Colton Turns Two!

What a fun-filled weekend we had visiting Cousin Colton in Tennessee to celebrate his 2nd birthday. Madeline took her first-ever plane ride, exclaiming "whoa" as the plane took off, and "up high" as she looked out of the window.


Patrick enjoyed a s'mores-making refresher from Aunt Whitney, and impressed us by remembering we had made these at Aunt Melissa's house last summer.








All of the cousins enjoyed running around in Colton's back yard.









And bouncing, swinging, running and laughing at Tataru's gym, a real gymnastics arena that is amazingly open for children (and grown-ups).





We went to a Tennesse baseball game.











And of course, the main event was a picture-perfect Saturday to celebrate two years of our sweet Colton. We had a great time, and it was over way too fast.

Mother's Day Bouquet

Another Mother’s Day and the bouquet grows ever fuller. Each year about this time I muster foolish hope for just one nice photo of myself with the kids. Clearly that was not in the cards, but Patrick did relish his role in chasing and bringing back the "runaway baby" during yesterday's photo attempt. While photographic perfection remains elusive, this year my Mother’s Day bouquet includes these pretty buds:

Patrick opening his mouth and asking “do I have any cavities yet?” as he munched his way through a basket of Easter treats.

Madeline in her Easter dress and the ladies at church who told me that she was the most beautiful child they’d ever seen. You are correct, ladies.

Patrick, citing the likelihood of getting cavities, giving jellybeans back to Gran T because she had put so many in his snack bag.

Madeline lovingly pushing her “nack”—a bag of goldfish crackers— all around the house in her new baby doll stroller.

Patrick’s unspeakable elation at the prospect of “lunch in a bag.”

Madeline’s exuberant and abundant hugs and kisses, and her frequent demands that we “sit down!” next to her.

Patrick asking me for a dollar and then carefully folding it into the Mother’s Day card he made for Grammy.

Madeline dancing to absolutely anything resembling music.

"Unbelievable!" uttered by Patrick in Donald's exact tone of exasperation as we circled the airport parking lot looking for a spot.

Patrick asking “why do you love me all the time Mommy?”