Building a Fence...a family affair

What an exhausting but truly rewarding project...building our fence. With the help of Uncle Jared and P'Bo, Derek and I - mostly Derek, built a beautiful split rail (4-rail) fence. Once the wood cures we will paint it black to match the front door and shutters. The iron gate was ordered today and should arrive in a couple of weeks. We are so excited. Grandma and Tom watched the boys one of the weekend days so that we could hammer out a good bit of work. We had Marma and Aunt Christina come join the boys the last night of the group effort and hosted a dinner out on the deck. The kids got to use their new picnic table. For the most part Derek took weekdays to build it. I took one week day and helped put all the slats up. That worked best with the kids at school - although they wanted to help. Hatcher was able to help some too as he had doctors appointments that cut into the afternoon where he was able to stay home and help Daddy outside.

Hatcher just got his second set of ear tubes. He has had 5 ear infections since December and we just didn't want him to be on antibiotics anymore. He did great and was our rock star patient. He bounced back in no time and you would never know he was ever troubled by them. Aidan is using more and more words and he and Hatcher are playing more and more together - running and chasing each other down the hallway. Hatcher is always asking Aidan to do what he does. It is too cute. They are both such wonderful boys with big hearts and great spirits. We are very blessed.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hope you all had a wonderful and lucky St. Patrick's Day. The kids had a blast - since the school had a party! Here are some pictures of them before we headed out to school. My first is my fav - Kiss me - I am Irish!

Fun times...

With all the rain we have had recently, we have had to find other things to do inside. The boys have been loving dancing to music and playing their guitars. I have come up with all kinds of crazy indoor art projects and they have been helping me cook a lot more.



Last weekend we got together with Grandma and Tom to celebrate Uncle Ben's 33rd birthday at Ted's Montana Grill. The next rainy night we had the Bayers and the Estes over for dinner. Neil just got back from India and we wanted to hear all the stories. It was great to catch up with everyone.

Hatcher's First Soccer Practice

The first Sunday of the month, we took Hatcher to his first soccer practice. It took him a while to warm up, but after about 15 minutes, he was totally into it. Of the 25 children, there were three other kids from his school who were at practice. Once he figured that out - he was into it. They didn't play a game, rather they just learned to dribble and kick the ball while running. The parents participated - there were a lot of us there. The kids ranged in age from 3-4. So likely - this was the first for most of them. There were lots of cameras and video cameras. Aidan had a blast just being outside. He had fun playing with the goal markers and chasing the other kids' balls. Here are some pictures from that hour. We all went and enjoyed some ice cream afterwards...can't wait until the next practice. Hatcher has been sleeping in his cleats - he loved it so much!

Party at the Vereen's house

Saturday we went over to Nicole and Hunter's house for a get together with my "girls group" and the families. It is hard to believe that us girls have been getting together every single month for the last 6+ years. We are so lucky...it is a great group of wonderful people. The kids are growing up so fast. The party was lots of fun and the kids had a blast. Today all Hatcher could talk about was his friend Declan and they two of them playing together last night. Too cute. Here are some pictures from the evening.

Snow...our first and probably last of the season

Well after much waiting and deciding we likely weren't going to see any...it finally snowed today. It was even heavy at times...with thunder and lightening. It didn't come down too long, maybe for about 5 hours. But the accumulation here at our house was just over 2 inches...enough to build a snowman. The snow was very wet and because of all the rain we have had the past three days, we couldn't stay outside too long since the kids got so wet and it was so cold. The snow turned to rain just before dusk - which means we have the fun of black ice tomorrow morning. But, it was fun while it lasted. Hatcher and Aidan...okay let's be honest - Derek and I too - were glued to the windows and doors all day watching it fall. We all enjoyed hot chocolate and a fire in the fireplace after playing outside. I couldn't take too many pictures since the snow was falling so heavy and wet. But got some we loved - and wanted to share. Hope you all had a great weekend.

Well Visits for the boys

The boys had their well visits today. Hatcher is an excellent patient for the most part. He will sit still and do what he is asked. Hatcher weighed in at 35 lbs and is now 3 ft tall. He is on his consistent track of 25% in height and 75% in weight! Aidan is right behind Hatcher. It is amazing to me at this age how close they are in size. Aidan weighed in at 26 lbs and was 31 1/2" tall- 50% for both height and weight. Aidan got 4 shots today...and it killed me as I have been vigorously trying to space out these vaccinations as much as possible. But, I was short on time seeing as the county's restrictions on the school required some of these I had been pushing out - or Aidan couldn't come back as of this Friday. The only new one vaccine he got today, that he hasn't already had previous dosing for, was the MMR. I do believe our kids should be vaccinated...I just wish I they were more evenly spaced out. At any rate, he seems to be doing well - his normal self. They were sweet tonight and just wanted to play and sit and read together. I think Hatcher feels bad for Aidan because he saw him get his shots. I do love these two with more space than my heart can hold. Derek and I talk often about how much joy they bring us - definitely the greatest gifts Derek and I can share.

Madison turns 3...Party at Tumble Tots

What fun! Another party..."will we have birthday cake Mommy?" Ah but of course Hatcher. The boys had a blast jumping on the ring of air encircling a ball pit, riding on a mini car-coaster, climbing up the slides and playing in the kiddie kitchen. Perfect time to wear them out before a nap! The party was fun for all the kids. They had craft time, pizza time, story time, play time and of course time for cake! Here are a few of the pictures.
Happy third birthday Madison!