Amy Writes It All

We Have Moved!!

2010-01-13T15:00:00.001-06:00

Well, we didn't move, but the blog has! I finally made the jump over to WordPress, and I think I love it! LOL! Still figuring it all out, but the big bonus is that I can now blog from my iPhone! LOL! Yay, Trey will be so friggin' happy about that!

So update your blogs, bookmarks, calendars, contacts, etc! You can find us over at....

http://amylatta.wordpress.com/

And thanks so much for following along on our crazy journey!

Love,

Trey, Amy, Isabella, Sean, Ryan & Sophie

Blood on the Ice!

2010-01-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

Well, not quite yet, at least! We got Sean into a Play-to Learn hockey program, which is as absurd as it sounds! One of the coaches is a guy that Trey works with, so even though it's in Granite City, IL (45 minutes away!), we made the trek this past weekend for the first session.

Rick presenting Sean & Trey with all the gear.

The overwhelming feeling begins to set in!

He's getting smaller by the second.

Hoisting Sean into another layer of gear.

Uh-oh. I think we're starting to lose him!

Sizing note: See those bulky hockey pants?

They're supposed to hit lower-thigh, above the knee.

Those pants are wearing Sean.

This is taking so long, Ryan's starting to go out.

Alright! We're down to the skates!

And thanks to the random hockey dad for loaning us a jersey!

This is the last smile I saw for over an hour.

If you can call it a smile.

All suited up and ready to go!

This is about the best stance he had the entire time!

BTW, it was an outdoor skating rink.

It was maybe 15 degrees.

Just to add to the adventure!

So dad and Sean cut out after about 45 minutes.

I think that is a genuine smile on his face!

But never fear!

We got home and Sean was ready to get suited up again,

and get practicing on those mad hockey skillz!

You will see us again, Granite City!

You will see us again.

New Year's Eve '09

2010-01-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

Just like last year, the Lattas brought in the new year with the Caylor family at their New Year's Eve party. It's always a mix of people, and like always, the Caylors know how to throw one heck of a party and we had a blast!

No, seriously, we had a blast.

See, Trey's getting in the spirit!

Sean, on the other hand...

Hey, Party People! LOL!

Abby & Isabella, trying to figure out who can be the loudest.

Geez, that was fun! LOL!

Daddy, Sean & Mommy

Isabella was too busy blowing her horns!

Baby Ryan brought the new year in sleeping upstairs!

The Day After Christmas 2009

2010-01-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

Not to be confused with a Catastrophe movie, we had our big Christmas dinner with my dad the day after Christmas this year. It was a mix of our family and Annie's family, and it was so great to have Jessica in town. Such is life when we all live in different places, so those times when we can be together are so special. =) That, and the boys were so excited to get out in the cold!

"Really, Mom, do you know how cold it is outside?"

"Don't talk to me."

Ryan taunting Charlie Brown with his cookie.

Opening presents with GiGi, Aunt J and Jake.

Ryan & Daddy

What handsome guys I have!

Two birthdays and three Christmas' later,

I'd say Ryan has the "opening presents" thing in the bag!

Christmas Morning

2010-01-11T15:00:00.001-06:00

So Christmas Eve night, we headed home and got the boys to bed so that the Big Man could visit us at our house. I love this so much and indeed reminds me of being little - going to bed, waiting for Santa to come, waking up to find that He CAME! Christmas is so fun through your child's eyes!

On Christmas Eve night, the boys opened matching PJs for Christmas morning. And you'll see how pathetic my attempts were to get photos of my freaking cute boys! So we got the boys up in the morning, and Sean runs to the window. I was so confused, but he looked outside, saw that it had snowed and said, "It snowed! It IS Christmas!" That kid will be disappointed to find out we don't normally get a White Christmas!

This may be the best pic of them in their matching PJs!

But they are CUTE!

The boys opening their stockings while we wait for Grandpa and Oma.

Crappy camera or not, Sean is simply gorgeous.

Ok, with a really big head.

Ryan likes what Santa brought his brother more than his own goods!

There's an awesome Christmas Morning Grin!

The boys opening "The Big Present" from Santa!

Wait, Ryan's just playing with the trash bag in the background...

It's a BAT CAVE!

The best money Santa ever spent.

OMG, Santa brought a Batcopter, too!

It's the best Christmas morning ever!

After the presents were opened, we had an amazing brunch with Grandpa and Oma, Aunt Jessica and Uncle Jake and my Uncle Dave. We stuffed our faces, played Guitar Hero for a couple of hours, and stayed warm by the fire. Oh, and Trey tried to "fix" our stereo receiver, which had one speaker not working, and ended up breaking the whole damn thing. Guess what Trey and I bought ourselves for Christmas!

Christmas Eve in Hannibal

2010-01-11T11:46:00.000-06:00

OK, I've only started this post FIVE times! So...I'll eliminate the fantastic wit (HaHaHaHa!), and just get straight to the pics. Ryan's new favorite habit is slamming the laptop screen on my fingers. Why he thinks this is funny, I'll never know...

We spend every Christmas Eve celebrating with the extended Latta family in Hannibal, and Christmas Eve morning is our time with Isabella.

Me and my kiddos on Christmas Eve morning

They all opened presents together.

Isabella was the best big sister, helping her little brothers!

Ryan's lovin' this opening presents thing!

The boys eating breakfast at their new kiddie table.

Sean refused to look at me and smile.

Lil' Stink.

After hanging out at Grammy's all day, we headed over to Poppa & Nana Roxy's for Christmas Eve dinner with the whole family. Lots of good food and kids playing and visiting with all the family!

Piglet and Momma

Ryan, Momma & Isabella

My IzzyB and Me

Um, yeah, the best picture I could get with Sean.

Lil' Stink.

Trey & Amy

Celebrating out 9th Christmas together!

Sean put on a little performance with one of his new Christmas presents.

I have to get some video of him - he's a rock star in the making!

Nana Rox, Santa, Poppa Latta

Santa showed up - and this was the best picture I got!

The kids were not so much interested in getting their pic taken.

My boys playing with their new stuff.

Wait, that's Ryan with my phone. Again.

Out with the old...

2010-01-02T08:06:00.000-06:00

To make room for Christmas, we did a pretty massive family clean-out around the house, loading up two van loads of toys, games, and clothes over the course of the last two weeks and driving them over to Goodwill.

Not wanting to be seen as the Unproductive type, Ryan helped us clean up, too. Unfortunately, like most of his "help," it was not asked for, and not necessarily helpful, either.

OK, I've gone through all the movies!

Momma, I helped!

Could it be.....

2010-01-02T07:51:00.000-06:00

Apparently we had a prankster in our midst during my Holiday Coffee Club. Best part about this was that the party was Monday morning. Tuesday night, Trey's sitting at the dining room table talking to Mandy on the phone when he says to me "You have bad friends." I had no idea what he was talking about and he kept telling me to look at the mantle. I can't tell you how long it was before I realized some sick, twisted person had switched up "Santa" to say "Satan." A sick, twisted person after my own heart!

Candy Cane Bandit

2010-01-02T07:46:00.001-06:00

After Ryan's birthday party, we had loads of candy canes left over from the hot chocolate bar. Candy canes wrapped in impossible-to-open cellophane. Well, impossible if you're an adult.

Ryan now understands what Buddy the Elf is talking about.

Ryan, being smarter than his own Momma, figured out that if you violently broke the candy cane, that pesky cellophane broke free from the sugary goodness inside. Next thing I knew, Ryan, Sean and even Sophie were all hopped up on goofballs.

Christmas Traditions '09

2009-12-28T16:21:00.003-06:00

Every time someone asks me about our family Christmas traditions, I get a little verklempt. Since I've been married, I've had to accept that I won't experience a Christmas like I had growing up, and I think this year is the first time I've been OK with that. Mostly because Trey and I have tried hard to establish our own family traditions, trying out new things during the season to see what works and what doesn't. It's also a bummer that Isabella misses so much with us, but we're all about Making It Work! So this year, we experienced....

Fort Zumwalt's PAT Christmas - while not our school district, we heard great things about the Fort Zumwalt Parents as Teachers Christmas activities up at the City Centre. So glad we braved the cold for this night.

Ryan loved shoveling the 'snow'...

...and building the towers and knocking them over!

While Sean & Sis went over the river and through the woods.

And Isabella attacked giant bears.

The best part?

Free pic with Santa!

Family Tradition verdict: Maybe. Free pics with Santa are always good!

The next thing we were able to do with Isabella was Christmas Lights! We love, love, love the Avondale house, and are bummed to see that he's taking a year off. While many places are starting to do the synchronized lights with music, this guy has the best show in our area. Check out the videos on his site. Love his Trans-Siberian Orchestra number!

If we had been smart, we would have continued our light tour during the week. Instead we waited until the weekend to finally check out Tilles Park this year. Tilles is located in Ladue, and we opted to do that instead of the usual O'Fallon city display. Of course, it wasn't until we got there (30 minutes later) that we found out they only do carriage rides on Saturdays. And it was cold. And the boys were in jammas! So we opted to bring back another family tradition in it's place - since we were half way there, we headed downtown, and visited the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. This is one nugget from my teenager Christmases that Trey and I have kept, and I love it! Market Street is also nicely lit, though St. Louis really could learn a lesson or two from bigger cities about Christmas trees. Ours kinda sucks.

Family Tradition verdict: Of course. Where there are lights, we will travel! We would still like to see Tilles, Our Lady of the Snows and that place next to Six Flags.

The following week, we experienced Journey to Bethlehem, an incredible play/live action/reenactment at Harvester Christian Church, where the boys and I attend MOPS. You travel as part of a family from Nazareth to Bethlehem, right behind Mary and Joseph, and along the way, witness a wedding, visit other travelers camps, pass through the Roman soldiers camp, see the Angel, visit the Bethlehem marketplace, and finally to the Inn and the manger out back. It's all outside, in the woods behind the church, and it was simply amazing. Sean was pretty freaked out, especially when the Roman soldiers pulled me aside and threatened to take me and Sean as slaves!

Family Tradition verdict: Probably. It may be a bit intense, and it's definitely freezing cold, but really just too cool. And Isabella missed it this year.

Two days later, we barely made it to Trey's union hall for their annual Christmas with Santa. This is an established tradition, we have gone three years in a row. They set up little Christmas vignettes, they have live reindeer, and of course, pics with the big guy. You've seen him before - this Santa has now graced two of our Christmas cards.

The Latta fam and Mr. Claus

Whom no one wanted to sit on!

Dasher, Ryan & Isabella

My babies.

Isabella making friends with Prancer.

Ryan taking it all in.

That's not ice. Just a nicely waxed floor!

Family Tradition verdict: Of course!

And then on Monday, the FitMommas had our first Holiday Get-Together. I love these women - some of the best! And I'd never been to La Chata, on Hwy K - So Good! And we had a white elephant gift exchange, which are always fun. Unfortunately, I only had my crappy iPhone, which takes awful pictures. Mac failed on that one.

Nothing like a preggo Kelly, pretending to chug 'ritas.

Kelly & Erin admiring their regifted gifts.

My girl Kari. That's a simple wave she's performing there.

That Naughty Sommer!

Mandy, hangin' with us Christians,

and Gina, and her sassy new bangs.

Family Tradition verdict: Family, no. Tradition, it better be!

The following weekend, we hit another free church activity, and this one blew Journey away. Drummer Boy put on by Stikyard at Grace Church. Wow. Watch the video through the link. This is a first-rate production, worthy of the Fox, but is totally free. The only downside is getting there an hour early and still struggling to get a seat. Once the show started, the boys did great for about 40 minutes. Of course, I'd guess the show lasted an hour fifteen! Either way, add this to your list next year. Do not miss it. Afterwards, we hit Las Palmas with the McCanns. Their present to us this year? Pitchers of Margaritas! Love them!

Family Tradition verdict: Without a doubt! Any chance Isabella can be with us next year for this?

Two nights later, we were conned into freezing our butts off for Wild Lights at the Zoo. Really, Kari, you told it was going to be warmer this night! And while the McCanns skated in with their US Bank passes, we were unable to convince Sean that he was two years old, and had to pay $5 a piece to get in. For what is, at best, a mediocre light display. I loved the fiber optic trees, and it is pretty nifty that it's actually warm in the Penguin & Puffin Coast. But after shelling out fifteen bucks to get in, we still had to pay for hot chocolate and the carousel. Ppbbblltttt! Of course, I can't wait to see Sean's new carousel friend Hank the Hyena when it's warm again.

Family Tradition? Um, no. Not until it's either Free or they start throwing in some extras! Isabella is so lucky she was with her Momma.

