Making Memories

We decided to have a family barbecue for the first time since the twins were born. And boy, are we all tired. It was not a disaster and the food was delicious, but it takes a lot of work to feed three kids even when you aren't outside on concrete with two non-walkers and a two year old around a hot grill (who learned his lesson last year and calls the grill, "Daddy's HOT." (As in, Daddy, I'm watching your Hot.")

The kitchen and backyard were a mess when it was over. We had kabobs and corn on the cob, Adam refused to have a hot dog so we didn't make any, and the twins had watermelon, zucchini and carrot "cakes" and banana. In the end, we were all full, happy, and sleepy.

 

Shannon's little Grill Master Apprentice

 

Feeling it out. And teething big time.

Colin in his favorite spot -- hanging on Mom.

Bonding in the yard.

Figured out he was finally tall enough to reach the peddles AND push them.

Adam calls tortillas "pizza." He hates pizza, but loves tortillas. I don't know where this came from, but it's almost impossible not to just go along with it because no matter how many times we correct him, he insists it's pizza. For dinner tonight, he had a banana, corn on the cob, and "pizza." He insisted.

So Much Changes in One Year

Today, the day before Easter, we had cinnamon roll waffles for breakfast, then Adam took a much needed nap, dyed Easter eggs and had our first family barbecue since the twins were born.

In deep concentration.

It's amazing how much can change in a year. Last year Adam was still an only child, made a big mess of the Easter Egg dying at Mamie and Grandpa's house, and his biggest thrill of the activity was smashing the eggs to pieces.

In deep concentration one year ago.

And this year it was much more composed, although I do wish the twins could have participated more. (I do so miss those little blonde curls though).

I will forever remember this picture of Adam (below). I accidentally cut off the top off his head, he has a scratch on his face of unknown origin, there is a mess on the table behind him and there's Easter egg dye splashes on his face, but it's the first time ever that he has posed and smiled for a picture when I asked him to, without saying "CHEESE".

Showing Daddy his teeth.

Mr. Tough Guy

Just Goofing Off.

Cheerios and Strawberries for breakfast.

What? Do I have something on my face? You'd tell me, wouldn't you?

Claire laughs at everyone's jokes, but she laughs the hardest at her own.

Dude.

 

  Claire with Adam's hard hat.

 

I really don't know what happened here, but it seemed a shame not to document it forever.

"So... What am I supposed to do now that it's in my mouth?"

The next two pictures below explain why I don't ever put headbands on Claire. For one, it is nearly impossible to find one the right size for her "style." I know she's 9 months old, but she two spunky for those over the top, gigantic bows. Two, she doesn't have enough hair yet to put those cute little dainty bows that I like in her hair. Three, you don't need a bow to be beautiful. And four, when she has anything on her head, she looks at me as if someone is playing a cruel joke on her and she won't stand for it. I was lucky to get the pictures I did today.

Beautiful girl.

And without the headband... her beautiful smile.

"Colin, hold still and I'll stand up for this picture. It will look super cool."

Lunch on plates for the first time.

meatloaf and squash.

Drool.

Trying to smile, but is in the play pen and has a fear of being caged.

 Colin with Caley.

Seriously?

You're a good listener, Caley.

Doggie kisses.

Enjoying some alone time.

 

My serious one.