and we promise we'll love them, and walk them, and take care of them...

One fall afternoon while we were playing outside in the backyard, some little lost puppies came over to play. Oh, h0w the boys begged and begged to keep them. I do have to admit they were awfully cute little babies, but all I could see in them was more work for me. More people to clean up after. More mouths to feed. More people needing mom at all hours of the day and night. Eventually (and fortunately), Jay located their very worried owners. If nothing else, it was a fun day of playing "house" with their little toy doggies. They loved them, gave them water, walked them around, tortured them, and cared for them. One of them even fell asleep in Logan's arms when he wrapped her up in a blanket. In conclusion., puppies are fun...to borrow.

Gilchrist Fall Carnival

The start of October brought one of our favorite annual Gilchrist events...the fall carnival.

Best. Teacher. Ever.

There's really not much more to say. We have been blessed to have her for two years in a row. Personally, I think kindergarten makes or breaks a child's impression of school. Mrs. Z. loves her job and makes learning fun. The kids feel safe, nurtured, and loved and are excited about learning. What more can a parent want?

Gavin's girlfriend, Chloe. Ironically, her sister was in Logan's class last year. He says he's going to marry her. We approve. If only because her mom's a runner and I need a new running buddy! The Anzalone's and the boys. Gotta take the grizzly pic!

Mickey Mouse Club

This is actually the September monthly Disney trip. Don't let the pumpkins fool you! Driving a boat full of people into a dark tunnel. Doesn't seem safe to me!

finally free of original sin

August 22, 2010

YES!

All thee boys have (finally) been baptized and it only took 5 years!

We had a private ceremony at our local parish followed by lots of cake and dinner at Steak 'n Shake. Keegan warmed up after a bit -- provided you didn't try to take his paci away for pictures. Logan, the old pro, having been baptized before his first birthday, served as an excellent helper to his younger brothers. And Gavin just basked in the glow of being on the receiving end of all this special attention!

Family Fun Day on the hottest day of the year

July 31st 2010

The Dragon's Den

1st Annual Family Fun Day

Seriously, this was the absolute hottest day of the year! We had record highs and were literally soaked with sweat while sitting in the shade. Hopefully the 2nd Annual Family Fun Day will be held in November!!!

Gavin in the relay race. I took this picture of the safety and coolness of my shady tree.

Master Murphy kickin' up the heat!

Ow.

Our "babysitter" and the youngest black belt at the Den. I use the term "babysitter" loosely since she is willing and eager to babysit. Sadly, we just don't get out that much!

Grand Master Moon.

This is Master Murphy's very best friend. They've known each other forever and he came to Tallahassee to visit and show us some of his outstanding moves.

Fabulous Five

Yes, I really am just now finally posting pictures of Gavin's 5th birthday. He's still 5, so I guess that's not TOO bad. **Sigh** It's still easier than scrapbooking!

After Gavin's Very Merry Unbirthay Party in the spring, we had our own family celebration towards the end of summer. This was a bittersweet party for me as we simultaneously celebrated my sweet baby boy getting older and also the last day of summer vacation. Bummer.

So here you have our Spectacularly Sponge Bob birthday!

More Wii games.

That's one happy kid! Presents from Nana. One just loves it when a brother has a birthday...presents for everyone! Really, what good would one Star Wars helmet be? Then only one person could be a stormtrooper at a time. This would not be good. 1) It would be boring to play alone. What do kids do that don't have any siblings? 2) There would definitely be a lot of fighting, yelling, and eventually time-out punishments involved with those who do not know how to properly share with their brothers!

My work of art.

He's wishing, not praying.

Sponge Bob Overload!

twisted words

GAVIN: Mom! Logan keeps not obeying you. He keeps on going outside to play basketball when you said to stay inside.

ME (exhausted from a long day): ::sigh:: Gavin, go tell Logan that he need to listen to me and stop doing that.

GAVIN: Ok, mom.

....then....

GAVIN: Logan! Mom said you better stop doing that right now or else she's gonna come outside and give you five really hard spankings and make you cry cause it's really, really gonna hurt.

Of course, we don't spank them, which just makes this even sillier. But he fell for it and came inside.

What's new?

1. Spring Break -- The kids and I are on spring break this week. My mom has the same spring break as we do for the first time since she moved here, so we'll be hitting up all the kiddie pools, Chick-fil-a's, and playgrounds together this year. Maybe the mound of laundry that is taking over the living room will get done. Maybe it won't.

2. Mr. CIO -- Jay started his new job this week as the CIO for the Department of Business and Professional Regulations. My first task as Mrs. CIO is to decorate his unusually large office. Any excuse to shop sounds like a good excuse to me.

3. Dreamhouse -- I think I found my dreamhouse on three acres in the north end of town. Unfortunately, we are the proud owners of not one, but two other pesky home mortgages, so here we shall probably stay for the time being.

4. Potty Candy -- We are knee deep in potty-training and have strange things like ziploc bags with "potty candy" written on them in black Sharpie marker. We also have a froggy potty seat sitting in our living room. He's doing well, but absolutely will NOT use any potty other than the froggy potty. The school will not allow the froggy potty to join their class, so he holds it all day long and then sits on the froggy potty for the majority of the afternoon. Sigh.

We're goin' to the ZOO!

Gavin's first field trip!

Just like last year, I had the pleasure of attending Mrs. Zetrouer's first field trip of the school year to the Jr. Museum. I took time off of work and had to reschedule two meetings, but who's counting? Between holding his teacher's hand, playing with his buddies, and flirting with the little ladies, he was hardly aware of my presence!