Unfortunately, we once again bypassed the Annual Latta Christmas Party. Ryan's birthday really puts a snag into that planning. Maybe we'll host a winter party after the first of the year? I dunno. Also, because of the weather, we missed Christmas Traditions on Main Street - something we've only managed to get to one year in our stay out here in St. Chuck County, which is ridiculous, since it goes on for four weeks. Just once, I'd like to see the Santa Parade! Next year. I promise! And I've heard Santa's Workshop at Bass Pro is something to see. Do you need to own camo to attend?

So there's our Christmas Season activities for this year! Actual Christmas postings to come this week!

Editor's Note: I have no idea what's up with the spacing in this post. Tried to fix it a few times, and it ain't workin'!

...walking in a Winter ONEderland...

2009-12-22T16:45:00.000-06:00

Lord knows I love to plan a party. Lord knows I love to plan a themed party, and even more so a themed party on a super-duper tight budget! So Ryan's main Birthday Extravaganza was a shindig I sunk my teeth into and had so much fun with! Thanks to everyone who helped out, especially that rockin' kid sister of mine. Jessica was phenomenal.

The invite

Isabella decorated the Birthday Seat

Snowflakes hanging everywhere

The menu featured...

White Chicken Chili

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Artichoke Dip

along with....

summer sausage, crackers & cheese

relish tray

chippies

white pistachios

white yogurt covered raisins

blue M&Ms

The beverage station, featuring a

Hot Cocoa Bar

Spiced Cranberry Tea

Lemonade

(with optional spirits!)

The Party Favors

Thank you so much, Aunt Jess and Isabella, for baking them!

The cake and cupcakes

All baked by me

Cake decorated by Jessica

Cupcakes decorated by Isabella

The Smash Cake

All me!

The birthday boy with his Grammy

Gorgeous Boy!

Given this was round two of birthday presents,

the boy went crazy.

We're talking dancin'-on-the-table crazy!

He looks like he's plotting...

We are so blessed to have such an extended circle of family and friends. For Ryan's St. Peters birthday, we hosted Grandma Fran and Papa Z, Grandpa Phil and Oma Annie, Grammy & Dwayne, GiGi, Uncle Dave, Aunt Jessica, the Blakes, the McCanns, the Boyers and the Schneidermeyers.

Awesome Aunt Jessica

Sean's best bud, Nate, his dad, and sister

Isabella with the Blake girls!

Baby Boy ready for some Cake Destruction

Just before he dove face first

Don't bother me, I'm eating cake.

We get to do this again next weekend, right?

Happy Happy Birthday, little one. Mommy & Daddy love you so much! Till next year...

Birthday Shindig, Hannibal Style

2009-12-22T15:35:00.002-06:00

Ryan's so special, he got two parties! LOL!

The first party was hosted at Poppa Latta and Nana Roxy's house the day after Thanksgiving so that the extended out of town Latta family did not have to travel to our house the weekend after Thanksgiving. We had a great little cake & ice cream party that previewed the Winter Wonderland extravaganza that was to come the following weekend!

We were honored to host Poppa Latta and Nana Roxy, Grammy & Dwayne, Aunt Mandy & Uncle Nick & Addie, Aunt Jan and Uncle John, Jonna & Mason, Brandy & Chase.

Ryan's waiting.

For what, he's not sure!

Ryan's first 1st birthday cake!

Thanks so much, Grammy!

Ryan's special Smash Cake

Not really sure what to think just yet.

Hmmm, kinda feels funny. Good, but funny.

Okay, maybe we'll hack it with a spoon.

Ok, that's a bit more like my Piglet!

That is one happy, frosted Baby Boy!

Not to be left out, Sean loved showing off his Blue mouth!

The most handsome Batman. Ever.

Take that, George Clooney.

At present time, Ryan didn't understand the eating was over.

But all in all, he was the most perfect little boy.

Giving Thanks

2009-12-22T15:10:00.000-06:00

We'll keep this short and sweet - so we can get to what everyone really wants to see - birthday pics!

We spent Thanksgiving in Hannibal - our longest trip to Hannibal in ages. We left Wednesday night and got back late Sunday. It was so nice to not have any plans except dinner at Jan's and early birthday party for Ryan at Poppa and Roxy's. Of course, I couldn't have planned a high fever for Sean (104 for 36 hours!), or Trey getting sick, or me falling ill (or just exhausted?!) for a day! But such is life, right?

Ryan hangin' with the boys to play Left, Right Center

While my Lil' Boo slept off a fever on Aunt Jan's bed.

Aunt Mandy & Cousin Addie

Ryan, tearing up the place.

And then passing out in Daddy's arms!

We had a small birthday party for Ryan on Friday (next post!), and just hung with the family for the rest of the weekend.

Cutie Boy

Cousin Addie

My Lil' Boo

Getting a picture of this Motley Crew horrific challenging.

Which is a shame, because they're so cute on their own!

Sean & Grammy

Documenting the last of Ryan's bottle days.

The next day, a little bug hit me a bit, and Trey took Isabella and Sean to Riverside Park while Ryan and I napped.

Isabella & Sean

Next to the tunnel that goes from the river into the hillside.

Aren't they just too cute?

Meanwhile, I struggled to keep Ryan entertained.

But he sure is quite the multi-tasker!

We had a great time visiting with all the family, it had been forever to have that many days with nothing to do! We love and miss you guys already!!

Oh, Posts, Where Art Thou

2009-12-08T11:35:00.001-06:00

Just a disclaimer that I have been working on the Thanksgiving post since Friday and still can't get through it. Jeez! I believe Ryan is cutting more teeth, and it was only yesterday that my dear friend Anastasia reminded me of the glory that is Teething Tablets. Now to just catch up on the sleep that this little cold is stealing from me. At least the cold was polite enough to hit Sunday morning, after most of the festivities.

So....be on the lookout for...

Giving Thanks

Mini-Birthday Celebration

Big Birthday Celebration

And because I know that no one really cares about the words on this blog, here's a picture of cutie patootie Ryan devouring a banana.

More of a Monkey every single day!

12 Months of Piglet

2009-12-04T06:32:00.021-06:00

How can it already be One Year? It seems like only yesterday...

At your two week appointment in December

Looking just like your Momma in January

Diggin' the chicks in February

Reaffirming how awesome you are in March!

Learning how to eat in April

Running errands with Momma in May

Laying low in June

Head to toe cookies in July

Giving peas a chance in August

So freakin' excited to climb the steps in September

Big Brother snapping your pic in October

Birthday Card photo shoot in November

Happy first birthday, Baby Boy! You are Simply Amazing, and Momma and Daddy love you so very much. You bring so much laughter into our lives, and I can't remember our days without you. The world is at your feet, and you no doubt will take it by storm.

"....how your smile shines, it's the best...."

I love you always and forever,

Momma

A Year Ago

2009-12-03T17:35:00.003-06:00

365 days ago, Sean and I had a normal day of hanging with friends, getting stuff done around the house and running errands. On our way home, on a whim, I pulled into DQ, and Sean and I, for the first time ever and the only time since, stopped to share an ice cream cone together. We had a wonderful time, just me and my only boy, and I am so blessed that something told me to share this moment with my baby.

At 5:35 p.m. on December 3rd, I had no idea what was in store for me over the next 12 hours, nor did I have any idea what an amazing future big brother I was sharing a tasty treat with. Thank you, Sean, for being who you are.

Wednesday Morning Musings

2009-12-02T10:39:00.002-06:00

Commentary from the past few days...

Ryan face planted in the street again yesterday, and he has officially bled from the mouth more than Sean has bled...ever.

This past weekend, I witnessed my dear father-in-law have a clean-freak freakout, and yesterday evening, his son (that would be my husband) did the exact same thing. Now I know where he gets it. (Right, Roxy?!) It was just short of 5pm last night, and he looked at the kitchen/dining room area and actually said, out loud, "But this was clean last night!" Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha! I think he needs to spend more alone time with his boys.

Last night, a certain someone confessed that she has had a boyfriend for 12 days. And then she hid under the blanket on the couch for 15 minutes while she told us all about it. But we've been sworn to secrecy. It was cute.

As I type this, I just watched my son Ryan put his breakfast straight into the dog's mouth. I have lost all control of Sophie's table manners.

Sometimes I need a cup of coffee just so I can function long enough to make a pot of coffee. This morning, I tried to pour the water into the coffee container, and forgot to put in a filter.

Right now, my house is half Fall/Thanksgiving and half Christmas. I guess I'm not quite ready to face the reality of December.

I hope we have enough wood for a fire in the fireplace tonight. Sleet & snow in the forecast.

Trey and I have discovered another way our boys are completely different. To be blunt, Ryan likes his family jewels. A Lot. You have to pry his hand off in order to get the diaper changed. I have a feeling he'll need a lot of "alone time" as a teenager.

Yesterday, Sean and I were talking about the reason for Christmas. Long story short, Santa Claus brings us presents so that we can all celebrate Jesus' birthday. But Sean did clarify that Jesus doesn't eat cake.

As of this week, Ryan is finally Clapping! Yay! There's something to cheer for!

Sometimes I think God is using Ryan to punish me for having such an easy first child. I love him, but seriously, he's always complaining. And he doesn't even talk yet.

For those of you who think Facebook is useless, I am so happy to report that I had dinner with my two best friends from high school Monday night, and was put in contact with another great friend yesterday. Hadn't seen Missy since our freshman year of college. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Thank you, Facebook, for bringing us back together.

One of the stories that I was relaying to Missy and Barb on Monday night was how great my boys play together. The sentence started out with "Just today, Sean was pulling Ryan around with the dog leash and...."

This week, I saw Ryan walk up to his big brother, and shove him down with two hands. It Has Begun.

Yesterday, the boys and I made a trip to the library. I thought it was so cute when Ryan pulled a board book from the toddler shelf and placed it in our Library Tote. And then he started pulling books five at a time, laughing maniacally, and quickly demolishing the entire toddler section in a matter of minutes. He's that kid.

I guess I better get working on those Thanksgiving posts, right Momma Kay and Aunt Jan? Love you guys!

Can't Get Enough

2009-11-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

There's no denying I am raising future Momma's Boys. I mean, I adore them. Adore them. It's fun to be girly with Isabella, talk boys, Twilight, music. But there is nothing like the love a Momma has for her Little Man. And I get two of them. We should all start praying for their future wives now.

Too bad I can't post 95% of the pix I take during Bathtime.

Once again, I turn my back for one minute...

Super-cool dance move

He's trying to flash the Peace sign,

but instead it looks like he's sniffing his fingers.

Love Him

Love Him Forever

Him, on the other hand, is running around with a pink guitar.

Yeah, I know. Cuter than cute.

Oh, the places you'll go...

DUH, Big Red Truck! Again...

2009-11-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

We are a firetruck/fireman loving people. I presume it's a boy thing, except for the love of firemen. That is strictly left to us girls. So once again, the playgroup planned a fire station tour - our third one that we've been to. These are always a hit, because, again, who doesn't love the Big Red Truck? Plus, it was on a day that Isabella was off of school, so Big Sis got to come with us!

Ryan, a bit overwhelmed by all the other kiddos.

How can Gina so look freakin' cute with a baby hanging off of her.

Oh, cuz she is just so freakin' cute!

IzzyBee & Sean waiting for their turn in the truck.

Look at Little Man!

Sean & Isabella

Melissa and my Piglet

All because Sean wouldn't stand by himself.

There's my big, brave guy!

Isabella is such an amazing big sister!

Holy cow! It's actually a picture of me and all my babies!

All the kiddos with the firetruck and firemen!

If you look closely, you'll see some blue jean legs hiding behind Isabella.

That would be my shy kid.

You look like a monkey...

2009-11-24T07:31:00.004-06:00

On Isabella's last cycle break, she came to the Zoo with the boys and I and our playgroup - which, of course, she loved, because she loves being a Momma to the little ones! I took too many pictures of essentially the same thing, but it is yet another example of how freakin' cute my kids are.

This is Ryan hanging out with his cougar, er, I mean, girlfriend.

Someone's not happy...

Audg channeling Olivia Newton John

Favorite friends Jodi & Amelia

See? I said they were Cute!

I would not let these two loose on the rest of the zoo.

And not that I'm anywhere near caught up, but later today come back for the Fire Station Tour! Have I mentioned how much I love our Playgroup, all the things we do together and all the friends we have made. Love all you guys!

Happy Birthday, Grandma Fran!

2009-11-23T07:57:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my Momma's birthday, and we have to wait another two weeks to celebrate with her. But here's a little love going out to you today, Mom. I hope you had a wonderful day!

