and a happy new year...

Since Fletch didn't get to come to New York with us, I felt the need to showcase the star of "mostly pictures", in all of his Christmas glory... (taken by tall Brian- thanks!)

He really got the hang of opening gifts- fun for us to watch!  And also, cheesing it up.

Thomas was a big deal in 2009.  I have a feeling that 2010 won't be very different.

How gross is this chocolate slobber situation?

Merry Belated Christmas!!

Merry Chrismtas from NYC!

I will just let the pictures speak for themselves. They were taken by Andrew, mostly because our camera was too bulky to be lugging around in such cold weather. What an amazing trip..

This is the view from Brian and Andrew's perspective most of the trip. Foofie and I were definetly the navigators

Is there anything more beautiful than Central Park in the snow? We had a BIG blizzard come through right after we flew in. This is the following day.Grand Central Station is one of my favorite places in New York. Such a huge space, people bustling about, and very "old" feeling. On the Staten Island Ferry. The statue of liberty is behind us (you'll just have to trust me.) One of the only free things to do in NYC, but really fun.

I did spend a considerable amount of time looking through my purse for the hotel key, metro pass, phone, etc. Some things don't change, even when you're on vacation. (PS, this is about 1:30 a.m in the middle of the blizzard.)"top of the rock" We opted for this view since it was so close to our hotel, as compared with the Empire State Building. It is really amazing to see the city from above, especially at night.
My other favorite part of the city. You just can't do this tree justice, by seeing it on SNL.
We promise to come back, big city! Thanks for a beautiful trip.

Fishing Trip

So this is what I got via chief's iphone camera just now.  The men are in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas today.  And apparently, no, 22 degrees is not too cold to go fly-fishing.  Glad to see they're catching something!

Meet Luke...

Isn't he handsome? 

Luke Edward Harris was born yesterday; 7 lbs, 15 oz.  Supposedly he's got huge hands and feet. That's all I know about him so far.  (and they say he looks like MY Brian).  Actually, I totally see his Dad in this little face- especially the brow.  Gina and *tall* Brian are doing great.

Welcome little guy!  We can't wait to see you in person!

mostly just pictures

FYI, going to change the web address to mostlyjustpictures.blogspot.com TODAY! I don't like having our last name up for the entire world wide web to see, even though it is mostly family and friends who visit here. Hope it's not too confusing- there's a link from the old website- I'll keep it up for awhile.

Happy Halloween!

The first trick-or-treat was a success.

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Fletch finally figured out how to carry the pumpkin and put candy into it. While looking outrageously cute in the meantime.

The neighborhood gang is quite intimidating, don't you think?

What a fun time we had!! I wish you could see more of Ce-ce's wings here. They were so adorable.

three guesses....

Can you guess what we're going to be for halloween this year? A special thank you to my neighbors, the Joneses, for letting us borrow this. You simply must see him crawl around on his hands and knees while "in character." It will make your day.

Mom, Jules, and Zach

Well shoot. these posts are a bit out of order, and all at once. Oh well!

Julie, Mom and, Zachary drove up for a visit awhile back. Here are a few shots from the weekend...

This is the makeshift playroom (formerly dining room). Anyone want to help us remove those burglar bars?

Zach and Eddie have a love/hate relationship. Mostly love though.

The after- breakfast clean up team.

The only picture in which mama kept her eyes open. Hooray!! Thanks for visiting us- we had fun.

Heber Springs, AR

Isn't it lovely here? Thanks, Rob and Grace, for inviting us... And for letting us borrow baby PJ's and diapers. We, in true Brocato form, left Fletch's entire bag of stuff in Memphis. Which didn't turn out to be as bad as we thought. We just had to look at "mr. Happy" t-shirt for about 72 hours.

I loved this river cabin- it reminded me of my family's growing up!

Don't you just love the instructional finger, captured in this photo? It's really the only one in which they're all (sort-of) looking at the camera. They are good buddies- these three. All within 6 or so months of each other!

Brian, where's your happy-face t-shirt?

Not a much better snack than leftover pancakes. Fun trip, friends.

Ellie and Hannes

Have you read Ellie's blog in Tanzania? It is amazing. And she shares some posting with her sister- they are really fun to read; http://ellieandabbie.typepad.com/bright_eyes_blue_eyes . Just thought I would share this fun little find with you, mom, and whoever else is reading this.

Talk about pictures!

Frances and Gina snuck in a little photo session while Brian and I were out of town (aren't they sneaky?). What an amazing surprise!! They are so beautiful; the only problem now is picking out which ones to buy!

Check out the slideshow here.

And a couple of blog posts with the pictures attached:

Fletcher and

More of Fletcher

(heatherdurhamphotography.com is the website)

And these are just the tip of the iceberg. I've got some big decisions to make. This last head shot of Fletch laughing just steals my heart every time I look at it. I'm pretty sure that one's going to make the cut.

