My Boys! What are Connor and Danny up to now?

2009-11-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

A trip to the Children's Museum with Mom Mom and Mommy!

I took the day off on a random Friday to spend some QT with Danny Boy. I'm so glad my mom wanted to join us because we had a great time. Danny was in heaven and he couldn't have been more perfect. Mom bought us a family pass for a year - THANK YOU, MOM!!!!! We are going to take Connor back soon to show him around! We have such an awesome museum!

2009-11-12T06:07:00.001-08:00

Celebrating my birthday with the fam!

2009-11-12T04:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you, God, for the small reminders of why we send our son to a Catholic School. As we were leaving today and I was rushing Connor to get in the car so we wouldn't be late picking up Danny...he said, "WAIT, Mom! I HAVE to say a quick prayer!" I waited and snapped a picture of him praying in the middle of the Stations of the Cross (SO glad my camera was handy!). It's NOT easy writing that tuition check each month (actually wrote it today!)...I NEEDED that ♥

2009-10-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

10-09-09

My Birthday

I had a great birthday!! Tig got me a new light fixture in the kitchen and cubby/lockers for the boys (previous post ~ "My New Toys"). He also filled a bucket with my favorite candy and wrote me the nicest card - and had the boys write me cards too - which I LOVE. It was one of the nicest birthdays I can remember. Since my birthday was on a Friday and my dad happened to be out of town...we got a sitter and went to BW's with some friends/family and saved the family party with Connor, Danny and all the kids for Saturday. The best part was that Colleen and Doug came in town and stayed with us on Friday night!! I also had a nice day at school - celebrating with 25 kids is the way to go :) and Kristy got me the cutest necklace along with some gift cards from my class :)

2009-10-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

My NEW TOYS!!!!!

Thank you, Rudy, Mom&Dad and Tig :)

2009-10-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, POP POP O!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

2009-10-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

Danny Boy!

After watching lots and lots and lots of Connor's baseball and football games, it is FINALLY Danny's turn to be a part of the team. He is by far the youngest, the slowest, and the most clueless...he is also by far the CUTEST! ha!

Hi DANNY!!!

Warming up!

Go #5! I am pretty sure the only reason he is playing is to get the jersey and the trophy. Last week, Pop Pop O came to see his game and after pictures, and a 30 minute practice...by the time the game started, Danny lasted about 5 minutes and then cried his eyes out because "I didn't get the ball!!!!!!" he was devastated and there was NO reasoning with him. I snuggled him on the bench and we watched his team - well, I watched his team, Pop Pop threw the football with Con and Danny bawled his eyes out until we left!

Go DC United!!!

Look at that determined run!

2009-10-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

UP, UP and AWAY!

We went up in the balloon at Connor Prairie - something that the boys and I have wanted to do for weeks. We drove by it all summer and we were so excited. The boys loved it...and Tig was fine. I was a tad scared and held on tight!

Photo op before we went up!

The balloon is HUGE...you can see it from miles away!

A view of our house - can you see it??

I was glad when the balloon landed!!!

2009-10-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

Cathedral Game @ Lucas Oil Stadium

2009-10-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

DQ with the Lats!

Tonya was in charge of watching Connor and Danny during Colleen's wedding ceremony. They were AWESOME - and it MIGHT have had just a little bit to do with the fact that she promised them DQ if they were on their best behavior. Thank You, Tonya!!!

2009-10-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

Flag Football

This picture pretty much sums up Connor's entire season! He had 10 touchdowns for the season and got more flags than we can remember. He was a good sport, he listened to his coach and most importantly he had a fabulous time with his best buddy, Johnny (and of course Johnny's little brother, Sam, too!) We had lots of fun watching and cheering for you, Con! Way to go!

Two thumbs up after his best game of the season!

We Love you 2x, Con!

The VIKINGS!

Trophy Day

Johnny ~ Connor ~ Sam

2009-10-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Brown County

We went to Brown County with the Latimers the last weeken in August. We had the most fun! We are so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors and friends! The indoor water park was awesome. It was PERFECT for the boys :

Daddy and Danny Boy looking for racoons.

BEST BUDDIES!

All my boys!

Danny LOVED horse back riding ~ I, on the other hand, couldn't wait for it to be over!

Now, that is what I call a slumber party!!!

2009-10-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

And they all lived happily ever after...

2009-09-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

THE DANCE!

The dance was the highlight of the reception! Colleen practiced this dance with the kids about 2 or 3 times at mom and dad's pool. I thought it was a cute idea but had no idea how really CUTE it would be. It was hilarious. The kids were absolutely ADORABLE and Colleen is the COOLEST AUNT EVER!!! We have watched the video over and over and over. I didn't realize my family was so talented!

2009-09-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

A few shots during dinner!

I couldn't eat much b/c I was so so nervous about giving a toast and talking into a microphone in front of 400 guests! It turned out OK..I got thru it~ thru the tears and all. I made the people laugh...and Colleen laugh AND cry...which was my goal!

(I didn't set out to make her cry...but you know what I mean!)

The Happy Couple!

My ADORABLE parents...they were in heaven! Loving every minute of it!

