HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TO ISAAC

Isaac turned TWO last Saturday!...which is great because any time events are talked about on a day of the week, Isaac's answer is always "on Saturday". So when he said his birthday was on Saturday, he was right! We had family and a few of Isaac's friends over to celebrate. They played balloon volleyball (as in this picture), tennis ball hunt, and pass the ball to a friend and drop it in the bucket. It was definitely fun to watch.

He got fishing gear from Grandma and Grandpa. They love it, especially since they went jug fishing with Dad last summer.

Here he is blowing out his birthday candles. Our party was "ball" themed since he likes balls so much (sleeps with a football and plays 'soccer' a lot). I made the cake for him, he helped a little.

Here he is opening presents. You can't see him very well, but you can see all the kids that came. Thank you everybody for all the gifts you gave. They were all a hit!

Hugging Grandaddy as a thank you for the gift. Isaac showed lots of gratitude for his gifts. It was very sweet.

We went to Toys R Us later this week and he joined the birthday club. He got this balloon and a few other small gifts. He took the balloon everywhere, even inside taco bell for lunch. Grandma was with us and bought these umbrellas for them. They went outside with them, even though it wasn't raining. I think they played with them out there for 1/2 an hour.

Here they are washing dishes. They have graduated to each of them having their own side of the sink filled with water. I thought it was funny how Isaac was washing...check out his feet.
We took them to a park for a picnic the day after his bday. They like to play restaurant through these playground windows. We use wood chips as money and food. It's amazing to see the kid crowd it brings as we play with them. Other kids jump right in and order too.

Olivia was pushing Isaac on the swing and he was liking it. Can you tell?

Happy Birthday to Isaac! We're so glad you were born!

Logan Visit

These pics are a little out of order, but oh well. This is what Logan gave Tara for her birthday. Way to go boy!

This is the "other" clown. Showed up for Tara's birthday morning celebration.
Sharing grahm crackers at Sams. What buds.

This picture just made me laugh. I think he likes this toy at the mall.

Playing in the "kitchen". Looks like it's eggs for breakfast.

One is going to school. The other is off to fight fires. Or maybe they are just getting ready to race???

Olivia has LOVED playing with Logan so much. He's just another one of her "babies"...except he responds better.

We took a swim day. Everybody went under (some on accident) and Olivia learned how to swim by herself with a noodle! Can't wait for swim lessons this summer.

We definitely had our fill of tv. They like watching nickjr at G&G's house....including Logan.

And it was very fun to have you here too Tara! Travel back safely! Happy Birthday!

Mom's Birthday

My sister is visiting from Germany for awhile and it's a good thing. My mom's birthday was last week and Tara got to dress up like mom always does for birthdays (yes, mom keeps this clown suit in the trunk of the car "just in case she needs it"). Tara and Logan were about to go in and wake her up on her birthday morning. The clowning has now become generational.

Here we are outside of PFChangs for my mom's birthday celebration. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! We love you!

Inside PFChangs. They love you too Mom!

We took Tara and Logan downtown to see the sunsphere where the world's trade fair was held. We miss having you here, Will!

Here we are at a park in the area.

I had to put in another park picture because this is the coolest attraction at the park. Tara and I are on it, Logan is there watching us, and I don't know anyone else in the picture.

Here's a family pose, Grandpa taking the picture. My mom and dad got a new dog recently. VERY sweet dog. Her name is Josie. Luci was too nervous being in public to really get to know her. Hopefully they will be friends this weekend when we get to dogsit!

Here we are just walking. But the fun thing was Olivia and Isaac taking turns holding Logan in the double, I mean triple, stroller.
Isaac does such a great job!

I Choose Life

Ok, for those who couldn't take it any longer....IT'S ALIVE! (except for the small yellow/brown leaf in the front) I knew the thing couldn't die. We've even grown mushrooms in there! Justin has had this plant since before we got married. It's truly an amazing plant. Nothing kills it.

This picture if from New Year's Day in St. Louis. Greg's job was to cook the hot dogs in the fire. Apparently it was too hot, so he rigged this contraption up. ...with scotch tape no less.
Notice Justin's tool of choice. -Thank you men for cooking the dogs!
Isaac and Olivia packed in a box. They were alive.

This fish is full of life! Don't you see the one in Olivia's hand? They were in the "boat" catching fish....after they had decorated the boat of course. Isaac is amazed at Olivia's big fish. Can you tell?

And finally, here is their lively band. I thought you might enjoy.....or not.

To Die OR Not To Die...

Ok, so we get back from our 11 day vacation to Missouri over Christmas and I notice the one real plant in our house about dead and so I give it some water. This morning I (Justin) pass it again....

Justin: (In a somewhat hopeless voice) "Whoa, I don't think it's going to make it."

Tami: (In an optimistic voice) "Oh, ya, it's perked up a bit from yesterday."

Thanks Tami for always making lemonade.

(In the meantime....does anyone need a perked up plant?)