Griffin, 4.5 months

Kids Charity Concert

We went today to a charity concert downtown. We ran into some friends we knew, so the kids were thrilled. Rhys was a little shy for most of it, but Avery was a dancing fool.

Finished product

After several long days of shoveling dirt and wheelbarrowing it into the backyard, we finally finished the sandbox. Bill did a great job. The kids have enjoyed it already, and I can only imagine how much they'll like it when the temperature drops below 100!

Tripod!

Griffin is sooooo close to sitting on his own! He can sit forever in the tripod position with his arms supporting him, but he can also sit by himself (with no hands!) for several seconds! Apparently he didn't realize that he's not even 5 months old yet!

Superman party

On Wednesday, we had Rhys's birthday party at the sprinkler park. Rhys picked a Superman theme, so I made a Superman cake and we used red and blue decorations. It was a pretty low-key party; we only invited a handful of friends. We were lucky that everyone we invited was able to come. There were 13 kids total: Avery, Rhys, Jeeper, Mia, Duncan, Colin, Sage, Fletcher, Sara, Avery, Evan, Maya, and Benjamin, plus the babies, Griffin and Caden.

The kids had a blast going between the sprinklers and the park by the pavilion where we had the cake set up. They played and played, and we had snacks, drinks, and cake. Rhys got lots of great presents too. Really, the party couldn't have gone more smoothly. YAY!

Happy anniversary to us!

As if a birthday wasn't enough, it was also our 8th anniversary this week! Unfortunately, it had to take a backseat to Rhys's birthday festivities. Instead of doing something special, I spent all evening making Rhys's Superman cake. Oh, well. We'll have to make up for it by doing something fun this week!

Rhys's birthday

On Monday, we got up early and headed downtown for Rhys's 3 year checkup. Rhys did very well and was very cooperative this year (unlike last year when he refused to be weighed or measured!). He was 39 inches tall (85%) and 33 lbs (75%). He's doing great.

After his appointment, we rushed back home so we could get there in time to see the dumptruck drop off the sand for the sandbox. We made it, and I think the dumping of the sand was maybe even better than the sand itself! The kids also enjoyed climbing all over the giant sand pile in the driveway.

In the afternoon, Nonnie came over to bring Rhys a present and visit for a while. Then we went to Home Depot to get the supplies for building the sandbox. Once we got home, Daddy started building it, but it was sooooo hot that he didn't last long out there. He came in, and we ate Rhys's favorite dinner: chicken nuggets, french fries, and homemade macaroni and cheese. We sang to Rhys and had brownies for dessert. I think it was a nice birthday for him.

Happy 3rd birthday, Rhys!!

I can't believe my baby is turning three!

Birthdays are always rough for me. I'm happy, but at the same time, I get very sad that the time passes so quickly. Rhys is such a joy - he's sweet, funny and so sensitive. I'm enjoying watching him grow from a baby into a boy, but I miss my tiny little Rhyscake. We may have had a hard time his first year, but all of his crying sure bonded us. I wouldn't change a thing.

We've already had a couple of mini-celebrations for Rhys's birthday. Yesterday, Mamar came over and gave Rhys a drum for his birthday. He absolutely loves it! He appeared in my bedroom at 6am banging his new drum. Luckily, Griffin and I were already awake. Today, Papa, Ronnie, and Linah came over, and they were kind enough to bring a Bob the Builder cake! We sang and Rhys got to blow out the candles. Linah brought Rhys a Spiderman mask and gloves that make web spinning noises. I'm guessing I'll be making many store trips with Spiderman in the near future! ;-) Papa and Ronnie contributed money toward the sandbox that we're building for the backyard. We're expecting the sand to arrive tomorrow afternoon, and I imagine that the truck dumping the sand in our driveway will be the best present ever for Rhys! I can't wait to see his face when his very favorite thing - a dump truck - appears in front of our house!

The Rhys Show

"Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and grills. Introducing the great boy, Rhys!!" Rhys yelled from the back of the couch. He then jumped off with a flourish and continued. "Once upon a time, there was a boy named Rhys. He was a great jumper, so he decided to jump. Bouncy, bouncy, bounce! The end."

NBTSP!

Today was the annual Not Back to School Party for Austin homeschoolers at Northwest Pool. We ate at Top Notch for lunch, then stayed at the pool for most of the afternoon. We saw lots of our friends, and Avery and Rhys played for hours with Maya, Benjamin, Allie, Patrick, Christopher, Ella, Eva, Ginger, Lily, and Sage. We also took the yearly AAH group picture. We feel very lucky to be spending another year learning with our kids at home, and it's nice to start the year out with a bang!

Bear hug.

Peter Pan meets Fireman Rhys.

Cathedral of Junk, take one

This morning we drove down to south Austin on a field trip to see the Cathedral of Junk. Unfortunately, the guy's grandmother died, so he was in New York. So we all decided to head to a nearby park instead. We stayed until lunchtime, and the kids enjoyed playing with their friends. We got lunch on the way home, then later Mamar came over. The combination of the park, friends, and Mamar makes for a perfect day, according to the kids!

My sweet boys.

Griffin, 4 months

Fans?

Rhys and Bill went to play soccer during Avery's gymnastics class this week. Rhys got to wear Avery's old soccer cleats, which he loved. Every time he kicked the ball, Rhys would yell, "I WIN!!!"

A few minutes after they got there, Rhys was running with the ball, when he stopped suddenly and turned to Bill. "Daddy," he said, "where is the crowd to yell YAY?"

Rhys, almost 3.

Griffin in his sling.

Rainy summer!

I don't remember ever having a summer with so much rain! Not that I'm complaining. It's very nice to have a break from the heat. The kids have been enjoying it too. They love to go outside and play in the rain, and when mean ol' Mom forces them back inside, they make a "fort" on the couch with blankets and pillows.

Puddles!