Day with Gigi

We spent the day visiting Gigi Gallo. It was absolutely gorgeous today, so we spent almost the entire day outside. Lots of raking, lots of running, playing, and drawing with chalk. We had a really nice visit and got to see Aunt Jodi, Natalie and Baby Josie - she's 5 months old now!

Josh was really putting some muscle into this - he eventually found a little rake to make the job easier.

Gigi spent the day on the porch and enjoyed watching the kids play.

Katelyn probably climbed up and down these stairs about 100 times today!

Katelyn and Aunt Jodi became buddies during their long walk.

Natalie and Josie!

Josie and Joshie

Terrible quality photo, but this summed up our ability to get a group photo of the kids!

I think Natalie actually got some "descent" ones during our attempts, so I'll try to post some new ones at another time.

A Day Outside

It's too nice to stay inside! We had a picnic lunch on the deck this afternoon.

Our friend Mary came over for a visit and she helped Josh master riding his bike. Josh peddled the entire loop (almost a mile). He had a smile on his face the entire time, saying, "This is fun!" and ringing his little bell.

We had S'mores for dessert! Katelyn's first S'mores experience and Josh's first since he was an infant! Neither of them would take a bite - they were a little freaked out by how sticky the marshmallow was - I'm pretty sure it's in their hair. All they would eat was the graham cracker. They don't know what they're missing!

Dad's Day

Today was Dad's Day at Josh's school. Jeff spent the whole morning with Josh and they had a fun time. Note the spider they made together! Katelyn and I were there to pick Josh up after school so Jeff could head off to work, so Katelyn hopped in the picture. She was really excited to see both of them. We're not sure what the kids are looking at - at least one out of three people is smiling at the camera!

(Betty - check out Katelyn's pants!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Time to get messy!

Josh asked to paint, but it was too nice to stay inside. So...we took the paints on the deck. This was Katelyn's first time getting her hands in the mess. She's refused every time before. Katelyn looked worried the entire time, tried to eat the paint a few times, and asked for her hands to be wiped off a few times...but seemed to enjoy herself overall!

Two very serious artists

Two Sides of Katelyn

Mommy dresses Katelyn like she would like to be dressed - sweats!

We think she's so cute in her sweatsuit!

But check out her styling high heals!!! (Courtesy of Madison and Avery)

She is looking very disco-ish!

Dinner and a Movie

Josh and Madison had a date of sorts - their little sisters kept interupting...not to mention their parents! Josh didn't eat much of his dinner though. He was a bit preoccupied...with Lightning McQueen, that is.

When I Grow Up...

...I want to be like my Big Brother Josh!

Katelyn grabbed Josh's jacket and shoes today and insisted on putting them on. She walked around the house like this all morning. It was really cute. She would point to Josh and then to herself. It is amazing to watch how much they love each other! Josh got a real kick out this!

Backyard Play

It was such a beautiful day - hooray! I think we are all new people after being outside for the past two days. Spring has sprung! (Let's hope it's here to stay!)

It's amazing what a difference a few months can make. Katelyn can do so much more than she could in the fall when we were last outside playing. She's climbing, sliding, and having a great time. And now Josh is not just climbing up things - he's on top of everything! It's a fun adventure. :)

Peek-a-boo

Katelyn's preferred activity in the backyard!

Josh is training to be a Daddy.

But we didn't teach him to put strollers on top of tables!

Getting Crafty

Anne taught me how to make a bib and cape a few weeks ago and I made them for Michelle's new baby (soon to be here) and Jacob in Texas. I thought the new Big Brother would appreciate this gift! You can see for yourself on their blog to the left.

Mia wore her cape and Josh tried on the new one - all the kids loved it!

One side is blue with a patterned star

Katelyn flipped it around with the patterned side and a blue star.
Charlotte and Katelyn liked the capes too!

Tall Tower

Josh and Pop-Pop built a really tall tower today.

Sunday Fun

Even in our Sunday clothes, we can still have fun!

I mean really...look at this cutie!

Katelyn likes to run now - but she is still toddling. Katelyn would run around the corner and wait until we said, "Where's Katelyn?" and then...

She would come running back around the corner giggling.

Go Katelyn Go! Daddy's going to get you!

Josh had fun too...in a box!

What we've been up to...

Playing with dough has been the activity of choice lately...and it's awesome. Josh can sit and do this for close to an hour and it's fun! Check out those fine motor skills! :)

Josh learned to drink the milk from the bowl - it's a life skill!

Now, Mommy taught them this...Macaroni for Breakfast! They enjoyed this much more than their oatmeal. Aunt Jodi, aren't you so proud?!

Quality time together reading before bed!

Katelyn's Best Afternoon

Katelyn boycotted her nap this afternoon. As a result, she had Grandma, Mommy, and all the toys to herself. She was so happy and giggly - we were pretty amused. Katelyn went from one toy to the next and played games with us.

"Rocky, Rocky" with Grandma

"Where's Katelyn?"

"Peek-a-boo!"
Katelyn thought this was hilarious. She was so cute putting her head against the sofa with her bottom sticking out.

But come dinner time, Katelyn crashed. We were just serving the food when she fell asleep.

This is what happens when you don't nap!

(Don't worry - she did eventually eat dinner.)

We Heart Miles

I'm pretty sure if Miles could talk, he would be asking for help.

Miles opened his eyes as soon as Josh and Katelyn started talking to him and he was awake for two hours afterwards. Luckily it was the middle of the afternoon and not at night, so Melanie was ok with it! Miles is so adorable - we really love him and are thankful Melanie and Chris are here to share him with our family.

Welcome Home, Miles!

I was given the go-ahead to post the first photo of Baby Miles! Melanie and Chris brought home their bouncing baby boy on Saturday. Josh and Katelyn were so excited to meet him! As you can see, Jeff had to hold Katelyn back from pouncing. We are so happy to share in this exciting time with the Caldwells!!!

Molly and Ellie

Molly and Josh used to hang out all of the time before the little sisters arrived, so Bethany and Betsy are on a mission for Ellie and Katelyn to get to know each other. We had a fun time playing today.

Ellie (almost 16 months), Molly 2 1/2 and Josh 2 1/2 jumping on the sofa
All four kids playing in the kitchen

Playing with clay occupied them all for about 30 minutes! And we don't think too much was ingested!

Katelyn and Ellie reading together

Molly took Katelyn for a slide ride!