Squished Bee

This one is for Sean. He wanted me to take a picture of the bee that he stepped on. He was so proud of himself for "squishing" the bee! Well, here you go Sean!

A Few Pictures

Just some random pictures in the yard. I guess there was not too much excitement in our house today!

We Have Us a Pitcher!

Brian had a really great baseball game tonight. It was his first time ever pitching, and even though he was nervous, he did really well. I wish that I hadn't forgotten my camera! It was a big win for him because a couple of his friends are on the opposing team. Bragging rights are a big thing when you are eight. Heck, who am I kidding, bragging rights are always a big thing. Just ask my husband!

Dog Days of Spring

I just love this picture of Roc. He looks so relaxed and content. What could be better than lounging in the front grass? I guess he always has to have an ear up for the boys. You never know when what object or which kid could come barreling in his direction!

Red-tailed Hawks!

For the past few years, we have been seeing many Red Tailed Hawks flying around. At first they were rare occurances, and lately I have seen them all the time. They are so pretty and graceful! I was so happy to capture a few pictures of them soaring high today!

Spring Flowers

The flowers that have recently bloomed are just too pretty to not take pictures. Enjoy!

Disappearing Bunny

Here is Justin's Hand....

Here is Justin's face....But where is the Chocolate Bunny?

World Series Trophy!!!

We got a flier that announced that a local sporting goods store would be hosting the World Series Trophy a few weeks ago. I figured that we would have to get there early and be prepared to wait in a long line. Then Brian got his baseball schedule and he had practice that night! We decided to go anyway, and prepared the boys for the fact that the lines just might be too long to wait.

Imagine our surprise when we got there and only about four people were in line! I could not believe it, and neither could the store manager. Talk about a backfire of a marketing idea! I guess the excitement has worn off since last October? But it was great for us! We got to take plenty of pictures and the boys got to see the Phillies World Series Trophy up close! I was a kid the last time they won the Pennant, so I figure this could be a once in a lifetime experience.

the Trophy

Justin
Sean Brian

Justin the Golfer

What could be better than golf in your pjs on a nice Spring morning? Justin has quite the golf swing. I am amazed at not only how well he swings, but how well he hits the ball. He rarely misses and even knows to position the ball up on tall grass for a better shot! His follow through is nothing short of spectacular - club up on his shoulder, body turned and left heal up. It really is a sight to see! Brian Sr. now lovingly refers to him as "meal ticket" in the hopes he will someday make it on the PGA tour and take care of his Dad!

running after a shot

backswing
just about to hit

Marshmallow Madness

For some reason, my kids always seem to find a way to get into trouble with marshmallows. Are marshmallows are just a fun food? Maybe it is because they are so squishy and sticky. Maybe the kids know how hard it is to remove them from carpet and clothing and furniture and hair. I guess it could be all of the above?

Today, it was Justin's turn. And he got into trouble with a whole bag of mini marshmallows. I still have no idea when he got them, or where they came from. I was in the kitchen and could hear him playing. All of a sudden he started squealing with delight. I went to check on him, because the squeals signaled to me that he was having a little too much fun. Boy was I right!

He had not only taken a full bag of marshmallows from somewhere, but also opened them and proceeded to dump them all out on the carpet! Ugh! Some came up very easily, but some I think he tasted first, because those were wet and sticky and embedded into the carpet. Double Ugh!

I did make him help me pick them up, but that was short lived. He put a few handfuls into the bag and then decided that is was more fun to practice throwing. After I got him to stop throwing, he went to get his ride on truck and decided to squish some more into the carpet! Fun stuff for a toddler! He was laughing the whole time even as he got in trouble. I have a feeling this is just a small glimpse of things to come!

trying to look innocentwatch me throw them

Mr. No Fear

Justin got his golf club taken away from him today because he was hitting his brothers with it. They were probably egging him on, they probably deserved it, but still he lost it. (I know, I know, golf clubs should not be allowed in the house, have a few kids, especially sports crazed boys, and then come talk to me.) I put the golf club on top of the TV cabinet in the corner of our living room and went upstairs to finish putting away some wash.

Apparently this punishment was not acceptable to Justin and he attempted to retrieve his beloved golf club! According to his brothers, Justin first cleared the toys from on top of his toy shelf and then climbed on top. Once up there he climbed up onto the ledge on the outside of the steps! Once he got up on the first one, he stepped up each on until he was almost up to the TV cabinet.

That's when they decided to call for me. Yes, we did have a talk about maybe letting me know about these kind of situations before they progress this far into the danger zone! Luckily I knew not to yell or even gasp because I didn't want to scare Justin and make him fall. I carefully snuck down the stairs and lifted him from the steps.

The pictures came from after - I wanted photos and I wanted to see if he would do it again. Yep! I positioned Brian on the steps for safety!

up on the shelf

the first step

making his way up

Flag Football

Brian got a chance to be quarterback during his flag football game today! He did great and took his job very seriously. Sometimes, I cannot believe how grown up he is. Playing QB and being so comfortable in the role! Wow!

getting ready to throw

going to hand off to the running back
throwing
looking for an open receiverchecking the field before the snap

The Escape Artist

Justin has decided that he will find a way to get past the gate. I found him on top of the shelf trying to climb over! What a sneaky kid! Neither Brian nor Sean ever got into the things he does! They never tried to navigate their way over a gate or climb out of their cribs! I will not be surprised to find him on top of the refrigerator one day!!!

And even when his climbing escapades do not go as planned and he gets hurt, he is still not deterred! A scrape on his arm, bruises on his legs, and a knot on his head - no problem, he will just wipe away the tears and try it again! Like they say, no sense, no feeling! Watch for him on ESPN's X-games one day!

Outside Fun!

What a great day for playing outside! The boys had a blast, although looking back over the pictures, I have none of Sean. I guess he was being camera shy! Justin had fun jumping and running. He loved drawing on the driveway with chalk and chasing Brian! I love Spring!

jumping off the front step

looking for some chalk
wheeeee!runningBrian on roller blades

Jackpot!!!!

Justin has perfected getting up on the dining room table undetected! And what better motivation to climb then three baskets full of candy for the taking! He was so happy and proud of himself! I don't think that he even cared that he was caught. I guess he figured he had a few minutes to be happy because he knows whenever he is being mischievous that Mom grabs the camera first. Then after the pictures he gets in trouble!

look at me!

what else do we have here?chipmunk cheeksstoring up for winter?how can you be mad at this face, mom?

Justin and the Donut

Justin has been taking his donut eating lessons from the dog. He looks at it and studies it. Then he turns it and turns it until he lines it up perfectly for optimal icing capture! When he has it just right, he dives right in! He only eats the tops of donuts and cupcakes. Brian and Sean never did that. I always thought the kids that did that were crazy and siad my kid will never do that. Well, along came Justin and the rest is history!

studying the donut

a little turn this wayand a turn that wayperfect!who me?