Josie

The first picture is after she rode her razor (scooter) for two miles, which included lots of hilly areas. I told her I didn't think it was a good idea, because I wouldn't be able to help her if she got tired because I was pushing Colin in the stroller and Reese was walking beside us. She insisted she could do it, and do it she did.I'm pretty sure she could have ridden 2 more miles. She fell alseep on the couch that afternoon, though;)


Josie uses any money she gets to buy dogs...and most of them (except the black one someone gave us) look just like our old dog Cooper.

Boys Birthday Party w/ Friends

So, we had a party for the boys and a few of their friends at Millenium Park this past weekend. I felt guilty, because I put lots less thought/time into their party than I did for Josie's...mostly out of pure exhaustion from the week and lack of time. I am glad boys can do most anything to have fun together...we played baseball, football, ran in the splash pad, and played on the park equipment. And of course ate:) The funniest part of the day: I hadn't reserved the gazebo because it costs $30 to rent out (I'm a total cheapskate), and I was hoping like crazy that it would be available. Well, not only was it not available, there was a HUGE b'day party in it. They were gracious enough to let us borrow one table, but we had to put it out in the blazing sun, which was making my cupcakes start to literally melt. We set them on blankets on the ground under the table, hoping to shade them. Well, a little dog (who was off leash, for the record) very nearly ate them before I chased him away. Twice. My goodness, that would have been bad. There was no back up plan for that. It was a fun day, but I must say I am glad there are no birthdays for a while. Oh, check out Nile's shirt in the first picture! Who knew there was a St. Louis I Club group. Nile joined, and wore this shirt to root on the Hawks as they played Iowa State...did I mention we could've kicked ourselves for scheduling the party at the same time the Hawks played?! We had no idea until it was too late. The things you do for your kids:)

Having a blast in the splash pad

Josie and Caite, her little friend (my friend Rachel's daughter)

Seth and his buddies.

Well, my energy simply fell short and I didn't attempt some of the cool cake ideas I was planning to-it was a horribly crazy and tiring week. Thankfully, the boys didn't care one bit (love them) and simple was fine. This is supposed to be a lightsaber, btw:)

My sweet friend Rachel, helping me put on the finishing touches

Seth and his buddies at the party-Seth, of course, being the one whose face is covered by an arm:(

Nile and Josie getting back from a bike ride...just threw in this random photo.

Josie's cards for the boys...I couldn't believe how long and hard she worked on these (45 min. straight). Then she told me exactly what to write to each of them. I didn't have the heart to tell her that her J was backwards, though she has been doing great at remembering most of the time. And now she does what she calls "fancy letters", with swirls in her name...she just puts them wherever she wants, even if it's in the middle of her previously written name! It kills me, but it was her card, after all, so I didn't say a word:)

Seth Patrick, a little flashback:) Around 18-20 months old.


Gabriel Lee...around 14 months old.

Everything!

I have a real need to be caught up on my blog, so I am lumping lots of things in this post to achieve that. Sorry, but I've been behind for so long! The only thing left are the pictures from this past Saturday's birthday party with all the boys friends...I think we will become pretty boring after this:) At least I hope! August into September has been crazy for us. I started doing childcare Tuesdays, most Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:30 to 5-it is really kicking my rear end! But I am thankful to be making money to help support us, even if it's just a little. Josie and I have started doing homeschool preschool stuff, and she loves it! I am sad that she will be my only kid to not experience Parkview Preschool, but I'll get over it...sniff, sniff. Gabe is doing great at school, and Seth is doing better:) He has stopped telling me, "I don't think I'll go to school today. It's too long of a day being at school the whole time", so that is good. Josie and I took him lunch 2 weeks ago, and ate with him in the cafeteria and had recess with him-he thought that was so cool! They only get ONE 10-12 min. recess a day. One, that is it! Makes me so mad. That's a conversation for another day, though. For some reason, Gabe doesn't want me to come have lunch with him:) Nine, and already embarrassed of his mother!


Since my mom and step-dad came to visit (woo-hoo!), Josie got to sleep with Gabe. You can see how this went, poor guy. I would move her leg off of him, and she would move it right back onto him in her sleep.

Soldiers

Such a cheesy grin-he was very, very excited!

The Lego sticker book was a huge hit! Thanks Jerod, Leah, and Cayla! Can't remember why Gabe was fake crying here...

The boys roped Papa Tim into helping:)

Nile and Gabe putting together Legos

Seth's battlefield

Josie and Grammies (my mom)

Seth always wants to decorate his own cake.

My lovely lopsided cake:) I didn't want to go to much trouble, because I knew I'd be making a cooler cake for their party with their friends...bad mom.

Mom, did you just catch me literally licking the ice cream off my plate?!

First day of school, 2010

Gabriel Lee, age almost 9

Not really cooperating with me here...

Not sure....

Nile & I on our 14 year anniversary date!

This is what my mornings (3 days a week) look like...the kids I babysit come by 7:30 am, and my boys don't go to meet the bus until 8:40...a bit crazy:)