New York, NY

We are becoming very aware that our time out East is drawing to a quick close. Before we finish our time out here, we wanted to take a few special trips. On our list, the Big Apple! We had one full day to take a go at New York City.

The Empire State Building

Times Square

We also had to stop by the M&M store downtown.

This Chewbacca is made all of Legos at the F A O Schwartz toy store.

This is the whole reason Rebecca wanted to go to New York. To play on the big piano that you see in the movie "Big" at F A O Schwartz. She's even attempting Chopsticks.

We even got to meet the friendly neighborhood Spiderman.

By the end of the day we were too tired to get much closer to the Statue of Liberty, so the little speck in the distance would have to do.

By the end of the day the kids were exhausted, as evidenced by the awkward position Aaron fell asleep in. Even little Isaac was all tuckered out. Man, it sure is rough being carried around all day!

What a trip!

Our Bargain Baby

Look closely...

What do these items have in common?

Post a comment to find out! :-)

Oh to be a kid again

We've been having fun lately, and here are the pics to prove it.

"Look mommy! Haven't chopped my fingers off yet!" The boys were playing dress-up at the children's museum in Fayetteville NC.

More dress-up. This time as Obi-wan Kenobi and Darth Vader.

Isaac helping me with my laundry.

Isaacs first passport photo.

I had to hold him up high against a wall and duck out of sight. It wore my arms out!

Checking out the marshes of Roosevelt Island. We saw frogs and turtles and bugs bugs bugs. Everyday I hear a particular phrase countless times from Aaron:

"OOOOH, A BUG! I get a tissue! Got da bug mommy! I go frow away"

Hey, whatever makes the kid happy, right?

Project

My latest project:

SUPERHERO CAPES. DA da-da-DA!

The capes are reversible. The superman and batman cape are really one cape. Same for the blue and green one.

2 happy boys!

I Passed!!!

Here's another shameless showoff moment. I passed my grad school competencies, and got straight A's to boot! I am now officially all done with the coursework for my master's in professional counseling. On to the internship....

Philadelphia

Now that our time is limited on the east coast, we've started making a list of the remaining places we would like to see before we leave. Good ol' Philly was on the list, so we made a day of it. And here are the pictoral results...

Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed (for those of you who, like me, are not great with your American history).

Liberty Bell. Sure brought up memories of National Treasure.

Logan got to sit with his old bud, Benjamin Franklin. This picture was actully taken just a few feet from where Ben Franklin was buried.

Some historic building somewhere...just a good shot of Paul.

Inside Independence Hall.

Our trip would not have been complete without a shot in front of the Rocky statue...

...as well as shot running up the stairs.

Check out those muscles! They're ripped! You'll be shouting for Adrienne when these bad boys come to town!

4th of July Visitors

We were pleased to have some visitors this week! My brother and his family came out to DC for the week of the 4th of July. What a great way to celebrate my birthday! Again! (They also visited us in Ohio over my birthday). We had so much fun seeing the sights and having late night conversations.

The kids got along great! I seriously think our house was calmer with them here since their girls helped mellow out our boys. There weren't nearly as many kung fu fights as normal. Thanks Sarah and Whitney!

The two cousins chillin' in the stroller

We enjoyed the temple grounds....

...got caught in a storm...

...and, of course, ate yummy cake courtesy of Paul, Tim, Liz, and the kids.

Thanks for coming guys. We had so much fun with you! Thank you for making my birthday special. We love you!

Brothers are Great

I recently spent some time in the boy's bedroom cleaning and sorting and such. I put Isaac on the bed just like in the picture below...

When I looked over to check on him, this is what I found...

Aaron had "tucked Isaac in." He even shared his own blankie and his favorite stuffed lion. I thought that was just the sweetest thing, so I caught in on camera.

This is our "tummy time" spot. Under our coffee table. It keeps him from getting stepped on by his big brothers.

Big brothers are the best!

Catch-Up

Now that I am finally feeling a little more up-to-speed, it's about time I filled everyone in on what has been going on. Here is our pictoral timeline....

Isaac's blessing day. He was only two weeks old at the time, but that is when the most family would be here. He was very cooperative, snoozing through the whole thing.

Paul's folks came out to help with the baby...

...as did my mom. My mom stayed for three weeks while Paul was at a military EFMB course (expert field medical badge, for those who don't know the lingo). I don't know what I would have done without all of the help. Probably would have sworn off having ANY more children! :-)

Army Paul, with his characteristic grin.

We celebrated Logan's 4th birthday! Happy birthday buddy! We are so lucky to be your parents. We love you!

Showing off his birthday shades.

And of course, the blog would not be complete without more pics of the new baby.

Yes, he is in a laundry basket. I couldn't pass up the photo op, where he still fits in it.

Paul and the new munchkin, getting to know each other.

Spread eagle. He was so relaxed, it was comical!

My three sons