UFO's.

I should start this post with a disclaimer that this is not the roof of our home, rather one within eyeshot. Imagine my surprise when I looked out the window one day and saw two gigantic flying creatures that look like they should be in a twilight zone episode.

Upon closer inspection, and a google search, I identified these UFO's as Turkey Vultures, and that black hole in the roof? That would be their front door. And let me just mention that these things are only uglier when they decide it's time to make baby turkey vultures in full view of the neighborhood. Still, it's nice to see nature existing in what I consider to be a bustling area.....but maybe they could use just a little modesty if they decide to return again next Spring?

Move over Happy meal....

I love it when I can do something so simple and easy to bring joy to everyday life. We were lacking in the lunch menu department this day, so I decided to at least make lunch fun...if not entirely nutritious!


I gathered together my cookie cutters and then looked for anything that could be cut into a fun shape. The boys ended up with heart shaped PB&J (ham & cheese for Grant's complex palate), star shaped cheese slice and fun shaped pop-tart. Hey, I already admitted it wasn't the most balanced lunch.


Jack thought it was pretty great!



Grant concurred....


We don't normally use plastic water bottles, but had a few left from Jack's birthday party.






Bon Appetit!

Easter...2.0

It's pretty common knowledge around our home that simply being a boy does not mean you have a free pass to be covered in dirt, wearing messy clothes and sticky from head to toe! However, just to prevent being labled as a prude I thought I'd share a few pictures of what happens when Mommy puts down the washcloth.


Ok, so maybe I still felt the need to cover the table with newspaper, but then let the boys have at it!



Jack thought these were the prettiest Easter eggs he has ever seen, and I have to agree!

A few eggs did "dye"....LOL.

Have you met my second born? The "messiest baby on the block"?

Lolli, complete with dirt on the stick!

You didn't really think I'd let my newborn be a mess.... did you?

The Easter bunny must have thought our eggs were very nice! There even was a little basket for Quinn despite the short notice of his early arrival.

Happy First Easter baby Quinn!

An exciting purchase

We braved the retail world today with three kids in tow and made an exciting purchase. For the last year the boys have been stuffing their piggy bank with every coin they can find. As their reward for being diligent savers, in a few weeks we'll have a playset gracing our backyard! I hope it brings them years of enjoyment, countless memories and God willing no broken bones!

We are on the schedule to have it installed on April 30th. As the boys grow we can add features to the set, such as different swings. Any of you who know me are probably not surprised at all that I already am planning some modifications that require the assistance of a certain Grandpa from Maine! I'd love to close in the upper part of the left slide deck to make it more club-house like, and perhaps add a plasma screen and wet bar in there....{wink,wink}

A "BUP" sneak peek!

My incredibly talented friend Bernadette Uzcategui, of Buphotography (http://www.buphotography.com/) took my breath away when I saw these amazing sneak peek pictures from Quinn's newborn photo shoot. Just look at those perfectly pursed lips and dimple in his chin.....can there be anything more precious?

Click here to share the joy! www.buphotography.com/blog/?p=2364

Why the long face?

Why the long face? The better to steal icecream cones through a fence with of course!
Ella joined our family a year and a half ago and she has been my side-kick ever since. She's always there to clean up crumbs after lunch, protect me from the occasional repair man, alert me to the delivery of mail....and even to wake a sleeping child if the mood strikes her. We often are asked what breed of dog she is, and that question is always followed with a comment of how beautiful she is by the person inquiring. She is an English Cocker Spaniel, and differs in size, proportions and tempermant from the American Cocker. We could not have designed a more perfect dog for our family if they were offered on amazon.com......
For such a small dog she has a lot of names! Her official registered name is Penwoods Brown Eyed Girl, with a "call name" of Ella. Jack however, decided early on that her name is Bella and Grant prefers to simply call her La-La.

Sooooo close!!!

There's no need to feel sorry for our furry friend! All good dogs know that persistence will be rewarded with a dropped icecream cone!

We love you La-La!

Here comes Peter Cottontail....

Easter just happens to be one of my favorite holidays! I love how it ushers in springtime, blossoming flowers, adorable bunnies, chocolate....and coordinating outfits for the boys! For some reason we seemed to be cursed in the photography department this year. I was hoping for one fabulous picture of my "two big boys" in their Easter duds, but we barely managed to scrape together these shots. First there were drained batteries in the camera, then a full memory card and a host of other issues! I hope you enjoy the few pictures we managed to grab!

Our newest addition!

Baby Quinn Anderson made his arrival 3-31-2010 at noon! He weighed in at 7 pounds 5 1/2 ounces and 18 1/2 inches in length. We were all so happy to welcome him into our family, but Jack seems to be particularly taken with "his" new baby.

We were able to bring Jack up for a quick visit in the hospital even though they still have a restriction on visitors under the age of 16. Jack was very excited to see his new baby! Be sure to check back soon for more pictures of the newest member of our family!

Lucky shamrocks!

I realize this post is a little late, but these cute little leprechauns are just to sweet not to share! Here's a peek into our special lunchtime St.Patty's Day treat......