Soakin' wet

The boys decided that playing in the water was the best way to cool off after playing in the sun today. Usually they raid the dogs water bucket if their play pool isn't filled up but today I had been trying to water our citrus trees when Brandon figured out how to detach the hose from the hose bib. Poor Mason, he seemed to have "taken on" the most water, thanks to big brother spraying him every chance he got. Doesn't Mason look cute in his 2T hand-me-down outfit? The boys love to wear their Arizona hats, just like Daddy, which surprises me because Brandon, at this age, hated wearing hats.

"Shoes on, outside". Mason loves to put shoes on, my shoes, Daddy's shoes, he is especially good at getting Brandon's shoes on and roaming the house.

Hugs for Lilly!

Oh Lilly, you are sooooo tolerant of the kiddos, but especially Mason, who absolutey loves to give you hugs!

Mason loves to cuddle up with the dogs.
Just had to capture Mason in time-out. He is usually pretty good about walking himself to the time-out corner and will stay there until "released"! My sweet little toddler has become quite physical lately, he is quite fond of hitting, pulling hair, throwing toys, and occasionally spitting). I don't recall Brandon doing some of these things but then again Mason is a little brother!

Easter Sunday

This Easter was a little out of normal, I had to work, Grandma Diane and G-G Dudley were out of town visiting the other Payne family. We did a little easter egg hunt and the boys had fun discovering the goodies in their Easter basket.

Happy Easter 2012

Brandon looked forward to coloring Easter eggs with Nama all morning....


...while Mason played outside at the fountain.


Is it time to eat eggs now?

Giraffes, Flamingos, and Elephants, oh my!

With spring being threatened by the fast approaching summer heat, we took advantage of another great day of desert weather by going to the Reid Park Zoo. Yes, of course we have been there many, many times now but today was special because Grandma-nama was with us! And, of all the days I have been to the zoo (during the week), this was the busiest I have seen it at 9:15am! Yes, we were blessed to share the animal scenery with buses and buses full of elementary school children on field trips. Having the new elephant habitat open added to the crowds, I guess.
Brandon was excited to show grandma-nana around and Mason just sat back in the stroller and took it all in! Today, Brandon's favorite animal to watch was the otter (which we had to visit several times) and Mason loved to watch the giraffes. As expected, after about an hour of roaming the zoo, Brandon announced, "I wanna go home, Momma", which meant our zoo experience for the day was done! Mason didn't even make it out of the parking lot before he fell asleep!

Lovin' the water

Here are our little lemons, just soakin' up the spring-time sun!



The boys are absolutely fascinated with being outside. Mason mostly wanders the backyard, inspecting various things while Brandon plays in the sandbox or in the kiddie pool. Brandon is quite the big-brother, often taddling on Mason or telling him what to do! "Momma, Mason hit me!", "Mason, we're not supposed to climb on the counter!"

Sweetie-pie

Could he be any more sweet looking??