Phin Discovers Grape Juice

A Good Spot to Read

Sunday Morning Pancakes

Jonas' Sunday morning pancakes must conform to very specific dimensions.

Some Things Never Change

 Jonas and Caleb in Pittsburgh, Caleb is about 1 1/2 and Jonas 4.

Still No Where Close to Giving Up His Bink

Phin has a love affair with his binky that is standing the test of time.  He only gets it for nap and bedtime when he wants two, one to use and one to hold.  He examines them to check the design (though doesn't seem to have a preference for certain ones) and then satisfied lays down to sleep.

Halloween… I know, let's pretend

Really testing the idea better late than never.  Playing a bit of catch up so here we go….

Holiday Card Out-takes

photographs by Laura Hajar

Phineas is Two

Oh sweet Phineas.  I love how you try to tickle yourself on your belly saying "teekle teekle teekle."  And how you run from room to room looking for your brothers.  When they aren't home you ask for them by name "Onas" and "Cahleb."  It's hard to imagine anyone tearing apart the kitchen or the playroom as quickly as you do.  Why oh why must you purposely slide all the cars and kinex pieces under the couch?  You love to play outside often grabbing your shoes, handing them to me, pointing to the door and saying "outside!"  Thankfully you will still try just about any food and haven't met a fruit you don't like.  You think my chicken is delicious and love softly scrambled eggs and toast.  Daily you grab a book and shove whatever anyone is working on out of their way until they read to you.  And of course you adore Elmo and Blue's Clues when you get to pick the show over your brother's more serious choices.   Over the past few months we have seen so much personality emerge, sweet and silly, but definitely with an opinion about how things should be.  We love you so much wonderful boy!

Happy Birthday Phin!

Elizabeth and Abby came over to help Phin celebrate two.  The chocolate cupcakes were a hit!

Bagel Please

Caleb's First Day of Preschool

Caleb's new teacher Sue Fowler-Finn may just be able to match his energy.  Rumor has it she runs marathons.  He is very excited to have friends from last year in his classroom and new faces like Bryn.

Back to School for Jonas and Phin

Jonas had his first day of second grade today and it was a major event getting through the front door.  He was excited that a lot of his friends, including Nathaniel, are in his class with Mrs. Downing.  Caleb helped him find his classroom then escorted Phin to his first little school called Dieke's House.

West to Westport

We took our annual trip to visit the Millstones in Westport.  Every summer our respective broods seem to grow by a girl (them) or a boy (us) until this summer when we are matched up at three.  We were spoiled all around including tons of luxurious (and healthy!) food.

  

Fourth of July at the Shore

It was a bit tough to juggle the kids and a big camera so we don't have many photos this year- not even ones of the newly engaged couple Allison and Eric!  But I did the get the obligatory great shot of a baby playing in the sand, even with a hazy seashore in the background for extra points.

This was Wednesday but it could have been any day on the beach with Caleb.   Long potential weapon in hand, ready for action.

Yup, Phin is wearing a suit like something out of the thirties.

Jonas digging to China.

Phin could have done this for hours, until he was done, and then he was instantly upset to be on sand.  He expected clean hands and a sand-free snack immediately.

I love Phin's expression.  This is the first time he has stood still for a photo in months.

Ahhh the boys of summer.

Wyatt has no fear and fully hung with the big boys.

Oh Chili.  She is so sweet and calm. 

Thank you Steve Jobs for when we were exhausted from the beach and needed to catch our breath it was iPads to the rescue.