Because...

To Scotty, from the inside of your Father's Day card.

We love you because...

You work for us.
-Jamin

You swing me.
-Libby

You tickle me.
-Travis

You're sexy.
-Alison

We play tackle.
-Jamin

You change my diapers.
-Libby

You have a hot tub.
-Travis

You make the best eggs.
-Alison

You pick my clothes sometimes.
-Jamin

You play peek-a-boo.
-Libby

You cook muffins.
-Travis

You crack me up!
-Alison

You love red.
-Jamin

You give nice hugs.
-Libby

Stickers.
-Travis

You are always kind and thoughtful.
-Alison

You have hazel eyes like me.
-Jamin

You make me smile.
-Libby

Kitties.
-Travis

You're a great dad.
-Alison

(At this point, the boys shouted out a couple more)

You make me lunch!
-Jamin

Pirates! Captain Jack Sparrow!
-Travis

This is just a tiny fraction of the many reasons we love you. Scotty, you are wonderful. Happy Father's Day!

Bibby

This little lass is 18 months old.

She calls herself "Bibby."

In fact, she's learning a lot of new words these days. And she gets very frustrated when she can't communicate.

Libby loves to mimic people, especially Travis and me... and cartoon characters she sees on t.v.

The silly side of her personality emerges more each day. Libby plays goofy games like "Hide Behind My Crib Naked after Mom Changes My Diaper" and "Stack Blankets on Jamin's Head." Peek-a-boo is still her gut-busting favorite.

When she's tired from running around, Libby climbs onto the hearth with a book. Or she insists on being held.

18 months brings another milestone: Nursery at church! Huzzah!

Fudgicle faces

The Ty Pennington:

The Shakespeare: The Grizzly Adams:

Goodbye, Maeby

Last night, Maeby was hit by a car in the same area where Molly died.

The boys drew pictures for her. Libby keeps calling Maeby in hopes that she'll come inside.
Goodbye, Maeby. We'll miss having you curl on our laps, cuddle, and play. (We probably won't miss finding half-eaten mice in the garage.) You are such a sweet, patient kitty. We loved having you as a part of our family.

Glorious spring

This year has been particularly damp and cold. Though the forecast calls for some stormy days ahead, I think we've finally broken through winter.

Spring feels glorious.

We spent all of Friday enjoying the sun. We headed downtown for a picnic, followed by a walk on the Greenbelt, a tour of MK Nature Center, and some play time at Municipal Park. The kids played soccer until dinnertime.Checking out fish at the Nature Center

We've also enjoyed grilling, going for walks, drawing on the pavement with chalk, and leaving the windows open all day.

Ah, spring. Thank you for finally arriving (just in time for summer).

Balloon fun

Some extended family came to town this weekend for Matt's graduation. The party continued on Sunday night when everyone gathered here. After dinner, Uncle Bob dusted off his clown skills to teach the kids about balloon animals.

Brock was a natural. With some persistence, Jamin got the hang of it. Though they didn't make any balloons, Travis and Libby sure loved playing with them. Brock's sweet hat: Jamin's cool dog: The balloon-making crew: Thank you, Bob! Everyone had a blast!

Two by two

Since Charlotte is on bed rest (insert huge squeal for the reason! Yahooooo!), Brock has spent lots of time at our house. Jamin and Brock pair off together as usual. Travis is still sort of afraid to go outside-- though we've convinced him there's no zombie-- so he and Libby play together most of the time. We discovered some other little ones going by two.