Help!

Help- I've lost my camera! (or rather, I think Brian has something to do with it). Anyone seen it? I miss it! Could explain the lack of quality pictures around here.
love mary

Blowing kisses and Birmingham trip...

First, an action shot of Fletcher's latest "trick"-

So the 4 of us made a trip to Birmingham for Gina's baby shower and Mama Jo's 85th Birthday party! Gina, I need some of the shower pictures- everyone's been asking about it! I think Luke will be well-outfitted for his arrival, coming in November. We are looking forward to meeting our newest nephew!!

Here is Fletcher pictured with his newest BFF, Isabella. He loved playing with her- so much in fact, that he couldn't sleep that night!

Brian and Fletch are playing with this flashcard app- I love technology sometimes.

On top of that, we got to hang out with Papa, Kathy, and Kylie on our way out of town.

And let's not forget Kelley and Foofie driving out to visit/ walk. What a treat- miss these girls.

Thanks again, Chief and Frannie for having us- it is always a pleasure staying with y'all. (and they need special credit for dealing with a wakeful baby Saturday night- he was too wound up from all of the partying!)

I was complaining to Brian that no one ever takes MY picture, so he obliged me. Fletch likes to give a "hug" by pressing his head on you. He "hugs" me before B puts him to bed at night. I think it's cute.

Giant baby

Apparently Fletcher's teachers are doing a better job at documenting his life, than his very own parents. And we appreciate it! His teacher said today, that he tries to lay down in the "upstairs" of this doll house, and he looks out of the window at her, with one eye. She said she accidentally deleted that particular picture. But I'm glad that she got this one.

PS Happy Birthday Brian yesterday!! Some pics to come of our little celebration.

Thanks, teachers

So this is Fletcher's last week in his classroom; he moves up to the bigger toddlers next week! His teachers have been sending digital pictures lately, which I LOVE. It cracks me up that he's reading so hard! I owe his reading proficiency to them- this is a very advanced prep-school, obviously.

Seriously though, he has been in such a nurturing envioronment at the JCC- I'm very thankful for these teachers who have taken him in and made him feel loved. And a bonus, taught him a lot of Jewish songs, and some dancing skills! Let's just hope he gets his rhythm from me, and not dad. At this point though, outlook not so good.

4th of July

Thanks Brian and Gigi for coming to visit and taking my picture!

And thank you Frannie and Chief for sending the new shoes!

And thanks for reading my book, and playing my choo choo song over and over. (and for my monkey and fire truck).

Mostly, thanks for playing. I was sad to see you go! Can't wait to meet my little cousin.

Forrest Spence 5K

Note; there's a link to the left about a 5K on September 12th, started by some friends that we have here in Memphis. If you're in town, come by and run, or check out the kids' stuff. It is a really fun race and for a great cause, benefitting the families in the PICU at LeBonheur Childrens' hospital in Memphis. Just visiting the site reminds me of the Spence's long journey in 2007 with little Forrest, while I was pregnant with Fletcher. Because of him, it was hard to take any of those first days of Fletch's life, although difficult, for granted! I think the fund is a neat way to remember Forrest and to help families through their hospital stay, as well as encouraging the staff that works there.

Around the house again...

Since it's been so hot, this has been where we spend a lot of time. At home. So here's some documentation of this oh so exciting time of the year. (actually it's let up a bit this week, so I shouldn't complain.)

Fletch lookin' cool, contemplating bathtime and showing off his guns. I really love his hair.

Officer Brocato, you are quite intimidating with your badge strapped to your head like that, and with the fancy "collar" on your one-piece romper.

HHS girls' party 2009

So this is the first time in like 5 years that I could make it to my Homewood High School friends' little gathering. I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it, but I sure am glad that I did! We missed those of you who were far away (like I usually am). I'm sure that these girls are more beautiful now, than in high school! Hillary looks like she's one of the von-trapp children, about to burst into song. :) (she's the photographer, though, so she had to slip in at the last minute).
Erin snuck away from a wedding- and we're glad she did!!
I don't know exactly what Makenzie was talking about, but I know it was funny. I like how Kelly always grabs on when she's talking/ laughing. So good to see these girls. It's like we never skipped a beat... Thanks, barb, for having us.

Scenes from a cracker barrel

We certainly enjoyed breakfast with the Spencers, Papa and Kylie, Uncle John, and Granpapa Bill! I forgot my camera this trip (very quick trip to bham), so I have to rely on B's iphone and other people's pics. Here's what I've got so far.

Ethan's starting football practice next month, so he's got a real football player haircut. I've always liked this cut on him.

Zach is always in motion- can't even catch him with a camera. These kiddos are getting so big. What a pretty little smile, miss Kylie.