Mom & Me, circa 1975

Playgroup Halloween Party

2009-11-20T15:31:00.003-06:00

Every year, someone in the playgroup has a Halloween party, but this year we had two - one during the day with the kiddos at Anastasia's and one in the evening with the families. It was so much fun, though it was rain delayed until Sunday evening. Crappy Halloween weather! Nevertheless, whenever we all get together as families, it's so fun to see the dads hang out and get to know each other, and of course, us moms and kids always have a great time together!

Kudos to Mandy for a such a great time - what a great idea, the games, the food, the atmosphere! I hope this is a new playgroup tradition!

Ryan (in Sean's costume from two years ago) & Daddy

Isabella, channeling Jason (or is that Michael Myers?)

Sommer, the Preggo getting eaten by a shark.

This kid just gets cuter by the second.

One of the Pirates of the Carribean stopped by.

Sean totally steals the lead from Autumn in the

Race Around the Cauldron.

Sean's Bestest Buddy in the World, Nate, begging his daddy for a drink.

Look at these two Besties, scammin' for some treats

Devilishly-Evil Cauldron...of Hot Cocoa

Melissa...somewhere in the background,

can't you hear "Smoke Gets In My Eyes?"

Halloween #4 - The Big Night!

2009-11-20T15:12:00.000-06:00

In case you have been living under a rock, I'm pretty sure you already know how awesome my family was on Halloween night. But just in case....

Oma getting Ryan in Makeup

The family in full-on The Incredibles garb!

Oma and Grandpa came dressed as Grandma and Grandpa Incredible!

The Incredbiles waiting for....

The Purveyors of The Force!

aka The Blakes!

We had a great night, as usual. What is now Latta Family Tradition on Halloween, we had all extended family over to our house for a Halloween buffet - this year's feature was homemade Italian Beef! - lots of pictures, eats, drinks, fun, and of course, Candy! Oma and Grandpa made it over, Grammy and Dwayne, and Papa Z and Uncle Dave made it over, plus the most awesome was Aunt Jessica and Uncle Jake! So glad my baby sis got to see her niece and nephews on Halloween - a first!

Lil Sis & Big Sis

Grandpa Phil - Big Stud!

After we took Ryan around our street, we dropped him off with Grammy and the gang, and set out to explore our neighborhood. What a great time with the kids!

I hate that this is a bit out of focus - love it!

Little Drummer Boy

2009-11-20T14:20:00.001-06:00

Ryan and I have been sick all week, and are slowly coming around. I have no less than three posts already started, but never finished. I know. I suck.

So as I try to get my computer ducks in a row during Ryan's nap time this afternoon, here's a quickie post.

The boys and I just got back from Ms. Kari's house - a playdate to celebrate lil' Nathan's third birthday this week. Nathan received a *real* kid's drum set from grandma (of course!). Being a lingerer pays off when it comes to playdates, and Sean got his chance to bang a gong!

You'll note that he is still in his pajamas. His Batman pajamas with detachable cape. I have a love/hate relationship with these things.

My future rock star.

Or, at least, Boy Band star.

I love little Nathan in the background,

totally looking like his Momma!

Halloween #3 - Leaves!

2009-11-10T21:06:00.000-06:00

One of the best parts of Fall....leaves! Lots and lots of leaves, and so many of them in our yard! The kids spent tons of time playing in the leaves over the course of a few days, but I managed to snap a few photos on Halloween - what a gorgeous day!

Burying Isabella

Hey, Sean...what'd you do with your sister?

There she is!

Look at these two! Love it!

What a little Angel!

Halloween #2 - Carving Pumpkins

2009-11-10T10:28:00.002-06:00

Given the title, I'm sure you're expecting photos of cute little kids, getting their hands dirty, experiencing pumpkin guts for the first time. But you don't have my husband.

Trey likes to use power tools to carve his pumpkins.

Here's Trey sporting a Sawzall to cut up a defenseless little gourd.

Ever-so-delicately carving his masterpiece.

With a Dremel.

Drawing out the face on the 2nd pumpkin.

I haven't seen any children in these photos, have you?

The Final Results:

An Incredible pumpkin for the Incredible family!

Our Happy Jack O'Lantern

Perspective

2009-11-10T08:00:00.001-06:00

I could only describe my past week as a Shit Storm. As bad as last week was, yesterday took the cake, though there were key differences. Only two of the three children were trying to send me to an early grave, and I only had to waterboard my infant son once. In a nutshell....

Both boys woke up completely pee-soaked. All clothing and bedding drenched.
Ryan busted his lip open while I walked Isabella to the bus stop - he obviously knew I was set up for a photoshoot as soon as Isabella was gone!
During the photoshoot (moved to after lunch), Ryan fell on his face on the wood step stool, reopening his mouth injury from last week, and gushing blood everywhere. (Waterboarding time!)
After he was settled down, Sean shit his pants.
Getting Ryan down for a nap and Sean in my room for some rest time so Momma could take a f**in' break, Sean apparently thought it'd be fun to use our ceiling fan/light fixture as a drum set. He smashed one of the glass thingies over our bed.

As I recounted my day to Trey, I was laughing myself to tears. I mean, what else can you possibly do? And then...

As we sat down for dinner, we got a text from our friends across the street. A neighbor had been killed in a car accident earlier in the day. A 35 year old husband to a stay-home mom, father of two - a 7 year old boy and a 4 year old girl. Trey and I felt like we were slammed into a brick wall. Because when Perspective hits, it tends to hit hard. It's not often that I see Trey tear up, but we both just sat there, looking at our freakishly crazy, wild kids and imaging life without any of it all.

So today we are looking at our life with a slightly different perspective. We are really so blessed, and sometimes it's hard to see the trees through the forest. Our kids are really good kids, we live a really good life, and I can't imagine it any different.

Halloween #1 - Main Street!

2009-11-09T10:12:00.000-06:00

I know, only a full week late! I blame small children, it's my favorite card to play.

We began Halloween week with a Playgroup Halloween party at Anastasia's house, but we took not one picture! So imagine it in your mind.

On Friday, I wasn't sure we were going to make it to Trick or Treating on Main Street, as it had poured every single day that week, including that morning. But luckily, my dear friend Kari told me what a loser I would be if I didn't bring the boys out, so we got ourselves together at the last minute. And I'm so glad, the skies opened up, and it ended being the perfect Fall day! Main Street is already awesome, oozing with charm and character. It was damp, cool, leaves falling everywhere, with swarms of ghouls, goblins, witches, super heros, princesses and the like. It was So Halloween!

We ran into friends as we begged for candy from the local merchants. And a week later, I barely remember how we all wanted to kill our children. I believe Baby Taz was the *only* one who didn't have some form of a meltdown.

Peter Pan and Dash getting ready to fill their buckets!

Tinkerbell

Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Dash & Baby Jack-Jack

I took no less than 20 photos of the four of them.

This was the *only* one where they are all facing forward. =)

I love that Kari actually owns these pants.

As pants, not a Halloween costume.

Monday Morning Musings

2009-11-09T09:43:00.002-06:00

Just some thoughts that plague me this morning:

Why is it that Sean has peed his pants maybe three times in the past two months of using PullUps, but has peed his pants four times in the past 24 hours since making the switch to full time big boy undies?

How does Ryan know that I need a special photo for his birthday invite? He's injured his face no less than three times in the past week, including this morning with a busted lip. Guess I'll just have to photograph my bruiser for what he is!

Why can't all checkers be as lightening fast as Aldi checkers?

When did October and November get together and decide to swap weather? I was wearing a tank top, jeans and flip flops last night after dark!

Why do I still get zits before that time of the month? Seriously. I'm 35.

I really am grateful that I only have one daughter to raise. I'd rather endure the physicality of destructive boys than the emotional distress of a tween girl!

How did I function without coffee in my previous life?

I'm having to redecorate my home because of Baby Taz. Who knew that an 11 month old could get behind the toilet, grab the toilet brush and put it in his mouth? Anyone have any good tips for tethering the Christmas tree to the wall?

How did I manage to live 35 years without injuring my eye, but a one lovey moment with Piglet ends with a corneal abrasion? Just *how* can one baby cause so much destruction!?

EDITED to add: Since this post this morning, Sean POOPED in his undies. And Ryan fell on his mouth, yet again, opening up last week's gum-gusher, covering us both with blood...yet again. Did I cross a black cat last week? Walk under a ladder, or something?

24 Hours

2009-11-04T11:00:00.001-06:00

The past 24 hours have been hell a true test of parenting wills. The kind of 24 hours where you think back to life before children, when all you had to worry about were unreasonable landlords, psychotic boyfriends, overdue bills, office politics, backstabbing coworkers, irate bosses...aw, those were the days!

I can't even remember it all. I know the boys were up by 6am yesterday. I know there was pissing all over the back of the toilet due to Sean's bad aim. I know Ryan screamed and flailed because he just was not going to take that second nap.

But there were standouts:

(ONE) While walking up the stairs with a full basket of clean clothes, a smell hit me like a tanker truck. A tanker truck of shit. I am still not sure if it was dog vomit or dog diarrhea in the dining room, as it was runny, chunky, with both solid food and a substance that looked like poop to me. So I scrambled to get towels to clean it up, and as I turned from the kitchen back to the dining room, I saw Ryan. Wallowing around in said substance. All over his feet, his hands...and his mouth and face.

I dropped the towels, ran to Ryan, and proceeded to literally torture my baby. Waterboarding - do not try this at home! With a full cup of water, I hung Ryan almost upside down, and practically drowned him, trying to flush out all the crap. Because it may have actually been crap. At a minimum, it was very foul puke.

As I'm doing this, the pot of boiling water on the stove overflows, and the kitchen fills with steam and gurgling, boiling water. That was a sign that God was having a good laugh.

I got Ryan cleaned up, proceeded to cleaning the spot. While I'm on hands and knees, fighting a now-perfectly-fine Ryan for the spot cleaner hose, I hear a thud and screaming behind me. Sean hasn't quite master his mad jumping skillz, and scraped his back down the side of his solid wood step stool. Gave himself a good four to five inch scrape.

(No, no pictures of the shit or baby torture.)

So my nerves were fried, and Isabella and Trey weren't even home yet.

And then they got home.

(TWO) Apparently, Isabella got a nice chip on her shoulder at school, and came home ready to pounce. Not that we knew. We also didn't know that Long Division would lead to a World War Three level outburst. I've been learning that children, especially divorced children, want nothing more than to know that they are unconditionally loved, and they will test that knowledge at random. So rather than engage an outburst, I now opt to just keep telling Isabella that I love her. Last night was the first time I had the luxury of implementing said tactic, and let's just say, she didn't like it. You name it, she said it, and I just kept quietly telling her, "But I love you." I've never seen, felt or heard such rage. Aunt Mandy had the privilege of being on the phone with Trey during the outburst.

However, the "I Love You" tactic is quite good, because while it was the most intense outburst, it was also quite short, and within 20 minutes, we were back out in the dining room, finishing that nasty long division problem.

I also started drinking a beer.

There was the usual folding loads of laundry well after bedtime. Waking up at the crack of dawn this morning. Cleaning up more urine from around the toilet.

Oh, and (THREE) I got to further hone my Baby Torture skills by waterboarding Ryan yet again! This time, it was to flush the gushing blood from his mouth, after he fell down in the street on the way home from Isabella's bus stop. Oh, and I spilled hot coffee on myself.

A very worn out Momma,

with coffee on the sleeve and blood on the shoulder.

Seriously, it's no longer considered a faux pas to drink before Noon, right?

Eleven Months

2009-11-04T07:24:00.001-06:00

Dearest Ryan,

So, why, after so many months of nothing, would Momma take time out to write you a note? Because I am stunned. Stunned at you, at how big you are, and at the fact that your first birthday is staring me in the face. Has it really gone this fast?

You know how to pose for a picture, you walk across the house - from your room to the kitchen - all by yourself, you're saying more words everyday, you're playing ball with Daddy, you're dancing when Momma starts to sing.

Just yesterday, you went through the kids' bag of Halloween Loot, found the blue sucker you wanted, pulled off the paper, and starting eating it. All By Yourself. I was too tickled to be remotely mad at you. And you knew you were hot Sugar Honey Ice Tea.

You have a smile that just lights up the room - from the moment you started smiling all those months ago, it is your guaranteed spell to cast on your Momma.

You are Yin & Yang, you are Baby Taz, you are hysterically funny with a wicked sense of humor, you light up a room, you are my Big Lover, you are Momma's Piglet.

One month from today, my little one. Your year will be celebrated, because everything about you is worth celebrating. I love you so very much.

Love forever and always,

Momma

The (facial) hair makes the man

2009-11-03T11:42:00.008-06:00

My man is sexy, that is undisputed. But he can freak me out by simply taking a razor to his face. One week last month, he decided to have fun with me, and sported different facial hair each day of the week.

