember a great trip.

Beach 2011

2011-12-18T16:57:00.023-05:00

Pensacola 2011! We love to see this sign.

Mr. Skinny Mini Droopy Drawers

Dolphins!

S'more night!

Much beach baseball was played this year.

Chatting it up with Aunt Laura.

Henry showing Fisher his birthday present. A balance bike. We love our bikes at the beach. He was soon flying along on the bike with us.

The beach can be tiring...

and Aunt Laura is there year after year, no matter how big they get, to make sure they get a beach nap.

He can almost never make it through a bike ride in his seat.

Ed's awesome photo!

I experimented with a disposable underwater camera this year...
We love the pool after being on the beach all day.

On the last full day we were there Aunt Laura took us to the National Naval Aviation Museum. It was a pretty amazing place. So much history, information and fabulous planes.

Spring Soccer 2011

2011-08-24T16:25:00.010-04:00

Daycare friends on the other team.

Rain was the theme of this season...lots of games got cancelled or moved...this one was late in the season and they just let them play...turns out Henry is pretty good in sloppy conditions...he scored 6 goals!

Scenes from our first Tee Ball Season

2011-08-24T13:36:00.013-04:00

Henry bought his own first real glove with his birthday money from Uncle Kenny.

Our league got to go out on the field before a Legends and get recognized by team.

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Spring 2011

2011-08-24T12:58:00.016-04:00

Trip to Joseph-Beth to feed the MONSTER coi and ducks. I will not be surprised if I ever see one of those fish just swallow one of the ducks whole.

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Dress up day at school. Henry was (surprise!) a jockey and Fisher was Go Diego Go!

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From my ongoing series...I have boys!

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Speaking of boys...mine are the best. They ALWAYS bring me flowers.

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Henry and his best buddy Scratch at Scratch's birthday celebration at the UK baseball game.

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BRUNCH at Uncle Cavan and Aunt Whitneys.

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All big time basketball players have to wear headphones when they warm up right?

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UK Spring Football practice.

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Smile Fisher!

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Lexington Philharmonic PB&J final event of the year. Drumming at McConnell Springs.

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Henry and his best buddy Wake.

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Sitting in the box at a Lexington Legends game.

Henry with his best buddy "The Big Big Man" or officially, Big L.

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Mother's Day at the little cabin. Best Mother's Day yet!

We have new neighbors at the cabin! This is Ned.

More flowers! Seriously, aren't they the best!

It's not a trip to the cabin without a little fishing.

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I kind of hope he'll never stop sleeping this way.

Anual Tree Pictures

2011-08-24T12:30:00.006-04:00

Sigh...take a walk down memory lane. Can you believe it?

My camera little wonky this year, but surely you can see past the blurry into the personality of these two. Henry wasn't into it last year, but obviously got over it this year.

Easter 2011

2011-07-14T14:03:00.009-04:00

So, I begin with a question. If you dye eggs with your kids then how do you explain how those eggs are transferred to the Easter Bunny for him to hide? I was a never a real believer in fictional characters as a kid and I don't think Mom and Dad pushed it very hard either...but I want to make sure I'm not stifling any of the kids magical beliefs. For now I think all is good, but if anyone has a guide...a rule book or something about how it all works I'd be very appreciative.

Dying the eggs and everything else.

The days around Easter this year had constant rain and we thought we'd have to do an indoor hunt, but we saw a window of opportunity and took it. As I was getting the boys dressed in their Easter duds Ed, I mean the Easter Bunny sprang into action and hid the eggs. It might have been Easter to the boys, but for me it was a potential photoshoot!

The wet grass was obviously making the dye come off the eggs, look at those fingers!

See that red bush? Does it distract you from all the dirt on his knees. This is when my photoshoot started to fall apart and the boys decided they'd had enough being sweet loving gentle brothers...now it was time to slide down the muddy hill on their knees and wrestle.

I coaxed them back into a few more poses. Angelic faces, dirty knees.

Fisher telling us all about it like he always does.

Lost the pants and cleaned up so the family could go see Hop! together.

Keeneland Spring 2011

2011-07-14T11:39:00.010-04:00

We started out the first week of Keeneland by going to their great Saturday morning workouts. There is breakfast, activities and give aways for the kids, and the track announcer narrating what all is happening on the track. We got there bright and early and enjoyed it all...and then we go home and realize that we aren't early birds and fight staying awake the rest of the day.

