Avery's Birthday, round 2...3 and 4!!

Today was Avery's birthday party. After a busy day of Storytime Live, visiting with our out of town relatives the Castora's, and then off to Avery's party, it was amazing the boys were still in good moods! As soon as we got there, Eli and Avery didn't waste one second before playing!

Miles had some fun with Tata (although he didn't want his picture taken!)
Happy Birthday round 2!
(Round 1 was on her actual birthday!)

One of Avery's cousins, Quinn, was in the potty and missed it, so we had to sing again. As you can see, this didn't bother Avery one bit!

Round 3!

(Grandpa Kahl missed it this time!)

Eli was beginning to wonder what the heck was going on!

And finally, round 4...Joe, Dina, Mera, and Bella arrived and needed to sing too!

After being very patient, Eli finally got some cake!

Hope you enjoyed your party Avery!!

Storytime Live!!

We ventured off to Akron today to see Storytime Live. All of Eli's favorite characters were going to be there...Dora, Kai-Lan, Wonder Pets, and most importantly, The Backyardigans! Eli is obsessed with the Backyardigans, particularly Pablo the penguin. After searching high and low for a "Pablo" shirt, I came up with nothing. I decided to make my own. If Eli only knew....

Here's the back of his hoodie. I also made him a t-shirt with Pablo and his name on it!

Or good friends the Puckmeyers were taking Bella, and our niece Avery was going too, so I made them some Storytime attire! It was a lot easier for the girls, since I was able to find these cute little iron-ons and girly lettering! Here's Bella's shirt:
and her matching hoodie! I added Dora's name on the back of this, but forgot to take a pic!

Now onto the show!! I was a rebel and snapped a few pics at the end of the performance. I know, I'm a true rebel! Here Eli is showing off his little light to the little boy behind him:

Pablo's talking...must pay attention!

Thanks for the fun day mama and daddy!

There's Pablo in the middle...surrounded by many of the other characters

and the finale...Eli LOVED every second of it!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Our day started with Mommy's good luck charms not being in the greatest of moods...

Eli decided to cooperate a little bit though...
Daddy's little hooligans got dressed, and the attempt wasn't much better,

clearly!

So outside we went, and this was as good as it was going to get!

If you look closely, you can see Eli is missing a lens in his glasses!

Long story short, he went half the day without it!

Miles was focused on the neighbors dog

We went on a walk, and Eli had to have his walking stick!

(He takes after his grandad, even though he never met him!)

My little ham!

Miles enjoyed the walk as well!!

Aren't these the cutest little Irish/Palestinian boys you've ever seen? LOL!

It was bound to happen...

Eli finally attempted (and succeed) getting in Miles exersaucer! I'm actually surprised it took this long! Excuse the nap time hair and the crummy picture. Mr. Eli changed a setting on my camera and I didn't realize it until later!

Coloring...Papa Steve style!

Eli was enjoying his new markers when he realized how neat it was when the colors stayed on his skin. At first, the markers stayed on his hands and in the coloring book...and then Papa Steve joined in on the fun. Let me add, Eli was BEGGING for him to do more, and more, and more!

The energizer toddler is actually standing still!

My little masterpiece

Eli insisted that Miles join the fun!

Eli also wanted to add a little more color to Miles face...

as you can see, Miles already knows where that marker is going!

Eli telling him, "Okay Minos (aka, Miles) I color you face!"

Just a little bit more

Tada!! Clearly, Miles didn't think purple was his color.

Miles staring down that maker...making sure it doesn't move an inch closer!

At least we know that these markers truly are washable!

It all came off so easily!

A hint of spring...

We've been enjoying the beautiful weather the past few days, spending our time at parks, on walks, in the backyard, and taking advantage of the warm tempertures before they pass! Today we had a playdate with our favorite girls, Callista, Bella and Lucy. We took the kids for a nice walk and let them burn off some energy at a park near Callista's house. Excuse the lack of pictures of Eli and Bella...they were too busy for the paparazzi.

Miles already trying to make a move on Lucy! ;)

Chillin' on the slide
After we got home and the boys napped, we headed back outside for a nice long walk and some more time on the swing set.

Miles LOVED our little car swing!

He was just too cute!

Last one, I promise!

Bath time for baby Grace!

We went to Grammy's today, and when we got there, baby Grace was getting ready for her bath. Clearly, Eli was very excited about this:

Eli was giving her kisses over and over...of course the picture doesn't portray that, lol!
Getting lathered up!

Eli was a big helper!

Here's Grace, all fresh and clean!

Smiling at her Daddy!

Meanwhile, Miles was helping himself to some Puffs!

Then he convinced Uncle Ben that he should have a cookie!

mmmmm!!!