Just add cotton candy

It was like a virtual carnival around here today. We played outside all afternoon with our neighbors. We had a visit from Optimus Prime. (He found his new summer pjs and COULD NOT stand it until he got to wear the top.)

There was a bubble popping contests. Thanks to the awesome bubble machine that Paw-Paw and Na-Na got the boys when they were here last weekend. Huge hit.

The jump house made its debut outside. The kids rotated jumping for two hours with a short break for dinner.

Thomas the Tent even got in on the action. I have been convinced many times that this tent was headed for the donation pile but every time we get it out there are squeals of delight. Too bad it won't stand up in the wind.

The highlight of the afternoon was when our newly-beloved pet arrived! Ebbie has now officially joined our family. The boys are thrilled to have her here. Ben asked me three times if I would "check on Ebbie" before I go to bed.

So, I'm off to check on my new frog and hit the sack. Another beautiful day with the Brothers O'Connor - I mean, Optimus and his side kick, Weam. (That's Liam in Ben speak.)

That reminds me. I overheard Ben say to Liam "Weam Hia, if you do that one more time, I am going to tell on you!" I wonder what he did.

Fast machines

The boys and I spent the afternoon playing at our friend's house. Lucky for us, they have motorized vehicles. Ben and Liam had a blast! That's Ben in the purple jeep and Liam in the pink helmet and on a pink Barbie four wheeler. There are three girls at this house so most of the toys come in pink or purple. Fun, Fun.



They also have an awesome playground where my boys got really sweaty. It was a beautiful day.

Perfect for playing outside. We even had to change into short sleeves. A first for the season for this little guy who is usually cold.

Side note: Ben was wearing the same Superman shirt last summer that Liam was wearing today. Taken April 30, 2009.

Thanks for inviting us to play, Amy! We had a great time.

Home sweet home

I got home today around 1pm. It was a very long weekend and I am so glad to be home with my boys. Rob surprised me with load of photos from the weekend. I am usually the photographer in the family.
I am very tired so the rest will have to wait. Just one for now. My sweeties, asleep in daddy's bed. I wonder where they are going to sleep tonight?

Jump'n in the curb

I can't believe this was a year ago. Where does the time go? They were so little.

I can't wait to get home and see all my boys. I bet they have grown some more!

Sibs

Siblings can be a real pain in the behind. I know. I have a few of my own. I also know that having siblings can be one of life's greatest joys. The boys have their moments - like all siblings. But, lately there has been a lot of this:



Warms my heart. I hope they grow to have the same kind of respect and admiration for each other that I have for my brother and sister.

Guests

I am working out of town for a few days. Rob is home with the boys and they have some very special visitors. Paw-Paw and Na-Na were looking for a relaxing getaway weekend and decided our house was just the right spot. Ha! It will be fun but definitely not relaxing.
Spring 2007 - Ben and Paw-Paw

Fall 2008 - Liam and Na-Na

Of course, I have lots newer photos but these little babies are so cute!

Quack Quack

My little duck.

Ben chasing after Riley.

It rained off and on today. We tried to go to the park but it was too wet. We ended up at the jump house place with cousin Riley. The place was a mad house because of Spring Break but with Riley's help, I was able to keep track of both boys. Liam officially can do everything by himself now. He doesn't need or want any help from me. Ben, however, still wants me to climb through every maze with him and go down every slide - every time! Woo Hoo - I wouldn't want to miss out on any of the fun!

Inquisitive minds

The boys and I met Rob for a picnic today but it turns out that Liam wasn't hungry and only wanted to run around the campus where Rob works. Lucky for me, Rob did the chasing and I got to have a quiet chat with Ben over pb&j. I love time alone with my Ben.

He had lots of questions. Why is the rock on top dry? What kind of fish are swimming in the fountain? What kind of plants are growing in there? What happens when the plants die? How do they grow in the water? What happens if I throw berries in the water? Why is it so hot? Can we eat in the shade? I love that he asks so many questions.

Ice cream for afternoon snack. Love that!

Pooped

As in, tired. That's me and my computer. We had an awesome day in the sun. The computer is working super-slow. So, that's it for today.

Oh, brother

To infinity and beyond...

In his world, anything is possible.

I love that.

Good clean fun

Spray it in my pit, dad.


More, more, more...



Those were some happy boys!

Sweet day in the sun

All four of us went to a Daffodil Festival this afternoon! Very fun. The weather was perfect.



Then we headed to a park and did lots of climbing, swinging, and sliding. There is wooden sculpture of a ship that the boys played on for a long time.






We all had a great day. We even went out to dinner. That never happens. My wild boys actually sat at the table for the entire meal. Wow.