Poppy came up for the Maker's Mark Thoroughbreds and Redheads Weekend. The day was a little chilly and rainy...

I think the boys enjoyed an evening with Poppy more.

The boys and I always enjoy hanging out at the final turn. It is such a different perspective. It is totally silent, no announcer, no crowd noise...and then the freight train of horses thunder by.

This is where Henry likes to spend most of his time. Carefully watching every move the jockeys make before and after their races. Here he is patiently waiting for his buddy Julien Leperoux.

You need proof that Henry and Julien are buddies? Check out Julien's facebook profile picture...

Pretty cool, huh?

The boys spent a little time with Garret Gomez tool.

On the last day we hung out with our friend Annie.

The Gibson boys don't go anywhere without a ball of some shape or another these days...anyplace is a good place for a little game of catch.

Good bye again Keeneland. See you in the fall!

Henry is 5!

2011-07-12T16:40:00.020-04:00

The Sunday before Henry's birthday Poppy was up for a visit, so while most of the family was together we had party #1.

How old are you Henry?

FIVE?

Yes, FIVE!

H's birthday fell in the middle of the NCAA tournament, so he was very happy to get a "3 Goggles" shirt from his buddy Wake.

Ommy couldn't come, but sent a package that could have ONLY been wrapped by her. Creative and beautiful!

Again, with the tourney going on, and the fact that Henry is a "Jack of all Sports"...this party had a bit of a sporty theme.

Uncle Cavan, Aunt Whitney and Aunt Kate channeled their inner balloon artist and twisted up some creations.

Fisher wanted in on the action, and Henry generously let him have his turn.

A bat from Cav and Whit.

A set of bases from Kate.

...and more baseball equipment! These have been put in serious use this spring and summer!

Hey batter batter!

A pillow pet from Ommy and Poppy.

A "Scratch" hat from Mom and Dad.

Celebration #2. Henry got to choose what he wanted to do on his ACTUAL birthday...and his choice was...Gattitown!

Besides the pop-a-shot, merry go round, many many video games, air hockey, and carnival games...they have TWO horse racing games. One is a huge screen and a very involved game where you actually choose a horses parents, help make decisions about training the horse and finally racing it. It is interesting, but the real action is on these...you get to be the jockey. Neither boy is tall enough or has even enough weight...but they try...

And probably break the rules trying...but it is his birthday, so go for it!

After all the pizza was eaten, games were played, and Mom's pockets were empty we headed home with all his booty.

Including this gem. It was very popular for a few days...and, hmm, I'm just not sure what happened to it. (actually we've had quite a few of these and they always seem to get a hole in it the first day...shucks.) ;)

No caption needed.

Poppy left us with a few special cupcakes before he left town.

Next round of presents...a soccer net from Dad.

New soccer/baseball/football cleats. I said why not use them for golf shoes too...Ed said, not so much.

And cash, hooray!

Aunt Laura sent flippers and

a mask and snorkel for our upcoming trip to the beach.

I thought the whoopie cushion was bad...

But guess what Henry asked for from Aunt Emily?

She even found the blue set he asked for. Aunt Emily delivers.

...I'm still planning my revenge.

Celebration #3. Next we had to bring cupcakes to daycare his first day back...

And LASTLY...the big friend party was on Saturday at Bounce U...and it was very, bouncy.

My first attempt at a birthday cake.

So that is FOUR, yes, count them, FOUR, birthday celebrations!

Happy fifth birthday to our sporty and sweet first born. We learn new things about you and about ourselves through you everyday. The time has gone by so fast and you are really getting grown up and really developing your smart and clever personality. We are proud to be your parents.
xoxoxo
Mom and Dad

Winter Fun 2011

2011-05-17T10:52:00.033-04:00

It was a long cold winter...especially with two little balls of energy! Here are some of the highlights of how we entertained ourselves until the warm sunshine returned...

We discovered Monkey Joe's. Indoor bouncy equipment. Don't know why we didn't buy season passes and live there.

Monkey Joe himself.

We cooked.

We invented games.

We camped in the new sleeping bags.

Even Jack joined in.

