On Your Mark...Get Set...Go!

Thanks to Uncle John and Aunt Rachel, Max and Charley (and all of their cousins!) got in a little pre-Easter fun this weekend. All our families gathered so the kids could paint Easter eggs and then have an Easter egg hunt. What a great idea!

Everyone is all smiles in this photo as they hold up their precious eggs filled with goodies.

On a sidenote: Max disappeared after the egg hunt and Sam found him on the side of the house (with his cousin Eli who is only days older), digging into his Easter basket and stuffing his lil' face with candy. His response? "Eli told me I could..." Mmmm hmmmmmm. Way to blame it on your cuz' buddy. 

Max Jams in his Jams

Check out Max and (his seriously awesome) dance moves. 

Too Cute for Words

What Have I Been Missing Out On???

So one of my brilliant friends/SIL, who happens to be mother to five children (my heeeeeeero!) was listening to me complain whine passionately share about how difficult it is to get things done around the house most days. And how I am always having to stop mid-project to help a toddler, feed a baby, etc. 


Well, my SIL was quick to offer advice. 


"How is Max helping? He is almost 4. He can share in the jobs. He can absolutely feed a baby. In fact, this will make him feel good! Like he is your helper and a capable little boy. Get to it!"


Right. Why didn't I think of that? 


So, you guessed it. What did the next feeding look like?

I feel like I just won the lottery! I have an uninterrupted 20 minutes to get the laundry folded, or dishwasher emptied, or dinner made (really, its amazing what a mom can do with 20 uninterrupted minutes....). 


Dear Maximus,


You are such an amazing big brother. We are so very proud of you! You transitioned from life as an only child to life that includes a sibling with ease. You are really so helpful - from collecting empty bottles to throwing away dirty diapers, you love to lend a hand. And it warms our hearts to watch you interact and play with your sister. No one can make her laugh like you do! Charley is so blessed to call you big brother! 


We love you!
Mommy and Daddy

Hello Warm Weather...in February!

We have had an unusually warm winter. This is me so not complaining! I love spring, summer and fall for the mere fact that we can get outside, take walks, go to the park, play in the yard and get that much needed Vitamin D from the sunshine! 


Today, we had to buddle up just a bit, but with the sun still shining we ventured outside for an afternoon walk. Look at these two kiddos. Adorable wouldn't you say?

Looking Dapper

Max smiles for the camera as he shows off his new haircut. His "pikes" as he calls them.

War Wound

Max is all boy. And  boys will play rough. And consequently, have injuries. Thankfully, this injury was a mild one. And, Max was such a brave boy, considering he ended up with 7 stitches by his left eye. 


Way to be strong little man. You are tough buddy!

 Before

During 

After

Family Getaway: Chicago

That's right. We are not afraid. We will not be deterred. We will jump on a plane with 2 kids in tow. We will have adventures with our family, infant and all. We will continue to do one of our favorite activities: travel.


OK, so that's a bit dramatic considering the flight to Chicago is 1 hour. And we stayed with my cousin Marie who has an 8 month old baby boy Benjamin, and therefore, every infant item that could be desired (and needed while traveling!). 


So cheers to a family getaway. And cheers to an unforgettable weekend. And cheers to making memories!


(P.S. A special thanks to Joe and Marie who moved into their guest room for the long weekend so our family of 4 could have their enormous master bedroom and bath. You guys are awesome!). 

 My Boys

 Chicago Children's Museum was a hit for the day! 

 Max and Ben

Water Exhibit at the Museum!

My Little Loves

Another favorite...

In this post  I mentioned Max's favorite Christmas gift (Super Hero cape and mask). Well, I should probably mention that it is a two-way tie between the Super Hero getup and a new dirt bike. Yes, you just read that correctly. Max has a dirt bike. Thanks daddy! :) 

Zoom, zoom....

And the winner is...

Check out Max as he models his favorite Christmas gift. 

I could barely catch him in a photo he was darting so quickly around the house being a superhero [Superhero name is: SuperMax]. 


And later, he teamed up with his cousins on Christmas day and they shared their excitement in all getting a cape and mask for Christmas. Hooray for Etsy, hooray for the PeanutPop Shop.  

Merry Christmas to All!

What a Christmas to remember. Maximus, under the tree, with his new baby sister, Charlotte. We continue to be blessed [and grateful!] beyond our wildest dreams. 


May you experience the joy of this Christmas season. We certainly are. 

Merry Christmas! 

Christmas Decorating Fun

Maximus was in sheer holiday heaven decorating (and EATING!) our annual Christmas cookies this year. Way to go buddy! Little heavy on the sprinkles, but they are b.e.a.utiful. ;)

Happy Birthday Jesus

Max was in charge of Jesus' birthday cake for his preschool Christmas celebration. What a proud little boy he was picking out the cake (at the grocery store, yes I have a new baby), telling the bakery lady that he needed it to say, "Happy Birthday Jesus," and then sharing it with his friends at school. 

I am so thankful that we have the opportunity to send Maximus to a school that emphasizes the birth of Jesus during the holiday season. 

Jesus is, absolutely, the reason for our season.

Our Little Indian

Max is absolutely LOVING school. It seems that almost everyday he is asking, "Is it 'chool' day? 


This particular day, the Thanksgiving Feast, is one that has been long awaited. Max, and his school friends have been preparing for weeks. Charlotte and I decided to tag along and spend the afternoon helping the preschool class. Oh what fun! 


The day consisted of: dressing up like Indians (this includes painting your face apparently), making drums out of tin cans, stringing necklaces from painted pasta and beads, and finally having the much-anticipated Thanksgiving Feast. Max was in his element all afternoon and enjoyed every moment. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all! We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season.

Return of the Pumpkin Pie (I think this is Part III)

Sam and Max have a tradition. The "It's Almost Thanksgiving so We Must Bake A Pumpkin Pie" tradition. This year, they invited Charley to be a part of the festivities, so she watched and took notes from her bouncer. Next year, I am sure she will be bossing those boys around and showing them how it's done.


I, on the other hand, am only allowed in the kitchen to snap the annual photo. Which, in all honesty, is fine by me. 


Once again, they did it. Sam, Max, and now Charley, made a delicious pumpkin pie. Throw some Cool Whip on top and you have the most perfect autumn dessert.


Bon Appetit. 

Mixing it up.

Charley included in the photo op! 

Pouring and time to bake! 

Fall Leaves, Fall Fun

Our backyard is FILLED with trees, which means every fall we have to muster up a workday (or two!) to do some serious yard cleanup. 


Max and I decided to take a break from the back-breaking labor and enjoy the piles and piles of leaves. Sam couldn't help but join in the fun!

Max Discovers He is Big Brother

We couldn't resist getting this on video: the moment we tell Max he is a big brother and Charley is coming home with us!

Max Would Like to Introduce!

Maximus is a proud big brother to Charlotte Jane. Our sweet Charley was lovingly placed in our arms on her birthday, October 22, 2011.  

 

Charley is absolutely a miracle baby to us! From meeting the birthmother, Aaron, to driving home with our daughter, it was only 8 short days. I will unfold the story to you in the upcoming days. Truly, I can tell you, nothing is impossible for God! 

Max Visits the Apple Orchard

Oh what fun! Maximus, and his preschool friends, went on their first field trip today. I am not sure what Max was more excited for: the school bus ride or the apple orchard. This little boy was absolutely giddy all day long as he experienced some of his most-anticipated "firsts." Check out his sweet smile (in every photo!) of complete satisfaction.