these 2 boys and a pile of fun

This is based on Valerie Salmon's sketch #37 and was a contribution to her blog, "Got Sketch?". I used the great October kit from The Scrapperie.

Journaling:

Time: Fall 2007

Place: under a pile of leaves

People: Ryan & Tyler

Notes: no matter what you're doing, you always have more fun together!

this is 6

Imaginisce papers on this one - another page for Allyscraps.

Journaling:

You loved the dinosaur theme for your 6th birthday party. What a great day!

fall flurries

Another Allyscraps page - all of this gorgeous Reminisce fall line is available in the store there! I had so much fun getting these pics of the boys playing in a GREAT pile of leaves! I really liked the effect of the large photo, even though the kids are a bit blurred.

Journaling:

I used to love fall leaf-jumping, and it seems that the apple – or leaf! – doesn’t fall far from the tree! What a great time on a beautiful fall day. 10-25-07

hayride by moonlight

This is one of my November pages for Allyscraps, and is based on my sketch posted there!

Journaling:

St. Angela’s School had a “family hayride night” at Kerber’s Dairy this year! Daddy had never been there before. Jacob and Kathy went with us, and we also saw lots of other school friends.The boys all fun a blast, and especially liked the corn maze and playground. It was pretty dark by the time our ride started, which made it hard to see much. But, it definitely gave the whole event a somewhat mysterious and spooky atmosphere, as the wagon made its way through the deep, dark woods.After the ride, everybody enjoyed an ice cream treat… while sitting outside in the chilly fall night air!

sharing the moment

Love the Basic Grey Recess! I did this layout to go with a sketch challenge at Allyscraps!

Journaling:

What a big day, and it's so fun to watch the excitement that the two of you share! It's Tyler's first day of preschool at St. Angela's! Ryan has been so eager to finally have his little brother going to the same school that he goes to. And now, the long-awaited day has arrived! It is truly the start of a new era. And Tyler, don't worry - big brother is there beside you, every step of the way. August 27, '07

on the fast track

Scrapdango's November kit - love that Sweetwater, especially the fun chipboard embellies!

Journaling:
One of the highlights of our day at the South Park VIP recreation area – the go karts. Ryan had a blast! There was a kids’ track where he was able to be behind the wheel himself. On the bigger track, he rode shotgun with daddy and they both had a great time.

July 1, 2007

simple fun

The Scrapdango kit again!

Journaling:
You were so excited about Preschool! The day after your first day, you insisted on wearing your backpack around the house (and not much else!), and had a blast playing with your lunchbox.

feeling blue?

Also from the great Sweetwater kit from Scrapdango!

quirky you

I loved working with the November kit from Scrapdango!

Journaling:
Just one of your quirky habits. You have perfected the one-handed-toy-clutching-thumb-sucking maneuver. It’s definitely a uniquely-Tyler talent!

(more than anything) grateful for them

I was so honored to be invited to contribute another layout to Valerie Salmon's sketch blog! This page is for her Sketch #31.

Journaling:
Once again this year, rather than spending two days in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner, we went out to a restaurant. The buffet at Seven Springs was excellent, as was the view of the mountain slopes from the rear deck of the lodge. The boys’ favorite part, though, was surely the time we spent in the hotel’s game room after dinner. It might not be as traditional as gathering around our own dining room table, but that’s ok. Wherever we are and whatever we eat, the day is about being together and counting our many blessings – especially the blessing of each other. ~Thanksgiving 2006

you are so 4

I loooooooove this Fancy Pants "True"

paper line!

Journaling:
Tyler @ 4 – what a cutie, even if sometimes that sassy 4-year-old attitude takes over. 8-27-07

this boy

From the October Scrapdango kit.

Journaling:
this {boy} defined as
kind
playful
silly
smart
loving
sweet

Here is the sketch!

way to make a splash

From the October kit at Scrapdango. I just love how this turned out! I made the background by "sponging" the blue paint that's included in the kit, and white paint, onto the cardstock.

Journaling:
2007 was definitely the year that the two of you made a big splash in your summer swim lessons at Miss Debbie’s house! Just the year before, I had to stay for your class and get in the pool with Tyler, because he would not go in the water otherwise. This year, he was jumping off the side of the pool – and loving it! And Ryan, who only a year ago was just starting to make progress getting across the pool with a bubble on, was now jumping in without a bubble, doing sit-dives, learning strokes, and swimming the length of the pool on his own! I am so proud of the progress that you both made. I can hardly wait to see what next year will bring!

what a difference one year makes

From the Scrapdango October kit.

Here is the sketch!

too much Thomas?

Love the colors in this My Mind's Eye paper line, from the October kit at Scrapdango.

Journaling:
It’s hard to imagine that you will ever outgrow the love you have now for Thomas the Tank Engine. You can spend hours, it seems, quietly fascinated and entertained, pushing Thomas around the Island of Sodor – often making up stories as you go. It’s so satisfying to watch you enjoy such simple, creative fun.
Tyler, 5-21-07