Christmas Card Bloopers

I love the Christmas Card.  Each year, I get out my camera, take about 350 pictures of the boys and choose one that would be acceptable to send to everyone, everywhere.  This year, I actually got *THREE* decent shots of them, meaning I could pick one of those fancier cards that has a place for three pictures... a Christmas miracle.  

But alas, there were some terrible shots during this photo session as well.  Would you like to see the pain and anguish that goes behind the choosing of the Christmas picture?  Want to see 90% of what I have to work with?  Behold, I give you some of the best of the worst:

What are they looking at?

Pinching my brother's neck seems like a good idea:

Wrestling, lots of wrestling.  

Why the face?

Classic Johnny.  Landed it buddy.

Veteran's Day

Howie gets to escort Pap Pap through the halls of his school for the Veteran's Day parade.
It was a proud moment for Howie.

Fall 2014

Oh my.  It's December.  Where has the time gone?  Let's do a general Fall 2014 post to wrap up some of the good times we've had in these past few months.  

Johnny gets to take the annual preschool farm trip with Mommy.
We visit all the animals that Mommy has seen for years and years,
but somehow things are fresh and new when experiencing it with Johnny.  

The boy spend some fall days in the backyard, preparing their fort with the neighbor....

Pumpkin Carving with Daddy....

And of course.... trick-or-treating is a highlight.  

Birthdays

Thank you to my amazing Hubby for arranging a night out for me and the girls.  

It was such a great way to celebrate my birthday and I felt so loved.  

"Ken" our chauffeur was a hit as he drove us around in a newly cleaned Sequoia.  

Thank you Babe!

First Days of School

It's Fall and time for school!  

The boys have embraced the new adventure with enthusiasm.  

Howie heads to first grade while Johnny goes to the LadyBug 4 year old class.  

Cincinnati Zoo

We have an eventful encounter with the lion at the zoo....

Cincinnati

We head to downtown Cincinnati to enjoy some attractions that our fine city offers.  

The boys played at Sawyer Park Playground, we walked over the Purple People Bridge, had lunch at NewPort on the Levy, did the Duck Tour and played in the fountains at Yeatman's Cove.  

It was a gorgeous day of discovering and playing together....

Team Days

This summer, we collaborated with the Shiverski's to do some team challenge days
and make summer enriching. We worked together to provide
teamwork, provoke curiosity and give the children an opportunity
to record their observations with journals....

A Bike Rally at the local park:

Fossil Hunting:

Watercolors in the stream at Sharon Woods (followed by science experiments):

We had a great time with our friends.  

And already thinking of next year... maybe a book club for kids??

Summer 2014 (through the lens of my iPhone)

Gosh, summer went by quick.  As the schools are gearing up to welcome the children for the Fall, we are busy trying to check off everything on our Summer Bucket List.  As I reflect on my time with the boys this summer, it seems to be such a blur.  We had plenty of excitement.

I downloaded the data from my iPhone onto the computer (like a good girl).  Watching the pictures load was liking watching the summer in recap.  Here are some highlights as seen through the lens of my iPhone:

Lifetime Pool

Babe runs the HOA meeting....

While the kids play electronics with neighbors....

 Sweet Bliss at the Loveland Candy Store

Superhero Day at gymnastics (superheroes do not smile per Howie)

The Daddies leave for the lake and the kids play

Pop-Up Game with Walker boys

Discovering hotel brochures for the first time in NC

SMOY Fest 2014

Kings Island with Georgia and Ellis

Johnny thinks in the front yard

Daily lunches take on a gift identity

Out with Mom for her Birthday