Story Time with Daddy

Daddy sharing a Dr. Seuss story with the boys

Steuer Water Park

The kids are loving the fact that we can get the kiddie pool out now. I have a feeling we will spend most of the summer slathered in sunscreen with our swimsuits on playing in the pool or with the hose:). Here are some pictures I got earlier this week.

The boys watering the garden

Liam floating the boat

Mia throwing her water balloon

Jackson throwing his

Mia giving me her best "cheese"

Picking flowers from the yard

Grant playing in the "rock garden"

And as the kids were playing, I got to do this...

Ahhhh, for the love of summer!

Pretty Flowers

I was experimenting with the "new to us" camera my in-laws gave us and took these pictures of our pretty flowers in the front yard. The previous owners planted a lot of rose bushes, which I would not probably normally plant, and they really look beautiful. Funny that this is our 3rd blooming season in the house and that this is really the first year I have paid attention to the flowers. I guess things are somewhat slowing down a little (just a little, though!)

Sargent Grant

Reporting for duty!

Mia-ism

We may have a few posts without photos for the next week as the babies thought it would be a good idea to throw the camera in the baby pool we had out yesterday. It is currently in a cup of rice drying next to the dehumidifier. Not sure it is going to make it, but we are trying!

Thought I would share something Mia said the other night. She has a great little nose and can detect what I am cooking (especially brownies or cookies!) I was cooking dinner the other night, and Mia comes in the kitchen sniffing. She pauses for a minute in front of the stove, then looks at me and says, "Mmmm, Mommy. Something smells adorable!" So cute!

Wishing you all a very happy Memorial Day weekend! May we remember those people who died fighting for our nation so that we may enjoy the freedom we have today.

Spring Musical

This one is definitely for the grandparents. Here is a video of Jackson's Spring Musical for preschool. He was in the front row again so I could get him on video. Wish I would have taped a little longer after this song, because he told his teacher (in front of the other kids and the audience) that he did his own hair that day! He completely cracks me up sometimes. One of the other mom's told me that she got Jackson's "stand up routine" on video because this was not the only time he decided to share more about himself throughout the program. Another highlight of the concert was that I was holding Grant during the program and he pointed to Jackson and said, "Dere's Jax!" So cute.

Parenting from the couch

This is how many antibiotics we have going at our house right now. Hopefully I can make sure we are all compliant so we fully heal. Don't worry fellow pharmacists, the pink stuff is being appropriately stored in the refrigerator (only took it out for the photo)!

I think this is only the second time that Matt and I have been sick at the same time and tried our best to "parent from the couch." Not easy at all. I physically felt awful and mentally felt awful for being a bad mommy and letting the kids watch way too many television shows in one day. Today is a much better day. I have the inflatable pools blown up and the water from the hose is warming in the sun for an afternoon dip. The kids are going to get all the attention today.

The housework can wait. It did for the last two days, what is one more?

Fun at the Track

Matt was off work last Friday so we decided to take Jackson and Amelia to the track. I got some great pictures from our visit. Not entirely sure the kids really enjoyed it, but it was fun for a short amount of time anyway. Not to mention that keeping them in the warm sun totally exhausts them!

Sorry for the posting delay...5 out of 6 of us had some type of the sickies the past few days. Most of us are feeling better now. Liam somehow escaped illness. At least for now, right?

Miss Mia running on the bridge

Jackson in front of the Pagoda

Totally adorable picture!

Daddy and Mia watching the cars

Jackson and Mia with their earmuffs!

New Hiding Spot

We were moving our TV and TV stand this weekend and discovered a new hiding spot for the kids toys. When moving the subwoofer, we heard some rattling. Jackson helped us since his hand was little enough to reach in and retrieve a stash of toys, apparently hidden away by the twins. I had to take a photo of the number of things in there. Can't believe it was still working!

Watch out, Hollywood

Here she comes!

Throwback Thursday

One of many photos we have of Grant and Liam sleeping next to one another in the same position. They were so tiny. They are growing up way too fast!

Sidewalk Artist

Jackson leaving Nana a little "love note."

Little Explorers

Liam and Grant (aka "GrantLiam" as Jackson and Mia refer to both of them) are exploring and getting into mischief quickly these days. Slightly nervous about the impending terrible two's birthday coming up next month, but somehow I think we will survive. Here are some pictures of them discovering other uses for the picnic table.

And, in case you were wondering, they did discover that climbing on top of the table and standing is also fun. Seeing as how I had to get them down promptly, there are no photos to capture those precious moments:)! I have some wild men on my hands!

Chef Jackson

For Mother's Day this year Jackson's preschool class gave all of the mommy's a recipe book.

Each child selected a recipe of their choice and then told the teacher how to make it. -Both teachers wrote the recipes down word-for-word as instructed by the kids. Some of them were so hilarious! There are many recipes for chocolate chip cookies, chicken nuggets (one child started her recipe with, "First you buy chicken nuggets at Target..."), waffles, etc. Jackson's recipe was for pasta. Thought I would share his recipe with all of you.

PASTA

by Jackson Steuer

You will need:

Pasta

One cup of 5 water

A little cheese

Put just the right amount of pasta, so it won't spill and make a big mess, in a frying pan. Put the frying pan on top of the stove. It needs a cup of 5 water, and then boil it for 31 minutes so it can get warm. Pour it on a bowl. Sprinkle a little cheese on it because that's why it can taste good! Mix the pasta and then we just eat it with a spoon. Serve with salad.

Such a cute idea. You can tell this was exactly what he said because the wording is perfect. When reading it you can hear him telling it to you in his excited voice. I laughed so much when reading all of the recipes with Jackson. He was so proud to give it to me. Definitely something I will cherish for years to come.

Starting to Plant

We still don't have the garden planted at this point, but we are trying. On the list for planting this year: bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, raspberries, melon, squash, and cucumbers. Hopefully we will have a good turn out this year!

Throwback Thursday

Jackson used to frequently fall asleep in his highchair as a baby. None of our other children have ever done this. He is definitely still on the go daily until the point of exhaustion just like he was back then. Doesn't want to miss anything...except maybe eating some dried blueberries:).

Dress Up Fun

Wanted to show the full length picture of Mia in her adorable Mermaid costume and Jackson wanted to be included-first with no costume, then later with a simple, yet classic disguise.

Getting some fresh air

Jackson and Grant
Liam

I don't think you're going to get many bubbles out this way, Grant!

Fogo...round two

Friday night we visited the delicious, carnivorous Fogo de Chao restaurant again. We were celebrating Sally's birthday (Matt's boss's wife). It was yummy! We ended the night with some drinks at The Rathskeller. Hooray for adult conversation, good food, adult beverages, and friends!

Digging for worms

Jackson is really loving the warming weather and being able to get outside. He discovered worms under our big landscaping stones and now has to look for them every time we are in the yard. He names them "slimey" usually (from Sesame Street) and is always very gentle with them. He likes to watch them move around in his hands for a little bit then puts them back under the stones to visit them again another day. While watching one move around in his hand, he excitedly exclaimed, "Look Mom! He made a J for Jackson!" It was so cute. And disgusting.