Back to the kids.. with Mark and Jess

More play in the yard. Mark and Tipper playing catch Gathering around the schoolhouse Monkeys!! 

Flower pictures for Uncle Mark

Bluebells popping through our bed of liriope. This morning Uncle Mark and Aunt Jess spent the morning outside in our backyard playing with the kids. I think Uncle Mark now understands why I take these flower pictures instead of the kids sometimes; a few precious moments of solitude! A just opening azalea A just about finished azalea, in front of our almost picture perfect Japanese Maple

Visit from Uncle Mark and Aunt Jessica

Mark and Jessica arrived last night and this morning we made it out for breakfast at IHOP and then to Burke Lake Park. Little did we know it was the opening day of the train and the dedication of a new engine. All the Fairfax big wigs were there including Gerry Connelly, who got front seat of the first train to leave the station. The place was packed. We still got on the 4th train ride of the season and even got a commemorative pin when we got off. Best of all, the train rides were free for the day. Mark and Jess also brought the kids first round of birthday gifts. What a loot!!! They got a workbench, Home Depot tool box, BBQ grill, and a farm house. They really liked the toys.

My Birthday

Came home a little early to find the house kitchen decorated with a birthday sign made by the kids. They were very proud. And then I got great gift from everyone shown below. Reuben almost spilled the beans yesterday, Karen told me, by telling me that he was finger painting. Luckily there is always enough other screeches and loud noises in our house that I never hear anything. And even if I did, I never would have put 2 and 2 together. Karen also made my childhood birthday dinner... Baked Ziti. She make a greata Ziti!! 

Remembering our Florida Vacation

I have finally caught up with making a movie out of all the video clips from the last few, but event filled, days of our winter vacation.

The Big Red Fire Truck

During our basement cleanout we also decided to open last year's birthday gift for the boys from Nana and Uncle Marc. A really big FIRE TRUCK. They had a good time, but still need to learn to use the pedals. The older girl is our neighbor Maddie.  

Bunko!!!

Well it finally happened. Karen left me.... alone with all the kids today. With puddles outside the size of Lake Erie and sporadic showers popping up every minute, we were stuck inside. Luckily, last night we started collecting things that we never use from the basement to donate for our community garage sale. The community is raising money for our main entrance beautification. It was then that I stumbled upon the "Ride-on Excavator". This would be my salvation for a Sunday indoors; excavating the basement. And here is my budding musically prodigy. She really loves this play piano and she holds her hands like she's a professional. Sssh, for her birthday I ordered her a larger (many more keys) piano - Disney's Cinderalla Piano.

March of the Dinosaurs

This weekend being essentially a wash out, I've spent most of the time indoors. We did all get out to IHOP for breakfast yesterday. The boys are putting on calories they neglected when they were sick. They had their usually kids chees omlette. For about $3.50 I wish I could get it. It at least a 2 egg omlette (looks bigger) and 2 big pancakes. Reuben and Jacob polished off the pancakes and ate most of the eggs. Anyway, since I've been in the house all weekend, I've started to notice a strange phenomenon. Dinosaurs are popping up everywhere. These guys were spotted in the living room. This one was spotted in the kitchen. I think he was looking for something to drink. Later in the day I spotted the pair from living room, roaming the kitchen. The funny thing is I never see anyone playing with the things. They just keep showing up around the house. I spotted the triceratops earlier in the day on the steps, but didn't have my camera.

Fantasy Baseball Update - 1st Place

It's been a long time since I've seen first place in our league and its probably not likely to last. But, for now I can gloat and document the standings for posterity You can find my team roster at: http://behemmer.googlepages.com/Draft_2006.htm

Boys Are Back In Town

Well since the boys are feeling so much better, I put the them to work. Jacob toiled with the lawn mower while Reuben leveled the driveway. Tomorrow we'll have to find time to plant the seedlings of parsley and marigolds that the boys grew in pre-school.

Quick Update: Kids Feeling Much Better

They're a bit thinner, but seem to be almost back to normal.  And they are hungry....

Goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa

The boys are still recuperating, but I think they are starting to feel better. They are very weak and look like they lost several pounds. Grandpa and I spent a good portion of the week painting the bookcase shown below. I started working on it in January, but couldn't get the time to finish it. We can now get all the stuff off the floor in our study. Finally, here's Grandma saying goodbye to Faith. They'll be back for the 3 birthday celebrations next month.  

A plague strikes the house

Well, Faith's Passover fever has spread to the boys. The bug has given them a stong case of gastroenteritis; lots of puking! Its' about 48 hours since they started getting sick and I think they are starting the road to recovery. Here are some pictures before the plague hit. And here is Grandpa comforting Reuben while we wait to see if he can keep down the teaspoon of pedialyte. And the now healthy Faith with Daddy

The Passover Meal - By Karen

Karen outdid herself this year by cooking the whole meal from scratch. And, all of it was delicious! The Passover Haggadah Karen's Chicken Matzoh Ball Soup The Main Course - Brisket, Chicken, Sweet Potato Pie, and veggies Karen's best brisket ever and a great sweet potato pie Dessert - Peach Farfel Kugel Manischewitz Dark Chocolate Seder Plate This was GOOD!