Happy Father's Day!

I have to split my time in this post dedicated to 2 of my favorite men. ps- this background is for you Jim.

Dad- I love you for so many reasons. I love that you lead by example, you don't talk about what's right... you just do it. I love that you try to live your life with integrity. This has been a great example for me and I often think of how glad I am that I have someone like you to follow. I love that you offer advice only when asked and it is always honest advice. I love that we like to listen to the same music. I love that you are a great Poppa and are teaching my boys to fish. I love that you think it is cool that your daughter loves football. I just love you for all that you are to me... the only dad I have. Wish I could give you a hug today.

Jim- You are the best father I know. You are always thinking of ways that you can be a better dad. You are always doing things to build a relationship with our boys which is so important now and will be even more important later. You are the laid back side of our parenting equation, and frankly, the boys need that! You are constantly accepting the boys for what they are while lovingly encouraging them to always do their best. Thank you for all that you do for our beautiful children. I am so happy that you are their dad.
Here is a Father's Day message from them to you in NY....

The Clone Rangers... a story by Quinn & review by Nolan

Quinn wrote his own version of the Lone Ranger story we told him this weekend. To hear the whole book + the review start with the top video and work your way down.

Meet Our Funny Man

Nolan has always been the funny man in our family. When he was about 6 weeks old he realized that he could make faces that would make us laugh. He has been making us laugh ever since. This week there were several incidents that made us laugh out loud and we thought you might like a little laugh courtesy of Nolan this weekend as well.  

LOL #1 We were driving the other day and from the back seat I hear "Mommy, people with golden hair are the most beautiful." to which I replied "Do you have golden hair?" thinking he was sure his type of hair was the "most beautiful".  He said "No..." then after a pause he continued "but I could get some at the drugstore!" 

LOL #2 Jim was talking to the boys in bed yesterday and Quinn said "I am really smart" and Jim said "Yes, I think you are and Nolan is too, you both know a lot of facts". Quinn agreed and said "I'm a genius and daddy you are a genius and Nolan you are a genius too!".  Nolan remarked "Oh yeah your right! I am a genie!"  For those of you who know Nolan, this is classic!  He does know a lot of facts but rarely pays attention. 

LOL #3 Today I was driving and we were getting on the interstate. I was accelerating on the on ramp when Nolan pipes up from the back "Mommy, are you mad about something?" 

"No, Nolan. Why?" 

"Because Mommy, you only drive really fast like that when you are mad!"

I LOL and then hung my head in shame that... well... he's right.

And Just Like That...

It's over. I am sure it was just yesterday that took him for his 1st "drop off" and wept all the way home.

Does he look bigger? smarter? cuter? No, not really.

He does look equally as happy and that says a lot to me.

Here are 5 things Quinn learned in kindergarten,in his own words.

1. 6 simple words (trust,caring,respect,responsibility,fairness,good-citizenship)

2. Writing is fun!

3. Coloring and drawing are fun.

4. I love books.

5. Math helps your brain.

I am sure he learned much much more in the last 9 months but 1001 things I learned in kindergarten would just take up too much room.

A little catching up to do

I have been neglecting the blogs lately and I think about getting back to them often but... well... you have to have extra time to do that. With school out I am hoping to be more diligent.

Here are some recent pictures from the boys end of the year activities.

Nolan and I rode the school bus to the zoo (his favorite place) with all his preschool friends. You can see that he has the girls wrapped around his finger.

Quinn had field day at school last week which was total madness and the kids loved every minute of it and an end of the year party with most of the kids at his school.

The Best Birthday Gift Ever!!!!

Ok, as birthday's go... only children generally have it made. The entire family waits all year for your birthday and usually goes all out. My birthday has been a huge celebration for as long as I can remember but as the years have progressed the emphasis on the day has generally regressed, not by my choice but just becuase that's what happens when you get older and have your own kids. Honestly, I have been a little melancholy about the lack of empasis on my birthday in the recent past and have reduced my expectations dramatically. This year, I expected a small gathering at my mom's with cake and a few presents but no big deal. Well, that is what was on MY calendar but a few other people had much bigger plans.

After delivering food to people in the pouring rain and looking like a wet dog I came home to house all decked out for a party and lots of chairs around a couple of tables. I was especially curious to see the portable baby booster as one of the seats around the table. My curiousity lead me down and path of pondering... WHO might Jim have invited to my birthday that has a BABY!? I could only think of one person but the possibilities of that person arriving at my house were near impossible since she lives many hours away and has 4 children. As I redid my hair and make up from the drenching they had been through I kept peeking out the window to see who might be arriving at my house. Finally, I peek out to see Jim driving up the driveway with my dearest friend Katie in the front seat of the car waving with her super happy smile and 2 of her 4 beautiful babies in the back. I instantly turned into a pile of mush with tears flowing from my eyes at the happiness I felt. What better gift could I have asked for than for one of the most special people to have ever come into my life to arrive at my doorstep for my birthday. Katie was only able to stay about 18 hours which is far too short but I will cherish every minute spent laughing with her face to face and seeing our children play like old friends for the rest of my life. 34 is not a big birthday but it will be one I remember and cherish always. Thank you, my precious friend, for this gift.

This is Ava, Katie's 4 yr old. Nolan cried harder than any of us when his new pal Ava left.

The Magic of Macaroni- hosted by Nolan

Today, Nolan came home from preschool with an adorable craft. It is the lifecycle of a butterfly depicted with macaroni. We will let Nolan tell the rest. Enjoy!