Flashback Friday

The first weekend in February, our family went to the Circus.  It was the first time the kids had ever been, and it was amazing to see the excitement in their eyes.  We had great seats, about 5 rows up from the ring, and it was magical.  Patrick loved the motorcycles riding in the steal sphere, Finn favored the acrobats jumping through rings of fire, and Sully seemed to just be trying to take it all in.

I love this family picture and hope we make this an annual tradition.

However, it is not the first time Gill and I have been to the circus or had the commemorative picture taken.  This picture from 2000 was taken at Madison Square Garden.  We had been dating less than a year at that time.  Who would have thought that 13 years later, we would be back at the circus with our three sons!

Snow Day

Today we woke up to quite a surprise - SNOW!

It was beautiful and while it wasn't enough to sled or build a big snowman, 

there was definitely enough for a hike and snowball fight.

 The boys used their snowball makers to attack mom and dad!

 While the snow melted by the afternoon,
at least we had a fun morning in the snow and some hot chocolate!

Boosterthon Run

Yesterday, Patrick and Finnegan participated in the Boosterthon Fun Run.  

The two of them raised almost $400 for their school!

Gill worked the water station for the run and PopPop and I came to cheer them on.

We are so proud of our athletes!  It might be difficult to see the boys in these pics, but they are both wearing bright red pants, so that should help!

Pledge of Allegiance.  Finn is to the right of the podium.

 The class marches around the track for one lap before the race begins.  Patrick is SUPER excited!!

Finn leads his class

Here comes Patrick!

 Run Finn Run!

 Finn stops for a water break, and to see Daddy! 

(gill worked the water station)

PopPop, Daddy, Patrick, Finn... And Naima??  Yes, the girl has such a crush on Finn that she wouldn't leave him and get out of our picture!

Great Job Boys!

Valentine's Day 2013

Today was such a sweet day with my Valentines.

Yesterday, Patrick and Finnegan spent hours addressing their cards to all their classmates.  Patrick chose Batman Valentines and Finn chose Cars.

Finn took an especially long time with his cards.  When I saw the finished product, I understood why.  For every girl, he wrote his name in "flowers".  He told me, "it's cause Girls like Flowers on Valentine's Day, Mom"

This morning we had a special Valentine's Day Breakfast

Complete with heart pancakes, pink lemonade with heart ice cubes and treats

 Gill left early, as the Hawk Dads had a special carline planned.  Then the big guys got ready for their day, complete with their valentines and mailboxes.

 Sully had a special morning at preschool.  We brought in cards for his class and treats for his class party.  As a special surprise, PopPop came to Sully's Valentine's Party - he was so happy!

After preschool, Sully and I stopped by Nannie's house to give her a special surprise before heading home.  "Captain Heartbreak" sure made her smile!

 Happy Valentine's Day!

Sully's 3rd Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Sully's 3rd Birthday with family and friends at Gymboree.

The theme was Cars, specificially his favorite car, Mater!

The room was decked out with all things cars, even a special Tow Mater sign 

made just for Sully by Patrick, Finn and Daddy.

 Sully was all smiles and had such a blast playing with all his friends.

Our favorite Teacher, Ms. Kia, planned all Cars themed activities for the party.

Mater's Weigh Station

 Parachute Time

 Before we knew it, playtime was over and it was time for cake

 Make a wish, Sully!

Yes, we did cut into Mater, and he was delicious!

Happy Birthday, Sullivan!  We love you!