Christopher at Newport Aquarium

Christopher and Clara went to the Newport Aquarium this afternoon with Svarit and Sarah. Apparently good times were had by all.

Clowning Around...

Last Thursday we went to the circus in Cincinnati.  We took the whole crew with us and everyone had a blast.  Clara dressed up in the clownsuit she got for her 5th birthday to mark the occasion.  Cousin Emily also took her turn with the clown wig.

Lucy's baptism

 We are blessed to welcome Lucy into the church this weekend!  

Hope for the flowers

 This is one of my favorite photos.  The contrast of a father and son enjoying a yard full of dandelions while neighbors have beautifully manicured yards in the background seems to fit the stage of live we're in.  We've got to take time for things that will pass.  There will always be a yard to mow or fertilize but the kids are only small for so long.  ~Adam

Sabrina turns 3

Sabrina enjoyed a Tea Party at Church on her birthday, and then had some Howard family over for dinner and presents. Here she is shortly before she leaves for the afternoon Tea Party.

And here she is at dinner later that night blowing out the candle on her birthday cake. At Clara's birthday, Sabrina blew out the candle. As circumstances would have it, wasn't close enough to return the favor.

Birthday Dinner Photo

Shortly before bedtime, we gathered for a quick photo with the Howard Clan.

Wait your turn

Look at Clara in her pink snow boots showin' the world who's the boss. This was snapped at Cherokee Park last weekend with Todd, Heather and Tim. Clara wanted a drink - and the other guy was just going to have to wait.

Crime and Punishment

When you hit your sister twice in the head with a toy car, there will be consequences.

Remember that time...

A few weeks ago, Clara was trying on shoes that Annette borrowed for a dance on the upcoming Saturday. Little did we know the entire family would become ill with a stomach bug completely derailing the plans for the weekend.

And if that wasn't enough, the washing machine crapped out on Sunday evening. Fortunately, Adam was able to get it up and running again the next day which happened to be a holiday.

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Enjoy your Fat Tuesday ... For Lent begins tomorrow!

Thoughts in my head

The other morning Christopher and I got into a conversation about songs or other thoughts being "stuck in our head" while on the way to school. He said, "Almost everything he has ever learned is stuck in his head."

I believe him.

Other school drive time quotes from him: "My favorite holiday is St. Patrick's day because if you catch a leprechaun you get their pot of gold."

Family Photo

Here's a quick family photo from Lucy's Baptism this past Sunday.  Our kids from Left to Right - Sabrina, Christopher, Molly, Lucy and Clara.  

Clara turns 5!

We celebrated Clara's birthday (immediately after Lucy's baptismal brunch) on Sunday.  We had a circus theme for the party with Clara making a guest appearance in her new clown costume.  So far her clown remains nameless ... and she's open to your suggestions so leave a post below if you have a good name for her to consider...  

Lucy's Baptism

Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated Lucy's baptism on Sunday.  You are all a blessing in our lives as well as those of our children.  

Rainbow Molly

Todd snapped this yesterday at Clara's 5th Birthday party. It was too cute to pass up so I thought I'd share it with you here.

More photos coming from the baptism and birthday.

Happy Birthday to Clara

Clara enjoyed eating her cupcake both last night at Granny's and again this morning at breakfast time. At 5 years old, she's already figured out how to turn a birthday into a birthweek.

Smiles to brighten your day

This pleasant smile brought to you by Sabrina (age 1,064 Days) and Lucy (age 92 Days).

Posted by Papa (age 11,981 Days).

Axel inspection

In this photo, Christopher is inspecting his axels at the Pinewood Derby Car clinic sponsored by his Cub Scout Pack. The Pinewood Derby Car kits provide you with 4 plastic wheels, 4 small nails, a block of wood, some stickers and instructions. The nails have tiny (and I do mean tiny) bumps under the head that need to be removed. Using a lathe at 2,500 RPM, you can take those off pretty quickly. By polishing on a lathe, and then subsequently inspecting, you cut down on the friction and produce a faster car.

Seriously.

Skills and Drills

Christopher has participated in Skills and Drills the last few weeks at St. Paul's. He has mentioned several times interest in playing at the YMCA's court with me one early Saturday morning.  We just might have to make some arrangements for a pick-up game of Horse. 

Watching Pooh Bear!

This is what Molly does when you tell her you're going to watch Pooh Bear!