standby

I am here and I will still continue to blog. But for now, as Mike would say, please stand by. In the interest of time management, I have decided to fore go the blog until I can get caught up on my work with my photography and at home.

For the past we have had visitors, Elizabeth and I have traveled and I have had more than my fair share of photo shoots including one with 85 people. Yikes! The kiddos have been busy with soccer, swimming, karate, movies, beaches and other summer time fun which in turn turns my mommy mobile of a minivan into a mommy taxi. I am hoping that once school starts back up I will have a little more time to sit down and just take a breathe. Until then, it might be a while before you see another blog from me but beware - when the time comes, it will be a blogathon. So hang in there - I will be back!

love

This is a man after my own heart. I must say that I am not a fan of the point and shoot but everyone has to start somewhere, right?

lines.

I am thinking that by the look of things we might have been spending too much time in the sun these days. But then I think, nah, it isn't like we are going to live here forever - let's make the most of it and let the little ones play at the beach all summer long!

We won't mention the drooping drawers though...

help.

I am sorry neighbors. My hope is that when we peek out the front door that we are providing you with some humor rather than a shock. Thank you for your help little man.

swimmin'

With the summer in full swing we have found ourselves at the pool almost every day and even twice a day on occasion. With all of this pool time, AJ and Elizabeth have started to teach themselves how to swim. They will start swimming lessons in two weeks but until then they are perfecting their own moves.

Jacob even has his own signature moves that he performs with his noodle. This kid has NO fear of water!

This is the long path that we walk to get to and from the pool. I think it is so pretty but the kids certainly think it is a long walk when it is time to go home.

Until next time...

a little trauma in the bathroom

I've debated for about a week now on publishing this post and well, I think I have a duty to my children to document all of their moments, be them embarrassing as they may. It is my duty!

I never dreamed that I would be in love with a toilet seat. At the beginning of last week the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. But a independent potty training little boy quickly changed my mind.

Let me start with how proud I am of the little guy for taking the initiative to potty train himself. You know, I'm sure the influence of the bigger kids has something to do with it but I will just tell myself that he is just smart that way.

Well, so he was showing me his stuff and after a completed deposit he proceeded to close the lid on himself. You know - on HIMSELF!!!

There was a huge gasp for air followed by a scream that was somewhere between a screech of a cat and a loud police siren. When I realized what happened, I quickly scooped him up and upon examination I realized we needed some ice and a phone call to the doctor. Once I spoke to the nurse and provided a brief description, we headed into the pediatricians office.

Our pediatrician reassured us that things should be alright and with some pain meds and antibiotic cream in tow we headed back home with the thought that potty training was no longer going to be an activity in this household for a while. Little did I know - the little dude was not deterred.

However, I do want my boys to live happy and healthy lives and if there is going to be a toilet seat in this house that prevents it, I won't have it. So, the next day I made the trip to Home Depot to see what I could find and wouldn't you know, they have these seats called "Whisper Close." The close VERY slowly and quietly too.

I promptly installed them once we got home and Jacob quickly pronounced they were the nice potty seats. I am loving them because I haven't heard a toilet seat slam since that day and they think it is fun to close them. Benefits all around...

So, yes - I am in love with my toilet seat! There, I have said it!

diva

So, on the way to soccer today I look back in my rearview mirror and this is what I saw.

And just a little FYI, I waited until I parked in the parking lot to take the picture.

soccer saturday

School is out and the kids are home A Lot!!! But on that note we have activities that we are doing such as VBS, karate, swimming lessons, cheer leading camp, movies, story times and whatever else I can come up with. We have also started Upward Soccer and the kids love it. We had our first games last Saturday and this is AJ's first time with any sort of organized sport. He was more intent on seeing if I was watching rather than going after the ball but hey - he is only 4, right? We'll see if there is any improvement over the season but it should be fun!

new style

I know it has been a the style for boys to wear their pants low to where their boxers are showing but I think when Jacob insisted on wearing his shorts like this the other day, I think this is just taking it to the next level.

sprinkler party

First let me say, yes, I know it has been a while but there have been other things to do here besides blog. What are these other things, you ask? Well, there is finding another car for Mike, going to meetings about the new school that AJ is going to attend, attending end-of-year parties, going to the doctor's office (multiple times, I might add), running the kids to karate and soccer, doing photo shoots and of course the everyday mundane stuff that us mommies get to do such as laundry, cleaning, cooking and so on. Well, not that I have inundated you with all of my excuses as to why I haven't blogged in a week, here is a post that should keep you tied over for a little bit at least.

The kindergarten's at Elizabeth's school celebrated the end of year with an ice cream sundae and sprinkler party. Unfortunately it was raining outside so the party was moved indoors but her teacher certainly made do.

The kids kicked it off with their ice cream sundae creations, which were quite impressive to say the least. The kids then presented their teacher with a necklace that had each of their pictures on it as an end of the year present.

They then followed with some good old shaving cream art at their tables and then the parents all blew bubbles for them to play with. At the end, the class treated us to a song and dance.

I have been hearing about this song all year long and it was such a kick to see all of the kids do it together.

What a great class and an amazing teacher Elizabeth has had this year and I will miss her dearly as she has impacted Elizbeth's life in such a wonderful and positive way. She has paved a great path for Elizabeth to continue on in her many school years to come. Thank you for all of your hard work this year, Mrs. Fiorello. We love you!