Whacha been up to?

Well, it feels like we've been busy! It seems as though Jack and all of his friends were born in the fall - so it's been birthday season around here! A couple of weeks back we went to Jack's buddy Sahej's birthday party. There was a jumper AND they got to go swimming! Gracie is really getting the hang of playing in the jumpers - even when the big kids make it crazy in there! After Sahej's birthday came... Aiden's! Well, his real birthday was on Friday, but the party is next weekend. We couldn't let the real day pass without celebrating, so we went to Chuck E. Cheese! I didn't have my real camera, so these are from my phone... She loves Chuck E. Cheese. At this age, Jack did not know that you needed a token in order to ride. In fact, he will still play on the games/rides without the token. For me, this was awesome! He'll play no matter how much money we spend! But Grace is not the same - she is well aware that she needs (wants) a token and begs for them! :) The happy birthday family! Make a wish! I know I've mentioned her love of dessert before, but do you see the look of shear joy as she licks her fingers? After Chuck E. Cheese, we went to pick up Daddy at the airport. Boy did we miss him! He was off in Washington D.C. taking care of business. The next day was daddy's work BBQ. The kids and I finally got to meet most of the folks that daddy spends his days with. But we didn't get to stay for long because Jack's best girl had her birthday party too! Milan also turned four and what a fun party! They organized all of the traditional party games - first up the pinata! The pinata was in the shape of Ariel, the little mermaid and Grace was really upset about everyone hitting her. Later, when she spied the top half of her body hanging around she kept saying "ut-oh" and "oh no!" I missed the pinata pictures because she broke right away, that never happens to us. Usually we're waiting and waiting for it to crack. They also played Simon Says and Red Light/ Green Light. Here's Grace with her goody bad - I mean purse... She was carrying it around all night! And Grace with Christian, she loves him. And musical chairs... Jack got out right away, but totally didn't get it. and the limbo... Again, not really getting the concept, but still having a blast! Then it was cake time! It's so cute that kids get so excited about cake! After the cake they had potato sack races and a pie eating contest! The kids had a blast on the playground! It was dark and extra exciting. Plus they had the glowing necklaces and bracelets that made it extra special! Happy birthday Milan, Aiden and Sahej!!!

Seventeen Months

And another month has passed... But this time, I'm actually posting on the 26th! Yay! This girl is crazy and this month she has really had a language explosion! I took her to the toy store the other day and we walked past the bikes. She pointed and said "bike." Then we walked through one of the boy aisles and she spotted the "Toy Story" toys. She pointed and said "Buzz," even though Woody is really her favorite. She carries him around all the time. Then we walked down another aisle and this is where I was really suprised - she said "princess!" What? How do you even know that word? Later that day, she said "toilet." She loves to hand you something and say "here ya go" as though it's all one word. She can say "thank you" and "you're welcome." She follows the cats around saying "meow." And yesterday she said "where'd Jack go?" Usually she calls Jack "da da." This was this first time I've heard her say "Jack." It's very different then what she calls Jeremey, you can totally tell the difference, but they're both dada. She loves to climb. One morning, all before 8am, she climed on the little table... Then on the kitchen table... Not once, but twice and this time it was for some contraband... The other day, she climbed up on the kitchen table and got some Sharpies. Since she loves to color, she took them straight to the floor. Thank God we don't have carpet right there and thank God for 409. It took it right off, what could have been a disaster was quickly cleaned up. Yesterday, we had an exciting park day. There were horses! Just random people with thier own horses. They were so nice that they let the kids pet them AND sit on them. Grace loved it! Loved it so much that she screamed when she had to get down. Jack was really excited too! What a treat! Happy 17 months baby girl!

My Baby Brother is Getting MARRIED!!!

Sunday was the first of the many celebrations to come! It was a wonderful party with tons of food and drinks. We had a great time! Carla is such a wonderful girl and we are so lucky to have her be a part of our family! I love the way she looks at my brother, you can tell that she loves him SO much... I can't wait to see the wedding because the engagement party was impressive! The happy couple... And another happy couple! Jack and Holly always have a great time together! I love this picture because Grace is wearing Kayla and Holly's dress and Luke is wearing Jack's shirt! Yay for hand-me-downs! My dad and Carla's Dad... Grace, Holly, Kayla and Jack... Gracie and Grama Colleen... Some of the guys... This is Carla's uncle who flew out from New Jersey.... This is the group that was involved in the ceremony, Sonia and Peter (Carla's parents), her maid of honor (Lisa), Carla, Craig, Bradly (the best man) and my parents... This is during the ceremony... Carla, putting on Craig's ring.. Don't they look so happy? Shh! I love this one! Jack and Holly were trying so hard to be good! My cousin Sarah and Gracie... Peter, my mom and dad and Sonia... Such nice in-laws! Party time! Mom and Dad gave Carla a necklace... She looks so happy! Bradly even gave a toast... Can't wait for the wedding! For more pictures, check here!

Happy Birthday Doug!

On Saturday, we were lucky enough to celebrate Doug's 30th birthday! The kids (Doug included) had a great time! After spending the day at the pool, we went back to their house for more fun. The guys held the couch in place... :) Jack got married to Kaia... Gracie got to play her favorite game... I think this would make a great Christmas card... Look at Kaia, wondering what tht face is all about.... did I mention how great the new puppies are? The kids chased them around all night and not once did they get upset about it! Finally, the kids helped with the candles! This is the next morning... so sweet!