Friday, January 27, 2012

My Version of a Friday Photo Dump


It was a beautiful day yesterday, dry enough to be outside, blue skys, and warm enough to open the doors and air the winter muggies out of the house.

When I got home from work, Jess had The Littles outside playing Red Light Green Light, and we did some puddle stomping.


 Austin is a poser.  The boy has never met a camera he didn't like. 



 Our backyard fire pit has never actually been used as a fire pit, but makes a great stage.
 Hugs

 Jake came home and the outdoor crazies resumed.



*****
Jake's Cub Scout Pack Meeting for the month was moved to Thursday night, which meant I finally got to go to a Scouting event.  Usually all Den and Pack meetings are held on Wednesdays, so I have yet to be a part of it.  Last night was especially cool, as my boy got to be part of the flag procession to start the meeting.



Thursday, January 19, 2012

Change


It's been a rough week for this blue eyed beauty.  For the first 2 years and 22 months of her life, she has spent every day with her dad.  No doubt about it, she's a daddy's girl, through and through.  This week however, rather abruptly, her daddy has left her each morning to head off to work and left her in the care of her new "sitter".

It's such an in-between time for her.  She cries for her daddy not to leave her in the morning, then cries for Jess not to leave her when I come home.  She's on the verge of being a "big girl", independent in so many ways, still dependent in others.

There are some things that still linger from her babyhood, things she can't do without.  Like the thumb
 and her precious Green.
But there are new "grown up" must haves as well, like her "hooker pumps" (my term)
 that she wears EVERYWHERE, and her sassy skirt
that apparently matches every shirt she owns. And sister doesn't travel without one of her many purses.


She'll be 3 in less than 2 months, only wears diapers at night, can maker her own cereal and get her own glasses of juice.  She can scale fences, is tougher than her brothers, and the girl is fearless.  I'm not so ready for her to be big, but there's no stopping this Diva.


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Snow Day

Remember this picture?  It's always been one of my favorites....
So I took it again this year...
and I continuously marvel at how much they've grown.
 Leah had to change gloves a few times...
 Jake had to wear Dad's boots.....
 but they were snowball fighting fools.
 Austin said he just wanted to eat snow.
 That's pretty much all he did.
Seriously.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Man's Best Friend





We called him our Yellow Brother.

He was a member of our family, my mother's watchdog, my father's best friend, our family protector.

There was never a dog more patient and loving with children, a pet more loved and cared for, or loyal in return.  

Today there are heavy hearts and many tears.  

Toby, we love you and we will miss you.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Picture Fest 2011

A picture is worth a thousand words:

 visit from Aunt Kiki Christmas morning
 Leah in one of her animal masks
 Jon (Brian's dad) and Brian
 Melanie, Brian, Jen - siblings


 all the first cousins on Brian's side
 Leah's favorite toy at Jen's house - the puppy cage



I took an impromptu trip to Medford over New Year's weekend to check in on Grandma, and took Jake along with me.  He and Grandpa forged a renewed friendship, having time one on one.

 Grandma taught Jake the family favorite, Chinese Checkers
 suited up for his 6am dog walk in 30 degree weather
 
 and for his not much warmer motorcycle ride later in the day.
 My dad wears chaps!!  and looks pretty good in 'em.


playing I-Spy