Cute Buddies

These two are pretty cute together.  The other day, we were at the mall and we took a spin on the merry-go-round.  Peter could have picked any animal to ride on, but he decided to sit with Catherine on the bench.  That's often the way he is with her.  He looks out for her, he seeks chances to spend time with her, and he loves to be close with her.  He loves to hold her hand and snuggle her.  He is a sweet big brother, and it's very sweet to see.

Big Guy

Um.......this guy.......in case you can't tell, is getting really, really big.  I've always thought of him a little bit as my little baby boy, but (gasp) even I have to acknowledge there's not too much of the baby left in this little boy.  Every now and then I can still convince him to hold my hand, and he'll still come in for a snuggle once in a while, but he's busy these days.  He's busy playing, and running around, and kicking balls, and riding his bike, and climbing, and jumping, and pretty much just moving.  He's also busy thinking- about his world, about legos, about building things, and more and more, about reading.  He really loves books, and it's so awesome to see him cracking the code and putting it all together.  He is so proud of himself when he gets through a book and figures it all out (Dr. Seuss is a favorite these days).  Boy is it joyful to watch Peter grow and learn.    

Daddy and His Darling(s)

I don't know if my kids will ever totally understand how wonderful their daddy is.  I guess it's a blessing that they can take him for granted.  Do they treasure his jokes and his funny sense of humor?  Do they cherish his eagerness to play with them- throw a ball, go on a bike ride, play a game?  Can they fathom how hard he works?  Getting up at the crack of dawn, working a stressful job all day long, then coming home with a smile on his face ready to hear all about their adventures?  My kids have the most loving, thoughtful, caring, and steadfast father.  He loves them completely- it is truly beautiful to see.  That's why I love so much when he can have a special night that honors just him.  Lizzy and Daddy got to go to the Father/Daughter dance at school.  They went on a double date with Caroline and Uncle John.  They got to wear a special corsage, eat out at a yummy restaurant, and dance the night away.  What an awesome night!  These kids are pretty lucky!

Rockets For Sale

Have you ever been walking down the street and you wished there was a rocket stand nearby where you could fold and decorate your own rocket and then try to blast it off?  No?  Well, me neither, but that's only because I've never seen one before!  Lizzy, Caroline, and Peter had this wonderful idea and set up shop outside Caroline's house.  They waited a long, long, long time.......but finally (and miraculously) they had not one, but TWO groups of customers.  It was awesome!  The kids came, they folded, they colored, and they created.  Our budding entrepreneurs had a wonderful afternoon together at their now famous rocket stand.

Giants!

Peter has wanted to be on a baseball team for years.  I think since he first saw Trevor in his uniform years ago, he has been itching to get his own uniform and to hit the field.  Finally, it's time for T-ball!  Peter is on the Giants (how cool is that?!), and that's not all.  His team is made up of all his buddies from his class.  It's so awesome!  We love all the boys, and it's so great to get to spend time with so many wonderful families.  Peter loves playing baseball.  This is Peter on Opening Day in our town.  If you've never been to Opening Day, it's something really special to behold.  All the players (over 900 in our case!) come together and process onto the field.  There was a marching band, and wonderful speakers, and you can't help but get caught up in the excitement.  We're so excited for Peter's special season on the Giants!

Our Family Selfie

I was so lucky to get to spend my birthday with my favorite people.  Pat always makes me feel extra special on my birthday, and the kids are so sweet to share in the fun.  Lizzy made me the most lovely card, that made me feel so special and loved.  She's always so good at that!  Pat got a big cake that we all loved sharing together, and then mommy and daddy got to sneak away for a yummy dinner together.  What a great night!  I loved our family selfie that we took to commemorate the night- a family first!

The Best Weekend

We went on the very best weekend trip with our special friends!  It was so much fun!  We rented a house together for three whole nights, and we got to do so many special things!  We visited Calaveras big tree state park, and took the most amazing hike through the forest.  The trees were huge, and so beautiful!  We got to drive up to the snow, and go tubing together all day.  The kids absolutely loved that, and we had so much fun!  I loved playing games together, running around outside our cabin, making dinners together, and just having tons of hanging out time.  What a blast!  It's so awesome to get to spend time with such special friends!