Our Little Hard-Working Lumberjacks

Joe, T, and D went on a work excursion for the day last Saturday.

They helped a coworker of Joe's put up some wood for winter.

The kids came back pleased and happy.

It had been enjoyable... and they got PB&J for lunch!

Hard work and yummy food... doesn't get much better than that!

Well done, guys!

We are so proud of you.

Love, Us.

A Portrait of Sickness

Thankfully, the little guy is back to normal, but we did have a sicko around here for a day or two.

Those silly ear infections... it isn't fun just watching them work their coarse.

Sure, Romeo was quiet and "less work", in a way.

That just isn't normal, though! 

Poor guy!

Glad he is feeling better - just a mention of his ear now and then.

Love, Us.

D and Dad at Legoland

While we were visiting KC a few weekends ago, the men and their bigger sons went on a Legoland excursion.

D and Dad had a blast!

Joe even took a few pictures to document their time!

To begin, a horrible picture of Dave with a huge and scary-looking Lego.... jester?

I think D is trying to smile, but he just looks scared (and scary) to me.

D, the Ninjago!

And finally, the invincible tower (with buttresses!) that he and dad built together.

It withstood all that the "earthquake" could throw at it!

A great father/son afternoon!

Love, Us.

(The Good Kind of) Wet Pants

Two things are certain about this guy.

1. He will NOT be potty trained by the time his little sister arrives.

2. He LOVES water... of all sorts.

Drinking water, watching the rain, squealing about lakes and ponds, and sitting in puddles:

It is all golden to him!

Love, Us.

A Quiet Moment

Not all of my posts have to be announcements or exciting moments, right?

Well, whether or not they should be, here is a quiet moment for today.

Toothpaste. Monkey. Diapered-boy-who-should-be-potty-trained. Helpful big sister.

Good times.

Love, Us.

D Up a Tree

Can you find him?

If you look REAL close, you can just see the sun shining on part of his arm right near the center of the tree.

Yes. We have a monkey (well, at least one) in the family!

Love, Us.

Bass Pro Shops

We took a family day last weekend and visited the best indoor zoo/nature center that I have ever experienced. 

And, it wasn't even a zoo... it was a store!

The Bass Pro Shops in Springfield was well worth the visit.

There was tons of wildlife, dead and alive, exciting the kids around every turn.

There was an entire showroom full of 4-wheeled exhibits for our enjoyment.

We even happened to come on the day with free bull rides!

Love, Us.

Romeo's Candle and Presents

Romie was in awe of there being fire on his ice cream and cookie!

He wasn't so interested in the inside of this card... the puppy was on the front!

We tried to get him to smile for this pic, but we couldn't get him to do anything but say "Choo-Choo!". 

This wagon was in constant use throughout the day, whether Romie was riding or giving rides to his toys.

And I took it as divine providence that this guitar was one dollar at Goodwill two days before his birthday.

As I told Joe, I may be taking out the batteries within a week, but it was worth a dollar to see him enjoy it.
In fact, I am listening to him groove out in the corner right now! Yikes!

Wow! What a birthday!

Love, Us.

Happy Birthday, Romeo!

Believe it or not, this guy got up twice in the middle of the night last night due to growing pains!

He must definitely be a big boy now!

Happy Birthday to our beautiful little ginger!

We love you!

Love, Us.

One Reason Why it is Great to Have a Hill in the Front Yard...

Bike-and-Stroller-Trains!

Love, Us.

Getting One Birthday Out of the Way Before the Next...

Late summer/fall is our big birthday season around here.

So... I double-checked and found a few pics from my big day that needed to be shared before Romeo's arrives.

Everybody did something special for me on my bday - they went on a walk with me! 

I. Love. Walks.

It was a beautiful drizzly day. The umbrellas were excessive, but the kids enjoyed them.

And finally, a shot of the best birthday cake ever!

Love, Us.

Friends Out Reading on the Patio

Patchy got his good friend to join him for a few good reads on the patio the other morning while the big kids did school.

Now that was a peaceful morning... for all of us.

Love, Us.

A Kiddo Play for my Birthday

We had a very special main event for my birthday celebration.

The kiddos had been diligently planning (scenes, costumes, props) for a play of their own creation.

It was the story of our life, and it was HILARIOUS!

Patrick proudly filled the role of daddy.

Romeo dutifully acted as me. Poor kid!

Oh... and don't worry. I am fairly confident that the presider at our wedding did not use a Transformers easy-reader as his book of the Gospels.

I'm sorry, but these pictures are priceless!

   

And we got quite a few videos.
Unfortunately, our devices' lack of memory caused us to miss many unbelievably awesome moments.

First: David "celebrating Mass" for the "Young Daddy" who was discerning priesthood.
This is a long one, but a good one!

Next, "Mother Superior" asking "Young Mom" if she wants to be a nun.

The Wedding.
Yes... our two Littles sure are hams for the audience!

The first pregnancy... complete with belly!

And finally, T's Baptism.

We have many more movies, and even more scenes that our videos failed to capture.

It was an extensive play, but hopefully this will give you just a glimpse of the very long, 

but absolutely hilarious birthday present that the kids gave me.

It was awesome!

Love, Us.

Romeo "Walking the Dog"

Romeo loves Princess.

There is no question about that, and he has even learned to be fairly gentle in showing his love.

One thing he has not conquered yet, though, is gaining the requisite strength to personally walk our little beagle.

So... we have to be creative in helping him "think" he is walking the dog.

Love, Us.