April is Going

We always put on our best for Easter Sunday!

George looking strong.

And Patrick as well.

My handsome lads.

We have been getting out and enjoying the sunshine when its around.  We decided to have Mary try out the tricycle...

...and she loved it!

Lia practicing her swinging.

Another ball obsessed Hatton.

With Mike off at soccer with Lia and Becca, Mary and the boys played with light sabers in the backyard.

She got him!

Because of all the rain, this past Saturday was our first really soccer morning.  The wind was chilling so we were hanging in the car for awhile to keep warm.   

The boys went off Scouting this weekend, so the girls went out for pizza. Lia wanted to sit next to me in the picture.  She didn't accept the fact that I couldn't get her in the shot if she was sitting next to me.

High fives were not happening with Mary.

But she did show us how big she is.

Patrick is working hard at track and Boy Scouts.  He's been very grumpy lately which means he's probably growing...again.  Becca hasn't had any more breathing issues but is stilled bored at school.  George is just as silly and crazy as ever.  He still has to work hard to read but he's putting in the effort and seems to enjoy being read to.  Lia has memorized some books and recognizes certain words.  She also is dominating on the soccer field (as long as she doesn't miss).  Mary is just sweet and smiley.  She puts her arms up to everyone she meets and generally delights strangers with her personality.  We hope you all are doing well and welcome you to visit us soon.

April 12 Already?

It has been rainy and soggy around here, which makes soccer impossible and track miserable.  However, there have been a few smiles around the house.  Here is Lia and Mary with some dolls.

At one of many doctor's appointments for Becca.  She is doing much better.

Enjoying some sunshine.

I found a bunch of pictures like this one on my phone today.  I guess Mary had some fun.

 George built a leprechaun trap with a little help from Mike for school.

Crying and running at the same time.

I got Mary some saddles this week for the summer.  She was fascinated by them.

That's it for today.  Don't forget this weekend is Easter and what Jesus did for all of us.  The celebrations start tomorrow and go all weekend so maybe stop by a church and say thanks.

March is Marching On

March has been busy but I've managed to pull out the camera and capture some moments.  Lia and Mary found Dad's hard-hat after one of his many trips to Minnesota last month.

Some selfies from Mike with some of the kids.

Lia showing off her new-to-her princess dress and sparkly boots.

I took too much time reading to George one evening.

Patrick, George and I went bowling last weekend.  We're not gonna win any trophies, but we had fun.

This was George's favorite spot: watching the balls come back up.

Me and my boys!

Becca had to do a pulmonary function test last week.  She did well and managed to get through everything quickly.  She wasn't even late for school.

She really was a good sport about the whole thing.

Friday the kids had the day off of school and it was gorgeous outside.  The bikes came down and the kids took off.

This week, Becca, George, and Lia start spring soccer and Patrick has is first track meet.  Lia has been reminding us that she start soccer on Tuesday for three days now.  I think she's a little excited.  Mary has been napping a lot so I expect her to be 4 inches taller by Easter.  We have managed to stay on the healthy side and hope to continue that trend.  Hope all is well with all of you.

St. Paddy's Day 2017

We had a very busy day yesterday.  We started the day right by going to Mass with the Bishop.  

After some donuts, it was off to the parade.  This was Patrick's 1st time to "march" in the band.

I tried to show Patrick some finer point of the instrument.

But I still got it!

Lined up and ready to go.

Becca and the Showalters led the band and carried the banner.

 After we froze a little walking the parade, Becca and I headed over to the allergist. Here she is awaiting 25 little pricks to see what's she's allergic to.

No reaction to anything except the histamine which is for control purposes.

When we got home, I forced all the kids to sit together and smile like they like each other.  Which is a stretch these days.

Mike with is favorite wild Irish rose.

It was a long but fun day.  I hope you all had a lovely day as well.