Sees Fire

O, Adrian! Adrian, O!

The two buddies were excited about spending time together watching a Major League Soccer game and meeting Dennis Haslett, head coach of the Chicago Fire.

Hug Shots

Running with fun friends

Cuddling with her fretful brother

Lassoing in a Cheetah Boy

Walt Disney Pictures

Striking a royal pose

Disney ferry

A Smile a Minute

The little guy is grinning quite a lot now, especially in the mornings.

Bringing to One's Disneys

(Sung to the tune "Heigh-Ho")

Hey O, hey O
It’s Orlando from home we go
(whistle)
Hey O, hey O, hey O

Olivia and I have the pleasure of joining her friend Lucy and her family on a trek to Walt Disney World. We traveled by their RV, which I’ll note easily eclipses all other modes of travel I’ve ever taken in terms of roominess and comfort. Obviously, it will also serve as our place of residence while at the resort. In its honor, I’ve penned another ditty à la Disney.

(Sung to the tune "Under the Sea")

In the RV
In the RV
Darling it's better
When out of the weather
Take it from me
Back at home they work all day
Out in the sun we came to play
While we are givin’
This week to livin’
In the RV

Apple Turnover

Well, not quite, but he is scooting around the bed quite a bit now.

Last-ing Memories

Today marked Olivia’s last day of preschool, where, after a false start at another place, she has attended since October 2007. As I’ve mentioned before, the thing we were most concerned about when switching schools was finding a place that couldn’t possibly crush her boundless spirit. I’m happy to report that the rambunctious, imaginative three-year-old who started there a year and a half ago graduated as a fun-loving, creative, and energetic near-five-year-old who’s ready to tackle kindergarten in the fall.

In her time there, she has made great friends (as have we, with her friends’ parents), been shepherded by a host of dedicated teachers, and dazzled – and bedazzled – us with her artistic efforts and love for the Lord. It seems fitting, therefore, that her final day was greatly shaped by those things and people.

Hanging out with friends Ava and Lucy

With Miss Leslie, director of the preschool

Receiving her certificate from Miss Barb,
one of her pre-K teachers

Waiting for the concert and ceremony to start

Memorable malaprop: The line "When my burden's heavy"
from one of their songs became "When my bird is heavy"

Band of Brothers (and Sisters)

Siblings of the familial sense joined their brothers and sisters of the worldly sense in cacophony on the landing of our basement stairs.

Classroom Observation

Olivia made like George Washington by getting an observed birthday to complement her real one. She turns five in June, but since she’ll be out of school for summer then, her teachers kindly arranged for a celebration today.

Miss Barb let Olivia pass out the treats to her classmates, which thrilled her as much as being sung to and eating her ice cream.

Nonsleep Cycle

Don’t let these pics of the sleeping babe fool you: we thought we’d caught a break with Child Number Two, but apparently we’re heading down the same road we traveled with Big Sister.

Ugh…sigh…boo hoo…yawn. Repeat.

Dumb and Dumber

As seen hanging at a local restaurant today (which happens to be Mother’s Day):


The view inside the containers compartment of a community recycling bin:

Bricks, sticks, concrete,...

...printer!

Here's the giant sign that's posted on the bin. Obviously, the above are the indiscretions of either an indolent dolt or attention-starved obstructionist. (Or maybe someone who's both.)

Feliz Día de la Madre

Because nothing says, "You're appreciated, Mom," like taking her out for Mexican food on Mother's Day.

Parenting is no walk in the park, but it's made easier when you're blessed with, as I am, a warm-hearted and passionate soul with whom to make that journey hand in hand.

Beni, your first go-round as a parent was a thing of beauty, and with the recent arrival of our highly anticipated sequel, I'm looking forward to twice as many awe-inspiring moments from you. On your first Mother's Day as a mom of two, may you know and we show our loving admiration of you.