Drew at 18 months

It honestly AMAZES me what this little dude understands.  Just the other day Barbara was here for an afternoon.  She was upstairs reading to Shane.

I asked Drew to take a Gerber Daisy up to Grandma -

give it to her -

and give her a hug.

  It was priceless watching him carefully

scale the stairs -

round the corner -

see Grandma and walk up to her -

first giving her the flower and than remembering the hug -

no further cues needed!!

he understands that dinner time means hop up in that chair.  he is the first one to offer up help and want to be part of the team.

His shreaks can still make me crumble - but he is learning by leaps and bounds and I want to take the time to REALLY appreciate it - there - that was about all the time I had!  Love you little man

Although right now you seem to be sprouting a few more teeth making you a bit less enjoyable to be around....  those brown eyes are still heart breakers =)!

Another soul in heaven

Some folks struggle under the care of others, some leave too early, some tragically, and some slip away in the night.  Our uncle bill (buck - as we affectionately called him) passed away in his sleep on Wednesday night.  He is my father's older brother.  He had polio as a child and a pacemaker for the passed several years.  He was a reliable GAP employee for almost 20 years.  He had his fair share of medical issues - but stayed as healthy as he could manage while living a simple life.

Although he spent most of his life in CA - we are thankful for many memories that include him.  In high school he drove our high school car from Rockford to CT (my grandpa Roy selected it - my dad footed the bill and uncle buck was the one to transport it and stay for a bit--thus the 'uncle buck reference'....)

My uncles did a great job of visiting each other during those important birthdays - often surprising each other   My dad flew to CA for Buck's birthday and it turned into a tradition.  Buck and Mich were with my dad for his 60th in CT as well as his 65th in VA.

circa 2007 in CT

circa 2012 in VA 

Though miles always separated the brothers - its was always nice to watch them put that aside and be with each other - annoying brother antics and all.

Peace be with you Uncle Buck,

The potential of a new Garden

Its the planting season!  
Another great things to do with great friends - cultivate a garden.  There are great little 'plots' here in Brambelton and Teresa and Caz were on the ball this year and reserved one.  We were pumped when they said we could help out - 
all hands on deck Sunday morning with shovels, screens and plants everyone grab a shovel Find any rocks Ben? Shane loves worms and hopefully the worms will love our garden too
The initial 'pitch in effort'


Starting to looks like the Dads are doing all the work Caz brought the decoration along with his price Quartz collection - best looking garden platz out there.
Now for a little water...... probably the most exciting part =)

Mother nature is currently helping out in the watering department.  The rest of the afternoon was rainy as is today.  Its nice to enjoy the rain after working in the dirt.  Here's to many zucchini  tomatoes, peas, peppers, eggplant and watermelon this season.

moving after 33 years

Imagine relocating after 33 years?  

Well, Kay and Bill Griffin - my parents best friends did just that this week - my sister and I were actually 'willed' to them for many years of our childhood.  They packed their stuff (getting rid of SO MUCH via freecycle.org) locked the doors to their house in West Simsbury and headed down to NC.  They are excited for the proximity to one of their sons - Michael as his wife Desire is due with their 2nd baby.  They figured it was time.  

I was thrilled that they opted to stay with us as a halfway point.  They left my parents home Saturday morning and came to us driving tandem (as much as they possibly could)

we stayed up passed midnight really just enjoying the chatters and soaking in the company.

With as often as we seem to move and relocate and the tears that are shed with friends along the way - I cannot imagine the feeling of 33 years.  I am certain we will continue to catch up with them an their treks north to south and some visits.  I loved and admired their organization, timeline and ability to just knock it out.  Now i wish them a wonderful new start in a beautiful area.  Thanks for including us on your trek =)!  love you all!

in our own backyard

On the heels of the cherry blossoms we also got to enjoy the Virginia state flower (or tree - not sure which...) the dogwood.  Its beautiful just to glace out our window and enjoy a bit of nature's beauty.  Like many things - it doesn't last long.

This photo was sweet - but it too didn't last long.

Love these boys in their plaid shorts

2 things we learned at the playground that day - static electricity and teva/croc/sandals at the mulch  playground is out...

Baby grass!  Finally =)!

On Sunday Chris made our tiny back yard that MUCH cooler.  What was a tire that can no longer be on our car - is a swing - 

Idea - Nick

labor - dad

enjoyment - all!

Chris actually orchestrates Ninja warrior obstacle courses in the back yard.  The boys love it!  if only Shane would get a little balance - its coming right?

our mini is worth it for so many reasons

We love our mini van and let me count the ways.....

Sure it carries so much, the doors open at the touch of a button.  But the best - the kids don't sit this close to EACH OTHER - or US!

Last weekend we stuck the mini van in for a pricey service but still felt compelled to take the family to enjoy a beautiful park day.  Lately we've been ditching the stroller for little feet so we figured it would be a simple feat...

Needless to say, when they called us at 5:45 saying the mini service was complete - we quickly hopped in the car to get it.  

A simple afternoon with the Cherry blossoms

Cherry blossoms are at their peak and we are 45 minutes away.  Should we pull the kids from school or just make an afternoon of it.  With Teresa and our navigation we opted to spend Tuesday soaking in the blooms.

First a parking spot - not easily done - but DONE!

next a little strolling

Some hang out time

A few photos of course

My favs.

Nice double chin Shane

After a picnic dinner we explored the FDR memorial.  Nick had his smiling face on.  Among all the chaos - he had a smile.  kinda funny really.

See what I mean?

Honestly I wish I had more time to digest the FDR memorial.  I will have to go back with a Rick Steve's podcast or something.  But with the kids I thought it was best to just capture what I thought were some powerful quotes.

Smiling Nick and hiding Caz

More quotes

Ah, the Jefferson - seriously, there is an awe-inspiring monument at every corner.

O.k, back to the blossoms

I love this photo of the beautiful family.  Mostly because with the CROWDS of folks it was no easy feat!

Divide and Conquer

With 3 - the great enjoyment of each is not having them all together.  On Monday I had Drew for the evening and he was wonderful.  We had a picnic in the park.  He didn't need to kick a ball, play football or even hit the playground.  he just wanted to hang out and watch the ducks.

Perfect!

Nick and Shane managed to golf 9 holes with Dad

Chris is on the rode to his 4-some and at twilight rates - its wonderful

The boys loved it and were exhausted at the end - thankfully!

They had to have the cart back my 7:40 which meant Nick golfed the 9th hole solo.  He was happy to have that Independence on the short distance.