The pictures for this post were taken mere weeks before Trey and I became privy to the knowledge that we apparently live in the shadow of the worlds largest mustache (that would be The Arch!), and that The Lou is also home to the American Mustache Institute. Who freakin' knew.

Trey in full beard.

Personally, I like him best with a face sweater.

And then one day...he walked out like this.

Gross. That was all I could say.

I asked where he left his mullet.

Ick. Handlebars.

I asked if he kept his Marlboro Reds rolled up in his sleeve.

Lester the Molester.

Just call him Rick.

Nice. The Hitler look is always fashionable.

And there he is, clean shaven.

Phew, so glad that experiment is over!

Never Pay Retail

2009-11-03T11:29:00.003-06:00

Just an FYI, I've been following more and more discount blogs - blogs that tell you all about the deals and steals out there, so I've added a new feature on the right side of the blog - Never Pay Retail. It's a list of links to these sites - so enjoy!

Also, if I come across something great from my Playgroup or MOPS moms, or Facebook or Twitter peeps, I'll post it here as well.

Tarjay, how I love thee...

2009-11-03T11:13:00.002-06:00

Here are some Target coupons for toys. Use them, love them, be them. Match them up with toy sales, and save even more dough. Yippee!

Folklife Festival

2009-11-02T10:46:00.007-06:00

A couple weekends ago, we were in Hannibal to spend time with a visiting Mandy & Nick, as well as take in the Folklife Festival - Hannibal's version of St. Charles' Festival of the Little Hills: similar food, similar crafts, just not as huge. Folklife is also like a mini-reunion for all Hannibalians, with just about everyone in town making their way to Main Street, not to mentions those who travel from out of town. I did my best to remember everyone I was introduced to, but mostly I just savored the ability to eat my way down Main. Coffee, hot apple cider, hot cocoa, chicken noodle soup, cheese soup (The BEST!), kettle corn, hot dogs, not to mention the funnel cake that Mandy and Trey insisted on eating!

Isabella getting crafty in the kids area.

Ryan & Daddy making mommy something.

Sean: I'm having fun. Seriously, this is my "having fun" face.

Baby Addie, staying warm.

This kid knows how to have a good time, no matter what! =)

Also, Trey totally rocks the baby carriers. I Love Him.

The next day, we headed over to Poppa Latta's for some more eating, because we had not gained enough weight yet. But even better, it gave the cousins lots of time to play and interact. The boys are so in love with Baby Addie!

Cousins playing house! And Ryan eating Addie's Winnie.

Cheeseball

This kid rocks. Seriously.

Aunt Mandy and Cousin Addie

We headed outside (no rain! yay!) for some family photos - so fun trying to get everyone smiling/looking/not fussing!

The Lattas

The St. Legers

The girls

The boys

Mandy, Pam & Trey

Pam is yet another Latta cousin, one whom I've never met.

So great to meet more family!

Aunt Mandy with the babies! Love it!

Thanks Grammy and Poppa Latta & Nana Roxy for hosting us for the weekend! We had such a great time, and can't wait for Thanksgiving!

Sean Thinks He Can Dance

2009-10-28T09:04:00.003-05:00

We love "So You Think You Can Dance" at our house. But Sean may love it more than any of this.

This isn't *the best* he's ever done, but it is the first time I've gotten Sean on video trying to copy the dancers. Next time, we'll make sure he's not wearing jammas that are obviously too big for him! He's the coolest, I just gotta say. Watch towards the end, he crosses his arms in front of him like a badass.

OK, Christmas, Bring It!

2009-10-28T08:42:00.001-05:00

I love, love, love Christmas, reminds me of the days when I would sift through the Best catalog, circling everything I ever wanted. Oh, yeah, and the quiet Christmas Eve's with my family, eating a special dinner dad made, listening to Christmas music, opening that *one* Christmas Eve present, eating all the chocolate that Grandma would bring us (Yay, Russell Stovers!).

Now, my kiddos sift through this - Target Toy Book, Up to $400 in Savings

Grab it up, folks! And remember what it's like to be a kid!

I think I hear Angels singing...

2009-10-27T09:47:00.003-05:00

Last night, Trey hung two 12' pieces of drywall in the basement. Do you hear that?

We may have a finished basement before our oldest goes to college. I'm fighting back tears of joy as I type...

To you, it's just blank, ugly wall.

To me, it is Progress.

With a Capital P.

Now, he just has the rest of these walls to put up. =)

Ferries, pumpkins & apples, Oh My!

2009-10-15T22:06:00.008-05:00

The after the baseball game (you know, that post from last week!), we plowed through our weekend by another full family day with Grammy & Dwayne. We took the ferry into Grafton, IL, and headed north to Eckert's Farm to check out their apple and pumpkin picking. Afterwards, we drove back through Alton, stopped at a family farm in Portage (near Trey's work) to buy pumpkins and headed home. It was an awesome day!

Ryan, Trey & Isabella on the Grafton Ferry.

Sean, opting out of the Ferry photos. Grumpy.

Sean & Isabella, too freakin' cute for words,

in the Eckert's play area.

Trey's totally workin' the Bjorn. Love it!

Ryan & Daddy, tire swingin'.

IzzyB tire swingin', while Amy poses for her Senior Picture.

Isabella & Sean master the mini-putt putt.

Since we got there after Noon, the lines for the wagon rides into the apple and pumpkin fields were horrendous. So we decided early on we were going to forego the whole apple and pumpkin picking part of the apple and pumpkin picking excursion, and just have fun. Like we were going to pay those prices anyway! However, at the back of the play area, we found ourselves an entrance to a corn maze. A corn maze that wasn't actually there, yet was right next to the pumpkin patch. Where the wagon just happens to pick you up to take you back through the orchards. We totally scammed our way into more fun!

My little Linus, waiting for the Great Pumpkin.

IzzyB, Strongest Girl in the World

All these other people had to wait at least an hour to ride the wagon. Suckers.

IzzyB, dangling her feet through the orchards.

Yeah. He's cool.

Ryan, turned around and snuggling with Daddy.

Sissy helping her lil' bro.

Starting to crash!

Picking pumpkins at the family farm.

Can we call it?

2009-10-15T15:10:00.004-05:00

With Sean, it was clear. He did not walk for 17 months, and then one day, he literally stood up and walked. Not much grey area. Of course, if I've learned anything from birthing a second child, it's that you can expect something completely different than your first one.

So is Ryan walking? I don't know, you tell me! For the past few weeks, it's been two to three steps. This week, he's been walking up to six or seven feet - literally from one room to the next. But he still prefers crawling, and falls more than he actually walks. As a first time mom, I'd probably call it, but with Sean as my first example, I'm scratching my head!

So with a questionable tone in my voice, I probably announce that Ryan is Walking, as of the week of October 11th! (Hey, that's Mel-O's birthday!!) Personally, I love it when they walk and are mobile. Ryan is much more easily entertained, and in the meantime, I'm learning all the things a crazy child can get into that Sean never taught me! Let's just hope I don't have to invest in one of those baby leashes.

This may be the most annoying video I've ever made. Apologies in advance, but I was De-Ter-Mined to get Piglet walking on video! May I suggest watching with no sound?

Red October

2009-10-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Even though we rarely make it to a game anymore, Trey and I are huge Cardinal fans, if you didn't know. Ask me some time why Sean is named Sean. Anyway, thanks to Grammy and her friend Dwayne, we all went to a game on Saturday - the first for us this season, and of course, the first for Ryan ever! And the first for Sean that he could remember, since his only other game was three years ago.

Of course, this was the second to the last game of the season, the Cards had already clinched the division, and we were already headed to the playoffs. And it was arctic-like in The Lou that day. But it was really cool and exciting, nonetheless! Please don't let the sourpuss face on my son lead you to believe anything else.

Sean & Trey walking up.

They're really serious about baseball...

My little cutie pie snuggling up on Grammy.

Upset, Indifferent, and Happy

Really, does it have to be this hard to get a good pic of everyone?

And how cute is Piglet under his little hood?

Trey and Sean right after going through the gates.

Seriously, kid, this is supposed to be fun. Smile already.

Grammy & Ryan through the gates.

OMG, he's the cutest thing ever.

OK, there are some happy faces.

That's the best we're going to get out of Sean.

And don't let him fool you, he had a blast!

Thanks so much, again, Grammy and Dwayne, we had such a great time, you're so generous, as always, and we love you guys so much!

Mmmm...Corn Tortillas...

2009-10-06T07:45:00.005-05:00

At this point, buying Sophie actual dog food is no longer necessary. Thanks to the Hot Mess that is Ryan, she seems to get all her food from our table. Let's take yesterday....

Unknown amount of Cheerios that were victims of poor eye-hand coordination and landed on the floor.

Half a peanut butter sandwich stolen while Sean made a peepee run.

A two pound bag of soft corn tortillas that were apparently calling her name from the second shelf of the pantry.

Bits of pork chop, mashed potatoes and peas, all smushed under Ryan's butt in the booster seat.

Seriously, I'm surprised she evens eats dog food anymore.

Don't be distracted by the stunningly handsome baby boy.

Note the positioning of the dog in the lower left hand corner.

That apple and animal crackers don't stand a chance!

A two pound bag of corn tortillas?! Really!?

Walk This Way

2009-10-02T11:00:00.001-05:00

EDITED Monday 10/5 to fix video!

As I type this, I still can't believe that Ryan is not officially walking. He's been *almost there* for almost a month now! But he's also greatly improved his balance, and at this point, is taking 3-4 steps, and can stand for about 3 minutes. And he's awesome at cruising between the couch, coffee table and love seat!

And he knows he's awesome, too, with his big shit-eatin' grin on his face as he's practicing all his big-boy moves! I particularly love how sometimes he adopts a Samurai cry when standing.

The fun part about Ryan trying to walk is trying to get it on camera. I don't think it's ever going to happen. What is it about little kids that seem to understand you need them to perform, so they don't? So I've created a video of all my attempts to get Ryan taking steps on tape. I think it's hilarious, but also wouldn't be surprised if I'm the only one. I mean, I am his Momma, and I'm totally biased.

And you may notice two things - first, that there's a few seconds where I'm extremely zoomed in. I'm not crazy, just had to crop the Naked Sean out of the background. And then about a minute and a half into the video, enjoy the Baby Attack.

How 'Bout Dem Apples?

2009-10-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

Every year, all the Mommas talk about going Apple Picking, but we have never done it. It sounds so...well, like work. Hard labor, something that you inflict upon unruly children. If you were that cruel.

But the playgroup put together an apple picking tour at Centennial Farms out in Augusta, so who was I to pass it up. Isabella was unable to come, I was so bummed, but the boys and I had a great time. We took a hayride out to the apple fields, got to pick four apples, saw how they cleaned and stored the apples, how they make honey from all the apple bees, had samples, played in the kiddie mazes, saw some turkeys and a pig. All for $4. It was awesome!

Momma and the boys on the hayride.

Sean picking a Golden Delicious. Yum Yum in the Tum Tum!

Momma, Ryan & Sean in front of the Empires.

All the kiddos.

Except those crazy Boyer kids, who took their sweet a$$ time.

Yes, I'm talking to you, Melissa!

Sean, going down what looked like a really fun slide.

Didn't get the face plant in the hay on camera.

The only downside to this playgroup outing? Passing all those freakin' wineries on the way out to Augusta, and not being able to pull over for a drink...or three. But hardship spurs innovation, and we have an Momma-only trip to the wineries planned in a few weeks!

Not without my Sugar!

2009-10-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Isabella spent the night with some girlfriends for a birthday party/sleepover, and the boys, Trey and I took in a local church picnic. Seriously, some of the most fun you can have! Good eats, families, music, carnival rides. We ran into a few people we knew, and managed to avoid the storms that hit throughout the weekend. Even more exciting? We not only got Mr. ScaredyPants on some rides, but he fell in love.

Everyone, I would like you to meet Sean's new pet horse, Sugar.

Trey helping Sean hold onto Sugar.

Sugar is the bestest horse ever!

When we could get Sean off of the coolest horse ever,

he chose to go cruisin' in these sweet green & gold sparkly wheels.

It took Sean a good week to get over Sugar, not understanding why The Coolest Horse Ever wasn't still at the church when we would drive by Joachim & Ann. But I'm sure in time...

But Sean wasn't the only one who had a good time. Though Ryan couldn't ride anything, he totally loved all the lights and sounds. And even though I really should have chosen just one of these three pics, take a look at my Piglet below. Look at that personality beaming out of that little 9 month old baby!

You're going to steal hearts someday, my little one!