We had another PB & J concert with the Lexington Philharmonic. This one was in the old courthouse...with a foot of snow on the ground...with no heat in the building. Good thing Cousin Otto gave Henry this awesome hat to keep him warm.

We played with our new foosball game.

Henry did some home repairs.

Then Fisher finished it up.

The boys like watching cartoons together in our bedroom while I'm folding laundry.

Sometimes they get creative about their viewing spot.

Henry discovered his talent for puzzles.

He also cooked us a basement picnic.

The boys had indoor horse races. {I'm realizing how many of the pics have Fisher in various states of undress...we obviously keep the heat up in the house}

Aunt Emily sent us some noisemakers from a Houston Rockets game. {she's always good for a noisemaker gift...wait until you see Henry's birthday gift}

Henry enjoying my "big phone"...aka my iPad. {loving the headphones from Aunt Kate!}

And this is what happens when Aunt Kate come to babysit.

We went to see the Harlem Globetrotters.

We got new sofas...and while Ed and Cavan were hauling off the old ones and picking up the new ones. The boys helped with the measuring to make sure it would all fit. {or something like that}

We no longer have a crib in our house. *sniffle* Henry helped me take down the side of the crib to create the toddler bed. Fisher loves his new big boy bed.

We had a couple rare days that were warm enough to go outside and play.

Muddy knees on the playground.

Feeding the ducks at Joseph-Beth.

TRIP TO MADISONVILLE

At Ommy and Poppys.

Fisher discovered he could squeeze through the bannisters on the deck.

Henry had to prove that he could do it too.

Jockey on the move again.

Sandbox at Granddad's cabin.

Handsome smile.

Takes after Mom.

Hamming it up in the hammock.

Teasing me about how old he is going to be on his next birthday {coming up in a month}.

And of course there is always fishing.

Big catch!

To keep active and get ready for the beach and the summer Henry took swimming lessons at the Y.

Dressing up for "Crazy Clothes and Crazy Hair Day" at school.

Spending some time at the Children's Museum.

Henry's favorite exhibit.

I love this face.

Our annual trip to the bowling alley for Henry's friend Wake's birthday.

Best Buddies.

Then it was Fisher's turn to take swim lessons. His name might be prophetic...we couldn't keep him out of the water.

The real reason I love swim lessons.

St. Patrick's Day!

FINALLY GETTING WARMER!

Flower's picked by the boys for Mommy!

A trip to the grocery with Daddy.

Photos by Daddy at the park.

Aunt Kate took this pic because she loved Henry in his skinny jeans and red tennies so much.

Henry's masterpiece at our new favorite place in our neighborhood, Orange Leaf.

Getting every last yummy drop.

It was a long indoor winter. But we had fun. We are rested up and ready for the Spring!

Christmas 2010

2011-04-26T14:07:00.012-04:00

I'm obviously behind in updating the blog. I think I've been avoiding it in a way. Anyone who is reading this probably knows my Grandmother, the boys Great Grandmother, Lady, died on Christmas morning. Looking at the pictures takes me back to the blur that were those several days. It was such a juxtaposition of emotions...sadness about losing my Grandmother, my last living grandparent...and the happiness and joy of my two sons. The ending of a life vs. the beginning of 2 precious lives. Remembering all the Christmases past with Lady, and looking forward to all the years to come watching Henry and Fisher grow from toddlers, to boys, to teens, to men...with families of their own someday. The circle of life, somehow cruel and so sweet at the same time.

Christmas Eve on Broadway...

Full of life is an understatement with these two.

The Family. (we clean up pretty well)

Henry gave Fisher a baseball glove.

I think he likes it!

Angry bird from Aunt Kate.

Aunt Kate also gave Fisher a Bilbo...an open ended toy to encourage imagination and play.

Fisher is obviously enjoying it...

And of course Poppy finds some creative ways to enjoy it.

Bah humbug?

Awesome puppet from Uncle Cavan and Aunt Whitney.

Christmas morning...

Santa visited Henry and Fisher at the big Cabin.

Santa decided the boys were definitely on the Nice List...he was very good to them!

This was one of Mommy's best gifts.

Blurry but beautiful! This is what Christmas is all about.

Christmas Afternoon...
Cousins Delaney and Owen came up from Nashville and more gifts were exchanged...

