You know the feeling of loving somebody so much your chest feels like it is squeezing?

Riley is seven. He is all about swimming, playing the Nintendo DS, catching crayfish in the creek, chocolate milk, and building forts out of every single blanket and pillow that can be found in the house. He has a soft heart and feels things with his all.

Like all kids, my boys do not love getting their picture taken. It has to be a game…or it will only last a minute and then it is fake smiles that quickly turn to ‘are we done yet?!!’ frowns. So we play Simon Says. When Adler remembered I was taking his picture, I got the fake, picture smile. See the fake smile photo on the left? This is the exact smile he gave me every time. Adler is going to kindergarten is a few weeks. Where does time go? His life is all about whatever his big brother is doing. He is so affectionate….loves to snuggle and sit on my lap. Always pulls me down for a bedtime hug and plants a big kiss on my face. He is also the most mischievous. Right now he is all about sneaking things somewhere…I find all sorts of objects ‘hidden’ everywhere.

And baby, baby Corde. He was not sure how he felt about sitting in the prickly grass. He is 9 months. I have no idea how that happened. Honestly, love him to pieces. Nothing like having him give me a huge grin. Hearing him laugh. Having him hang onto me like I am his favorite. =) Huge expressive eyes. His baby smell. And baby toes.

Been wanting to get these boys out for ‘official’ photos all summer. =)