Momma loves you so much!

Chuga Chuga Choo Choo!

2009-09-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

Also, two weeks ago, we took the boys to one of our absolute favorite STL attractions - the Wabash Frisco & Pacific Railroad - miniature steam engine trains that run on a track along the cliffs above the Meramec River. This was our third trip to the railroad, the first, of course, for Baby Ryan.

The big reason we chose this weekend was because Isabella and Grammy took the train to Chicago for a girl's weekend with Aunt Mandy, and Sean was really put off that Sissy was riding a train and he wasn't. So WF&P was my saving grace.

This is also the second time that we've gone and there's been a derailment on our train, so we're wondering if that's a bad omen of some sort. Too bad, really, because we're just going to keep coming. It's too much fun!

Amy, Sean & Trey

October 2007

Isabella, Trey & Sean

June 2008

Ryan, Trey & Sean

September 2009

I love my boys!

Because, com'mon, they are freaking cuter than cuteness!

Passing one of the other engines.

This really is a little boys dream outing!

Momma & her boys

My Easy Rider

2009-09-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

When Sean turned 3 in May, he got a brand new bike! And then never rode it. At all, wouldn't even sit on it, to the point where I thought "Why do I ever buy this kid anything for his birthday?" His 1st and 2nd birthday presents from Mommy and Daddy have already been sold on Craigslist.

He did like to run around in his Lightening McQueen bike helmet and knee pads, but he was more interested in modeling them than breaking them in.

Sean, aka Mr. Blue Steal, back in May

Well, to my complete and total surprise, two weeks ago, Sean not only decided to take the safety gear beyond mere accessories, but decided he wanted to ride his bike! I am so proud of my Little Guy!

The big guy getting help from Daddy.

Notice Sophie getting completely ignored as usual.

My biker boy, sporting a mean tat from Sports Clips.

Look out, X Games 2022, Sean's bringin' some mad skillz!

Festival of the Little Hills

2009-09-29T13:06:00.004-05:00

Also back in August, the fam decided to check out the Festival of the Little Hills - a St. Charles tradition. For you Hannibalians, it's like Folk Life, just bigger. Crafts, kids games, food, drink and many a fried delicacy - such as fried cookie dough and fried Oreo cookies. Yum!

And for mid-August, it was in the 70s - just perfect weather, and everyone and their brother (and mother, and dog, and pet gerbil) came out. We totally lucked out with parking, but our friends Brian & Melissa, who were meeting us there, spent over an hour searching for their spot. But in the end, we had a great time, eating way too much, running into friends, singing, dancing.

Ryan checking out the Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom display.

Seriously cool. But not as cool as Ryan.

IzzyB getting ready to fly on the bungee trampoline!

Weeee!

My little guy taking a drink as we wait for IzzyB.

By the end of the day, we were all pooped.

Only Ryan was lucky enough to not have to walk back to the car.

There was a vacation somewhere...

2009-09-28T07:05:00.005-05:00

OK, crazy attempt to catch up on all the things we've done! LOL! Children are sleeping, will blog as fast as humanly possible....

Way back in August (almost two months ago!), we took a vacation! It was fun! (Crap, as I type this, I can hear Piglet babbling and talking in the crib!) This year, like the last few years, we spent the week at Lake of the Ozarks with our best buds, the Schneidermeyers. We rent a house together, just north of Camdenton, on an awesome cove, and we rest, and drink, and play, and drink, and swim, and drink. The kids have a great time, and we get some R&R hours logged.

The view of the cove from our back deck.

We really, really love this place...

Ryan, enjoying the Bagnell Dam Strip.

Only so much a Piglet can do...but look cute!

We go to The Strip to play Skee Ball, mostly, but more and more, we're branching out.

Pretty sure the kids would love an air hockey table at home to continue this vicious war.

One of the few times IzzyB was chasing me during bumper cars.

Yeah, I kicked her butt. Like that dad from Modern Family playing basketball with his kid.

Sean & Cole - these two are just too cute together!

We always spend a day at Big Surf water park.

Baby Ryan passed out from all the fun! =)

Momma & Ryan soakin' in the rays...

Seriously, it should be illegal to be this cute.

We rented a waverunner for a couple of hours.

Izzy B & Sean after tearing up the cove!

Andy, Blake & Melissa getting ready to shred some waves.

It seems oh so long ago, but we really enjoy this week away. We are so blessed to be able to take a vacation, out of town, with friends, rest, play....drink. Now we just need our parents to buck up and someone go retire down at the lake so we can have a house to stay at for free. =)

Edited to add: I jammed one of my toes when we were at Big Surf - the little booger tried to start a fight with a concrete step, and lost. It still hurts. Like, right now, I put on my gym shoes to go workout, and my toe is still aching as I put my foot in the tenny's. Vacation memories can indeed last forever!

An apple a day...

2009-09-25T08:24:00.004-05:00

They say it's never to early to teach your kids to make healthy food choices. I recently joined an organic food co-op, and it was my turn to drive to Ballwin to pick up the goods for the six of us that live in the St. Charles area. Isabella and I had a fun drive out, in the midst of rush hour traffic, getting lost because I was admiring the water park right next to the parking lot I was supposed to turn into, etc, etc. She really is so fun!

So then we get back, she helps my friends get their goods in the car, and then I start putting away our bounty. Apples, romaine, squash, oh my! And of course, I have yet to learn that I can't keep the refrigerator door open. Because Speedy Gonzales will go in for the kill.

That little stinker grabbed an apple and started chowing down!

Look, ma, No Hands!!

And the list gets longer...

2009-09-22T08:22:00.006-05:00

I have this ongoing list of "All the things I never had to deal with with Sean that I do with Ryan." I know, long title, and it's a long freakin' list. Same parents, same environment, same upbringing, totally and completely different children. From day one. You hear about this when you have one child, but just like a childless couple, people can *tell* you things about having kids, but you don't really get it until you are there.

If Sean is my creature of comfort, Ryan wants constant change. He's happiest experiencing new, grumpy when you give him the same ol', same ol'. I cannot feed him the same thing too many times, because he bores of it and revolts. It's my own personal Bastille Day.

If Ryan is having a horrible day at home, I had to learn that I need to get him out of the house, whereas with Sean, that was the sign to keep our butts inside.

Ryan starts his day running, Sean wants to ease into things.

Sean is my sweet charmer, Ryan is my gregarious boy.

Sean did everything late - rolled over late, sat up late, crawled late, stood up & cruised late. He didn't walk until 17 months. He has a total "When I get around to it" attitude. Ryan is taking steps. At 9 1/2 months.

But what I've dealt with the most is Stuff. And the getting into Stuff. I used to watch kids in playgroup at my house, getting into things that Sean never touched, thinking, "Wow, those kids are weird."

No. Those kids aren't weird. Mine was weird. And Ryan is crazy. Trying to lick outlets. Trying to go for a swim in the toilet. Exploring behind the entertainment center. Pulling down the fake tree in the living room, eating the fake moss on top. Pulling the toy basket on top of himself. Sweeping the items on top of the toilet onto the floor - Isabella's rock collection has since been moved.

But yesterday was a new one. Another one to add to the list.

See that empty space in the fridge?

That's where the eggs were before Ryan pulled those down.

And there are Nine Extra Large eggs, all cracked, on the floor...

seeping under the fridge.

Thank you, Costco, for selling Extra Large eggs.

Thank you, Ryan, for showing me how much more I have to learn. =)

Round the Cycle We Go

2009-09-21T14:48:00.003-05:00

Today is officially the first day of Cycle Break. For all you traditionalists, Cycle Break is what every child in grade school around here dreams of - three straight weeks off when everyone else is in school! We live in the *only* school district in the entire state of Missouri that operates its elementary schools on a year-round school schedule, and Isabella couldn't be happier.

So not only has it only been three weeks that Isabella has lived with us full time, we now face three weeks of no school! What to do, oh, what to do.....

Well, I'm not sure about the next 14 week days, but today, Isabella has been hosting her own version of Romper Room. Sean, Ryan, and Sean's girlfriend Emma are having a blast!

I'll be honest. I have NO idea what they are doing.

One Small Step for Man...

2009-09-20T14:03:00.003-05:00

Hi. It's me. Ryan just took ONE step. =)

I think we still have a long way to go before we're a full walker, but this kid knows he's got it! The problem is he gets so excited from standing (and now today, taking one step) that he looses his balance. And he's still a pretty wobbly guy all around, but man, is he so freakin' cute and funny!

Ga-Ross!

2009-09-16T18:11:00.003-05:00

Just a quickie post....

So I'm making one of my favoritist dinners tonight - Garlic Chicken Penne. Isabella and Sean and half the kids in the neighborhood are outside, playing kickball. Trey's (finally) tilling my side flower bed.

And Ryan is crawling around on the kitchen floor, exploring, laughing, playing. For no particular reason, I look down at him. He's chewing on a diaper. Which I don't think much of, and I say, "You silly goose, where'd you get that?" And then I start to wonder - where the Hell did he get that.

Oooooooohhhhh Eeeeemmmmmmm Ggggggeeeeeee! That diaper is wet, with pee. That's Ryan's diaper in his mouth!! (Swallow the tiny bit of vomit that just came up.) My first - completely irrational - thought is how the heck did he get into the trash can, open a wet diaper, etc. And then the realization hits....

Ryan is wearing a pair of overall shorts over a t-shirt. All clothing is intact. And yet he is wearing No Friggin' Diaper! My baby is Houdini reincarnated. He removed his wet diaper, without removing his clothing, all while hanging out under my feet as I cooked.

I'm still in shock.

Follow that Baby!

2009-09-11T10:24:00.004-05:00

The last of the Latta childrens would be Ryan. Or Piglet. Or Baby Taz. Named so because that kid leaves a path of destruction wherever his wee little hands and knees take him. Ryan is the kid that Sean was not. He's showing me how not-child proofed my home is, he's into everything, tearing up all that gets in his way, as he squeals and screams with glee. He's a Freak.

Luckily, he's a cute freak. That's what God does to keep you from killing your own young. While he still looks bald from far away, when you get close, you realize he has quite the head of blond hair. And it's starting to curl up, and totally reminds me of the baby from Hi & Lois. (What was that kid's name?!)

Hi & Lois baby

He has the most stunning blue eyes. Great, another gorgeous kid, this one a blue-eyed blond stud. Did I mention I was in trouble? He's a charmer, too. Smiley, happy, gregarious, full of zest and life, curious and mischievous. And then he'll hit the proverbial wall, his head spins around and pea soup shoots out. Yeah, he's *that* kid. Charms the pants off ya, and then flips out and you have no clue what hit you.

Happy baby, doing what he loves best. Eating.

And he is SO living up to his Piglet nickname. Ryan does NOT stop eating! And, per his 9 month check up last week, he's only 25th percentile for weight! Of course, being a Latta, he's 87th percentile for height, and is wearing the size 12 months clothes that Sean wore the summer after he turned one. But he's constantly filling up those hollow legs. He still drinks 4-6 bottles per day, plus is on almost all table food, eating anything I put in front of him. We are pretty much done with baby food, and will probably be transitioning to a cup and milk by the time he's 10 months. He's a freak of nature.

But a freak of nature that I sure do love. He's just so amazing. Teeth #7 and #8 are breaking through the gums this week, he's cruising all over the place, climbing up on steps, standing for a good 10-15 seconds. He gives kisses, drinks from a cup, says Mama and Dada (and bunch of other stuff that I can't figure out). He's so big, so fast. I think I'll keep him.

My little climber & explorer.

Who is this Little Man in my house?

2009-09-11T09:29:00.005-05:00

While I've been non-blogging, my baby is growing up. Fast! I'm referring to my first born, Mr. Sean. AKA Lil' Boo. AKA Little Man.

Sean is growing like CRAZY! He is as tall as my hips, talks like a little boy rather than a baby, tells jokes (badly). He knows all his colors, shapes, most of his letters, can spell his name, and is getting better at his numbers. He asks a million and one questions a day (OK, I actually hate this, but I know it's a good thing.) And my favorite, dances like a madman! He's seen a few episodes of So You Think You Can Dance. And he thinks he can! (And, um, he actually can!)

Flyboy Sean, mid-back spin. He's got some mad dance skillz!

Oh, and we're peeing on the potty. =)

Yessirree, a week after I decided to stop talking about it, and give it a rest for a month, Sean decided he wanted to be a big boy and he *stands* and pees in the potty, just like Dad does. Not to sound perverted, but it's the cutest thing I've ever seen.

