2/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

George: He received a play shaving set for Christmas and has put it to good use.

Vincent: A quick peek over his shoulder to see if he can get away with this.

1/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

George: Waiting for his friend Michael to walk over for a play date.

Vincent: He seems to suit the football helmet.

side kick.

A wide open beach with miles to run and they remain side by side, enjoying being one another's sidekick.
They bug each other, they hurt each other, they make each other laugh, and they look out for one another.
What a lovely surprise that the bond between these boys has already developed. I thought that with four years between them it wouldn't happen until they were older.  Until they were really able to converse with each other, share opinions and thoughts.  But now I see that words aren't needed to express emotions.  I just have to look at these photos of the two of them on the beach, an arms length away from each other.  George watching out for Vincent, Vincent running away from George, Vincent racing to keep up with his big brother.
A push on the sand elicits giggles, sometimes it provokes tears, often irritation. But up they get, and continue to run along this beach, side by side.

49/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

George: Writing his Christmas list for Santa. And taking the task very seriously.

Vincent: He has no interest in any of his little toys, only his big brother's.

48/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

George: Talking to his elf "Jupiter".  He believes, oh how he believes in the magic of Christmas.

Vincent: It's hard to even drive by the beach these days without him squealing out from the backseat wanting to have a run on the sand.

around here.

Perhaps this should be this year's Christmas card photo? Oh this picture makes me laugh! What a terrible mother I am, allowing these two to be completely absorbed by technology.
About a minute after this photo was taken, my phone was hidden away by Vincent, lost for about 24 hours while Travis was out of town. Thankfully it was not flushed down the toilet, the fate of another toy, removed by the plumber today, only after he removed our toilet from the floor.
So here is proof that this mother here has committed a great 'faux pas'  and given her one year old an iphone to serve as babysitter.
I took this photo this week after an afternoon at the beach. George was home all week from school for Thanksgiving vacation and what a lovely week it was! We had some fun outings to a museum, the beach, and some play dates but the most fun was just being at home with these guys. Vincent just loved having George home and I was so surprised how great they played together hour after hour and there was only one of these 'zone out and become immersed in technology moments' that had to happen so I could regain some sanity.  I may have also guzzled a glass of wine each night at dinner just to carry me through bedtime...
It has been on my mind lately to get all of my weekly portraits of the boys documented on here. I have continued with the photos for the most part and I cannot believe that there are only four weeks left of 2013.  It amazes me to look back through the weeks and see the changes and even recall the very moment I took the photo.  It really has been a special thing to do.  I look forward to developing these weekly photos into hardcover books at the end of the year, my favorite type of coffee table book.
So four weeks left of 2013, let us enjoy each one of them!

47/52

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013."

George: His favorite part of our Sunday morning in Malibu, taking a quarter and buying shark candy to eat after church.

Vincent: His favorite part, running around barefoot at the playground.