Childhood Joy

Warm Contentment

Modeling

Dressed to Impress

I think Gareth did a crazy good job working this outfit out. He was very proud of this ensemble, and was so happy to pose for a picture.

Slides and Swings

While You are Gone

I love you.

Slap You Silly

Gareth has moved into a hitting, punching and slapping phase. He doesn't often hit in a hostile way either. He is just enjoying himself so much that he knocks you (or his sisters) in the gut to show it. In this picture he has just slapped Joshua HARD on that exposed piece of skin. Look at his face. He is giggling at his triumph. Josh's expression is more out of surprise that Gareth hit him.

WINGS!

One of our favorite places to eat is Amos & Howards. We took the kids there for wings for the first time! It was awesome, but if you struggle with being a "Neat Freak" then look away the images may prove to be too messy for you...

Luckily we are neater than the kids! smile.

Air Hockey King

Daddy and Gareth fight it out to be the Ultimate Simmons' Air Hockey King! I think Daddy let G-man win. Something unfeeling Mommy never does-smile.

A Little Chill

It is cold here today! I've been thinking about this shot all day.

This is the kid's Grammy (Joshua's mom). She loved being out in the snow with them over Christmas, and I love this picture.

Up and Down.

When we go the mall we try to catch a ride on the escalator one time before we head home. This time our friend, Lane was inclined to join us.

Guys Will Be Guys

Photo shoot with Daddy often proves hilarious. With this first shot I told my guys to give me their best GUY face.

Then I asked for their best goofy face.

And then Gareth requested for me to get a shot of him in these "cool" shades.

I love my guys!

Playgrounding

In celebration of being over the flu, we picked up a friend and headed to the mall for some playing, riding escalators, and a trip to the biggest train table in Hickory. Gareth is playing hide and seek. I wish I had caught the "Found" shot.

Flu Daze: Then There Was Trouble

Gareth played with his trains alot during our week of sickness. Monday afternoon while I was praying in my little uncomfortable chair, he joined me and built a "Misty Island" track in my room. I loved watching him create and play.

The best part of watching Gareth play is listening to his commentary. Before this catastrophe below Gareth narrated: "Then there was trouble..." He also throws in a few "Bust my Buffers!" and "Thomas, you caused confusion and delay."

Oh dear! The bridge was out.

Gareth comes along and singing to himself, fixes the broken bridges.

The "Misty Island" track is working again. Gareth, along with Thomas, Emily, and Percy, can get back to being really useful engines.

Flu Daze: Snuggle Time

I spent a good deal of Tuesday and Wednesday in bed! Luckily the kids were glad to join me.

Every night, after PJ's were on we had TV time on the bed with the whole Simmons Clan. We greatly rejoiced this week that Phineas and Ferb (one of our favorite cartoons) has made it onto Netflix!

Flu Daze: Sleeping and Weeping

 This week we have been sequestered in our home with the flu. Josh seemed to be the only one not affected by it.

 We all slept alot!

And we all cried ALOT! I just didn't catch the girls or myself on "film"