Now, the #2 duty is nowhere on the horizon, and I'm hoping he figures that out by the time he moves out of the house. So he still wants to wear diapers, not big boy underwear or even Pull Ups. He's had few accidents, and most of those were out of indifference. I don't love this trait in my son, something that he's shown ever since he was a baby. Remember how he didn't walk until 17 months? It wasn't because he couldn't do it. It was because he was like "Meh. I'll do later." So we still have a long road to go before he's 100% potty trained, but at least I know we're on the road!

And I cannot tell you enough. I have a gorgeous son. I mean, he's just flat out beautiful. I know I'm his mom, but seriously, he is going to be that little boy that all the girls are googoo-gaga over. I'm so in trouble.

Pretty boy, with his big, brown eyes. And goofy grin.

In the meantime, Sean's adjusting to sharing a room with his brother. They're doing great, though Sean's waking up a good hour and a half before he used to, and not making up for that with an afternoon nap. (Lots and lots of whiny, cranky 3 year old this past week. Ick.) And I've tried to let him sleep in, and just get Ryan up, but this picture shows what I am now walking into at the crack of dawn.

My boys. Two peas in a pod.

Needless to say, these boys love each other to death, and Sean is just the *best* big brother. Until he rams Ryan over at full speed. Or my favorite - he knocks him down, Ryan starts crying and Sean starts shushing him to be quiet so Momma won't come in. I know eventually I will have to pad all the walls like an asylum and replace all my household goods with rubber and plastic. But at least my boys will be close!

...And Tween makes Five...

2009-09-11T09:03:00.004-05:00

In case you haven't heard by now, our family grew by ONE recently! Well, technically, we've been a five-member family since December 4th of last year, but now we're "Official!"

Isabella now lives with us Full Time!! Yes, it's very exciting, we could not be happier! And, yes, it was a surprise to us all! Long, complicated story short, two Sunday evenings ago, we got a call that she wanted to move here, and two and a half hours later, she was here. The next day was still a major in-limbo day, and it wasn't until Monday night that we knew - for sure - that this was happening. Isabella started a new school on Tuesday, and our life has changed forever since then.

Gift from my dear friend Amy E.

We now have the boys sharing the nursery, and Isabella has her room back to herself upstairs. We've visited her school, met her teacher as well as some of her classmates. She has new friends, one of whom she has hung out with multiple times. She asking about getting involved in activities this year and next, and even asked me to show her where she will be going to middle school next year.

Isabella, chillin' in her updated digs.

The boys and I get her on and off the bus, she helps with dinner, goes shopping with me, and just this morning, I was quizzing her on her spelling words for her test today as we waited for the bus. It's new, exciting, crazy, chaotic, and All Good!

Our baby girl, IzzyB

In all fairness...

2009-09-09T10:41:00.004-05:00

I haven't forgotten about my blog. I have no less than 11 partially written posts, all started with the full intention of getting posted, but life (read: Children) find a way of interrupting, and days later, the realization that that story has long passed. In the past month (which I think was August, but it flew by too quickly), I have not worked on my blogs; on Pampered Chef; on my photo cards; or anything else that may eventually lead to my post-children career.

However, in the past month....

We went on vacation.

Had a very successful garage sale.

Added another child to the daily mix.

Rearranged bedrooms.

Established brand new routines for all kids (and mom and dad!).

Oh, wait, did you catch that 3rd one? The one about the new, full-time kid? More on that later... =)

The beauty of being a stay-home-mom is that I can deal with these large family changes and not worry that my work is suffering. My work is my Family.

And I'd just like to say that this Family has never, ever been better.

In the meantime, I, the novice writer, obviously need to embrace the short and sweet stories, and worry about the long poetic prose for another time in my life!

Goin' a Mile(stone) a Minute

2009-08-06T07:25:00.003-05:00

I wonder, if a blogger isn't posting any blogs, does she exist?

So the last time you heard from me, Ryan had figured out crawling. I had no idea what was coming in the next few weeks...

The following week he mastered pulling up...

The week after, he started cruising...

The week after that, he began trying to stand on his own...

Thank goodness, he's still on the mastering cruising, and still only stands for 2-3 seconds!

He also cut ALL FOUR front teeth.

And learned how to give kisses!

Thanks to all that, Ryan forgot how to sleep - I'd find him awake, at 2am, practicing standing. Or more likely, screaming, because he was practicing, and hit his head for the 127th time. It got the point where his lumps & bumps had their own lumps & bumps! Cutting four teeth at once just served as icing on the lumpy, bumpy cake!

Throw in a few birthday celebrations, a stay with Isabella, a trip to Chicago, and a fun virus that ran its course through the house. Needless to say, I went into walking zombie mode. Not capable of much more than a short Facebook quip here and there. I have unorganized photos comin' out my wazoo, unpublished videos, a million cute stories floating aimlessly in my brain.

I think we are now on the other end of that round of mini chaos. Just in time for...vacation! We leave tomorrow for a week down at the lake. And, unfortunately, Ryan picked up a nasty habit of a 4:30-5:30 wake up time. That habit must be broken, because that's just not cool!

So that is what's up with the Latta clan. Look for quick pix, or links to pix - as much as I can before we leave. But to not keep any grandma's waiting for their Ryan fix, I shot this video this morning, trying to get some teeth. My baby is getting So big So fast!

This just in...

2009-07-10T08:27:00.002-05:00

I'm officially calling it - Ryan is crawling. Now, he's not motoring across the floor, but he is definitely moving about the room on hands on knees! Oh yeah, this kid is a friggin' rock star. In every sense of the word, good and bad! LOL! Will try to get some video later.

Girlfriends

2009-07-08T08:13:00.005-05:00

Most everyone is aware that Sean has a few girlfriends, none more so than Emma - the older woman, the 5 1/2 year old living across the street. I can't tell you how many Playgroup girls adore him. And now his brother seems destined to follow in his footsteps.

World, meet Amerra, Emma's little sister, and four months older than Ryan. And from these photos, I think it's safe to say that Ryan has met his match as far as girls who like to get a lil' dirty! Yes, they are playing in the street. Splashing in the water run-off from Gary & Sheryl's house down the street. They were having a blast!

Ann - Emma and Amerra's mom (and my hairstylist!) - and I have already been discussing the need for vigilance where these kids are involved. Pretty sure the Latta boys and Blake girls could get into a wee bit of trouble together!

Happy Birthday, America!

2009-07-07T07:30:00.009-05:00

We had a pretty fabulous 4th of July weekend. And in some ways it started the weekend before, when my best friend from college, Kimberly, got into St. Louis with her husband Charlie. She moved to Dallas six years ago, and we rarely get to see each other. But there's more to our story than just that, as Kimberly is responsible for my marriage. You see, Kim and Trey are cousins - well, second cousins, but I've learned that in the Latta family, damn near everyone is a cousin in some way. Trey's dad, OC, aka Poppa Latta, is first cousins to Kimberly's mom, Momma Becky. So not only is Kimberly my best friend of 15 years, but she's family!

Thames & KimKim

Let's be clear, I love this woman!

Anyhoo, Trey and I met up with Kim and Charlie last Saturday, went out for drinks and a little gambling. Much alcohol was consumed. Then on Tuesday, Kim and I met up with some old co-workers - yes, we not only are best friends and family, we also worked together back at Knights! We met Beth, Cathy and Jeffrey out at the Trainwreck, and Oh Lord, I was in stitches the entire time. I forgot what a riotous crew we are when we're together! Kimberly has a picture of all of us.

So Thursday we made our way to Hannibal, where Nana Roxy was cooking up a good, old fashioned southern fried chicken dinner, complete with every fixin' you can think of, for Momma Becky and Charlie's birthdays. My arteries were reeling, but my mouth was so happy! And it was the first time Kimberly got to meet Ryan, and the first time in almost two years she saw Sean.

On Friday, Mandy and Nick, along with Baby AddieCakes and Nick's parents were in town, so we hung out at Poppa Latta's house, eating like gluttons, swimming, and letting the cousins play and get to know each other. And Friday evening, we headed out for my first Hannibal Cavemen baseball game - Hannibal now has a collegiate league, and while they lost, we had a really good time dodging the rain, telling stories and watching some great fireworks when the game was over. There was a wee bit of drinking here, too.

Addie, in the hands of a bad influence, Terry.

But the big day was Saturday - not only Independence Day, but also Ryan turned seven months old! Miss Isabella was in the parade, so we convened once again, this time on the streets of Hannibal to watch what was a really great, small town, holiday parade. Beauty queens waving from the tops of convertibles, old time cars, candy in the streets, Red, White & Blue flags waving from little kids' hands. Yes, it was Americana wrapped up in a little package!

Daddy & Sean

This picture is just too precious to me!

Izzy B, our own Miss America

Aunt Mandy and Baby Addison enjoy the festivities

After the parade, though, Trey and I packed up the boys and headed home, because we have learned over the years that the best place to be on the 4th of July is our house. We must have some pretty rich neighbors, because quite a few of them shoot off hundreds (maybe thousands?) of dollars worth of fireworks, and St. Charles County becomes aglow for hours. If you can stand the thick, sulfur-laden smoke that blankets the air, the best seat in the house is in our driveway, where we hang out with the Blake's for a night of drinking and explosives. Plus, it gave us an excuse to break in that new piece of street right in front of our driveway.

Unfortunately, this year, the rain moved in just as it was getting started, and everyone started shooting everything they had at once, and only the diehards kept going long after it started pouring. But Trey and Sean and I opted to snuggle in on the couch for some popcorn and Sean's new favorite movie, Ice Age. (Yay, no more Annie!)

Sean and his girlfriend, Emma

Here's a little video that I took, right before the rain hit. The video does not quite capture the awesomeness, but you do kind of get the war-zone feel of the evening.

So what did we do Sunday? Not much. Of anything. Oh, Trey got his panties in a wad about getting stuff done, but I smacked him around a bit and told him to do something he rarely does....Relax! We still got quite a bit around-the-house stuff done, but nothing was pressing, we didn't have to go anywhere, and we had the Blake's back over for an incredible BBQ. Man, Trey can cook a rib like nobody's business! And the lemon water and salad helped me push through that food baby I'd started to grow those few days in Hannibal. :-)

Checkout the rest of the photos from the weekend!

Good Morning to You!

2009-07-05T23:11:00.005-05:00

Just a quick post, as I'm downloading all this past week's photos off the camera and iPhone. Here's one from Thursday morning, 7am, bright and early, my boys.

Pretty sure Sean is flipping me off.

BTW, I'm slowly working on moving the blog over to WordPress. There are a myriad of reasons, the least of which being that I hate Blogger, but one big reason is that WordPress has an iPhone app, which means I'd be able to snap a quick photo, and post it to the blog in a jiffy. Those of you on Facebook already reap the benefits of my Facebook iPhone app, as I can easily throw up cute pics of my boys during the day without having to stop what I'm doing to fight with Blogger for an hour. Of course, some days I get lots of work done on the transition, but most days, I just think about how much I'd like to get done. Such is life as a Stay Home Mom with two lil' ones.

What, no Iron Mans yet?

2009-07-01T17:33:00.006-05:00

Ryan hits his milestones like I change underwear. Yes, that is frequently. Daily, in fact. I can't keep up with this kid, and I do believe I say those exact words at least 157 times per day. For all of Sean's "I'll do it when I get there" attitude, Ryan Can Not Wait to do the next thing, he wants it all, he wants it now! And it seems like any minute, this kid is going to take off, and I may never catch him!

Just four weeks ago, with a glint in his eye!

Sittin' up so big and strong!

A surprise to find Piglet sitting up on his own in the crib! Little Stinker!

I'm comin' for ya, Momma!

And here are two videos of him trying. This one was taken last Friday:

And this one was taken just today. Take note of those AWESOME baby pushups he does!

Singin' a New Tune

2009-07-01T15:50:00.002-05:00

I love making up songs and singing them with Sean. He and Ryan each have their own "Lullaby" song, there's a naptime song, etc.

So today, when I put Ryan down for his afternoon nap - which is the signal to Sean that it's his "Quiet Time," Sean put up a fight, and this is what ensued.

Mom: Sean, what movie do you want to watch in Mom's room for Quiet Time.

Sean: No, I don't want to do that!

Mom: Well, it's Quiet Time, so you can play quietly in your room, or watch a movie in Mom's room. It's your choice.

Sean: (grunts Very loudly, and then starts singing in his own made-up tune)

"My Mom is craaaa-zy!

She says it's qui-et time, but it's noooo-t!

I wan-na play a gaaame,

And that's not a prooo-blem!"

I'll let you know when the Greatest Hits album is released!

