Potato Creek Picnic

Cheeky Max

My boys

Ben and Evan, off to play

I love Colin's face as Henry tells him how it is. (Actually he just wanted to poke his nose!)

Ring around the tree!

Jilly Babe

Daddy smooching on Max

Saturday was perfect! We spent the evening grilling out with some friends at the park. Magnificent weather, yet we had the entire picnic area to ourselves. The kids ran around wild, while we grilled and had some yummy eats. So much beauty, so close to home. Their kiddos are adorable too, and Ben loves to play with Evan.

A few notes about the boys:
Max: he is always looking at his hands. He found them at about 8 weeks of age, and is mesmerized. He is starting to "talk", meaning he reacts verbally to smiles. He coos and will giggle any day now. He is also so close to rolling over. His legs are too strong for his own good.

Ben: he cracks me up every day with his phrases. Yesterday Henry was crying about who knows what, and Ben looks at me and throws his hands up to say, "whatever". Really?! He also tells me that he loves to get into mischief (seconds after he knocks the trash over). His grocery list the other day consisted of poop and farts.

Henry: is in the "why?" stage. After everything we tell him, it's why. He also refers to everyone as Mommy. Could be a total stranger. Any time he hands you something, it's "here, mommy". I thought I was special. And boy that kid can stare you down. You will lose a staring contest with him.

Ben's First T-Ball Game - Go Cubbies!

We had a few tears, which we expected. But overall, Ben did a great job! We look forward to many more games. He hit the ball quite well, and that boy can run. Pure luck he ended up on the Cubs team instead of the White Sox. Chad appreciates that :). I can't believe my baby is playing sports already.

Memorial Day, Beach, and Babies!

So, what's happening in all these pictures...Let's see we have my cousin Nicole's baby shower, Memorial Day weekend with my sweet baby nephew, Max's first beach day with Lauren & baby Noah, and my favorite family picture ever.

Big news - Brian and Christina are expecting another little one this December. Oh my I get to be an auntie again! I am hoping for a little niece to welcome a girl into this brood of boys we have (Nicole is having a boy too!). I have high hopes that someday we will give her a girl cousin too. But that is in the DISTANT future. I love my little Brian and wish he could grow up much closer. I guess it just means more trips for us and swapping boys in the summer.

Chad is home for good now. Yay! The five months without him were atrocious. I don't want to do that again, ever. Although...I have been know to be a bit snippy with him since his return. He's crampin' my style! I got so used to a routine that I created. It's a little difficult to adjust to sharing the routine and giving up come control. And just moments ago, Chad's way of cleaning the crumbs off the couch was to beat the cushions so they crumbs flew every which way onto the floor. Really?! His comment: "It's clean!". Really?! The boys were obviously missing him.  It's even more noticeable now as Henry goes through separation anxiety every time Chad leaves the room, and Ben is constantly launching himself on Chad to wrestle. Daddy time. Priceless.

Max smiles all the time now! I need to get it on camera, darn it. He sleeps like a pro, usually waking at 3:30ish.

We have cable again after years of not. It's as exciting as a trip to Disney World. I love cable.

Ben  is signed up for t-ball this summer. I'm nervous. He is a pretty stubborn boy. If he doesn't like it, can't be the leader, or struggles, it will get ugly. He said he thinks he is too small. Poor baby. You are small. But so are the other three year-olds who will look just as hilarious on the field. He gets a hat and a shirt for his team. Ben requested that Chad practice with him ahead of time. Please let this go well.

Looking forward to my date with hubby this Saturday. He is taking me to the beach and dinner. SO can't wait!

Cousins

My Doodle-Bug