four

he's been anticipating this day for months, and yesterday, he FINALLY "got" 4

what a wonderful day--presents, a trip to our favorite bakery, time spent at the "big airport"...otherwise known as Gravely Point

it was beautiful outside--perfect to watch the planes coming and going

tree climbing, ball throwing, parachute man launching

my boys

there was a visit to Nana's house, lego sets built, and then to top it off, a little party complete with cake, ice cream, more presents, and some family

all together an awesome day

Alexander Vincent, you are one of a kind. You are a light-- a bright spot in our family. You are passionate about life--I love when you share your excitement with us--in your incredulous way. Your smile melts me, and I laugh when you laugh--even when I shouldn't. I love you to pieces. Don't "get" 5 too soon.

CLS 5K

On Saturday, Mark and David ran in the CLS 5K. David did a great job. He wasn't feeling great due to some allergies, but he pushed hard, and made it about 2/3 of the way.



Game faces!



Xan and Behr, busy playing while the festivities were underway.



Busy being cute.



And Jack was busy being smiley. His eyes are brilliant!



Busy eating doughnuts.



Busy cheering the runners on.



And this guy was busy doing this...



over and over...



Didn't get any pictures of Brooke, but she ran a great race in the 2K, and then was busy, well, being Brooke. I love that girl!

They were calling for rain, but instead we had sunshine all morning. Which we were all grateful for--cause we were busy having fun!

LUCA

Jonalee did a one year photo shoot of Luca. I'm unashamedly biased...I think he's just about the cutest baby ever. (every mom should think that, right?)

He's a little flirt. And he was ready to charm.



I look at him and see my dad.



He was quite pleased with himself on this day.



He had his one year check up yesterday. Still a big boy.



I adore the finger pointing stage.



He's starting to talk. He probably has 15 words that he uses correctly and spontaneously.



He loves to throw things (balls...and just about everything else).



This is the face he makes before he says one of his words. It's the "I know you're so proud of me" look.



He's a feisty little stinker.



He's walking.



And falling.



And getting back up...all day long.


Thank you, Jote, for taking these pictures. I'm a lucky sister -- you are so talented, and I get to benefit!
I love them, and you!

QOTD

I used my Swiffer wet jet yesterday.

David walked in the door after school and said...

"it smells like we're having caregroup tonight"...

Not sure how to take that considering we hosted CG last week for the first time in 6 months...

Maybe I should clean more often??

Smile.

disclaimer: I am in no way being compensated by Swiffer for using their name. In case you were wondering. Oh right, I have 5 readers. ;)

ZOO

Friday we met some of our favorite friends at the zoo.
It felt like summer-- HOT. The boys had a blast, and I always love the chance to be with Ali.


The lions were out. Powerful, and beautiful.


Jeth.


Gwen.


Pretty sure they don't come cuter than these two.


J ate his popsicle just like corn on the cob. :)


Summertime hands.


Xan discovered that his stick was actually a straw--the perfect way to get to all the melted goodness!


Always eager to learn, this one.


This boy loved the zoo. He hasn't stopped talking about it.


Luca fell asleep for the last 20 minutes--3 hours past naptime.


Not sure what these guys are riding on. It worked out perfectly that David had a day off of school. He loves Jeth!


We saw a good number of animals. Zebra, orangutans, a tiger, lions, lots of reptiles and snakes, we spent some time at the petting zoo, and as a bonus, as we were walking to the car we stumbled on the komodo dragons--the thing Xan had most hoped to see. He was SO excited!!

Can't wait to go back and see what we missed.

Look Alikes?

Helen and I have wanted to get pictures of Ollie and Xan together for awhile now. They've all but lost their baby chub, and are looking more like their own little men--but still look like each other enough that I mix them up in passing. They are very sweet together. I love listening to their little voices discussing important matters...you know, enemy droids and such.

Denial

I occasionally play a game called denial. I played today. I sat down on the couch, hoping for a minute or two of peace. Luca decided to join the fun.
He discovered that the pantry was left open. I thought I had closed it. He grabbed a box of cereal. I figured it was probably unopened.

No? No worries. He can't figure out how to get to the cereal. My moment of peace continues.



I don't think that's really the bag that I'm hearing.



That crunching, crushing sound couldn't be the cereal being ground into the floor, could it? Well, it IS snack time.



Then the brothers enter the scene, "MOM, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS!"



Game over. I never win this game! :)