Father's Day '09

2009-06-22T08:24:00.004-05:00

For Father's Day this year, we had the Grandpas over for a Father's Day BBQ - Grandpa Phil & Oma Annie, Poppa Latta & Nana Roxy, and Papa Z all came over for some good company, US Open conversation and, of course, good food! Oh, and lots and lots of baby time! (Seriously, Ryan wouldn't nap more than 30 minutes, even though he was exhausted!). And even better, Poppa Latta & Nana Rox brought Isabella down from Hannibal so we could be with us.

Trey and I are getting pretty good at these family get-togethers. And quite frankly...I Love Them! I mean, I'm pretty sure I come across as completely stressed out the whole time, but secretly, I'm bummed when everyone's gone and the house is quiet again. And, seriously, how knew my hubby was such an awesome chef? =)

Anyway, our menu was....Baby Back Ribs, marinated Italian and BBQ Chicken, German Potato Salad (my first try!), Baked Beans (also my first try!), Sweet Corn on the Cob, Asian Broccoli Coleslaw, Spinach & Baby Greens Salad, plus the usual chips, dips, relish tray...and, a store-bought Key Lime Pie. No, MOPS/Bunco moms, the Mini Fruit Tarts did not make it the menu. Will have to bust those out for the next function!

We really had a great, relaxing time, but unfortunately, the only pic I got was this one....and it's worth sharing....

Grandpa Phil, rocking Ryan (and himself) to sleep.

We're gonna Tear this place UP!

2009-06-19T14:51:00.007-05:00

Once upon a time, we put in a call to our fair City Hall, complaining about the street that was slowly busting up in front of our house. When they said "We'll get to it," Trey took matters into his own hands and filled the holes himself.

All that work was for nothing! Cuz after just three short years, Saint Pete finally got around to fixing the street in front of our house! Something tells me, though, that this will be a bit of an inconvenience for a few days.

Good thing I had my listening ears on, because even though I had the garage door open, with minivan in full display, this guy just pulled up, rarin' to go!

I ran outside like a bat outta hell so I could get the van out. Idiot.

Sean said: "Now my Daddy is going to hafta fix this!"

Sean said: "This is Crazy!"

Brothers takin' it all in!

Sean said: "This is Serious!"

Yes, we are getting somewhere!

This guy may, in fact, have a shittier job than I do.

Because it's hot. It's Africa hot.

And in just three short days, we can use our driveway again!

Amy Writes...next to nothing!

2009-06-16T14:24:00.004-05:00

OK, so it's been just a bit crazy around here. Isabella for two weeks, various viral infections, ear infections, a growth spurt from hell, mini-construction projects, new schedules, family gatherings, and overall exhaustion!

I see that my blogs have had to bear the brunt of the family craziness, and here they have sat...lonely, desolate. Barren. So hopefully now that things are calming down (HaHaHaHaHa!), I will try to catch up a bit. If it goes as planned (which, for the record, it won't), I will try to post a few things per day to catch up on the past month or so.

So in the meantime, here's a couple photos from the past two eats, both centered around my boys eating.

I had no part in this - Sean was so excited to eat a tortilla chip with his toes.

Bib says: "I look like Mommy, but eat like Daddy"

On the move!

2009-06-03T08:27:00.009-05:00

Isabella has been with us since Memorial Day....and we have never been so busy! I still have to post all of our awesome Memorial Day photos! But first, really, I need to share this with everyone...it really is so very cool for Momma!

This was taken on Saturday, at our friend Amelia's birthday party. Both boys were a bit...overextended....and Amelia is opening presents in the background.

And this was taken Tuesday - really, I can't believe how big my little guy is getting!

And is there anything cuter than a half-naked baby?

Six Years Ago Today...

2009-05-29T11:50:00.004-05:00

You know, I had hoped last year I would write a big, sappy letter to my husband, but it didn't so much work out that way. The end of our fifth year, and large parts of our sixth year as a married couple were difficult. But what is amazing is that when you fight for something with all you have, you are duly rewarded. I can honestly say that today, six years after saying "I do!" on the beach in Key West, I love my husband more than I ever imagined possible, and I know, without doubt, that he feels the same way.

So here's to six amazing years, my love. We lived a blessed life!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boxer Girl!

2009-05-29T11:24:00.006-05:00

A BIG happy birthday to the best pooch around! Our Sophie is FIVE years old today! We rescued her from St. Louis Boxer Rescue when she was six months old. This is how she looked the day they brought her to our house to meet her.

And here she is now!

As you can see, she leads a very rough life these days! But one thing I have noticed about this blog - I spend every single day with this pooch, much like the boys, home, alone, and yet she is rarely featured in the blog. I will have to change that. Lord knows, she creates plenty to write about! =)

A Birthday Kind of Weekend

2009-05-22T10:13:00.009-05:00

You should all know by now that April and May are crazy for us. It's Birthday Central for the Latta family - at least 2/3 of ALL of our family was born in these two months! And with accommodating Isabella's mom's family, we frequently have to rearrange weekends and celebrate birthdays and holiday unconventionally - such is life, we've learned to roll!

So this year, in order to have a cool shindig for both Sean and Isabella, we did a combo party! Could have been a disaster and mass chaos, but instead it was awesome, and I owe it all to our awesome kids! Sean and Isabella loved partying together, no one got upset, no one begged for more spotlight time, they loved helping each other out. Most of that comes from the incredible big sister, Isabella!

How do you celebrate a 10 year old girl and a three year old boy? With a Fiesta, of course! Our guests this year were Grammy, Poppa Latta & Roxy, Grandma Fran & Papa Z, Grandpa Phil & Oma Annie; Aunt Jessica came in from Memphis; our neighbors, The Blakes (sans a sick Joe); Isabella's friend Kirsten; and our good friends, The Caylors.

FIESTA!

Grandma & Papa Z

GiGi & Baby Ryan

Oma Annie & Baby Ryan

Baby Amerra's getting so big!

We chowed down on yummy BBQ & Fiesta fare!

Poppa, you have a little chili pepper on your face. =)

The Buffet Line

Birthday Girl Isabella

Ms. Hope

Sean & Kirsten

The kiddos opened their many presents - we have such amazing friends and family! Thank you ALL for being a part of such a fun and wonderful day!

Lil brother & Big sister helping each other out!

SMILE!

Sean's new favorite noise maker!

Isabella got a new American Girl doll from Grammy!

New bikes from Mom & Dad!

Then we headed outside to beat up on a defenseless pinata - of which I took not one single photo, apparently! I did, however, nab some great photos of Isabella taking advantage of her sleeping Poppa! Everyone needs a nice Mani every once in awhile!

Which is his best color?

And then we dug into some great birthday cake and ice cream!

"Happy Birthday to You!"

Aunt Jess

Sean would like you to SEE how great his cake is!

Ryan getting his first taste of cake & icing!

Hope, Isabella, Kirsten & Emma

Happy Belated Birthday, Grammy!

2009-05-22T08:11:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Grammy's birthday - so sorry, didn't even make it to the blog yesterday! We can't wait to see you tonight to celebrate! Love You!

Grammy, Isabella & Sean

Grammy & Ryan

Reflections on Three Years

2009-05-20T08:27:00.005-05:00

Dearest Sean,

This past week you turned three years old. And Momma is in full-on realization that you are no longer a baby. Oh, you will always be Momma's Baby Boy, my first born, with you from start to finish. But you are so much your own person now - so sweet, thoughtful, funny, silly, goofy, quiet, shy, laid-back, athletic, not to mention more handsome than I could have ever imagined! With your big brown eyes and big smile, and your curly, moppy hair and tall, slender body, you are the perfect mix of your Mommy and Daddy. You are such a complete joy to have in my life, and what an amazing three year journey we have enjoyed together.

I can see so much of me in you - shy, reserved, fearful. I hope you do not let these traits hold you back, that you reach for all you desire without fear of failure. Momma will be right there behind you no matter what.

But make no doubt about it, little boy, you will go far in this world. Your charm and sweetness are unmatched, you give love so freely and easily, no amount of "things" you can acquire in this world will match the joy you will bring to all those around you.

I look forward to cracking more jokes with you, investigating the world together, being your jungle gym, your snuggle bunny, your storyteller, and your guide in this life.

I love you now and forever, from the bottom of my heart and with all that I have.

Love,

Your grateful Mommy

10 Days Old

1 Year Old

2 Years Old

3 Years Old

Prayers for an Angel

2009-05-13T10:19:00.003-05:00

My friend Angie introduced my playgroup to the story of Kayleigh, born 3 months premature last June - and her fight to live ever since, never leaving the hospital, never leaving the tubes and wires that kept her alive.

Kayleigh lost her fight this week. Please say a prayer for her and her family. This is Kayleigh's story. The letter from her Daddy to his daughter is the most moving thing I've read in a very long time.

Where'd my Little Guy go?

2009-05-07T12:31:00.002-05:00

Oh, there he is!

Birthday, Part II

2009-05-06T17:00:00.003-05:00

We met up with a bunch of family in Hannibal last night for Isabella's 10th birthday - Grammy, Poppa Latta & Nana Roxy, Aunt Jan, Jonna & Mason, and Uncle Jim all came out to Fiddlesticks for some yummy food and silly times.

Sissy & Sean celebrating!

This was a great pic of Aunt Jan and Ryan...and then Trey moved....

Sean just loved playing Sissy's musical card...over and over and over...

The next two pictures are what happens when you give Trey the camera.

Wha..?

Uncle Jim, up close and personal

Grammy with two of her babies!

That Isabella's so silly! Just like her Daddy!

All the partying wore Ryan out.

Happy Birthday, Isabella!

2009-05-05T10:52:00.005-05:00

Today our baby girl is 10 years old! We're going up to Hannibal this afternoon to take her out to dinner, but two weekends ago was her time to celebrate however she wanted.

So the five of us, plus neighbor Emma, headed into the city for Isabella's day of fun - first stop, Crown Candy Kitchen, an awesome little soda shoppe that makes their own candy, serves awesome shakes & malts, and a mean BLT! It's truly one of a kind, just bring some patience, as they have a tiny dining area, and the wait line usually runs out onto the sidewalk.

Isabella in the doorway of Crown Candy Kitchen. Yummy!

Sean & Emma - aren't they just too cute!

Still waiting for a table, but Dad's a good place to rest.

Sean, Emma & Isabella - I love this pic, you guys are Too cute!

Emma & Isabella

Wondering where Ryan went?

Um, that'd be under the table!

After Crown Candy, we headed to the Science Center. A very cool place, and apparently the nice weather sent everyone over to the Zoo, because it wasn't crazy like we were expecting. Only Sean was crazy - he had a 45 minute meltdown in the middle of the museum. Seriously. He's only done this twice in his life, but it was no less traumatizing to Momma!

Luckily, the girls were complete troopers, and eventually got Sean back into having fun. Isabella is an incredible big sister - she helped Sean and Emma out when they needed it, showed them how things worked, played right along side them. Except for the full-body meltdown, it was an awesome time with all the kids!

When we got home, another of Isabella's friends, Kirsten, joined us for dinner, and we watched Marley & Me after the boys went to bed (and the two adults and two kids bawled like little girls - at least they are little girls!). The next morning, we made our usual big Sunday breakfast - Trey helped the little ones, Emma and Sean, and I helped the big girls! Trey and I momentarily wondered why we weren't having more children, as it was such a picture-perfect morning. Then we remembered Sean's meltdown from the previous day, and we decided we're perfectly happy with the brood we have!

So have a great day, Isabella, and we'll see you tonight! And 11 days to the big birthday party! We Love You!

Easter 2009

2009-05-04T13:52:00.008-05:00

Even with staying home this year, Easter was still spread out over more than one weekend. This was actually our year to be in Hannibal with Isabella, but as is common, our plans change to go with the flow. So the weekend before Easter, we colored eggs with Grammy and Isabella, along with a small birthday dinner and cake for Trey.

Sean and Isabella ready to dye!

But don't worry about Ryan having to sit things out, he had a great time posing for the camera!

The next weekend, Ryan and Sean opened their Easter baskets from the Grandmas, getting lots of good stuff. Grammy came in for the weekend, and on Saturday afternoon, we headed out to O'Fallon for an Easter egg hunt at TR Hughes ballpark. And so did a few thousand other people! It was packed, but luckily we had more adults than kids, and we had a great time!

Sean waiting to get some eggs!

See the man and woman behind Trey? We know them. Really well. They're good friends. We had NO idea they were there until later, when reviewing the pictures - that's how crowded and crazy it was!

Sean demonstrating his wicked (left-handed!) curve ball.

Later that evening, we dyed more eggs, and at this point, Sean was feeling like a pro. Trey tried his hand at tye-dying some paper towels, and we managed to get egg dye all over the place.

How can you not love that crooked little smile?

The egg loot, on a piece of Trey's artwork.

