Fourth of July

We went to my sister's and my mom's house to celebrate Independence Day!

Jack (L) and Ben (R) take a break from playing to drink their bottle. They usually hold their own unless they're either too lazy or too tired. Here, both applied :)

Jack and Ben during an (admittedly rare) moment, playing together.

Benjamin especially liked this cube and the toys that fit inside.

Marissa layed down on the floor and Matthew came over and kissed her on the cheek. So sweet!

Matthew put the hat on his head by himself. Can you tell? :)

And then he tried putting it on Jack.

Nana and Grandpa with their grandchildren! Ben (red shorts,) Jack (white shorts,) Matthew and Evan - all born within ONE calendar year!

Can you believe this beautiful baby (Evan) is only four months old?

Grandpa with two of his grandboys... Matthew and Evan

Marissa and Dan with their nephews! (Ben, Jack, Matthew and Evan)

There were four... and then there were four MORE! :) Dan seems pretty happy with this sharp increase in testosterone. He was pretty lonely there for a while. heehee. We just LOVE our boys!

Creamsicle Heaven

Benjamin enjoys his first creamsicle on mommy's lap. He started on the floor, but by the second taste, he needed to be muuuch closer to the goodness!

Jack is thinking, "Mom, when's MY turn!?"

Jack enjoys the creamsicle, too. Looks like I'm going to have to stock up on icecream this summer!

Good Friends

Friday, July 2nd, two of my good college friends (Alicia and Amy) came to visit. We gathered at my mom's house - the most central location for all of us - and let our kids play! We had such a great time! We missed our other good friend, Robyn, and her family, though, who make their home in California now.

Alicia with Marissa (2 years old,) Amy with Grace (8 months old,) and me with Ben and Jack (15 months old)

Marissa loves the piano, just like her mommy!

Me and my boys, Ben and Jack

Jack and Ben take a turn on the piano.

Grandpa, Jack and Ben admire Evan in his swing while Matthew gets a runaway toy from behind!

Chief and his littlest grandchild

Amy and Grace - just soooo adorable!

Ellie and Evan, just 4 months old

Amy and little Grace

Ellie and me with our boys: Evan, Matthew, Ben and Jack - so many blessings in just one year!

Leah's Bridal Shower

My Babies

My babies, Jonathan (L) and Benjamin (R) enjoy eachother's company while looking out of the window this afternoon.

How did I ever get so blessed?

On My Toes

It's been a long time since I've written on this blog. Whatever time I do have, I've been updating my Minute for Mom blog, though quiet time for mommy doesn't seem as plentiful anymore. Ever since the boys started walking... and running... and climbing... these boys keep me on my toes!

Want to know what Jack and Ben have been up to?

Ben learned to do a somersault. Well, not really. I still have to push him into it. But he waits for me to do it!

Ben and Jack love playing in my cupboard, the one place they're allowed to play in in the kitchen that I've fully stocked just for them. The other ones are locked. I just couldn't stand to let them pinch their fingers (or their brother's fingers) in trying to get each of them open!

They discovered another use for the toy basket. (Ben and Jack)

We got a bigger toy box. They learned how to climb into that, too. (Ben and Jack)

Here's how Ben did it.

Ben and Jack enjoy a quiet moment in front of the window, still one of their favorite pasttimes (if they're not trying to take a nose-dive off the couch!)

Ben got on the walker all by himself and can even push himself forward or backward.

Jack and Ben look to see if there's anything good in the fridge.

Ben can climb the stairs at the playground (at Mississippi Mudds in Tonawanda, NY)

Jack climbed up using his feet, not his hands!

But they're just so cute. Adorable, adventureous, laughable, playful, courageous little boys. (Ben and Jack) I can only imagine what excitement awaits us in Year Two!