Excitement Abounds!

Matthew has learned a new trick...he put his John Deere next to the chair and *voila* instant ladder! A little dangerous though...I was standing here with my foot blocking the wheels so it couldn't roll on him.

Whatcha' doin' Matthew?

The girls had their good friend, Celeste over to play for a couple hours today. They have a ball when they are together. They even allow for Madie to play with them...love it!

And the big news of the day....(drumroll please)

Emma's science project has turned into 2 Painted Lady butterflies. We are watching closely for the other 3 to emerge. We have already provided slices of watermelon for them to "eat". Celeste was able to be here for the big event. Excite abounds in our household!

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Spontaneous was the word of the day. Aunt Betsy called this morning wanting to take the kids to the zoo. So, we all packed up and headed out. We first had a picnic at the park and then did the zoo. Fun times were had by all.

I liked these birds...I kinda feel like this some days! They had hair that stood about 3 inches on the top of their head.

Matthew didn't quite know what to think of the baby goat at the petting zoo. Emma (at the bottom) dug right in, as usual.

The whole clan, Ryan, Jacob, Matthew, Madelyn and Emma

This little guy came right up to the fence. All the kids liked him. He is a Golden-Headed Tamarin

Jacob face to face with a lizard of some kind...see him on the log?

Emma and Ryan

Matthew and Madie (Jacob was off and running at this point and I didn't catch him in a photo)

Party Boy

The big birthday bash is over. Matthew had a great time and was awake the whole party. We grilled, ate, played some games, ate some more, opened presents and had cake and ice cream.

Cake boy. He downed a piece of angel food cake as well as a chocolate cupcake.

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Playing games...spinning on the bat, eggs on spoons and water balloons (I think the "boys" had the most fun launching balloons with the slingshot).

Matthew with his water balloon.

Matthew with his favorite toy of the day! Grandma and Grandpa G. got him a John Deere! I think he had trouble going to sleep last night cuz he wanted to play with his Deere.

Grandma R. - what is THAT in your hand????

Emma's Science Project...

This package arrived for Emma this week. It came while she was at Grandma and Grandpa Gray's house. She was excited to see what had arrived when she got home.

This is what she came home to....what will these lovely crysalids turn into???? Any guesses?

Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Little Man turns 1 today.

At age 1 - playing with his balloon from Great Aunt Judy. He is so proud of himself right now. He has figured out how to get off the couch feet first. This is a preferred activity right now. Up, down, up down....

We have tripled our birthweight - at 1 he weighs 24 1/2 pounds.

Around 9 months
He loves his sisters! His face lights up whenever he sees them

Around 6 months.

Matthew loves to eat vegetables. Fruits are coming but he would prefer a green bean to an apple any day!

Close to 3 months

Right now Matthew is learning how to use objects. This is fun to see although it hurts a little when he tries to brush your hair. We haven't learned what gentle means yet.

Newborn - 8lbs. 14 oz.

What a cutie pie!

Can you guess who?

Here is the handsome guy I married.

Me, I look like something out of Star Trek

The adorable Miss Madie

The Fabulous Miss Em.

Hilarious, simply hilarious. We were playing around with the morph feature on my laptop from work. Everyone got their picture taken...just for fun. I thought they were too hilarious not to share!

5 years in the making...

Yes, it took five years to get here. One measely little orange flower. You can see another coming right below it. Mom started this for me at least 5 years ago. I am pretty sure it made the move with us to this house. It is a nice looking plant but I (or Mom) could never get it to bloom. Finally after years...one bloom. It looks kinda like a goldfish cracker.

Another first...

No, this hasn't turned into the all Matthew blog...it just so happens he has had a lot going on lately. The girls have been busy playing with our new neighbors across the street. The also had Vacation Bible School this week. Busy, busy.

Matthew got his first haircut this morning. Now he looks like a big boy. I always hate that first haircut...it always seems to make my baby look so old. He didn't know what to think at first but got used to it by the end. You would think I would have it down which order to upload photos in by now but as you can see, I am once again out of order! The end of the haircut is pictured first.
Almost done...

Gettting used to things...

The pouty face...what is she doing to me?

Daddy's helper

Matthew was daddy's little helper last night. Loved to hold the water hose!

Let me help and I am one happy boy!

Big Boy! Look at him standing all by himself!

Chuck

Sweet, peaceful, baby boy

He isn't always this peaceful. We have nicknamed him "Chuck". Matthew loves to "chuck" anything given to him. He really has a pretty good arm. "Chuck" is also known for banging any object in his hand, whether it be on the floor, another toy or the back of your head.
Boys truly are different than little girls...who knew?

Walkin' man

Ok, so it's sideways...I didn't realize it when I uploaded the video but you get the idea. This was taken Thursday when Matthew took his first steps. I can't believe how fast he is getting big! Sorry again about the bad video quality! Another week and I think he will be off!

Day trip

Yesterday we visited Great Grandma Arlene. She is the sweetest lady you will ever meet. We fixed some fence for Brandon's dad, had lunch and visited. I think Grandma enjoyed the kids. She and Emma babysat Matthew while Brandon and I worked. After, we stopped and visited Aunt Pam and Uncle Ed.

Ahhh...modesty

Heard in the car yesterday...

The girls were talking ( I can't remember about what). Madie said something and Emma disagreed. When I said Madie was correct, this was the response.

Madie: "See Emma. That's because I'm an expert!"

Emma: "You get that from me!"