Big Time Photo Clear-Out

I can’t explain it, but I just can’t bring myself to use the expression “photo dump,” and “Big-Time Photo Dump” sounds especially bad.

You may have noticed that I have taken a more laid back approach to blogging and frequent posting lately. I have a review of Kelle Hampton’s book, Bloom, in the works (and a crazy story about video chatting with her), and I do plan to get back to doing Tuesday Tidbits soon. I have just stopped giving myself blogging deadlines and stressing out over my tiny spot in cyber-space. It would be different if my imaginary version of “Living by Faith” were in existence. You know, the wildly popular blog moms all over the world visit daily…the blog that gets me on talk-shows and pays me like a celebrity. Well, until then, I’ve decided to chill. Pinterest is partially responsible for this epiphany…

http://www.behance.net/gallery/I-Am-Designer/546504

And now for the Photo Clear-Out, 155 pictures straight from iPhoto…no fancy editing (just a little cropping and some red-eye & booger removal), no watermarking…just summer fun pure and simple…

My parents drove up from south Texas and got to stay here a little over a week. I loved watching them bond with the boys.

This is the Smart Trike we got Levi for his birthday (from Toys R Us). Both sets of grandparents chipped in so we could get it.

The pedals lock so they won't hit his feet when using the foot rest.

I love this bar that protects him from falling out. It also has a harness. Both are removable, and this will become a regular trike when he's ready.

The handlebar actually turns the front wheel of the trike, so it is really easy to push him.

While Mom & Dad were here, we went to Entertrainment Junction, the world's largest train display. It is 25,000 square feet of model trains and detailed layouts.

"Look! Look"

Adam found a train with pretend coal. He LOVED it.

I really enjoyed watching Levi play at the train table (where the tracks were glued down so he couldn't throw them like he does at home).

Just in case you ever wondered if Adam loves trains.

The next day we went to the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH.

This facial expression of his cracks me up!

In front of a B-24 Bomber like the one Wes's grandfather flew in

Standing in front of the type of plan my Grandpa Milligan would have flown in. He was in WWII and the Korean War.

My dad was on an aircraft carrier in Vietnam. This was a game that let you try to land a plane on an aircraft carrier.

Photos from the monument in honor of my Grandpa Milligan's group.

While we were in Ohio, we stayed two nights with Aunt Tammi & Uncle Mike. Adam has now decided that next time he will be staying 100 nights.

Adam's self portrait. The long lines coming down from his head are arms, not ears.

Tea party

Slipin' & Slidin' with Miss Addy

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel to begin a road trip for work

While working in Illinois, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a friend from cyber-space. Tara & I have followed each others' blogs for a long time and have so many things in common. Her little girl, Vada, is just a few months older than Levi. I got to meet them earlier this summer, but this time I brought Levi along with me. We just had to get Levi & Vada together for their first date.

Tara's blog is called "Making the Most of Today." Click here to check it out!

We met at a place called Gig's Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Awareness Center in Moline, IL. There are locations all over the country.

Levi wanted nothing more than to get a kiss from Vada. Turns out she's not that kind of girl.