It's All Relative

H&R had a college friend's wedding to attend/play for in the Twin Cities. The kids were not invited, so we had to line-up childcare off-site. Praise God we have family nearby in Hudson...and we're on speaking terms...and they were willing to watch M123 (M4 stayed with his lunch ticket [Mom])! M123 stayed with Cousin D, his wife, L, and their 3 kids (yes, that totals 6...bless you Cousin D&L!) Friday afternoon which turned into night because the rehearsal dinner went much longer than we had anticipated. H&R stayed at Cousin D&L's house on Friday night (after dealing with awful traffic/construction in the Cities), woke-up Saturday morning and took the kids to Uncle F & Aunt J's house (also, thankfully, close-by). H&R & M4 were at the wedding/reception/dinner for most of Saturday, so M123 were able to spend the bulk of the day with Uncle F, Aunt J, Cousin S and her 2 daughters (Cousins S & M). The kids had a great day, Uncle F/Aunt J and Cousin S survived, and H&R (along with M4...who was very good) had a good time at the wedding. Here are some pics from the weekend.


H with her old roommate/friend, the new Mrs. SBC


Mrs. SBC takes some time to talk to M4.


Mrs. SBC holding M4.


Meanwhile, back at the ranch (on Sunday)...

L --> R: Cousin M, M2, Cousin S, M1


As you can see, M2 & M1 tend to 'check-out' when watching a movie. Cousin M still wanted to share a story with M2. She'll learn...


Most of the kids are playing a game, but M2 seems to think she's auditioning for a revival of "Flashdance."

It was a VERY full weekend, but we all had a great time.

Random Shots & Captions

M3: "See Dad, if you're holding a truck you can make any shoes 'manly'...even princess dress-up shoes."


Do you ever have issues changing the diaper of a fussy, fidgety child? Try the "onesie straight jacket" to occupy your little terror. M3 was kicking and hitting while I was changing his pants. To remove the 'hitting' portion of that equation I wrapped his arms up between his onesie and his shirt. He didn't like it, but it worked AND he calmed down (probably in disbelief). Of course, I had to take a picture!


We were actually able to have a book club before bed. Obviously, it was M3's turn.


How cute is that kid!?


M4 is growing, growing, growing! He loves the Jumparoo (as have his older siblings...and his parents). He can easily spend a good hour jumping, jumping, jumping. However, as displayed in this picture, M4 stops jumping when the Brewers are on (attaboy!).


M3: "Just a little bit closer, Mommy. I...can...almost...reach.

So What Are You Saying Kid?

Daddy got home late from work one night & Mommy had a story to share about M1.

M1 had been learning nursery rhymes at school and she had a coloring project to finish at home. It was a picture of "the Old Woman's shoe." M1 showed Mommy her completed project. M1 explained how all 6 members of our family could be seen in the windows of the shoe. Mom & Dad were in the same window. M1 pointed out that her drawing of Mommy is smiling but Daddy is not smiling "because he is usually crabby."

Mommy thought that was very funny & couldn't wait to share with Daddy.

The next morning, Daddy asked M1 if he could see her coloring. He asked leading questions about the smiling faces. M1 said "you're smiling, Daddy." Daddy brought up what Mommy said the night before. M1 smiled and changed the subject (Daddy, see what else I've colored?).

Stinker...

Funny Facebook Status

Daddy needs to recharge his DPS (Daddy's Patience & Sanity) device before the voice instructs him to "turn off of cliff & arrive at destination: wit's end."

Fun at home

We have a grand time at home and occasionally I get the chance to capture it.....these were from my mobile phone!

More Random Shots

Cousin B be Turnin' 1!

We were able to gather with Daddy's side of the family for Cousin B's birthday extravaganza at Aunt C1/Uncle D's place in May. It was a great party!


Cousin B starts to break in his new drum.


When everyone was over the previous week at our house for M4's dedication, Cousin B took a big interest in one of our toys. It is a car toy that makes lots of noise. We decided Cousin B would enjoy having the toy for himself (because M3 is too big for it and M4 is too little), so we gave it to Cousin B as a gift. Aunt C1 is "overjoyed" to now have the world's best toy for volume.


Cousin B: "Dude! Sweet, a cell phone! Now all the ladies can reach me more easily!"


"Man! This gift opening is tiring!"


"You know what Mom & Dad? I'm tired and this present is bigger than me. Can you help me out?"


"Dad, this chair totally rocks!!"


"Hey, what are you gonna do with that cake!? Can you bring it just a little closer?"


"What do you mean I have to share this with everyone else?!?!?!?! Get your paws off of my cake!"


M2 stretches her lips before consuming some b-day cake. At least, I think that's what she's doing.


Here's M1 being silly (I know, what a shocker!).


Cousin B: "Dear Cousin M3, please may I have a drum stick?"


"DUDE! I'm serious! Let me have a stick...or else!!"


"Ugh, finally! When are these people leaving!?"


Papa shows Cousin B what a "Flying Mater" is. Cousin B calls for help.


"Hello, Officer? I have a situation in my house. My parents invited these loud and crazy people over. They gave me some nice presents, but they're still here! Do you know how soon you can get them out of here!?"

"You mean I'm related to these people and I'm gonna have to deal with them the rest of my life?! Ugggghhhhh!"


M4 with Great Grandma J


Here is M2 about to teach Cousin B a simple lesson in physics (at least, it looks like she is about to shove Cousin B off of the foot rest).


M2 & M4 pose before we head home.


M4: "Yea! Let's go home!"