Bragging Rights

I won our family's March Madness Bracket. I beat a certain sport's lover, age 10, by ONE point. Hee hee, isn't that great? I only based my "guesses" on names I'd heard my boys talk about the most, color of uniforms and season's standings. I wouldn't have put money on my predictions, but I should have at least wagered some extra chore IOUs ;)

8 Months Home

This time last year we were waiting for our Letter of Approval. Now, I am so thankful she has been home 8 months. We are still learning new things about Avery every day, but the anxiety of worrying about "how she is doing" is gone. She doesn't handle transitions very well, but I don't know many toddlers who do. Her vocabulary increases every day and that will help with her fits of frustration/yelling.

She has voluntarily taken over Ryan's chore. She can barely see over the table but she follows me around and puts a fork on each napkin. I am fairly certain this is just her way of telling me to get dinner on the table ;) She is always the first one to the table even if I haven't said "dinner is ready." Ironically she still eats like a bird. Unless, it's taco night. Our girl loves mexican food, isn't that funny?
She definitely keeps us on our toes. I can't even believe how far she has come in 8 months. It's amazing.

Juggling Act

This weekend was a busy one. EJ left on Friday to visit with family. His mother's mothers' health is failing rapidly. He had a nice visit with his grandmother and mom. It's been a long time since he has made that journey on his own. We missed him, but I kept the kids busy and thankfully we enjoyed him today b/c he arrived home late Sat.

The kids and I bike/scooter ed/stroller ed to a nearby bagel shop on Sat morning. It was a great workout and fun treat for breakfast.

Later, I babysat for baby Tripp. I took all 5 to Mason's first baseball game. What a riot. I know everyone was wondering what in the world? I didn't take any pictures of the game, but I did manage to catch Mason at bat each time. He had his first hit off a machine. Pretty big deal in his world!

 

Avery struggled to share Momma. Thankful for her attachment, but certainly tricky holding 2, 22lb babies at once :)Later we introduced Tripp to our ball pit (that recently made a re-appearance). He loved it.

 Get 'em Tripp!

More progress on the basement. Yahoo! 

The bathroom vanity and plumbing is in, the stairs are done and the flooring installation starts tomorrow. Pics soon.

Enjoying the Outdoors

Spring weather came in perfect time for 2 outdoor field trips this week. Mason's class went to a Botanical Garden. I joined the class as a chaperone and lead followed after 5 boys. It was great to see Mason interact with his classmates. I was definitely frazzled especially after the end of the bus ride home. Ej stayed home with the younger 2.

Today, Ryan's preschool class went to a nearby park with animals. Avery and I joined him. I was too busy keeping tabs on him and Avery to get many pictures.

Thankful these boys have such great teachers and friends. Thankful for the beautiful weather and extra time with them this week. Blessed!

Cuteness

I love when he takes the "big" brother role seriously ;) 

I took off the training wheels, Owen is more excited than Ryan.

 

Ryan has made very little progress, but it's cute to watch them together.

Both Owen and Mason learned to ride a two wheeler around their 4th birthday. We'll see.