Jeremy with Delaney on her first Christmas. Uncle Ticklebug Kenny living up to his name.

Granddad and Betsy gave all the boys flashlights, sleeping bags and tents. They were a big hit.

Later Uncle Kenny gave Henry his "favorite" gift of the holiday.

Christmas night with the Allens...

These photos capture the energy of our get togethers!

Handsome cousins.

It was quite a roller coaster ride of a Christmas. I'm so thankful for all of my family. I'm thankful for Henry and Fisher...the best gifts I will ever receive.

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Cavan spotted these cardinals hanging around the house, with Lady's love of birds and with her iconic red hair I couldn't help but think that to me these birds will probably come to symbolize Lady and this Christmas to me, and now months later, in fact, they have.

Merry Chrismas Lady. (1931-2010)

Here Comes Santa Claus

2011-01-19T14:06:00.021-05:00

Getting ready for Christmas 2010...

Our annual Christmas tree trip.

We also bought a little tree for the boys this year.

We started a new tradition this year. The Santa Train.

There just happened to be a trout stream near the train.

Throwing rocks was Fisher favorite activity...which didn't exactly help the fishing. In truth, Ed said he didn't even see a fish anyway.

Sleepy on the way home.

New Tradition #2. Going to the Lexington Philharmonic Candy Cane Concert for kids. The boys were excited about seeing Ronald there.

Catching snowflakes after the concert.

Getting their Christmas haircuts.

Resting up before the big holiday.

Snow!

2011-01-19T14:01:00.006-05:00

2010 was a snowy winter. We've loved it.

This was the best snowman snow I've ever seen. Why isn't there a picture of a fun snowman festooned with button eyes and a carrot nose? Ask Henry. He's still grounded.

Our Christmas Card this year.

Zenyatta

2011-01-19T13:58:00.005-05:00

If you know anything about us, you know we loooove Zenyatta. So when the undefeated mare was finally going to race close to us we had to go.

Henry has watched the Jockey's episodes featuring her maybe a thousand times, we watch her races over and over....we read and watch anything she is in.

Henry, Ed and I bundled up for a very cold Breeder's Cup in November...

And unfortunately this was kind of the best view we got...

Look, there she is...I think.

Right before she lost the race...by a nose. We are still heartbroken.

The Moss', the owners, announced The Queen was retiring to Kentucky in late November and in early December she arrived to much fanfare one extremely cold evening. Team Zenyatta realizes how much she means to the public and is very gracious in sharing her when they can. Keeneland worked with them to show her off a little before going to her new home at Lane's End.

So...I bundled up the boys, MUCH more bundling than the Breeder's Cup and we headed to Keeneland with over a thousand others to welcome her to Kentucky.

After announcing her plane had landed (the airport is across the street) they loaded her up and brought her over.

I did get a better view than I did at the Breeder's Cup. It was so cold (18º!) that my camera was not functioning well and I didn't try to get great pictures. See that little blue UK had with the pom pom on top. That's Henry! Thank goodness Uncle Cavan came and hoisted him up so he could get a good view!

Isn't she beautiful?

There's Fisher! He didn't get the bird's eye view that Henry got. He likes horses, but not quite his "thing" like it is Henry's.

The line of cars leaving Keeneland. It was amazing to see so many people coming out to see a horse. It made me really happy and proud of living in Lexington!

Congratulations to Zenyatta for winning Horse of the Year! It kind of made up for the Breeder's Cup loss, at least that what Jockey Mike Smith said.

Follow Zenyatta, her blog, news, info, etc at Zenyatta.com. They do a great job educating the public about racing/breeding/etc. Good luck to Zenyatta and her new "boyfriend" Bernardini...may they produce a beautiful and fast baby!

Halloween 2010

2011-01-19T13:51:00.006-05:00

AAARRRRGGGGG!

We always start with a "dress rehearsal" at the Fall Festival at our school.

Beard and mustache are a little unruly on this try.

Pirates don't have to shave!

Practicing our "Arrrrrggs".

Going trick-or-treating in our neighborhood for the first time.

I think he's got it down.

Pirates don't have to smile.

With our friend and neighbor Wake while trick-or-treating at his grandmother's house down the street. They has very special treats for the boys. Ed is dressed up as Harry Caray. ;)

Trick-or-treat!

