Welcome Baby Ben!

Welcome to the world, baby Benjamin Sidney!

Ben arrived earlier this week, after a quick labor and a water birth. He's a cutie!

Congratulations to Kim, Bob, and big brother Bobby!

Spring Fever

And here are boys in pajamas coloring sweetly while Mommy attempts to get something done on the computer.

And this is what Jim found while going through a tub of old stuff (a chore set aside for spring break week)... Del Val Football team picture.

What the heck kind of mean face is that?
I made him cut it out before throwing it away. It is now staring us down from the front of the refrigerator.

We finally got together with our friends, the Livingstons. Our five kids together feed of of each other's energy... but still managed to eat a corned beef and cabbage dinner for St. Patrick's Day.

My cousin Danielle turned 21 and a party was held in her honor at my uncle's house. She's in the pink, above, with the rest of my younger cousins, who can't seem to put their cell phones down ;)

Trenton and Oliver had a blast playing outside with the rest of the kids. And the cat.

That's one delicious cake right there. Red velvet, with cake batter ice cream. Thank you Cold Stone Creamery.

And this would be the kid who now is the proud owner of TWO dollar bills. One he found lying on the grass at the playground last week. (It since went through the washing machine and emerged unscathed, and cleaner). The other (the curly one) was left under his pillow by THE TOOTH FAIRY.

Ah ha! That tooth was loose since before we left for Grenada. Proves that teeth can be loose for over a month ;) The one growing in is actually behind it... there are two loose and two growing in... this kid is gonna need braces soon enough.
PS He woke up at 3:40 in the morning to tell us he had A WHOLE DOLLAR UNDER HIS PILLOW. And did not fall back asleep for another hour. Joy.

That boy fell asleep no problem ;)

We all had our bouts of sickness over the past two weeks, starting with Oliver, who had a wicked fever on and off for two days, then Jim & I both having strep, and then Trenton getting a similar fever/sickness to Oliver.
But by the end of this week, we're all back to normal, and enjoying the 75 degree weather.

I realized today that I'm really going to miss this 11:45 pick-up. All three of us love walking down to the bus stop and seeing Trenton off to school. Next year, the bus comes at 7:45.... 

Welcome Catherine!

 What a beautiful baby girl, right?

That is Catherine Theresa... Melissa and Craig's new daughter. I had the privilege of visiting her in the hospital this week-- and holding her! So tiny!

Trenton declared that he wouldn't be able to tell if Catherine looked like Aunt Melissa UNLESS he saw a picture of her with her eyes open. So here's one I borrowed from her grandma's phone! 

Congratulations to Melissa and Craig! 

End of Winter

 Trenton is a fantastic reader. Really. He read at an early-second grade level independently for me the other day. He can read just about anything on the bookshelf. Still needs help when he gets to tricky words... But he's so good at familiar reads. Excellent fluency.
Definitely the son of a reading specialist, no?

 One of my proudest accomplishments.

 And guess who is Star of the Week? That'd be Trenton!
This title means that you get to have Lucky Teddy for the week! And take him places! And document it in his notebook!
So we went to Manasquan last Friday.

 Lots of surfers in wet suits. I guess 60 degrees is good weather for that.

 And here is Lucky Teddy checking out the first spring flower in the yard! You'll notice that his outfit changes daily, as well.

 Trenton and Jim traveled to the Konopacks for an early Easter dinner celebration... Ollie had a wicked fever, so I stayed home with him. Below, the current squirrel obstacle course.

 Chillin. Got up to 72 today. Lovely, lovely day.

The following two pics were from last week, when Robyn & Nicholas and Anthony came over to play. Four boys = a LOT of energy. They had a blast building forts and dressing up ;)

Playing With Our Food

 Have you seen this book, Play With Your Food?
The boys like to read it... and today, Trenton decided to sculpt with his orange. Not bad, huh!?

 How are you peeling? I'm juuuust fine. Lotsa Vitamin C here...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The one time of the year we allow our kids to (virtually) drink beer.
Better be the good stuff, at least ;)

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Trenton Is Six

 Woweee! This shirt almost fits!

 He is way too big to stand/bounce/jump/flop on this bed now.  But he still does it.

 Alright, how does he compare? Older. Different hair. Taller.

Still our Trenton. Here's to year seven!