One Party, a Few Subplots

A week ago we went to a birthday party for Ryan's cousin, Anna. As a happy little 3 year old girl, she opted to have her party at her ballet studio. They went all out for Ryan - getting out the prince costumes for the production of Cindarella. Unfortunately, he had none of it. He has this hang up of being in groups/organized play. He will throw a fit, run away and then beg to "try again" after the event is over.

This is as close as he got to participating...

Of course, all is forgotten and forgiven when it comes to arts and crafts, juice and cake....





Here is the birthday girl, patiently waiting to blow out her candles...



In the midst of all the madness, Evan just hung out. There always seemed to be a willing set of arms to hold him...





Here is the insanity that ensues when you try to get all four of the kids to sit still and look at the camera...







Not even Grandpa could successfully reign them all in....



While ballet was most definitely not his thing, Ryan decided to turn in to a little show off and let us all know that he is an aspiring break dancer....

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Sorry that the boys gave you such an early wake up call. Hope you make the best of it. I love you!!

What a Difference a Year Makes

We were at Frying Pan Park last weekend and I saw Ryan standing in front of the big red barn. I immediately remembered a picture from last year and thought it would be fun to try and recreate it.....

Ryan in March 2009...

Ryan in April 2010...

Trouble in the Making

These were taken early in the morning while Lisa was still asleep. I love the way they look at each other and the way Ryan just adores his brother. Something tells me, though, that these two are going to be quite the troublesome duo in near future....

oh, yeah, there was easter....

i totally forgot about these pictures from easter weekend. I had just gotten back from overseas so it was great to spend quality time with the family.

we got to spend some time at the park which is always a great place to just let Ryan be Ryan...

On Easter we went to grandma and poppy's house. Ryan got some awesome pretend food and Evan got to play with some of Ryan's old toys. He got his own easter basket too, but Ryan's stuff was cooler...

He is 4 months old

wow, time flies. two weeks away from home and the onslaught of nice weather definitely put the blog on the back burner. but, my littlest buddy is four months old today. amazing. all of the snow that he brought with his birth is long gone. he is starting to roll over - when he feels like it. he has an infectious smile and a heart melting laugh. I think his favorite thing right now is actually his big brother. for as rough as Ryan can be with him, Evan loves every minute.

my favorite thing - it looks like the blue eyes are here to stay....

Greetings from South America

They blog has been quiet the last week since I have been on a longer than usual business trip.

But here is what you all really need to know - Lisa is an amazing supermom. While I am down here in Bogota, she has been holding down the fort, housebound becuase of two sick kids. She must have the patience of a saint and incredible resilience.

I love you, Lisa - i'll be home soon.

Here are a couple quick shots of the boys that i haven't had a chance to post....

Evan's Third Month

Wow, the blog has been pretty quiet lately. That means that our lives certainly haven't been. Pictures have been taken, edits have been made but without a magic elf in the house, these posts don't write themselves :) I've got tons to catch everyone up on, and i will soon enough, but today is just a quick note as Evan turns 3 months old. He sleeps through the night pretty regularly and has no problem spending time in his various carriers while we chase his brother around. Definitely an adaptable kid. We're trying to work in more tummy time but he seems happier on his back where he can kick and squirm.

Here are a few shots of how he is growing. Oddly enough, Ryan was almost completely bald at this age where Evan still has most of the hair he was born with....