Fra-gee-lay. That Must Be Italian.

"Uh, I think that says FRAGILE dear."

post title and caption from

The Christmas Story (1983)

Jean Shepherd, screenplay

Duck Snacks Go Organic

in all of the talk about eating organic foods, we've forgotten to ask a simple question

do ducks prefer pre-packaged, organic snacks? 

we came armed with test snacks

(meant for the kids, but who's keeping track?) 

indeed, ducks do like organic cheese snacks!

of course, they also enjoyed the week old, Target hotdog buns leftover from our camping escapades

a friendly duck ate bread right out of Abbey's hand

she stayed brave within the circle of Daddy's arms 

sorry little duck

this store's closed

The Cat's In the Bag

Bonus (one of Joe & Amanda's two cats)

Abbey says "Bonus is friendly!"

thankfully Bonus is also beyond patient with two little people who love him

Abbey likes to play with him aka relentlessly chase him with his toys

Dylan breaks out into a huge grin whenever Bonus enters a room 

it's tiring having so much fun

The Rehearsal

goofing around

Crocs are NOT part of the costume 

hanging out 

she insisted on staying to watch some of the other dancers practice

What Happens When I Forget My Camera

A warm, sunny zoo trip with Daddy deserves some cute pictures.  Unfortunately, I forgot the camera at home, so instead I'm sharing what happened after the zoo.  In my own little zoo.

Next time, I'll remember the camera.

happy but tired

and refusing to put on his shorts

seriously?

it was pretty hot out that day

and this is Dylan's Halloween costume

Making Him Laugh

Not only can Aunt Jessica take some fun pictures, she can make Dylan giggle like crazy.  I'm pretty sure listening to Dylan laughing reduces stress by 38% or some similar statistic, because he is that adorable when he's laughing!

Aunt Jessica's Photo Shoot

Nothing like a spectacular godmother to make a little girl feel extra special.  On Easter, Aunt Jessica treated Abbey to a "photo shoot".  As you can see, Abbey appreciated the concept!

Visiting with Grandma Pat

The kids and I went to a mini-party at Great Grandma Pat's a couple of weeks ago.  My mom, Nan, Grandma Sue, the kids and I all spent the afternoon over there.  Dylan was a charming addition to a girls' day in!

the kids with Grandma Sue 

loving the outdoors 

I can walk

therefore I can climb steps standing up 

the kids with Great Grandma Pat

Abbey and "squeaky kitty"

it makes a (kind of creepy) noise and walks

she (and Dylan) love it

Things I Shouldn't Be Doing

inside his head (maybe):

"I shouldn't be doing this

but you shouldn't be taking a picture of it either!"

Why I Get Laughed At On Walks

We walked to one of our little parks the other day, crossing a major intersection on our way.  Two ladies stopped at the light were dying of laughter, which is understandable, considering the state of my little gravy train. 

The progression of our walk:

Abbey happily pushing Baby Jess in her little stroller 

meanwhile, Dylan's riding in style, alone in the spacious double stroller 

Abbey gets tired of pushing the stroller

Dylan gets a new riding companion

(this is how we looked crossing the street)

Abbey gets tired of walking

the double stroller becomes a triple 

the hand strap has many uses

this one's not in the owner's manual

My Monkeys Love Bananas

a little bit gangsta 

so much for only eating at the dining room table

Ryan eats one every morning, too, but I don't have a picture of him!

Real Men Like Pink

what's cuter than a little guy wearing trucks surrounded by a sea of pink and flowers and butterflies?

nothing, right?

Two of a Kind

Abbey and Madison at Abbey's party

(Abbey's on the right)

Hilarity in the Kitchen

I am NOT letting Abbey cook Dylan in the Crock Pot

he climbed in there on his own

she looks pretty thrilled about it, though

In His Shoes

she loves her daddy

she loves shoes

therefore, she loves her daddy's shoes

Staying Warm

Uggs.

They might not be the cutest things.

They're probably out of style, since I own a pair.

But warm feet are happy feet.

I'm Not Supposed to Be Here

this is not just an empty cupboard

our GARBAGE goes here, and it's his favorite 

Preschool Bonding

each time they're together they have at least one little conversation

My Loves

Christmas Eve

my mom's house

My Future Son-and Daughter-In-Law?

Brought to you by Baby Jogger - arranging marriages and providing a smooth ride at the same time

(Another zoo trip with our buddies - Colleen, Brendan, and Lainey)

Dylan and Lainey hanging out in the reptile house

Abbey and Brendan hitching a ride outside