Wesley

Wes is at a golden age where he is learning to play by himself. It's tough for him when Annie and Brenden need alone time, but he's finally loving his room. We brought all of Brenden's firehouse toys and Wes is in love! So much fun watching him play and have fun! I can't believe he's almost two already. Where does the time go?

Most wonderful time of year...

Christmas is my favorite time of year! This year has been no exception! Thanks to Papa and Sandy, we have a count down timer that is checked often. The tree has been decorated and the presents wrapped. I must say this year is running smoothly. I'm on schedule to get out cards, gifts are ordered or being made, and lists are being checked off. Because we don't have traditional t.v., the kids have no idea what new toys are out and are asking for things that they really want to play with. Amazing really! Last week I looked at my school calendar and realized that I get out a day and a half earlier than Brenden and Annie. YES! The only things missing, dare I say it, is the snow! I know that I may be crazy, but I just can't get enough of that lovely white stuff....All in all, things are going really well for this mama.

Birthday party

If you know anything about me, you know that right now I'm running on fumes. I've finally uploaded/downloaded all the pictures from this month! Here are a few without my ramblings...

September

Oh, how I loath you September! This happens to be the busiest time of the year for this little family. The month begins with the new school year. I must confess that I do love this day! Everything is new and shinny and still so good. The kids are actually excited to go to school and it is a pleasure to see. Once we have jumped back into the swing of things (for a few days), it is Annie's birthday and then 3 days later it's Bren's. Then we have the long awaited birthday party. I continue to be overwhelmed by this event every year. After the fun filled day, we have the dreaded doctor's appointments. First comes Wes's big day with shots and all. Next Annie and Brenden head into the doctor's chair. Oh did I forget to mention that we have also started soccer? So every Tuesday night we have practice and then Saturday we have the game. Are you exhausted yet???? I know I am but the good month is not over yet! There was the annual trip to the dentist for 4 of us, the endless arguments about why showers and brushing teeth are really necessary, and NOW we're in October! It has been a very busy month and I must say I am not sad to see you leave!!!!

First Day of school

Can you believe that Brenden is in second grade?! This is my young man headed to his first day in Mrs. L's second grade class. It has been a great transition from first grade and things are going very well!

My little peanut is not so little anymore. This is my darling girl getting ready for her first day of K0 )also known as her first year of kindergarten. She has grown so fast!

Family vacation with the Jewells

We chose one of the hottest days to tour our nation's capital. The kids were great! They loved the museums, the trains rides, and of course hanging out with Aunt Roo and Uncle Shane. Can you believe that we got no pictures of them with the kids!? Shame on me...

Brenden was a trouper in the back with Basil!

Can you believe that this is my little girl? She is so big!

Yes, my youngest is eating McDonalds! It really isn't a road trip with out it! He did a great job riding in the car for 10 hours!

Boys will be boys...

National zoo. A lovely day in the rain. It really was a perfect day for the
zoo.

My kids on the trip back. Simply breathtaking.

1 year later

Wes and his tree one year later. The tree is finally filling out. Wes has had a big year. He has learned to crawl, walk, run, sign, speak, yell, laugh, throw a ball, hit a baseball with a bat (nope, not lying), eat solids, feed himself, and express his very own opinions. Simply amazing...

Can you believe that this is my little girl and her big tree? Annie continues to amaze me. This year she has learned how to write her name as well as the entire family, ride her bike, spell, sign, roll her eyes at her mama, scream at her older brother, give the warmest hugs, eat 2 slices of pizza, and love with the sincerest generosity. She has also learned that she loves hotels, painting her fingernails, pools in hotels, and singing and dancing in front of an audience. What have we created?!

This is my first born and his huge tree. He has had a tremendous year! He has learned to read chapter books as fast as I can give them to him, ride his bike without the training wheels, write the most creative stories, build almost anything his mind can imagine, created amazing friendships, and that he really does want to be an architect. I am continuously blown away by this boy!

Independence Day...a little late

Our Independence Day started with a picnic lunch on the Common (Boston Common) and ended with a little dip in Frog Pond. What a wonderful city to be in for the celebration! We had a great time watching the "actors" for the reenactment, but Annie and Wes flipped out when the guys started shooting! Brenden was in a little piece of heaven! Wes and Annie are definitely flight kinda kids.

I do believe that Wes has got the swimming gene! The water was about 6 inches deep and it was cool and refreshing. The kids had a blast running (which is against the rules) and frolicking about.

Go colonials!!!

BOO Redcoats!

Our apple tree

Last year our apple tree was most hideous! Troy did some research and some much needed trimming and viola! Our tree was beautiful this year!

family...

Here are some family photos...




























We've been really busy this spring! Brenden played baseball with some success. He's decided to play both fall and spring soccer next year and forgo the baseball...not enough action for him!

Wes got his first haircut and cried the ENTIRE time!

Annie has been growing into a lovely, funny, expressive little girl. She's been toted to the Brenden's "stuff" and has been pretty happy about it. She has decided to try her hand at swimming. I'll keep you posted on that front.