The boys just crawled into bed following our first ever family living room camp-out. For whatever reason, camp-outs and sleepovers have been hot topics at our house for the past few months. D.R. and I finally agreed that it would be fun to see how the boys handle a living room camping trip and, needless to say, it was a hit.
We watched a movie, ate popcorn, made s'mores (for the record, marshmallows under the broiler are SO yummy), told stories and cuddled on the couch. Normally, the boys are in bed around 7, lights out by 7:30, so we were curious as to how late they would stay up in our living room. At 9:30, after a good hour of the silliest I've seen the boys in a long time, they announced they were going upstairs to sleep in their bed... and that was that! Too funny!
It will be interesting to see how the boys do tomorrow with such a late bedtime tonight, but I suspect it will be okay. It felt great to have this time with them, while Shea was in bed. They got both parents' undivided attention for a good long while, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. We just might have to make this somewhat of a tradition!
Anyway, in the spirit of fun... here are a few photos of other recent activities that had us all smiling.
Dex
Jax, mixing up some more paint and Dex, admiring their art.
I love that the boys accept the art projects I frequently throw at them. Not only do they tolerate them, they really seem to enjoy them... most of the time! On this particular day, they enthusiastically squirted our paper-covered kitchen with tempera paint and experimented with mixing colors together in their squirt bottles. To top it all off, they got to enjoy a mid-day bath while Mommy washed green footprints out of the carpet. Aah, the price I pay for new activities!! :)
Dex-left and Jax-right, enjoying a game of catch with Daddy.
The boys have been really missing D.R. a lot, lately. He's had a lot of long hours again, with call nights and moonlighting shifts. It's heartbreaking when the boys will turn to me, mid-day and say, "I really miss my Daddy." It's hard when Daddy leaves for work before they get up and doesn't get home until after they're in bed. Luckily, Daddy is all play when he is home for an evening. I get such a kick out of watching all three kids flock around him, anxious to soak up as much Daddy time as they can.
Little miss Shea, staying close to Daddy's leg while he plays catch with her big brothers.
Jax, cheering everyone on!
Dex, caught with his eyes closed! Keep your eyes on the ball, Dex! :)
Dex
Dex
Dex
Jax, hiding from the camera.
Sunglasses on babies just make me giggle.
Dex
Jax-left, Dex-right
Jaxon
Shea and Mommy
A swishing Shea. (Try saying that three times fast.)
Dexter
Best way to dry off? In the sun... on the toys. Jax is driving, Dex is along for the ride.
Silly boys.
Dex, saying, "Ahoy, me hearties!" (Though, this frequently comes out, "Hoy, Hearties!")
Shea bug.
Sylvie and Shea got to hang out for a little bit, the other day. Shea was a little sleepy, as she had just woken from a nap... but she still enjoyed the company!
"Hey, pal!"
This photo just makes me giggle. The boys were busy watching a program and Shea just wanted SO much to be a part of what they were doing. 
Playing a little duet with Jaxon.
The boys are really into holding hands, these days. This is totally a good thing, as it helps a TON when I'm out alone with the two of them and Shea. It's also completely adorable... especially when they grab the hand of another little person. :) Here's Jax with our friends, Hailey and Allison (with Carter in the stroller).
Another photo that makes me smile. There is this fantastic mutal adoration between M and the boys. This photo basically sums that up quite well. What would we do without her?
More monkeying around...
Okay, another series of "holding hands" photos. I love that the three of them enjoy playing like this. Too cute. They're just too young to feel like three's a crowd, so they all feel loved and included. I hope this lasts as long as possible. I dread that first "feeling left-out" conversation.
Jax, making sure Mom is catching this!
Jax, with T... Dex, leading the charge!
The boys were just SO excited to see everything. They led the way the entire time. :)
Dex-left, Jax-right
We could have spent hours examining everything... so fun.
It goes without saying that I love these photos. D.R. and I were watching the boys playing with each other tonight, just smiling. Everything they do they have to do together... they CHOOSE to do together. This morning, it was a board game, for nearly an hour! Tonight, it was wrestling, followed by laying down next to each other with their little laptops. At bedtime, we can hear them whispering and telling each other stories... I'm just so glad that they have each other. They have no idea, right now, how lucky they are. But I hope that one day, they will.
Naturally, the cherry was a HUGE hit.
Luckily, not ALL of the sculptures had "Do not climb" signs. 
Dex-left, Jax-right
Dex decided he needed to take a rest. Ha.
Dex, investigating the empty jacket.
Dex-left, Jax-right
Jax. hee.
Dex-left, Jax-right
Dex
Jax, mixing up some more paint and Dex, admiring their art.
Dex-left and Jax-right, enjoying a game of catch with Daddy.
Little miss Shea, staying close to Daddy's leg while he plays catch with her big brothers.
Jax, cheering everyone on!
Dex, caught with his eyes closed! Keep your eyes on the ball, Dex! :)
Dex
Dex
Dex
Jax, hiding from the camera.
Jax
Jax
Jax
