Happy Birthday To Me!

I've just completed my 38th lap around the sun! I'm feeling good, like I'm just getting into stride. I hoping I'm not even half way there yet. Thank-you Mom and Dad for the amazing send off and thank-you to these people who make the journey fun and interesting!

Pops knocked it out of the park in the birthday treat arena. 

He baked a cake, made frosting, and lit 38 flaming candles!

That cake put off some serious heat!

Then after we sliced up the cake for the kiddos, he pulled out the cheesecake for those with discerning tastes. Superkid is a major fan. And it turns out Tadpole is too. We were gobbling down the remaining portion of the cheesecake later on and Tad walked by and snagged a bite. He said in astonishment, "What is that?! It is DELICIOUS!"

What a great birthday!

I'll take as many more as I can get!

Cape Escape

Tadpole hooked us up with an awesome weekend. 

His kindergarten buddy Matteo invited us to his grandparent's beach house and we got a taste of how the other half live. I only wish I snapped more pictures, but with five energetic Toads, lot of delicious food to devour and friends to socialize with, it was a wild ride!

Of course the biggest hit of the day were the water balloons!

Lots of friends and lots of shells!

Beach naps.

Sister snuggles.

And then there was the 3:00 lobster and crab trap pullings. It was quite the event, everyone scrambled to the edge of the pier and waited with baited breath for the traps to be heaved from the sea. The score was 0 lobsters, 4 crabs, 1 water ballon (okay, that was tossed in later).

Next time we are adding sea kayaking to the mix. I promise Abizella!

So Long Kindergarten Baby!

Last week I went to Tadpole's Kindergarten Breakfast Share. 

I got to see all of Tad's great work and progress. 

We watched a slide show of Tad's fun Kindergarten year. 

We got to say good bye to Mrs. Carey and all of our Kindergarten friends.

Tadpole bid farewell to his little cubby as well.

Mrs. Carey made everyone in the class a little year book too! 

Seriously, where does the time go? 

This kid is now fully matriculated into the school system. 

Sigh.

Welcome to SUMMER!

Pops had to go to court on the last day of school, so it was up to me to get these kids, up dressed, packed, fed, brushed, combed and on the bus for their last big day. 

Pops is a tough act to follow. 

He is so good at it that the day before he had everyone to the curb a whole hour before the bus arrived. 

Go Pops!

All of the kids were busting with excitement. Superkid said that when the last bell rings he was going to take a water bottle out of his bag, stab it with a knife and christen himself a 4th grader. I thought that was a pretty good idea, and it inspired an even better idea. 

So after the kids climbed onto the bus for the last time...

Little Chief, Jaws and I put our plan into action. 

First, to create a diversion for the kids when they first step off the bus...

Then to fill up a laundry basket worth of water balloons...

Then to giggle and chortle with anticipation...

Then to take the christening into our own hands. 

Pops got home just in time to lob the first water balloon at our unsuspecting vacationers!

Introducing the newest 3rd grader, 1st grader and 4th grader!

...but not so fast, we have some summer to live first!

Sweet Summer Solstice

Celebrating the White Nights of Summer in the Hot Tub!

We lowered the temperature so that Jaws could take his first dip with the family. 

He must be a Toad, because he is a major fan!

4 Months!

My sweet baby Jaws is 4 months old! 

He marked the occasion with a visit with Dr. Beebe. He is now plumped out to the 50th percentile. 

14 lb. 10oz. All snuggly yumminess. 

He rolls, he giggles, he blows raspberries, he chats, he melts my heart. 

I love you baby boy!

The Big Winners!

Seriously, when it comes to the Dad department, these kids win BIG. 

I gave them the best one.

He is this kid's personal burp cloth, diaper changer and snuggler.

He makes this kid about 2 dozen chocolate milks a day, 

intercepts hundreds of tackles and distributes many tickles.

He chats about cute girls, ghost busters, angry birds and batman. 

He draws pictures, shares Cokes and listens to, "little books". 

He downloads dance tunes, boogies, drills spelling and times reading. 

He shares his office with her sewing machine and 1,000s of craft projects.

He chats Pokemon, dog fights and battleships. 

He drills more spelling, more math facts and marvels over piano skills. 

He is there in the morning to feed them, clothe them, and get them on their way. 

He brushes teeth, makes breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. He scrubs cabinets, mows lawns, does laundry and vacuums. He holds puke bowls, blows noses, wipes tears and places band aids. 

He is the first line of discipline. He laughs, he hugs and kisses. 

Then, he goes upstairs and works a full time job. 

He is our glue.

We love you!