Around the House...

As summer gets started, I'm enjoying opportunities to get the boys outside a bit - even if it's just in our own backyard. Matthew is learning how to swing his legs in order to make the swing go, and Nathan had his first experience sitting in the grass.

If you haven't noticed, I love taking photos of my kids in their pajamas and while they're sleeping. Here are a few of my recent favorites along with one of Nathan playing ball with his feet. He uses his feet to hold toys all the time; it cracks me up. Enjoy! :)

Our Train Crazy Kid

As I look at Matthew, I marvel at how much he has grown and changed. It is all happening so fast!! One thing that hasn't changed so far is Matthew's great love, obsession even, for trains. On May 25th, I took a little trip with my parents and my sons down to visit my Grandma. She lives near some outlet stores that have trains as an added attraction. Matthew was beyond excited to ride the train. The engineer noticed Matthew's interest, and invited him up front after the ride was over. Matthew got to sound the whistle and sit in the engineer's seat. He figured out quite quickly which lever would make the train go, and he needed to be "reminded" several times NOT to touch this. Of course, the smile on his face (1st photo) says it all ... Well, actually, maybe you're not as familiar with that smile as I am. Let me translate -that is his, "I'm doing something that I'm not supposed to do!" smile. Stinker!

On a very rainy May 22nd, we took Matthew for his second ride on Thomas the Train. It's always exciting when Thomas comes to town, and I'm just amazed at how many people gather for this event --- even in pouring rain. The conditions were less than desirable ... hot, sticky, wet, and very muddy. Even so, Matthew enjoyed going around to the different tents to see and play with trains.

Maybe we'll see you next year, Thomas!!

Happy Birthday, Callie!

We had a little family get-together over at Dave & Callie's in honor of Callie's birthday. It was a fun evening. The kids, of course, were excited to play together. In fact, I didn't really take any photos of the adults! We enjoyed dinner, chocolate cupcakes and ice cream.

I took a video of Callie blowing out her candles, but rather than sharing that here, I'll share a few photos from other events. You just don't get to pick your family members, but I'm so glad that God brought Callie into our family! She is a wonderful sister-in-law and aunt. She is thoughtful, fun, and organized. And that really doesn't even begin to describe how grateful I am for her! It will suffice to say that is a joy to know her and to be raising kids together in this phase of life. Happy Birthday, Callie!

The Invasion Begins

So it started with an innocent little sit on Daddy's lap overlooking the train table... Daddy thought little brother might like to stand up and hold on to something...

Train loving big brother appeared quickly while little brother explored this new world...

"Hmm, this IS a new world!" thought little brother excitedly...

"No, that's not for you!" big brother objected. "It's OK," Daddy assured ...

"This is great! I feel like a man now, " little brother said. (Well, actually he said, "Ah-ga-ga-bah!" I'm giving you the translation.)

"No, no, no!" protested big brother.

"He can play with something else!!"

Then came the tears. And it was time ...

for little brother to go back on Daddy's lap...

but the invasion has begun.
Uh-oh. It has begun.

Cedar Point

We enjoyed a day at Cedar Point on Hyland recently, and what a day it was! Beautiful weather and great company! We spent the morning and afternoon with the Reeds and had such fun taking our kids around on the kiddie rides. Tim and I decided to make the most of our tickets and hang out as long as the boys would stand. Amazingly, we made it until the park closed at 8pm! It was a fun day we'll remember for a long time!