Bath time

Toby in the big bath tub.  I'm so glad we moved him as soon as we could, he loves the big bath.

Welcome Home Daddy!

After 16 days of not seeing our Dad he returned yesterday.  It is truly wonderful to have him home and although it takes everyone a few days to adjust to having each other back in our lives we absolutely LOVE having him here with us.  We missed him like crazy.  

Toby loves his Dad and slept on him for about an hour. 

 (he doesn't do that with me)

First taste of cereal

Toby was clear for the cereal awhile ago but I wanted to wait until Eddie got home, so last night he had his first taste of cereal.  First bite he made a horrible face but then in true baby fashion he made a huge mess but ate the rest all gone.  It was cute to see him eat and interesting as parents because even though this is our 3rd child we've been out of the game of feeding games for awhile.  It was really cute to see him figure it out.

He literally held the spoon the whole time. 

Cutie, enjoying some "real" food.

I love the huge glob coming out of his mouth.

Wiggly Sprinkler

Since Eddie is gone until the 28th my parents came up to see us and help out with the boys, with them Grandma brought a wiggly sprinkler.  It is a ton of fun.  The boys loved the little worms and loved getting all wet.  It was great on such a hot day.  

 Running through with Grandpa.  

(I never remember my Dad running through the sprinkler with me, I'm glad he is doing it with my kids)

 They think it is lots of fun.

Getting soaked.

Good Morning!

Father's Day 2012

Eddie, You are an amazing Dad.  You have children who love you and a wife who adores you.  Thank you for all you do for us, we wish you were home to celebrate!  We love you!

Crooked smile...

There was crooked baby who had a little crooked smile......

Puddles are a boys best friend

After it had rained the boys begged me to go outside and jump in puddles.  We walked the whole neighborhood looking for the best and biggest ones.  They love to explore and get all wet.

 Intense...

 Brothers in step.

 Awesome mid jump.

They came home all wet and had the best time.

Happy Anniversary!

Ed & I celebrated our 4th Anniversary on May 31st.  Ed surprised me in so many ways.  First he took off Thursday and Friday from work so we could all be together and then he surprised me by taking me on a small get-away.  On Thursday (our actual Anniversary) we got to eat breakfast as a family, play as a family, have lunch as a family and just be a family.  Then Friday Ed swept me away to the Embassy suites downtown Des Moines.  We got to sit in the hot tub, he took me to 'Splash' for supper, we walked downtown and got a special concert.  The Nadas were playing right outside the Embassy so we were able to look out our 8th floor window and watch them.  It was amazing.  We ended the trip by going to Farmer's Market and taking the boys swimming.  Steve & Sherri came down to watch the boys while we went away (Thank you) It was a wonderful Anniversary.

 Eating at 'Splash'

 The Nadas from our window.  

The beautiful view.

Happy 3rd Birthday Maxie!

Maxie turned three yesterday.  We had out family party at our house on Sunday where we grilled out, had water gun fights, a "world Grand Prix Lightning Birthday Cake" (as Max said he wanted) and lots of presents.  It was a blast.  We then celebrated his actual birthday yesterday, even though he insisted he had already had his birthday.  We got a birthday cupcake from B&N, played at the train table, got lunch and played at a park, and took our cousins to the jumping pillow.  I think he had a great third birthday.

Maximus Daniel, You are my strong-willed child even at 3.  You are a great reader and singer, very independent and helpful.  You are a wonderful big brother and little brother.  You love Emmeric and Toby, anything to do with "cars" especially your black Lightning shirt (which you cry every time it is in the laundry.)  You are quite the fish, a funny child who can make a ton of sound effects and quote movies, you are totally lovable by all who meet you.  Dad and I love you very much Maxie, we can't wait to see what this next year has planned for you.

 One little boy with his birthday cake.  I think one of his favorite presents was the Lightning on top of the cake.  

Surrounded by a few of the many presents he received.  He is a very blessed boy.

     Here are a few questions I asked Max today:
How old are you?  holds up three fingers
What is your favorite color? Blue
Who is your Best Friend?  Emmeric
Favorite Animal?  Zebra
What is your favorite movie?  Lightning
What is your favorite book? The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear
What makes you happy?  Eating Mac n' cheese
What makes you sad? When I get in trouble
What is your favorite food to eat? Strawberry's and Peanut Butter Sandwiches
What is your favorite song to sing?  ABC's or Real Gone by Sheryl Crow

What games do you like to play?  trains, cars, in the pool

Messes...

We got a TV stand and after all of the pieces were out of the box, the little boys decided to have some fun and destroy the Styrofoam and be really silly.

 The start of mischief.  

 HUGE mess = lots of FUN

He was covered, It took a dryer sheet and lots of wiping to get it all off of him.