All Mine.

Tonight after I put Claire to sleep, Caeden and I headed to the creek.

Not one to pose (or let me pose him, I guess) I get a lot of shots that look like this. No face. Or an annoyed face (takes after his Dad on that). Or just a "please put the camera down" face.

So we skipped rocks.

Found sticks to draw in the sand.

He explored the water while I sat on the bank and watched him in his sweet five year old way that he has about him.

Couldn't love him anymore, but then the next day, I do.

These kids. They are my everything.
No one warned me...
And the surprise of them never gets old.

And while I get lots of these (not going to smile) shots, I love them all the same. 

Because truth be told, when you have toes like this, a smile on your face is way overrated.

And when it was all said and done, he grabbed my hand and we walked back to the truck together. "Mom, I really love you. Thanks for the special date."

Thinking that I love his manners ... and the way he speaks .... and thinks ... and loves.

And I think, even when I doubt myself ... and what I am doing to make my family better ... happier ... safer ... I look at Caeden and know I am not doing so bad.

My everything(s). Together we will get through anything.