Seattle Trip

Sophie and I bravely ventured out to Seattle (without the help of Daddy and Lucas) so Sophie could meet her Uncle Zach and Aunt Amanda for the first time- as well as her cousins Zara and Caden. The flights there and back went great (well, just a few glitches, but we will just remember the good parts).

We had a blast while we were there. It was especially fun to see the cousins meeting and interacting for the first time. As you will see in the pix, Sophie got lots of love and attention from her big cuz Zara. It was pretty cute to watch...

Thanks guys for being such great hosts! We had so much fun...and can't wait to see you in a few short weeks again for Christmas...

Sweet Sounds...

I could listen to this little voice all day long...

Happy Fall!!

Birthday Boy- Part II

Lucas' official 3rd birthday was last Friday but we spent the whole weekend celebrating. First of all, Friday Lucas had his birthday lunch at Daddy's school, complete with McDonald's nuggets and fries, a chocolate shake, and gifts. I think he had a blast being in Daddy's classroom. He loved watching football on the big screen projector.

In the evening Nali and Uncle Greg arrived just in time to go out to "Chick-fil-Lake" for birthday dinner, Lucas' request. (Of course I would NEVER think of serving my kids fast food two times in one day! pshh..) Lucas had tons of fun playing with Uncle Greg in the playland (while I secretly slipped out and ran across to Meijer to pick up his B-day cake!).

Saturday was Lucas' much anticipated birthday party. We had been talking about it forever! Lucas got to invite his TOTS buddies- some of which he hadn't seen since last May. The party theme was...(drum roll)... FOOTBALL!!! After running some energy out inside, the kids bundled up (high 40s out!) and ran around the football field in the back.

"L" for Lucas!

The party was a success and Lucas definitely had a blast! I breathed a big sigh when it was all over too, because 24 people in our house....meant for a packed party-- but I think everyone had a good time. :)

As usual, here are MANY pictures to share about the big weekend.

Pizza for lunch!!

Sophie enjoyed the party from the comfort of her swing...

Party favors...which I forgot to give out. Ugh. Saturday evening we went out to Red Robin to celebrate Lucas, Uncle Greg, and Eric's birthday's.

Birthday Boy- Part I

Happy Birthday, Lucas!!! You're 3!

Yes, today is a big day around here... Lucas' much anticipated birthday is here. This year it has been especially fun because he is very aware that it's his birthday and has been talking about it for over a month now. I'll be posting more on this big day/weekend but for now I'm going to post this video, especially dedicated to Daddy (and the grandparents). You see, Daddy bought Lucas a birthday balloon last night but had to leave for school before Lucas woke up. So, I decided to videotape the presentation so Daddy could see Lucas' reaction (Lucas LOVES balloons). (Sorry it's so dark... after all, it is 6:45 am)

The string is just about as fun as the balloon... yes, he figured out a way to tie himself up in the string. He was very proud of himself. :)

Weekend Extraveganza...

We just came home Sunday night for a quick weekend visit to Ohio. We were only there for about 36 hours but we packed it in with fun stuff - tractor rides, a beautiful wedding, going to G and G's church, birthday lunch, football games, and the grand finale, a hot-dog roast with the Rupp family at Great Grandma's house.

Most people do collages when there's tons of pictures. Not me.

This was an attempt to play duck-duck-goose. (below) Check out the most well behaved kid there! :) Just teasing... he's been well trained to smile at my camera. Haha.

Sophie had the best (and warmest!) seat there!


Here's a pic with all the great-grandkids. Pretty amazing they all sat still long enough for this. There are 10 all together... we were just missing Zara and Caden. :(

Her Royal Cute-ness...

We got all dressed up for a wedding on Saturday, and I just had to get pictures of Sophie. This is my current favorite outfit of hers...and it was a hand-me-down!!! Can't beat that!

Smile-maker...

Often when I lay Sophie down on the floor in this spot she breaks out in the biggest smile... do you know what she's smiling at??? (Hint... it's not me.)

Answer: The ceiling fan! What is so amusing about the ceiling fan? It's not even moving!

My little helper...

Lucas insisted on playing King of the Mountain... (I promise you I just did laundry 3 days ago... where does it all come from???? And here's the kicker- this doesn't even include the kids' clothes!)

Celebrating...

Celebrating my 3 favorite boys (Well, 3 out of the 4... missed you, Zach!)

Happy Birthday Dad (Oct. 23), Lucas (Oct. 16), and Eric (Oct. 11)

Me, next??!!

During a recent "photo shoot" with Sophie, Lucas wanted part of the action... I gave in of course...then caught this on video. Pretty cute...

Drums, please.

Lucas is REALLY into drums and has been for awhile now. Every week he figures out a way to make his makeshift drum set bigger and better. The latest addition... a cymbal (aka- metal lid). If anyone is around at the time, they are often requested to step in and be the cymbal holder. See below...

Warning... before viewing the video below you may want to turn the volume down. Also, there is a special guest appearance part way through... :)

As sweet as they come...

Sophie is smiling so much now. We just got back from a nice long walk and she was ready for some face to face attention- complete with smiles, coos, and even a big kick that I thought for sure would result in her rolling over.