Spring Break 2015

Well we have just about survived spring break.  Max and Will both head back to school next week.  Monday and Tuesday were beautiful days and we spent hours outside in the yard.  Will loved helping me to 'bake' leaves.  Max was all over exploring and digging for worms.  Jack was just thrilled to be out of the house and couldn't decide what he wanted to do with himself.

Unfortunately the rest of the week wasn't quite as beautiful.  Wednesdays was Max's birthday so that was fun then Thursday Nonna came over for a nice long visit.

Today we met a friend and her little boy for a fun outing at the zoo.  Unfortunately it was too chilly to really explore - and Will is fighting a sinus infection and the cold air seems to aggravate his cough. So instead we played at the new Wild Outpost.  There were all kinds of animal themed areas for the kids to explore and they loved it!

All the kids loved the water table.  I was a little confused as to why the giraffe was in the water, but Jack didn't seem to care.  Max and Will had fun making two the hippos fight with each other.

Will worked on his green thumb in the garden and compost ares.  Watching him rake and plant was just too cute.  He even told me all about the compost bin.  I think he learned about it on Curious George.

The big boys were very into this giant alligator.  Max, my little mathematician, measured him and declared that he was 67 inches long.  Will, my little caregiver, wanted to give the gator a check up.  Will decided that the alligator had a really, really, bad cough and needed to go see Dr. Joe.

Jack played forager and found all kinds of bug in this bin.  Just like the monkeys do!  It really was a great outing and it made me look forward to zoo visits with the boys this summer.  I might even attempt a visit with all three on my own!

Happy Birthday Max!

It's crazy hard to believe, but Max is officially seven years old.  That just sounds so old!!  We had a wonderful time celebrating his big day on Wednesday.  We met friends at one of our very favorite places - The Museum of Transportation.  The kids had lots of fun in the creation station, but the highlight was the miniature train.  It was so cold, but that didn't faze Max in the least.  He would have rode it again and again if I let him.

We met Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Tim at Max's very favorite restaurant.  He loves their cheese and crackers - it made Brian happy because it was a $1 kids meal night.

After dinner we came home to sing and have cake.  Once again Max wanted his cake to be a surprise.  I just think its so sweet that he feels like the cake is such a special part of his day.  It was tough to do since he was home on spring break all week, but I was pretty proud of my Mario creation.

Max was super excited to see it, then Brian asked him who it was and his face looked a bit blank before he guessed Santa.  We coulnd't stop laughing.  Eventually he figured out it was Mario and I felt a little bit better about my cake abilities.

After singing to Max we dug into the cake and before we knew it it was bedtime for the little boys.  Max and I snuggled up on the couch for stories and we read hte book of his first year.  I told him all about the day he was born and was reminded just how miraculous and wonderful March 18th really is. We are so lucky to be Max's parents and we count our blessings every day.  Happy Birthday Maxman!

Almost Seven

We had an early birthday celebration with some of my family on Sunday evening.  It was a gorgeous day with some great company!  I just can't get over how old he is looking.  I think it's the big teeth - and the fact that he needs a haircut isn't helping.

 When I asked Max what kind of cake he wanted he said he wanted to be surprised.  So he was.  He was so excited when he saw his Lego cake.  It does't compare to the alligator last year, but I didn't have help from the professional, AKA Aunt Carm, on this one.  He took the surprise part very seriously and covered his face until the cake was unveiled right before we started singing.

 Max was so cute reading his cards and opening his gifts.  He had fun playing Mastermind with Daddy, Nonno, and Great Uncle Mike.

While Max played with his new game the little boys drew pictures.  Will made us all so proud!  He announced that he was going to write his name - and he did!  It looked great and had all the right letters.  We were so impressed!

 I had to throw in one more picture because I just can't get over Jack's eyes.  They are so big and so blue!  No idea where those came from!

One on One Time

With three kiddos in the family sometimes it is tough for anyone to get one on one time with Mommy or Daddy.  Last weekend we made a point of doing just that.

Max was off school on Friday and Brian was off work so he took Max to the Science Center.  The two of them had a great time.  Max loved the exhibits and it gave him an opportunity to spend time with Dad without the little boys, or mom, around.  Unfortunately since Dad was in charge there aren't too many pictures to share.

 Max also gets some fun one on one time each week when Brian takes him to swimming.  We just started up again and he is making progress.  I think the M&M blizzards Brian uses as motivation really do the trick!

On Saturday Will and I met a friend at the Science Center with her little boy.  He is just a week older than Will and the two had a great time exploring together.

The boys loved this sand.  The idea was to teach them about elevation.  The different elevations shined different colors.  They just liked playing - that is until Will got some sand in his eyes.

 When I asked Max about his favorite part he said the tornado in the tunnel.  I didn't quite get what he was talking about until we went on Saturday and Will found that same exhibit.


 Will would have played with his drawbridge forever if I would have let him.  He kept raising and lowering it for his freinds cars to cross.

 Of course what little boys wouldn't be enthralled with watching cars fly down the highway from above.  Will thoguth it was amazing!

Before we left Will and his buddy tried out the giant hamster wheel.  With a little help from mom they were able to get it moving!  I was shocked that Will didn't fall asleep on the way home.  He was worn out!

Jack gets lots of one on one time when the big brothers are at school.  I need to get some pictures of our Tuesday morning play class next week!

In Like a Lion

So that means March has to go out like a lamb, right?  I'm really hoping so because we have family pictures scheduled for the 29th and I'm hoping for a spring feel.

It snowed last night and we woke up to around five or so inches of the white fluffy stuff.

 It was perfect for a Sunday.  The boys were off and Brian was home. It snowed last weekend too, but with temps below ten no one wanted to head out.  Today was much better.

The boys had so much fun sledding in the front yard.  They could have stayed out there for hours!

 Jack got in on action too.  He had a great time - even if you can't really see his face.
Max is an old pro and just wanted to go fast - I think he takes after his Daddy.  I can't get over how old he is looking.  He cannot really be about to turn seven, right!?

 Will loved sledding and just plain laying around in the snow.  Nonna bought this snowsuit for us at goodwill years ago.  Today was the first time we put it to use and Will LOVED it.  In fact I'm a bit worried he is going to try to wear it to school this week.

I don't remember the lats time I was on a sled.  I screamed like a little girl - and it was so much fun!

Now it's time to make some cookies - our favorite snow day activity.