Monday, April 21, 2008

Freeze Frame



So Saturday night we took our kids to the park...nothing special, just an outing at the park. I have to admit, I was dragging my feet a little. I had been cleaning and running errands and kept busy with Saturday things. I was tired and not really up for an outing to the park. It turned out to be one of the best family nights ever. I can't even tell you why. It was just a regular night at the park. We were the only ones there. It was one of those rare but treasured moments that you don't want life to change one bit. I could have lived in that night for the rest of my life and not been tired of it. I think this is maybe the second time ever I just wish my crazies could be kids forever.



Does anyone want to guess how many pictures I took? Anyone? 216. That's right. I just felt that the more pictures I took, the longer the night would last. I wanted to remember every second of it. The kids every expression and mannerisms. Seriously. It was just unreal to me that I have three kids that are so incredibly cute. Don't worry, I didn't include every picture. But it was certainly hard to narrow it down. There was nothing about them that wasn't cute.

Anyway, last Saturday will go down as one of those freeze frame moments in my kids lives that I will always remember...for no particular reason.

PARKER





REID





GRAYDEN





TOGETHERNESS





MOM AND GRAY
Could this kid look any less like me? Seriously. We look nothing alike.




CAR RIDE AFTER



A TRIP TO :



for ice cream. The night was too good to not include ice cream...anything to make it last a little longer and keep the kids up even farther past their bedtime, right? This is the same Frosty I referred to here. Mom and Cindy were right...they do have the best soft serve ice cream I've ever experienced. Frosty was like a step back in time. The service was incredible. The place was booming with families on a Saturday night. Even families with teenage kids. It smelt so fantastic, you can bet I'll be back to try their burgers.






I just can't get over how cute they were on Saturday night. Luckily, I don't have to get over it (as Spencer pointed out to me).

18 comments:

Kelly said...

They are seriously the cutest boys I have seen!! I love the close up of Grayden's face- he is just edible! I love moments that are frozen in time, or wish they could stay that way! I am so happy that made you so happy! I sometimes do not get excited about the park, but 216 pictures would help! I should practice and be more like you! Those are fantastic!! So so cute!

Traci Elizabeth said...

216 pictures? Holy cow! I love Gray's arms! They look like they have rubberbands around them!

Its funny that you said Gray doesnt look anything like you, before I read that, I was thinking.."Gray is beginning to look a lot like Katie."

You have a very adorable family! Nice work!

Lauri said...

It's funny how seemingly ordinary experiences become moments in time...and they're never anything you can plan; they just happen. I've got many of those myself. Unfortunately, I didn't document them like you did so they're just my own private memories. Anyway, sounds like a time. It makes me sad to see Grayden and notice how much he's changed since I was there just last month. Thank goodness for pictures.

jeanine said...

FUN FUN FUN! I love moments like those. They are the best. I can't believe you took 216 pictures! That's insane! Your boys are super cute though... we'll have to come visit soon so our boys can all play!

Autumn said...

What great pictures. Um. I very much believe you about the pictures. And why shouldn't you take that many? They're free. And the more you take, the higher your chances are of getting great pictures. Besides, what's not to love about those subjects? They are ALL cute, I'd love to see every one of the 216. What a fun night. Its funny how sometimes the ordinary is so special. Its great to hear you appreciate it.

Heidi said...

Yes, katie your kiddos (or crazies) are so so cute! Im not sure I have had too many of those freeze frame moments with J, but Im sure as he gets siblings and see the sweetness of their bonding... I might.

Don't get me wrong... I actually wish he would stay a little babe forever, but I just have a harder time seeing him do, and learn new things. Anyway, that was a random tangent. Thanks for sharing your moments with us!

Erin said...

I totally get the freeze frame wish. But at least we have cameras, right? You got some great shots and Grayden totally has your facial expressions I think, but I only see still shots of him.

Unknown said...

You have the CUTEST kids. I seriously want to steal them. Well ok maybe not, but they seriously are the cutest. Maybe some day when I happen to be in Texas, I can take them off your hands for an evening? :)

Moms Are Contagious said...

I REALLY miss the "Smith boys"...they(Parker and Reid because there were only 2 at the time) kept me so entertained during Church. They look like they have grown up SO much...SO CUTE!

Unknown said...

LOVE those moments!! It makes all the crappy moments of Momhood totally worth it!!

Glad you had such a memorable night!!

Judds said...

It looks like you guys had a great time. Your boys are so cute!

Cynthia said...

Two-Hundred-and-Sixteen!!! That's funny. There's something about hanging out at a park that is just fun. I've got favorite memories of taking the kids and a breakfast to the park and being chased by the geese. (Geese and ducks are apparently much more active in the morning hours. Who knew?).

Abbey said...

Love those pictures. It is amazing how a simple trip to the park can make such wonderful memories. Maybe one day your genes will kick in and you will get one that looks like you!!!

Amanda B. said...

I, too have had some of these moments. They are adorable! :)

I can't imagine over 200 pics though- wow!

Kim said...

Those moments are the best!! You give me a run for my money in picture taking (Gene makes fun of me because I take to many) but you take way more than me. It explains why you end up with such good pictures.

Jenn said...

What GREAT family time! You guys are good parents. Looks like so much fun and Frostys looks so good. I want one right now! :)

Shalece said...

Moments like that are so fantastic. Love all the pictures of your kids, they really are incredibly cute :) And can I say... holy cow, 216 pictures?? I thought I was bad!

The Cochran Family said...

Hmm mmmm, "give me one moment in time, when your..." Sorry times like this, I jsut have to break out into Song...and maybe dance...tooo. J/K (Hey when you get 17 comments, you have to be original) This is what we live for as parents right, it's the post card of a family time moment. It's great that you were able to VErY well cronicle it! And yes, your boys and thier tre scheek hair-dos are adorable!!!! (speaking of hair-do's, I'm getting inspiration from Ryan Seacrest these days, with a few bangs out front and then a spike to the side a little..hehe)