The next morning, the Easter bunny came, leaving baskets for each of the kiddos! Yay! We had an egg hunt both inside and outside.

Grammy & Sean, before diving into the baskets.

Sean finds one of the golden eggs - i.e. the money eggs!

Daddy & Sean playing with Daddy's new favorite toy, racing motorcycles!

Daddy helping Ryan open his first Easter basket.

Sean with one of the hidden goodies outside the house.

After resting a bit, we headed over to Grandpa Phil's and Oma Annie's for an Easter feast of....Corned Beef and Cabbage! We also had another Easter egg hunt, but Sean was no where near tiring of these silly little scavenger hunts. He loved it!

The egg hunting pro.

Ryan is mesmerized by the toy egg.

Sean got to turn each egg in for a small treat - one egg turned into a huge coloring book!

....which was fun for both Dad and kid!

We didn't see Isabella again for two more weeks, but she was finally able to open her baskets last weekend. Holiday are always harder when the five of us can't be together, but we all had a wonderful time regardless!

Happy Five Months!

2009-05-04T09:08:00.008-05:00

Happy Five Months Old, Baby Ryan. Mommy loves you so very much, and I am so proud of how big and strong and funny and happy you are!

You're Daddy and I would be millionaires if we could bottle your infectious giggle! Everyone who meets you can't get over your amazing smile.

You're getting so strong so fast, practicing holding your own bottle, and propping yourself up in sitting position. You're already standing in your exersaucer, and I'm going to have to put a bubble around you when you sleep, the way you move, creep, scoot and flip all over your bed!

But more than anything is the time you and I spend with your big brother. Our Daddy time and Isabella time goes by so unbelievably fast, so it's that hanging-around time we have during the week when I really get to see how amazing you are and how much you are changing. You and Sean love each other so much, it comes so natural to both of you. I'm so blessed as a mom to stay home with my boys and watch you both play and love on each other. Soon enough, you'll be 10 years old, like your Sissy tomorrow, and your time will be filled with activities and friends, too, and they're will be no chasing you around with a camera, either - so for now, you are mine, and I savor every minute I have with you.

Ryan Conley, you are funny, giggly, and we love you more than you can ever know!

Happy 23rd Birthday, Jessica!

2009-04-23T18:23:00.004-05:00

Jess, you lucked out! My printer is angry at me, and won't let me scan right at the moment. So no old school photos...today...

Happy birthday to my kid sis! I love you and I miss you and I hope to see you again soon! Have a GREAT night out with Jake!

Jessica & Amy

Sideshow Sean

2009-04-23T12:48:00.003-05:00

As I'm sure I've mentioned a few times, Sean is now getting up and out of bed at the buttcrack of dawn. Really wish I could turn back time and bring back the crib. Anyway, this morning, I had a vague realization that he was in my room, but I didn't check what time, and then I was back to sleep. So I woke up again, to the sounds of great laughter...and what sounded like demolition of some kind.

My bedroom door was shut.

The room was bright.

I checked the clock, 7:10.

I crawl out of bed, and hear the ruckus coming from Isabella's room, which is where Ryan is sleeping in his new crib. I had visions of the bed overturned, Ryan trapped under something heavy, total "Lord of the Flies" scenario.

I peak around the corner to find....

Sean climbing up the side rail of the crib, then jumping off, to the squealing laughter of both boys! Climb, jump, laugh, repeat! Oh, how I wish they hadn't seen me, because I half entertained the idea of sneaking back to bed to let them amuse each other for a bit longer. Alas, Sean saw me, and squealed again in laughter, eager to show me his new trick. And Ryan was, of course, in awe of his big brother, giggling like the Doughboy, and didn't want it to end. But the fun was over when Mom arrived, apparently, and we had to begin the business of the day.

In other news, it is my kid sister's birthday, but I'm desperately trying to find *the perfect* birthday photo to post. Not easy, when it's 80 degrees and sunny, and the photos are in the dark basement. So stay tuned.

Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde

2009-04-22T14:16:00.004-05:00

Or, in Ryan's case, Mr. Smiley Gigglepants and Mr. Fussy Crankypants!

I wish I knew what ailed him. Because he is the smiliest, giggliest little baby I have ever seen. Yesterday, while Sean and a few others were playing on the playground, another mom (grandma, actually), asked me if Ryan was always that good. It was a hard question to answer! Yes, he is the happiest, smiliest baby you'll ever meet. But when something is bothering this kid...holy cow! Poor thing, he's so sensitive to pain and discomfort.

Saturday and Sunday, he was nonstop cranky. Monday, he was so giggly all day, I couldn't get him to sleep because he wouldn't stop laughing every time he saw me! I need to video tape dressing him, because he leaves me in stiches....he laughs like the Pillsbury Doughboy!

Monday night/Tuesday morning, however, he woke up almost every hour, fussing, cranky, crying, needing the pacifier every time to go back to sleep. And then happy as a clam all day yesterday and today. Phew! It's tiring!

Right now, he sleeps. Sean and I are enjoying the gorgeous weather. Warm...sunny...perfect! Let's hope Mr. Smiley Gigglepants will wake up...

Watch that poo coming off the fan...

2009-04-20T13:10:00.003-05:00

Fun stuff always comes in multiples, and somehow the universe thinks it's hilarious when different forms of fun hit at one time. Not unlike shit hitting a fan!

Take last week, for instance. First, I was put on a medicine that made me nauseous and tired for the first half of each day. Hey, it's the first trimester of pregnancy in pill form! Add to that Trey being sick, and keeping both of us up half the night with his hacking. I mean, I know I should feel sympathy for my sick husband, but really, I was forced to the couch most nights in order to get any amount of rest. We were supposed to have a garage sale Saturday morning, but as the week progressed, I did not. I did manage to get to the store to get those awesome stickers that are already priced for you. And then I found my labeled stickers from last year!

Friday morning, I was feeding Ryan when I heard Sean's door open and the pitter patter of proud little feet coming down the hallway. The day I had been dreading for almost three years had come - Sean realized he could climb out of his crib and leave his room on his own! NO!!! When Trey got home from work (because sick or not, he still went to work!), we converted Sean's bed to a toddler bed. And with Ryan almost head to toe in the bassinet, we brought up the reserve crib (thank you Awesome Schniedermeyers!) from the basement. So Friday night, both boys slept in New Beds! WooHoo, right!?

OMG, at 3am in the morning, those same proud little tootsies arrived at the side of my bed, with a loud "Mommy! I did it!" I actually remembered what all the experts tell you, and I took him back to bed. What the experts don't tell you is that doesn't work. In the end, we compromised with me setting up camp on the awesomely hard floor next to Sean's bed. After about an hour, I was sure he was asleep, so I got up, and moved to the couch. Trey had his own sinus symphony going in the bedroom.

Wasn't long after that that Ryan started fussing. Not awake, but not able to get himself back to sleep without the paci. Next thing I know, it's 7 o'clock, and both boys are up for the day. So I go in to Trey, hoping for a little love and support (read: Hey, buddy, you get up and let me go back to sleep!) But all I got out of Trey was a bunch of moaning. Apparently, working all week while sick will eventually kick your ass. He was nauseous, head pounding, weak, aching all over, couldn't breathe. And I hated every living cell in his body for it!

Luckily, our neighbors are saints, and let Sean play almost all day at their house. Because something was up with Ryan, too. Fussy doesn't describe it. More twisting around, lots of tooting, spitting up. I don't get it! I was starting to think it was too much cereal, so I have backed off a bit. But both Saturday and Sunday, this was not a happy kid.

We did have a really awesome moment with Joe (awesome neighbor guy), when all the kiddos were playing on their playroom floor. Ryan and I have been practicing sitting up all week - and the kid sat up for at least 30 seconds, holding himself up with his hands! So Cool! He still frequently falls over after about 1 second, but Joe can vouch that the kid was rockin' it there at his place Saturday afternoon. And then Ryan spit up and started crying, and I had to bring Sean home for not cleaning up his toys, and he screamed and kicked the whole way home while I had him in a football hold, and Joe carried the spitting infant....through the rain. To a passed out, sick husband.

So the weekend didn't go any way as planned - it was our weekend with Isabella, but she was in Hannibal for her pageant on Saturday. Granted we wouldn't have had much time with her anyway, but we had none at all with Trey too sick to travel and Ryan, well, whatever was up with Ryan. The garage sale fell through - so we still have a house full of stuff, and not the extra money we were hoping for.

To be fair, there are bright spots in the past few days. After a terrible Friday morning, Sean and I spent the afternoon, outside, laying on a blanket, in the sun, for four hours - watching bugs, killing bugs (him, not me), playing Superman, playing catch, tickling, laughing, lounging, snacking. Pure joy. It ranks up there in the top five. And Trey felt "that much" better Sunday morning, and let me sleep while he fed the kids. I got a good 11 hours! Of course, he was wiped the rest of the day, but at least I was easily able to tackle the day.

Alas, it is now Monday and life goes on. We have Isabella again this weekend, Ryan is somewhat better, Trey crawled out of bed back to work, and Sean was up at the buttcrack of dawn. But it's all good - once you realize that you can't control anything, and just learn to deal. And Hey, gotta go, cuz that's not poo, but a wiffle ball flying at my head. Who taught that kid to throw? Oh, and The Spitter is awake. This is my life. :-)

Congratulations to Izzy B!

2009-04-20T07:16:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Miss Isabella! On Saturday, she won Miss Pre-Teen Northeast Missouri Tourism at the Cave Hallow Pageant in Hannibal.

We're so proud of you, baby girl! We Love You!

Shoulds vs. Needs

2009-04-17T12:15:00.002-05:00

So I should be catching up on my Easter posts. I have at least two full posts worth of Easter - from the weekend before with Isabella, to Saturday's egg hunt to the big Easter Sunday. I should make everyone happy by posting what they want to see.

But instead we need to get out.....the boys and I are going outside for some fun in the sun. Let Sean chase Sophie around the yard. Let Ryan see what a warm, sunny day is all about. Let Momma soak in some Vitamin D....and more likely than not, get a pink nose.

We have a busy weekend (as always!) ahead of us, and right now seems a perfect time to rejuvenate ourselves with some down time in the sun. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Is the music too loud, or are we just getting older?

2009-04-14T12:14:00.005-05:00

Last week, both Trey and I celebrated birthdays. Always a fun week! Of course, by "fun" I don't mean the out all night, woop-woop fun of our younger days. But I think we're doin' pretty good for a couple of Thirtysomethings! For the record, Trey's 37 and I'm 35. Oh, yeah, 40, here we come!

So Tuesday, the boys and I worked all day on Trey's birthday. Sean sang him Happy Birthday on his voice mail, we sent a love text. Sean spent hours working on Daddy's birthday card, while I spent hours on a made-from-scratch Mexican enchilada meal - that I was almost too tired to enjoy! The Mexican rice was awesome, but the enchiladas were almost too flavorful. Wow! But the cheesecake washed it all down beautifully!

Poppa Latta surprised us with a birthday visit and he stayed for dinner. And when it was time for presents, Sean dug right in! I wish I had it on video, but he was hysterical - he wouldn't let Trey open the packages, and when it came to the second present (a softball bat), Sean could not figure out how to open it!

Sean opening Daddy's presents!

Trey got the new Blues jersey from me and a new softball bat from the kids.

Friday was my birthday, and Trey and I went to the Blues game with some friends of his from work. Grandpa Phil and Oma Annie watched the boys for us, and all four of them managed to survive! Even with a poop incident from Sean and a spit up incident (or two or three!) from Ryan!

Me and Trey, and 20,000 other fans

And the best part? They won!

They not only won, but they clinched a playoff spot for the first time in six years! The place was Rockin'! Hockey games are already exciting as hell to watch live, but this one was the best I've been to!

On Sunday, after our Easter dinner at Grandpa and Oma's, we were presented with a yummy-in-the-tummy birthday cake!

Sean can't wait to help blow out the candles.

Which were trick candles, by the way, and both Grandpa and Oma claimed ignorance.

Grandpa Phil: "She bought them!"

Oma Annie: "I didn't know!"

But the candles stood no chance with two windbags on the attack - Trey and I knocked them all out!

Mom & Dad & The Boys

So thank you to everyone for all the cards and well wishes! Trey and I had a great couple of days! Oh, and I'll let you know when my birthday present, a new flower garden, comes to fruition! ;-)

Pictures, Pictures Everywhere!

2009-04-13T08:33:00.002-05:00

Trey and I had an amazing Birthday/Easter week and weekend, but I am now looking at over 150 photos, plus 10 or so videos from the past seven days! And I'm not sure where to begin! So they'll be coming in sections, but for right now - I hope you all had an amazing holiday weekend!