Bowling Saves the Day!

Okay, so most of the day was consumed with chores and schoolwork. 

But we couldn't let President's Day go by with out *some* fun! 

Candle pin bowling saves the day!

 This was Jaws' first time. He loved hefting the balls.

 But mostly he was relegated to being the score-keeper.  

Superkid got his first strike!

 We rewarded ourselves with some ice-cream at Nona's. Superkid opted for the "Hingham Harbor Sludge". It is the first time I've seen a bowl of ice cream whoop this kid. It was *HEAVY*!

I hope they love it as much as I do!

Snowy Sunny Sunday

I'm not going to lie. I was rooting for a snow day. The weather man predicted 9-12 inches. The grocery store was cleared by Nor'easter fanatics. I pressed my nose on the window this morning to see the damage. I think we may have gotten 4 inches. Not enough for a rookie Bishop to call off church. But once my little snowflake-sweatered babies stepped out into the glorious sun, I was thrilled to be out! The sky was brilliantly blue and the snow was gleeming white. 

Too bright out to actually open all our eyes at the same time...

...no matter how hard we tried...

...and tried!

Happy Half-Birthday Abizella!

Abizella orchestrated this elaborate scheme to bring treats for her birthday to school. Between having a summer birthday and a no-treat policy at school, this was mission impossible. She capitalized on the geology science unit and her teacher's sweet tooth. It was the perfect storm for volcano cupcakes.

16 Years of Valentines Bliss

If you would have told 23 yr.-old-Pops that he would spend his 16 year wedding engagement ripping out the P trap (decked out in his suit, tie and cufflinks) in hot pursuit of his wedding ring, I'm not sure I would have been sexy enough to lock him down.

Definitely not, if you would have told him about wedged tennis ball situation.

It helps that (mercifully!) the offender occasionally takes a nap and looks too cute to actually kill.

...especially if he tucks himself into the overstuffed costume box for a little shut-eye.

But here is my sweet Valentine 16 years later, still serving up "his" homemade lasagna with a smile (our Valentines tradition). 

Seriously ladies, I have the best one.

And I know it. He tells me all the time how lucky he is to have me, but I know the truth. He does all the heavy lifting (and plumbing) around here. He even orchestrates elaborate schemes to make my favorite treat heart-shaped! He and LC went through a couple of versions before they found the perfect way to make the perfect heart shaped chocolate chip cookie.

16 years later, I am the lucky one.
I have the love of my life and he has given me 5 Toads to fill my heart.

...and the tiniest one gave me his very first kiss!

Sunday Night Recital

I love the Sunday night recital. It is definitely not practice time because the piano teacher banned practicing on Sundays. But I like to make sure the kids are "show-time" before their lessons on Monday. Pops and I sit attentively on the couch and reap the fruits of our financial (and emotional, and time) investment in their musical literacy. We take it very seriously. 

Here Abz has come dressed in her finest, her "Super Messy Girl" cape. 

She always practices while singing the words to the song, 

even the first time to plays it.

Superkid often plays his songs with interludes of music that he has composed.

If you want a Skype or Facetime seat at the next performance, book an upcoming engagement today!

Too Good To Be Bad

A few nights ago after tucking the boys into bed, I returned to their room to slip some clothes into their drawers. I entered their dark room and saw a lump in each of their beds and for a brief second I thought they fell asleep amazingly fast. Then Superkid and Tadpole emerged from their closet, completely guilty. Superkid said, "You caught us!" I looked from them over to the mounds on their beds and went and pulled the covers back to reveal a pile of stuffed animals. I played along, "Oh ya, you can't fool your mom, she knows a fake body when she sees one!" Superkid then said, "Alright, we're busted!" and pulled the iPad mini out from under his shirt. Once again I pretended that I had X-ray vision and totally knew they were up to no good.

The next night I went up to tuck them in and before Superkid put his head down on the pillow, he reached underneath, pulled out his iTouch and said, "I know you are going to find it anyway so you might as well take it." I tried to look like I suspected as much. But honestly, with a kid like this I don't need to bring my A game. He's just too good to be bad.

The Best Year.

This little guy texted me on his birthday with this adorable selfie. What a big boy! He has brought so much joy into our home, we all just love him to pieces.

Little Chief insisted on balloons and party hats.

We've been telling Jaws for months about the Toad family traditional spaghetti dinner for his first birthday. He was busting with anticipation...

We were all poised for the big moment...

Pops lovingly prepared the ritual noodles, sauce and meatballs and cooled it to the proper consumption temperature...

The tradition was met with approval, delicious and fun.

Jaws put on a great show for us adoring fans...

The finished product!

A little break to play with his awesome dump truck...

On to the cake! 

Between the 7 of us there was much discussion over the perfect birthday cake for the occasion. Pops cast his vote for the ease and deliciousness of a Cold Stone cake. Superkid wanted the Tuxedo cake we sampled at Costco a couple of weeks ago. Abizella, Tad and LC all wanted to make a car cake. Pops mentioned on Birthday morning that he was going to Cold Stone to pick up the cake and was met with a resounding veto. It was settled, Abz, LC and I made a powder blue car cake and we agreed to pick up a Tuxedo cake later that weekend during our Costco trip.

All the kiddos pitched in to teach Jaws the ropes of blowing out the candles.

Ta! Da!

Jaws was a natural at cake consumption, although he may have had a little practice...

Everyone pitched in to open the presents...

So that Jaws could lay back and enjoy his birthday balloons.

Abizella was in charge of the games! Pin the tail on the pony, the cup game, ring-a-round the rosie, hide and go seek AND...

Unicorn Jousting!

Definitely will not be the last match!

Happy Birthday little Jaws! 

You filled our year with snuggles, affection, giggles, joy and busting hearts. We are all so grateful to have you in our family. We love you!

6 More Weeks

It's official. 

Old Punxsutawney Phil paid us a visit. 

He popped up in the yard and saw his shadow. 

Better brace ourselves for 6 more weeks of...

 

Snow man rolling with the neighbors and...

Constructing Snow-Fort Toad.

Good thing we like this stuff. And hot chocolate too.

Busted!

This is why the brownies are always razor thin at our house.

2014 Goggle Review

The 2014 Toad Goggle Reviews are in. 

This year's big winners are:

For the minimalist: The Swedish goggle. No foam or plastic seals. Just lenses and straps. Perfect for the serious swimmer who is interested in streamline swimming with reduced drag.

For the maximalist: Pink goggles. The brand, the seal, the strap, the nose piece are all inconsequential. Style is all that matters. Shown here with coordinating swim cap and drag work-out suit.

Speedo Sprint: Also known as goggle pillows. Soft cushion foam seals each eye comfortably so not a speck of water can leak through. The Speedo sprint also offers clear spectacular underwater views that this enthusiast highly recommends!

The Kiddie Goggle: This goggle is championed by the pre-school set. Actually, any goggle that makes you feel like a big kid and swim like a skeeter bug will do. This goggle is recommended for the swimmer who spends a majority of the time under water and isn't deterred by eye-ball swamping.

Speedo Sprint teether: Fashionable, affordable and delicious

Special "thank-you" to our review panel: