Wordless Wednesday

Too Big Tuesday

Sullivan can certainly hold his own with his big brothers and all 3 play so well together. When naptime comes, Sully puts up a big fight, knowing that Patrick and Finnegan will be doing activities with Mommy while he sleeps. Many days, he puts up such a fight that I eventually surrender. And, what happens next? As soon as we get in the car - Sully falls asleep!

Sully, I promise you won't miss out on all the fun, if you promise to get some rest.

You are not too big for a nap!!

Nannie and PopPop Visit

The past few days, Mom and Dad were in town for a visit.

Bedtime stories were read by Nannie.

PopPop played golf with all 3 boys -

and Nannie was ready whenever the boys needed a break!

There was Lots of playing

and everyone had a great time!

Speedway!

Today, Sara and I to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for an autofest.

Patrick and Finnegan were thrilled at the size of the track and in awe -

it really was impressive.

There were all kinds of vehicles to explore - Sully loved this little truck.

We even got to see the new Batmobile and the car from Ghostbusters.

(P&F have never seen the movie, but we've been singing the Ghostbusters song ever since!)

We finished our visit to the speedway the only way I could see fit - with a race!

I'm pretty sure we weren't supposed to, but no one stopped me when I lined up 5 little boys (one in a push car) and we raced down to the cones. It was not an easy task, I didn't realize just how angled the track was - but we did it! We raced on a real Speedway!

Checkered Flag - here we come!

Puppet Shows

This weekend, Gill helped the boys convert their closet into a Puppet Theater.

Aunt Sara gave the boys the theater and we have put it to great use.

Every day, Patrick and Finnegan have entertained us with fantastic shows including

Oscar the Grouch singing "the Dirt on the Bus", a clever spinoff to

"wheels on the bus" created by the boys and Gill.

I love having front row seats to their creativity.

Masterpiece Monday

Last weekend, the boys created a new masterpiece for our playroom.

Together with Gill, Patrick and Finn used left over wood from the garage and made a new table. After they were done building it, they painted the table with Mommy and then helped to apply the cushioned corners to protect Sullivan.

Here is the finished product:

Great Job Boys!

2 Left Feet

If you haven't noticed, I have a ticker on the left hand side of the blog, counting down the days until the ThunderRoad 1/2 Marathon. I set the goal for myself at New Years and, since then, have been trying to train. The past few months, it has been just a matter of getting up early, running a few miles and trying to get into a groove. My real, 10 week training, begins next Monday.

On Friday morning, I woke up at 5, laced up my shoes, put on my aqua belt, and for some reason, decided to put my cellphone in the spare pocket. It was a good thing I did, because 1.5 miles into my run I took a fall. One minute I was running, enjoying the peace and quiet, and the next I was eating the pavement. After laying on the ground for a few minutes, stunned, I tried to get up and continue the run, but it wasn't happening.

I called Gill, and my knight in shining armor came and got me. When we were home, we examined the damage, which included a lot of blood, scrapes and some serious pain in my right arm. With all 3 boys in their PJ's buckled into the car, Gill took me to Urgent Care and waited in the car with the kids.

Turns out I dislocated my shoulder and chipped a bit of bone on my elbow. This weekend, per doctor's orders, I rested. My sweet boys brought me coffee and flowers to brighten my day.

In addition to showering me with love, my family has also offered me some advice:

Patrick: Mommy, the next time you run, remember not to fall.

Sullivan: "NO"

Finnegan: You can't win the race if you don't know how to run, Mom.

Gill has also offered "wise" advice, some of which should not be posted online, others were hard to decipher between all the laughter.

Long and the short of it, I fell, I got back up, and I am going to continue training for the race. I want to show the kids that you can reach any goal you set -

even if you have 2 left feet.

Too Big Tuesday

I'm going to devote Tuesdays to things that Sully is doing far too early.

Yes, he can count to 5, identify all the letters and knows his shapes -

but, the fact that he puts his feet on the pedals and tries to bike like the big guys just blows me away!

p.s. Yes, I'm bragging and No, I couldn't be more proud!

Pancakes with Patrick

On Friday evening, Patrick ventured downstairs well past bedtime. He asked if I needed ice in my glass and if he could help Gill cook dinner. When we declined both offers and brought him back upstairs, he announced "No one ever needs my help!"

UNTRUE, Patrick, UNTRUE!

Saturday morning, Pitty Pat was the best helper in the kitchen. He and Daddy made pancakes for the entire family. Patrick cracked the eggs, used a whisk to stir the batter and even held the spatula while flipping the pancakes.

I understand, everyone wants to feel needed sometimes. Patrick, you are a great helper and pancakes just wouldn't be the same without you!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday, PopPop!

Child's Play

Yesterday, I turned 22 for the 12th time. Why 22? I don't know, but long ago I told P&F I was 22 years old, and it has stuck. I'm fine with them announcing to the world that their mom is 22 years old.

In reality, I acted more like a 4 year old yesterday.

The boys and I tore through the wrapping paper to discover some great presents...

we spent the morning playing with Isabella, Jenna and Melissa at Sports Connection...

and the afternoon having ice cream with the Weltz Family.

Mommy and her boys!

Sometimes we forget that even though we are adults and parents ourselves, we will always be someone else's child. And, a parent always knows how to make their child smile, no matter if they are 4 or 34. My parents, for instance, knew just what would make me happy - Chocolate and Shoes - does it get any better?!?! Thanks Mom & Dad!

Gill and I ended the day together - sharing yummy food and adult beverages...

and then indulging the child within at the movies with Harry Potter.

I spent my birthday surrounded by my children, embraced by my friends, loved by my parents and holding the hand of my husband - it couldn't have been any better.

(you may have noticed that Sullivan is not in a lot of these pictures.

This is because he too was acting his age - a toddler who has learned to say "no")

Uncle Ralph Comes to Visit

This past weekend, Uncle Ralph came to visit and brought his girlfriend, Dawn.

We were so thrilled to have them here for the weekend and had a blast!

After a day at the pool on Saturday, we spent Sunday at Sports Connection.

The first stop - mini bowling.

Apparently, no one told Sullivan that he's too young to play, because he was bowling

as well as the big guys.

(and, obviously, no one told him not to walk down the lane, either!)

After bowling, we played all sorts of games

and jumped in the bounce houses!

Ralph and Dawn surprised the boys with race track...

and me with an early birthday celebration!

Thanks for coming to visit, Ralph and Dawn -

come again soon!