Catching Up: Part 6 - First Day of School 2013

Caroline displayed her great school shirt that mom made with immense pride, and James reluctantly agreed to go.  As I am posting this about year late, I can't believe how much more like babies they look in these pictures.

I think she picked out the knee bandages herself.

 He looks like such a baby to me.

"Follow me, James."

"Do I have to?"

James is always good at using his dimples to make friends.

Catching Up: Part 5 - Henry's First Birthday

Despite there being very little fanfare, our third kid did have a first birthday on August 23rd, 2013.  Some of the highlights (lowlights?) are below.  Although it was a little underwhelming, I promise that no damage was done.  He ended up smiling plenty, and has used his fearless physical acts and toddler narcissism to claim many days since as his own.

"You guys do know a kid only has one first birthday, right?"

"Why do you tease me with fascinating fire?"

"We're happy to help with that."

Satisfaction faces after destroying that candle fire.

"I'm not sure I even like blueberries."

"Is this the best you guys could do?"

"Is that a present for me?"

"Wow you got me a disney princess balloon.  Was it on sale, or leftover from Caroline's birthday?"

"It may be a terrible present, but it's mine now Caroline." 

Henry did get a slightly larger party shortly after his actual Birthday.

"Are those for me?"

First we should pray (I have no idea what is actually going on here).

"Where is the fire?"

James offered to help . . . 

 . . . for a price.

"I think I'm getting it."

"Yeah, I see how this works."

Three styles of messy cupcake eating.

Getting a last lick of frosting before a well deserved bath.

A clean baby, but what is James doing in the background?

Clean and smug, just like we like them.

There is a Triathlon every year around Henry's birthday, and our house is along the running course.  The kids were very excited to provide some encouragement.

Cheering is much easier than swimming, biking, and running.

 

Caroline decided to try sidewalk chalk on her face, and was very pleased with the result.

And she likes to dance.

 

 

 

Catching Up: Part 4 - The Big Baptism

On May 19th 2013, we were happy to baptize two additional members of the family and add another set of God parents to the required-to-buy gifts list.  While the spiritual aspects of the day were very meaningful, far better for blog purposes is the fact that the pictures came out exceptional.  Everyone was dressed in their Pentecost red, and even James looked at the camera and smiled in some of them.  We are genuinely afraid that this may be as cute as the kids ever get.  Poor Henry, peaked at 9 months.  So without further suspense . . .

Henry was a very good sport

"I will with God's help."

"Oh wow. I am not sure what that flame is, but I want it."

"Whatever it is, I can hold it for you mom."

"I suppose I could be the center of attention for a little while."

Post Baptism picture with our friend Fr. David.

Two family pictures with everyone dressed, clean, and smiling at the camera.  We didn't think it could be done until we saw these.  Brie sewed Caroline's dress, James' shorts, and Henry's baptism outfit.

A couple pictures with the newly-added God parents.  These folks were always part of the family, but now it's official.  They can't back out now!

The whole family . . . wondering "Where's Trey?"

There's Trey, now where is Mabel?

We got all the Grandkids!!!