Our Halloween: The Eve of the Big Day!

We had amazing luck at a Halloween thrift shop bag sale a couple weeks back.

For just one dollar, we got all of the basic requirements for a thorough Star Wars theme!

I have to admit... the Yoda ears are definitely my favorite part, but Patrick pulled off an awesome angry Anakin!

Tomorrow is the big day!

Thank you for all of your prayers that both Evangeline and I are doing well after the C-section!

Love, Us.

Some Fun Moments

I am attempting to not be too far behind by the time we become a family of seven, 

because I know that could mean a break in posting for a bit.

So... today we have a few recent events to cover.

First off, just a couple pictures to document a wonderful evening we had "in the country" with Joe's office.

Yes... the dogs were much larger than Romeo... and he was a huge fan!

Next: A new tradition has started at Castellum Librandi.

Romeo has demanded (and dad currently has a very hard time denying his entreaties) a 'tar song before bed.

And a final video for today is a bit of a thank you to two wonderful ladies. 

You have brought lots of belly laughs into our home through the wonderful Laurel and Hardy!

Thanks, Aunt T and Beth!

We love you!

Love, Us.

A Beautiful Morning for a...

Yard Sale!

We decided way too late to have it, so we only had a few customers.

But, we had plenty of fun and wonderful fresh air.

Totally worth it!

Love, Us.

David and His Puzzles

David had a puzzle morning the other day. 

He made sure I got a picture of him both with the "girl puzzles" and the "boy puzzles".

This guy sure has a puzzle brain... and he is getting much better at smiling for pictures!

          

Love, Us.

Time with Cousins

It has been great being so close to family for several months! 

It is pretty wonderful when my sister and her kids can easily think about visiting without it being such a hassle.

The kiddos get along so well, and Nancy is always wonderful and easy to catch-up with.

Here are just a few shots from the kiddos' time together.

Both Romeo and Thérèse were in heaven with there being a baby to hold.

Romeo was SO sweet with Josie!

Nancy helped me out a ton by getting the kids outside while I got some to-dos done.

There was plenty of dress-up and imaginative play with T at the helm!

And we even had a free "show" when the local fire department responded to something at our neighbor's!

Thankfully, all seemed to turn out well.

They were a wonderful couple of days!

The next time we'll get together there will be even more of these munchkins!

Love, Us.

A Spider Study

We found a little jumping spider who "hitched a ride" back from camping.

Our research showed this to be a Phidippus Audax, commonly known as a "bold (or daring) jumping spider".

This common title proved to be very fitting... 

David took advantage of his captivity in order to feed it by using his amazing fly-catching skills.

Thus commenced a very entertaining battle!

The fly was significantly larger than the spider, but it was absolutely no match for its "spidey skills"!

Yes... it was truly captivating!

Love, Us.

Camping - the Next Day

As stated earlier, it was an awesome camping weekend!

So much fun, but nothing fancy.

Just good family time, and easy-going kiddos (for the most part - they are human, after all). 

The day started with some good food around the fire.

As you can see, everyone woke up bright-eyed, and bushy tailed!

Next, we went on a nice walk/meander as a family. 

It was simply gorgeous out!

Part of this walk ended up requiring a team-effort in climbing up a steep embankment.

I, unfortunately, didn't get any pictures of the next main event, but Joe taught the kids about reconnaissance, 

and set up a corresponding game that they enjoyed for several hours.

Without further details (in order to make it even more strange-sounding), the game resulted in me rolling around a ditch for quite a distance (picture a beluga whale with a protruding belly) in order to prove my almighty reconnaissance skills. :)

Romeo was just a bit quiet compared to usual throughout the day, which mom enjoyed for a time in the hammock.

However, he showed his true colors right before supper.

He threw up all over T!

He was a trooper, though. 

We simply put him down early, and my guardian angel was very active in having me on-hand whenever the puke-pail was needed. 

Meanwhile, we had some more great food and played a very entertaining game of Telephone around the fire!

I didn't get any pictures of the next morning, but Patch sure had a birthday weekend to remember!

Love, Us.

Camping - the First Night

We went camping for Patrick's birthday weekend.

It was awesome in so many ways! 

Perfect weather: just chilly enough for great sleeping and zero bugs.

Perfect company: just us... literally! We were the ONLY rustic campers in the entire recreation area!

Fun times: It was perfectly relaxing, fun, educational, and memorable. 

Just. Awesome.

So... here are the pics from the first night.

Rock-skipping lessons from dad at the lake... just about 50 yards from our campsite.

Lots of fun, stories, and good food around the campfire... but not too late into the night.

And finally, a great end to the day... snuggly kiddos and a puppy in the tent ready for a good night's sleep.

Love, Us.

This is probably obvious by now, but I wanted to officially document it...

I finally cut off the boys' wigs!

Now Evangeline won't be confused about being born into a family of British rock stars. Ha!

Love, Us.

Evangeline's Shower!

Sorry I have been SOOOO bad about posting! 

I guess that my brain has been over-loaded with school and baby-prep, etc. 

Speaking of baby-prep, my sweet T threw her little sister a Shower a couple weeks ago!

It was so much fun!

She (and David, the co-host) planned food, games, and decorations... and did a great job!

Thanks, T, for a wonderful celebration of your quickly-arriving little sister!

Love, Us.

When Big Brothers are Away... Romie will Play!

So... the big boys had spent about 30 minutes setting up this elaborate soldier battle scene.

Then they went out to run the dog... and Romie woke up from his nap.

What? Did you expect him to just sit beside it and look with his eyes only?

Ha!

Love, Us.

Oma's Box of Marvels for Romie's Birthday

Oma always hits the nail on the head with her boxes of wonders that arrive every birthday.

She didn't fail for Romie's last week!

Here are just a few of the ridiculous happenings that took place within moments of cracking open the box...

Thank you, Oma!

Love, Us.