UK Football 2010

2011-01-19T13:39:00.010-05:00

Sometimes our season made us feel like this...

And sometimes like this...

but they'll always be our Cats and we'll always be there.

The boys joined the UK Kids Club this year.

They got these cool Scratch shirts.

And cool UK Silly Bands.

And Official Badges!

Tailgating fun.

Attending a pep rally at the UK Bookstore.

Henry singing the UK Fight song to Scratch...and Scratch directing.

Always fun watching a game with Granddad.

Finding some alternate transportation with a new friend from Arizona in town for the World Equestrian Games.

Our old friend Scratch.

Hanging out and tailgating after the last home game.

See you next year.

Keeneland Fall 2010

2011-01-15T16:30:00.005-05:00

Another October on the rail at the finish line at our favorite place.

The highlight was definitely meeting Mike Smith. Mike is one of the stars of the show "Jockeys" (which Henry has memorized)...he is a Kentucky Derby winning jockey, he's in the Hall of Fame...but most importantly to us...the beloved jockey of Zenyatta. Henry asked him what it is like to ride Zenyatta and he said "Its very good."

During the Keeneland meet Winstar Farm did a really great thing. They held a open house (barn?) to allow the public to come and welcome Kentucky Derby Winner Super Saver to the farm and into retirement.

I swear the hand holding is natural, I had nothing to do with it. Isn't it just too much? I could just die.

Future trainer?

Kentucky Derby Owner and Trainer Trophies.

Soccer Star

2011-01-15T15:38:00.016-05:00

This was Henry's first year of "real" soccer. They still don't keep score, but they played against other teams. Henry played for the Saints as part of the Lexington Youth Soccer Association. He picked his own number...#4...wonder where he got that. He was very proud of his team, uniform, number and name on the back of his jersey...and he was really good!

He had a few practices before the games started.

Running and warming up.

Doing some stretching.

Thinking about strategy.

Doing some encouraging clapping...this will become part of his game.

Practicing some basics.

We are ready to play a real game!

We have a little growing to do to fill out our uniform.

Here comes the clapping.

The parents "tunnel" after the games.

Fisher was a faithful fan.

And we loved it when Poppy came. Granddad got to come too, so did Uncle Cavan, and Aunt Kate was at almost every game.

He sees an opening...and a chance...here he comes...

GOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!

And a little fist pump in celebration.

Mommy was team photographer this year.

Now its big claps.

Coach was also a elementary school principal and knew how to wrangle a bunch of 4 year olds. They all loved flying downfield.

Here he comes again!

GOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!

And again!

GOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!

Good game.

TEAM!

Clap.

Clap.

Clap.

Strategy.

Which way are we going?

Flying.

And again...

GOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!

GOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!

Henry usually scored at least a goal a game but in the last game of the season he scored 5!

Good Game!

Good Season!

Whew.

We've got future soccer star on our hands.

Ah! We had a busy soccer season and were kind of glad to finish up...but we are looking forward to next season!

Fall 2010

2010-12-21T17:33:00.026-05:00

Having fun at the cabin.

Cooking with Daddy.

2010 Diabetes Family Fun Day picnic.

I think this was the hit of the day.

On the lookout.

Brotherly quiet time.

H's new prized possession...Street Cry hat. Street Cry is Zenyatta's Daddy.

Lexington Philharmonic (along with sponsor Smuckers) has a series for kids called PB&J. This is the first one...woodwinds.

Yummy, it's called the PB&J series for a reason.

Henry helping out with the demonstration. Ironically the musician was playing "Call to the Post".

Taking part in the instrument "petting zoo".

We had fun sitting in traffic behind this car.

Exhausted after soccer.

Ed and Henry, on a day trip to Madisonville to attend the dedication of a road for Granddad, found a little time to catch a whopper.

Annie and Henry at the World Equestrian games. The boys enjoyed splashing in the fountain of the Kentucky exhibition.

Getting ready to attend the Jump Championships.

Sand Sculpture in honor of the games.

Trip to the zoo with Poppy, Aunt Kake and Mommy.

And a trip to Lynn's Paradise Cafe afterward.

A trip downtown.

Cold morning at the cabin. Fall is getting colder.

A trip to the playground.

Trying out the new restaurant, Windy Corner with Poppy, Daddy, Aunt Kate and Mommy.