David is Spoiled

My Mom saw this and just couldn't resist buying it for David especially after she heard how much he liked playing with our neighbors' toy kitchen. He just loved opening all of the doors and emptying the cupboards. It really took me back because my Mom saved a lot of the kitchen things we used to play with. She loaded up the cupboard and fridge.

David and Grandma playing kitchen

William was there

My Family and Nate's Birthday

We were just dying to see Danielle and Brooke so we stopped by my parents place on Friday.

A candid shot of three of us

My Mom is convinced that Brooke had the swine flu. :) No matter the diagnosis she wasn't allowed to touch any of the kids. It killed her not to be able to hold William. But better safe than sorry right?

Danielle and William

Danielle got to meet Willy! My Mom says that William looks a lot like she did as a little baby. It was love at first sight.

Wild Child meets William--he just loves babies

We headed over to celebrate Nate's birthday. He turned six today! I remember when he was born! It was good to see Amy's family. David just toddled after the boys and loved every minute of it. Nate was oh-so-easy to please. He requested a hula hoop and a ball and seemed to enjoy both. 

David riding in a car. (We may just have to "steal" this for the summer.) And Amy I hope it was ok to purloin these photos from your blog!

I really need to repent for giving Brad such a hard time about this trip. It sure feels good to be home.

A Five Hour Flight

Our big traveling day went well. Our flight wasn't until 1 pm.  That left a lot of time to pack final items and straighten up a few odds and ends. We left our house a lot nicer looking than it ever is while we are living in it! Our friend Melanie drove us to the Providence airport while another friend watched her son (he wouldn't fit with us and all of our stuff.) We were glad we left early after getting caught in a late morning traffic jam.

We survived check in and security, as those of you with small children know this can really be a huge production. We decided to strap David into his seat even though he didn't need it. We didn't want him bouncing around the plane. We were glad we bought David a ticket because William was on my lap.

William was a rock star--minimal crying. He slept most of the way. David had a little trouble with the pressure adjustments and his ears on the way up and the way down. What can you do? I happily realized that the noise of the plane was so loud anyone who wasn't sitting directly in front of or behind us probably couldn't hear much.

We met up with Grandma and Grandpa Cammack at the airport. They were flying out to Seattle and we grabbed their keys to take the car home. Suprisingly the kids did fine with the extra waiting around in the aiport--I was probably the most unhappy of the bunch! Grandma and Grandpa McLain came over for a little quick sneak peek of the baby after we got in. David and William went down early for Arizona and so did we...can't remember the last time we were all in bed by 9:30. 

Our summer adventure certainly started off well!

One Year Down...

Sunday Naps

Brad finished his last final on Monday. Handed it in and came home early! It has been an eventful year and I am very impressed at they way he handled school while simultaneously being a very service oriented father and husband. I am remembering the "adventure" of moving out here and just how frustrating and dramatic the whole process was. Boy am I glad that has all changed. We've truly been counting our blessings. Even though this picture was taken Sunday I think it says a lot about the shut eye we hope we'll all be getting a little more of. No more late nights studying for a bit and hopefully William will become better at sleeping too.

We are off to Arizona for a required dental internship. (No BU does NOT give students a summer break!) We'll be gone for about ten weeks. I think Brad figured if he had to work for a dentist might as well do it back home where the grandmas and grandpas can see more of the kids. And despite my MANY complaints at the inconveniences of leaving our new found home for so long I am looking forward to things like sisters, William's blessing, a wedding, and hopefully (cross your fingers) a little vacation of our own.

Why Bother Making the Bed?

David hiding in the pillows

They are fun to jump into

There are days when I really do wonder why I bother making the bed and arranging the pillows. Good thing this little monster is cute!

Brad's Birthday

I asked Brad what he wanted to do for his birthday. I was thinking he'd just like some time to himself (that is what I would choose!) but he said he wanted to spend the day with us and go on a family outing. I was touched by that. We packed up the kids and headed into Boston. We had to record William's first ride on the subway better known here as the "T."

Everyone keeps telling me how big he is for a little baby!

We went to the public garden in March when nothing was growing and promised ourselves we'd go back. It is amazing how long winter is and then all of the sudden...poof things are green and begin to grow. We are experiencing seasons like we never have before. Like everything in Boston the public garden is historical if for no other reason than it has been around for a long time.

Brad and David by some tulips

Getting ready to ride the swan boats

A swan boat. They are powered by a guy who paddles in the back.

Can't get a better view in the city than this!

Bridge on the swan boat pond in the public garden

Yes we did actually get to see some real swans

Another tulip photo op on our way out.
It was the perfect day trip. Beautiful weather and the kids made it home for afternoon naps. I'm a little sad to leave for the summer when being outside has been so nice.

How can it be a birthday without presents? I ventured into new territory and made a peppermint cheesecake. It didn't look great but it tasted decent. Slowly I'm becoming more domestic.

Brad asked for something like this but then he was home when the package was delivered from navystuff.com. Maybe he'll have an actual surprise next year.

Brad is becoming somewhat of a pen collector.

Dinner at Churrascaria Rodeo

Think of Tucano's gone Mom and Pop. It was delicious even though the meat selection wasn't as huge as Brad would have liked. I thought that the atmosphere was amazing. Kind of like a little European cafe or something. They found out it was his birthday and dimmed all the lights in the restaurant then came out and sang.

We had a great time!

We came home and found that David had gone to bed and William had slept most of the time too. Always good to know your kids did ok without you.

Brad I'm sure glad that you are my husband. I'm amazed at the father you are becoming and all the little things you do to serve us. Hopefully you felt some of this appreciation today!

Cinco de William is Two Months

William on the floor just wiggling

William has finally started wake up and get interesting! He is beginning to find his voice--we enjoy the cooing and talking. He really likes to smile and wiggle and we wonder if he'll roll onto his tummy soon. William has started to sleep for around six hours at night. We are sure thankful for that. At his Dr's appointment he weighed 12 lbs and 13 ounces...apparently he is eating just fine. The nurse claimed that he hadn't grown lengthwise since one month. I don't really believe her. William is almost out of his 0-3 month footed PJ's and wasn't close to that last time we were there. Big brother David generally ignores William unless William has something David finds interesting (ie pacifier, bottle, or little baby toys). William still finds time for his other favorite activity!

Sleeping Peacefully