thanks godfamily!

cowboy

monkey business

what's that?

Today Joseph requested the "Gal Gu Wa" book. After a few unproductive repetitions, I had him describe the story to me. As it turns out he was requesting the "Gaulois" book, better known as Astérix!

 

happy birthday nana

bbq at the north pole

funny

Joseph's jokes tend toward April fool's trickery.  Leo made his first original "joke" today! 
-Elephant in the house!
-Elephant in the house?
-Only little one.
-Where?
-In bed.

hooray!

Leo shouts "Hooray!" for Hunter and his newly baptized soul.

super fair

caffeine addiction starts early

I was enjoying my morning cup of coffee while perusing the newspaper.  I left the table to get more milk for Joseph and when I returned I could not for the life of me find my coffee mug.  Suddenly, I noticed it in Leo's hands!  With a grin he exclaimed, "coffee"!  When I asked if he drank any, he responded, putting the mug up to his mouth "good"!

frog, spider and insects

Grandparents day at the zoo!

Spider-Man Joseph

Metamorphosis-caterpillar Leo to Butterfly Joseph!

two

Birthday breakfast of pancakes and chocolate milk.

Chocolate lion cakes inspired by this post and our pancake mold!

Leo, you are such a delight!  You joyfully tackle your brother and often pick a fight just for fun, you even "throw the bones" and play for the "Huskers."  I cannot count the number of times I have told you to get off Joseph's head.  You have the best laugh.  I love how you change from your deep loud voice to your itty bitty baby voice as you squat down or hold close whatever you are examining.  You have the chubbiest thighs and cheeks, with just a hint of a dimple.  You have a very ornery streak, and your eyes* sparkle as you giggle at your deviousness and wiggle away.  When you throw a fit, you look for a soft spot to land, moving to a better location as necessary. You love doggies and your blankie, which also makes you a cute ghost.  Your favorite part of the day is when "Daddy's home!!!"  You do not like to get up from your bed and refuse to stand until you "sleep more" (and lie down for another moment).  Your sentence structure is much more developed that your brother's was at this age, probably because he is your model and best friend.  You like to declare "I am... (awake, eating, playing, coming, pooping etc.)"  You have already become opinionated about what you wear.  You love superheros "guy guys" and always gleefully request "ice cream" for dessert, especially with Papa, your partner in crime.  You often shout "Hooray!" with both hands high overhead in excitement, but will still hold hands with your mom when we are taking a walk.  We love you Leo!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

*your eyes are still an unknown color-light to dark gray with a brown sunburst center

an offer she couldn't refuse

"Aunt Autumn, want to make this room messy?" -Joseph

adopted seminarians

Our continued prayers for Tyler and Wes as they head off to begin their theological studies on the east coast!

family reunion

Joseph had fun playing with Sam's Spider Man costume, he is very into superheroes lately.

The Clark Clan.

sweet and sour

Joseph is fascinated by the strawberry milk at the store, so I bought it as a reward for coping with the chicken pox so well.  After tasting it, he commented, "Hmmm, it tastes like sour cream."

graffiti artist

While we are on the subject of handy cleaners, here is a shot of our little vandal. Thank you Magic Eraser!

hard water be gone

This colander was one of my favorite wedding gifts (thanks Robin and Paul!). Unfortunately, it has had a not so lovely white sheen for most of the past five years.

before

after

Lemi Shine is amazing!  Thank you Andrea for sharing your fabulous find!

the leopard game

aka chicken pox.  The boys love leopards, so Jude coined the term to help them get through their confinement :)  They wore "paws" (socks) when sleeping and did an amazing job of not scratching.  Joseph's spots appeared first, but Leo got more in the end, including one on the white of his eye!  At first it just appeared bloodshot, and he said it didn't hurt, but then a bump appeared in the middle and we were off to the ophthalmologist.  Happily they have weathered it well!