Gifts for Everyone!!!

Jason's toybox is definitely overflowing.
Thanks to friends and family who have made Jason's birthday something to remember. From his party to his presents, he's had no lack of things to do.

Of course, you have to wonder who is really having fun.


As a matter of fact, I heard Doug say to Jason the other day. "Of all the presents you got for your birthday, I like "Criss Cross Crash" the best."

We can all tell.

The adults don't leave it alone for long.

Young Chefs Academy

Jason's 5th birthday bash was a hit, I think. His closest friends came together for a party where THEY did all the work!!! Automatic plus for me.

Here they are after it was all done.


We actually make pizza at home all the time. But there is something about getting the chance to put on an apron and knead the dough and place the ingredients YOURSELF...

The little cooks sat quietly, listening to the head chef. They prepared their own pizzas, then ate them all!!





It is so hard to believe that this little guy is already 5 years old!!!


It seems like only yesterday we were beside ourselves trying to figure out how to quiet him before the neighbors called police.

No matter what your moods, we love you, Jason!! Happy Birthday!!!

Getting Gifts

Remember, boys, when loved ones come to visit to shower you with gifts...



shower them with hugs in return.



That's better.

Two-Wheeled Wonder

We're two days away from Jason's 5th birthday, but we can't resist. The weather is beautiful on this Saturday, and Jason's new bike is waiting to be used!


Can't believe he's old enough to be on his SECOND set of wheels.
He's still getting used to the bigger frame, but, he already told us he's going to use the new bike to race against his friends. Good thing, the old one was squishing his little legs!

Bulldogs Back in Action

Coach Doug may be worried about the Bulldogs' progress.


But, look.
#10 is on the field.
Jason is really making us proud with his soccer skills this season.
He is running with the pack, getting right up on the ball.


Twice during the game on Saturday, he was so close to scoring a goal. We're hoping that will happen before the end of the season. He certainly enjoys the running part. What's so cute is the other parents are cheering him on, too. They see him work so hard. He's so close!!!!

Ferry Fans

We've taken the ferry back from Atlantic City a few times, but this trip was the most enjoyable so far. For them. Maybe not for me. They ran along the deck, climbed stairs up and down and down and up. They wanted to get right up onto the edge of the boat. To take a look at the view.

Here, they are, together, while I prayed they would step away. It was a pretty long 90 minutes, but we made it off, and onto shore, safely.

Personality in Pictures

These pictures capture my boys to a tee.
One smiles a LOT. Laughs, too. Enjoys a good joke and a good song. But, watch out. When angry, he's a terror, and THIS picture is the only thing that will calm US down.


And, Jason.
Older brother, quieter, more pensive. Also loves a good joke and fun toys. But, a boy who is always deep in thought. We think right now he may be too smart for his own good.

What is he doing?

We know Michael is learning a lot at pre-school these days. Everywhere we go, he points out colors, shapes, and numbers. Here he is showing us what a triangle looks like. Then, we asked him to say, "Cheese!"

Birthday Bash

Tim and I celebrated our birthdays together for the first time in years!!!! We had the chance to catch up with Abi, Asha, Alaric, as well as Aunt Elisa and Uncle Jose. Thanks to all of them for a wonderful family birthday, with great presents!!! We hope to see you again soon.

Fall Fling

We're wrapping up an incredibly busy couple of weeks. Call it our yearly whirlwind tour to see see family and friends, and to celebrate our October birthdays!!!

It doesn't feel much like fall, yet. But, we paid our first-ever visit to Pennsylvania, and a suburb of Philadelphia to see Andrew, Jeannie, and Jonathan. That gave us the chance to get a breath of fresh autumn air.

Jason tried his hand at badminton.



Michael watched.

Then, all the men, including Doug and Tim, stepped up to the plate for some basketball.

and baseball.

All of that exercise in about half an hour! What a wonderful time. Thanks so much for a great visit!!!! The outdoor activity wiped us ALL out. Afterward, we all took a nap in the car (except for Doug), who was behind the wheel.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

These phrases and in some cases, complex sentences, often come spilling from my children's lips.

"What 'cha doin'?" (Michael)

"I spilled." (Michael)

"If I finish the box of goldfish you give me for my p.m. snack, will you give me Cheetos instead?" (Jason. No, Jason, those Cheetos are for Mommy and Daddy).

"Shut up." (Michael--really. He'll say it in the middle of a quiet church, and in line at the grocery store. He's equal opportunity. Right now, people seem to think it's cute. We think otherwise, but can't help laughing when he does it).

"Thank you, Jason." (Michael)

"You're not welcome." (Jason)

"I can do it." (Michael)

"Watch!!!!" (Michael)

"Look at me, Mommy!" (Michael)

"I did it." (Michael. Usually, it's something like putting paints in the flowerpots, or dumping Cheerios in the toilet).

Simulating Success

In the future, I will try not to forget my camera when we are around water.

Consider this a simulation.


Jason continues to blow us away with his success in swimming. He is taking swimming lessons, of course, which I am afraid to stop just in case he loses his love of the water. Here he is showing us a dive he tried in Natalie's pool the other week. Diving! Just days before that swim, he was terrified of jumping into the deep end. But, this most recent time, he not only jumped in, he dived like a champ and swam to the side.

Bulldogs Rule

Soccer season is in full swing, and we are anticipating an eventful season. Jason has never been a big game participant. He does enjoy running after the ball, but if he happens to get too close, he stops and stares.

A couple of weeks ago, he told us pretty matter-of-factly, "I'm going to kick the ball next time and score a goal."




Doug will be watching, for sure. He's helping coach once again for the team. They are appropriately named. The Bulldogs.