Winter Fun

There's something about a fresh blanket of new fallen snow to bring out the playfulness in all of us. Especially when the wind subsides and the sun comes out! Kids are so photogenic!

Did he really make this catch or is he simply posing???

Maybe Abby has more of her father in her than we thought!

What a smile!

There's quite a bit of mischeviousness behind that grin!

Shadow's never far away from the kids - they love him!

Happy Brithday Boys!

The Cape Crusaders get ready for cake!

Robin reveals himself.

Matthew turns 3!

Noah turns 6!

Grace and Abby - friends and cousins.

Grandma Rhonda looks on.

Grandpa Gary plays Wii golf.

Aunt Steph and Grandma Sandy.

Uncle Pat relaxes while watching Wii.

Mike.

Uncle David.

Aunt Danielle and Aunt Steph.

Aunt Chris.

Matt and Noah race to get their gifts open first!

David, Ethan, and Isaac look on.

On Saturday, the whole gang arrived to celebrate Matthew's (1/12) and Noah's (1/31) birthdays. The gail force winter winds kept them all inside (dogs and all), but the extra room made it much easier. The boys are really into playing Batman and Robin, hence the cakes. When present time arrived, Matthew seemed to be in a mad race to open his before Noah and keep them in "his" pile! It was a great evening and the boys loved it all.

Batman and Robin

Batman and Robin - Noah and Matthew - the cape crusaders!

January Freeze

Although the temperature's been rather frightful, the snow looks quite delightful. On a rare "warm" day the kids finally got out to enjoy the snow!

Happy 3rd Birthday Matthew!

So sweet, but not always so innocent!

Who can growl louder?

Hello Matthew!

Noah can't wait for Matthew to open his gift!

I can't believe how fast time flies. Matthew is 3! We celebrated with just the five of us, but he loved it all. He loves Scooby Doo (esp. "A Pup Named Scooby Doo") and that's about the only TV he likes to watch. Matthew does like to play superheroes with Noah, though, and he loved his new Batman Cave. Although, I think Noah showed more excitement! While all three played with his new toy, Mike andI looked at pictures from Abby and Noah's 3rd birthday. They grow so fast! Three is such a great age - the perfect blend of little baby and little boy!

Christmas 2008

Rebecca and the kids take a break.

Aunt Darcy helps with the dishes.

Mike and Matthew point out the tree.

Matthew tries out his new bean bag.

Noah picks a cookie for Santa from Grandma's tray.

Stan takes a cat nap.

Even Shadow had a friend for Christmas - Darcy's dog, Unji.

Abby shows her stocking (made by Grandma King).

The presents!

Christmas Eve dinner before the church service. Rebecca, Matthew, Darcy, Rhonda, Abby, Mike, Stan, and Noah.

Getting our Christmas Tree - December 5, 2008

For about the 4th straight year, we made the trek up to Buttenshoen's farm in Marcy to pick out our Christmas tree. Mike had two of the boys as students and likes to support their family business. They give us tractor/wagon ride and the kids love it. We decorated it the next day after of hours of begging! Only 3 ornmanet broke in the process - not bad!

Happy 1st Birthday Shadow - December 4, 2008

Believe it or not, we actually celebrated Shadow's first birthday. To the say the kids were excited, is to put it mildly! With a candle in a dog treat and some brownies and ice cream (for his guests)....it became our cheapest birthday celebration yet! 6 months ago (in the middle of chases, digging, chewing, and more), I never thought I'd say this,.... but you bring us a lot of joy, Shadow! Happy Birthday!

Our 6th Annual Thanksgiving

Abby (with some help from the boys) made her annual Thanksgiving hands for each person's place setting.

Matty G kicking back and watching the parade!

Stan, Rhonda, Lynn, Mom, and Mike get ready to partake in the feast.

What's a family get together without the kids' table?

Stan and the boys watching the parade.

Dad, David, and Danielle get ready to eat.

Abby and Rhonda enjoy the day.

Is that really mom napping?

Once again, we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mike's parents, my parents, Lynn, my brother David and his wife Danielle all joined us for lots of food and football. With the no kids in diapers and all a little older, preparations were a little easier this year. Abby helped with her Thanksgiving hands place settings and also setting the table. The boys put puzzles together and "entertained" Grandma and Grandpa King while watching the parade.