Patrick's Performance

Patrick had a holiday program at his school. We are so proud of him. He sang, did the hand motions and had a good time. Singing is more difficult for kids with Apraxia. His teacher said that for weeks of practice he just stood in the group doing nothing, but in the last couple days before the show he started singing! His brain just took that extra time to process. In the video you will see him in the back row, the third in from the left. The picture on top is of Patrick and his best buddy, Maddy. They both had a great time performing.

Christmas Season is here

We had a fun day celebrating Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Mary at their house. We had a wonderful brunch and opened presents. But the best part of the day was making our own Gingerbread house!



Everyone helped. Daddy cracked the roof which required a lot extra frosting and careful hands. Patrick was very patient during the roof repair.


After the adults finished with construction, the kids were the main designers with the frosting and candy. Of course they ate plenty of candy too!


Unfortunately, the roof started to cave under the pressure of the candy. Grandpa had a brilliant idea! He simply got out his power drill and put a couple of screws right through the roof for support. Doesn't everyone use power tools to make a gingerbread house!?!? We're very pleased with the final result. You can't tell from the picture but the house does, however, have a "sky light". It's sure to be a favorite holiday memory for all of us.

Give Thanks!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my Uncle Steve's and Uncle Craig's house in Chicago. We celebrated the holiday with family and friends. Uncle Craig roasted hazelnuts with Isabelle in addition to doing most of the cooking. Dinner was amazing! But, of course Steve and Craig always know how to throw a good party!


For only the 3rd or 4th time in our marriage Kevin was able to join us for Thanksgiving. He left the store at 4:30 and even made it for appetizers!


Isabelle showed off her big turkey leg. Uncle Craig's mom, Genevieve didn't think Isabelle could possibly finish it. She was right! It was really a wonderful holiday with good food and good company.

Toddler going on.... Teenager!

Ella Jane is ready to go out on the town. She borrowed a necklace and purse from Isabelle and has Mommy's cell phone. I guess she's ready for some holiday shopping!

We are Thankful for Daddy!

This time of the year we don't get a lot of time with Daddy. The kids are always so happy to have him home. This was a little pre-bedtime cuddle. We're counting the days until January.

Recovering is hard work!

This first picture says just exactly how Patrick has been feeling. Those big sad blue eyes and pouty mouth are just breaking our hearts. He has needed lots of cuddle time.

Patrick has spent a lot of time sleeping, but almost never alone. He's had to be next to, or better yet, on Daddy or Mommy at all times. The last picture was taken this morning when I was sure he was about to wake up. He actually woke up at 1:00 in the afternoon, after 17.5 hours of sleep (he did wake up 4 or 5 times during the night in pain, needing a cuddle and medicine).

Patrick's Day

Patrick had his tonsils and adenoids out today. It has been a tough day for our little guy. The first picture is before the surgery, but he was pretty nervous about everything that was going on. The second picture is in the recovery room. He's holding his brand new train, "Molly" and had just finished a blue popsicle, which he had been talking about for days. I'm not sure it was worth it for him!

Fall Fun!

What is more fun then playing in the leaves on a beautiful fall day! The kids think that Daddy rakes the leaves up into piles just for them! Of course, our friend, Maddy, from down the street joined us for the fun.

READY!! SET!! JUMP!!!

Good Friends

This picture was taken just before Becky and I went to the NKOTB concert. It was such a great night! It was really amazing to re-live something we did together 15+ years ago. Becky and I met nearly 30 years ago in Ms. Elaine's ballet class, now we're wives and moms... where did the time go!?!? Becky is holding her very adorable 18 month old, Mia.

Isabelle the Science Girl

Isabelle's gifted teacher sent this picture to me. Isabelle was doing a science experiment. It's one of the cool things she likes to do in 3rd grade! I just love this pic!

Happy Halloween!

This was the first and last time Ella Jane had her hood up

I didn't get any good pictures of Isabelle. She took off her wig and lost her belt so instead of being Hanna Montana, she was just a kid in a goofey outfit.

We went out with our friends the Hurley's. The weather was perfect and the kids got WAY too much candy! Patrick really got the hang of trick-or-treating. Ella Jane charmed everyone who saw her. She looked so cute with her cow costume and her new walking.

Pumpkin Carving!

Pumpking carving was good, messy fun! Everyone enjoyed getting their hands dirty. Our friend Maddy came over to carve her pumkin too.

Nice face Isabelle!

Seven! Really? Seven?

Shocking, but true... Jack turned 7! He had a great birthday. He and a couple of his friends celebrated at Chuck E Cheese and then we all had cake together at home.

High Tea

Isabelle hosted a tea party for three of her good friends. We served tea, mini bisquits, finger sandwiches, sugar cookies, apples, and chocolates. It was very sophisticated. Jaci & Abby Sutherland and Abbey Sodergran were Isabelle's guests. The girls all had a lovely time.

Look Alikes

For all of you out there who have wondered who are kids look like here's the proof that Patrick is all Daddy and Ella Jane is all Mommy.

She Did it!

The video says it all...

Girl's Weekend

It was a wonderful weekend in Wyoming with Amy, Sofia, and Vivian. The sights were breathtaking, but the best part was being with my friend and her girls who I have missed terribly. Here are a few highlights from the trip.

At the bottom of this post is a slide show of all my pictures.

I had asked Sofia not to grow while we were apart. She didn't listen! Sofia is now 4 1/2 and a fantastic little girl. We had a great time together! One of the best parts was meeting Amy's new baby. Vivian Grace is 4 weeks old. She's such a sweet baby.
Yellowstone was amazing! The pictures don't do it justice.