The New Testament

Things I definitely could NOT do when I was 5---he is VERY excited about his accomplishment in AWANA, despite how serious and quiet he looks here (you'll need to turn up the volume). He admits that's how he focuses.  

We are extremely proud of his hard work:)

Matthew: Age One

Grab a kleenex and click below to view the slide show of Jennifer Coon's precious photos of our sweet baby boy.  Oh, my!

http://albums.phanfare.com/slideshow.aspx?i=1&db=1&pw=OI9svPHt&a_id=6397936

Ice Skating & Ice Hockey

It's been the winter of skating and we couldn't be more proud of their progress.  Margaret started ice skating and is really patient with it.  Can't be easy when what you see on TV looks so much fun and then you have to work hard just to stand up!

Andrew's skating is holding steady, which is expected when you add multiple new skills and a boat load of equipment to the mix!  The driveway hockey game is a bit more low-key but just as fun.  

 Such focus and determination

The Rest of January

"Holy is the Lord, God Almighty.  
The earth is filled with His glory.
How great, how awesome is He."

Brotherly love

Finally finished this year's hand print tree. Can't see the glitter star on top very well or the myriad of ornament colors incorporated, but I dare say they are getting a bit better!

Carpooling with Katie apparently was sufficient motivation for Margaret to agree to wear 
MY favorite coat for her this winter.
Hope it's not one and done!

Selfies are hard when someone wants to eat the phone.

Andrew had a birthday party at Smith Aquatic Center.  At 48" (apparently the 93rd percentile), he was the only child tall enough to do the big water slides. I was so proud of him for marching over by himself and enjoying them the whole time!

Who says you can't ride a bike in the snow???

Driveway hockey

Too many days at home lately, but we actually faired pretty well!  1/2 day Thursday, 1/2 Friday, MLK Day, Teacher Work Day, two snow days, then 4 hours on Friday.  Whew!  Someone is desperate to sled with the others!

How we roll when Daddy's out of town - be afraid.  

Be very afraid.

Loving Matthew's Christmas present from Sarah and Abby.

We call this "The Fairview Walk"...clearly doesn't prefer to crawl on concrete.

Margaret working on her fears with JJ - 
diving team could be fun!

Matthew getting better on "stop and go" and Margaret's got the Princess bike down!  Didn't take long for her feet to reach the pedals.  I'll bet she drops the training wheels this spring or summer as she is HIGHLY motivated to ride "just like Andrew".  

The giggles of a young child NEVER gets old, 

especially when they add the special affects of snorting:)

Punching balloons

A typical scene around here....

Matthew David's 1st Birthday Weekend

Where did this year of sleepless nights go?!?  Matthew has been an incredible blessing to us, despite refusing to be the good sleeper that his big brother and sister are.  October was a train wreck and we continue to have mornings that begin anywhere from 4:45-7:45am, but we appear to be back on track. His cackle is contagious.  His flexibility is admirable.  His smile is priceless, as is his impact on Andrew and Margaret.  What a joy it's been to see the three of them together. Andrew and Margaret adore him and he always strives to keep up with them, without frustration when he can't---a good lesson for us all!

At 25.8 lbs, Little Man is holding strong in the 95th percentile for weight and the 85th for length.  Andrew soars a head above many of his classmates (most of whom are already 6) and is the same height as the 2nd-3rd graders in our neighborhood.  At 48", he's in the 93rd percentile.  Dr's best guess is that Uncle Ern's genes are contributing to our boys! 

Andrew asked to write a personal birthday card for Matthew.  He included ALL of the nicknames we've had for him this year.  The round-up includes Little Man, Little Diddle, Stink-a-bunch (affectionately), Baby Binky Boy, Triple B, and just simply, "Binks".  

And the day begins with a serenade on the way to the bus...

And what does Dody have for me???

"And what do you all want me to do now?"

I LOVE these two together!

The eyes of wonder on the first candle...

Everyone needs help with the candle the first time.

Margaret's verdict on the pumpkin spice cake?

SOOO thankful that Daddy made it back from WV in time for cake, presents and cuddles!

It was a big week for clapping as Matthew mastered perfect timing of his delivery for an applause.

Gingerbread houses with Grandma - always a hit!

Showing off her big girl bike to Dody.

Mommy just happened to be parent reader for Margaret's class on Matthew's birthday with Dody in town.  how special to have Dody read to your class, too!

Matthew jumped right into preschool as if he was there everyday himself.  Twins Felix and Xavier shared very nicely with him.

The second time I presented Matthew a piece of birthday cake, he just looked up at me and cackled in delight.  Didn't take long for him to catch on to the good stuff. 

Balloons!

Grandma made Bitty Baby a very special blanket.  Margaret sets her up on her pillow just right, and tucks her in with her blanket just so, before rolling over to cuddle with her.  Such precious moments.

The boys sporting their handsome sweaters for church.

Only a 3rd child gets placed in the middle of the street
while the stroller is adjusted.  

Lots of help for Little Diddle opening his presents.  

The Tale of Three Trees

Andrew reading his own birthday card to Matthew.