Papa's Day

Hi All,
We have a tradition of picking a day to visit with Papa the week of Fathers Day. We enjoyed a fun day with Papa and Grandma today as our very own Papa's Day.

A few gifts for Papa

 

And a little bit of mischief to go along with it!

Just minding my own business, really!

Is this a winning smile or what?!?

An explanation as to why all breakables have been removed from the white dresser...

School Day

Hi All,
Drew and Bree were off to school today. Not really, but we did go and visit the school where my mom works. The twins were actually shy and a bit scared of all the people - unfamiliar territory for them. But they were fans of the playground.

GraGra's school and playground

Tether ball - one of my all time favorites!

And, we were in for a treat when a duckling walked up between Papa's feet while they were swinging. Drew and Bree named him Quack Quack.

Quack Quack stayed with my parents for a few days, until my dad was able to find someone with other ducks to raise him. Cute little guy!

Day with the Grandparents

Hi All,
Jim and I took a quick trip to Chicago to join our good friends at the Cubs game. Drew and Bree hung at home with Papa and GraGra. It appears they enjoyed their usual antics....

Strolls around the neighborhood

A little hugging (or is that wrestling???)

Smiling pretty

For Jim and I, it was a bone chilling day at the ballpark. (The temperature dropped twenty or so degrees by the time we arrived there, and we were woefully unprepared.) But, we persevered until the seventh inning stretch before leaving to find dinner. On a good note, it was a win for the Cubs!

Always Fun at the Grandparents' House

Hi All,
Drew and Bree visited Grandma and Papa while I took a trip to the dentist. As great as my dentist is, I guarantee the kids had more fun than me!

"Is it dinner time yet?"

"We don't pose this nicely together for Mom, but for Grandma we'll allow it!"

Tickle me Papa

All bundled up for a winter wagon ride...

Mutual Admiration

Hi All,

I see

Lots of 

Mutual admiration

And it makes me smile

Wheelbarrow Wars

Hi All,
I am picking up supplies today for the kids' birthday party. It's a farm theme, and I was excited to find a wheelbarrow that I could put to use. Turns out, everyone thought the wheelbarrow was great fun from the moment I walked through the door with it....

Drew

 Bree

Even Santa!

There were wars

And peace offerings

And happy siblings again

Oh, and Grandma snuggles too!

Now, it's time to hide the wheelbarrow until the party! :)

Treats

Hi All,
My climber wasted no time put his skills to good use this week. You see the step stool to the right of him? He carried that over to the bar stool, which allows him to reach the seat. This, in turn, allows him access to untouchables on top of the counter (in this case, their Valentines candy boxes). At least he was courteous enough to snag Bree's treats too!

"What's wrong with a little morning snack, Mom?"

And Bree has also turned into a courteous little Mamma of sorts. She laid out treats, complete with tableware, for Blanca as she sat on the bar stool.

"Pets need treats too!"

And a visit from Papa is always a treat. Here's the bunch relaxing and prepping for a much needed nap....

Papa Play

Hi All,
Drew and Bree have so much fun playing with Papa. Actually, they have lots of fun with Grandma too. She just happens to be behind the camera here! Drew and Bree got a double dose of fun today, because Papa and Grandma were both able to visit due to Grandma's snow day.

Day with Grandma

Hi All,

Grandma paid us a visit today. We had fun just hanging out at home.

We caught Bree ready to pose...

More than once!

And, you can never go wrong with story time!

Holding Down the Fort

Hi All,
As you can imagine, Drew and Bree (with my parents' help) did a great job of holding down the fort while Jim and I were in Wisconsin. It appears fun was had by all!

Brotherly/sisterly love

Aunt Sarah teaching Bree the ways of designer purses

Drew in a thoughtful moment

Refreshments after lots of play!

Happy to be reunited!

Under the Weather

Hi All,
Well I felt totally crummy for a few days with a big time sore throat and achy body. Luckily, my parents were able to help with the kids and even take them to their house so I could rest for a day. But, as usual, my mom got some good shots of the kids, even though I was keeping my distance due to illness.

"We didn't think we would all fit, but we did!"

Cutie-patootie #1

Cutie-patootie #2

"Hollywood, here I come!"

While I was napping, who decides to fly over our house? President Obama! He was attending an event in Holland. At least my mom got some pictures of the presidential copters overhead from our yard.

 And the kids were off to Grandma and Grandpa's house on Saturday so that Mom could get a day of rest. There, they....

 Helped with laundry

Played some tunes

Took Grandma and Grandpa for a walk

Slip, Sliding Away

Hi All,
We're having a great summer - lots of heat, sun, and fun! These are always good days to hang by the pool at Oma and Opa's house. There was a lot of slipping and sliding going on in there. But it didn't slow these two down! Jim's mom and I attended the pool party, but for the most part, stayed poolside! :)

"Come on in Mom!"

"Mmm, tasty!"

Bree at play and Drew slip, sliding away

Drew making a splash

All dried off for some indoor fun!