And they are so cute! Mom looked SO pretty and Dad is one handsome man!

Mr. and Mrs. Stine are about the nicest people you can know. I have enjoyed getting to know them. Doug is his mom's little twin ~ cracks me up. Colleen is lucky to have such wonderful in laws! I know that they will take good care of her in St. Louis.

I love any picture of my mom with my boys!

Look how cute!!

Just think, Tiggy ~ almost seven years ago ~

we were celebrating at our own reception!

I love you 2x

2009-09-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Reception!

Absolutely gorgeous! All three of us girls were lucky to have had our reception here and every time I look at the pictures I just think...WOW! What an AWESOME place! It was also a complete and total blast...what a fun evening!

2009-09-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

Let's PARTAAAAY!!!

The wedding party rode on the Trolley to the reception. The Trolley ride was fun! We got to have a few drinks and the kids got soda and snacks :) We were ALL happy campers! We also had to make a pit stop for a FEW more pictures.

Anything for you, CoCo

Mr. and Mrs. STINE

Doesn't he look adorable with my flowers?

Say Cheese, Kids!

Danny was in heaven...in a vehicle, with no carseat,

on mommy's lap, next to daddy, with a soda!

It doesn't get any better than that!

Oh wait - yes it does...suit jacket OFF!!!!!! - he was a major stinker

about leaving that jacket on for the wedding.

The second he was allowed...he ripped it off!

2009-09-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

Here Comes the Bride

I didn't get any shots of the actual wedding b/c I was up front waiting for my baby sister (and of course, crying!!!) I snagged this picture from a friend of Colleen's. She was absolutely glowing as she was walking down the aisle. And if you can't tell...my Dad was beaming with pride! It was perfect. The wedding was just lovely and everything went according to plan. I can't wait to see the professional pictures!! By the way...Connor and Danny might have been complete stinkers for the entire two hours before the ceremony...but with the help of my good friend, Tonya, they couldn't have been more perfect during the actual wedding.....phew!!!!!!

As Danny would say..."YOU GORGEOUS!!!"

2009-09-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

At the Church...before the wedding

The two hours that we were at the church, before the wedding, were by far the most difficult hours of the entire weekend. It was extremely hard to keep the boys entertained, out of trouble and happy. I enjoyed any chance I got to escape and be with Colleen - everyone helped out with the boys...but everyone knows the MOMMY has the toughest job! and it was TIRING!

Colleen was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen...

Supermodel Magazine Bride!

She was breathtaking!

My little PUNKY!!

This is the closest we got to a family picture...

Danny just didn't feel like cooperating at this particular time.

OH DANNY BOY!!!

My Boys!!!

In the elevator going up to the bride's room.

up and down and up and down and up and down

Whatever it took to keep the boys happy :)

It's almost showtime!!!

Pretty Alli!

I wanted to EAT THEM UP with those suits on! The shoes were a hit too!

Colleen's flowers were absolutely gorgeous!!!!!

Stunning!

2009-09-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

"Goin' to the Chapel"

All the girls - well almost! We missed mom!

Pictures before the wedding, on The Circle, were so much fun!

The gorgeous bride! Her adorable flower girl and her hot Matrons of Honor!

Katy, Kelly and Lauren

Alison, Dillia and Colleen

Maggie and Laura

2009-09-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Morning Of!

8-21-09

TA DA...the hairdo!

And Alli's new do!

I did my hair myself and had Tig take a picture to see if I liked it...

I'm so low maintenance! Of course my high maintenance older sister got her hair done. See below...lovely!

The Make Up

2009-09-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Rehearsal Dinner

Colleen & Doug

8/20/09

The rehearsal dinner was at the Skyline Club and it was gorgeous. It was a reception of it's own. Mrs. Stine did a fabulous job and everyone had so much fun! This is a view of lovely downtown Indy from the Skyline Club.

This place was AWESOME! The prettiest rehearsal dinner ever!

Mom and Dad enjoyed every minute of the night!

The adorable couple at the rehearsal.

This was taken at the church practice. I love it! The kids were troopers...

it was a long day for them!

Connor was behaving so well at the rehearsal. I love this shot!

Aunt CoCo and Unka Doug!!!!

Look at those handsome guys!

2009-09-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

Connor's First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

A little TOO much fun on the deck!

One of Danny's favorite things to do is play with the hose on the deck. He has no problem just stripping down and letting loose. He also has NO problem peeing off the deck, into the yard - I strongly discourage that - however, he has gotten away with it a few times.

2009-08-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

My Biggest Guy!

Con finally took off on his two wheeler on July 5, 2009! We were over the top excited for him and all he wants to do is ride his bike - even if it's just for a spin around the court. I will admit...it wasn't easy - helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and all. Now...about a month later - he is a PRO! Way to gom Con! Mommy and Daddy are VERY proud of you!!!

2009-08-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

GO GIANTS!

Connor played baseball for the Giants this year. He had a wonderful season and

won the "BABE RUTH ~ HUSTLE AWARD". We were very proud of him.

Danny liked to put on a "uniform" too, but he never even watched one minute of any game...he was always too busy playing and running around with Sam. John and Olivia were on Con's team - all three of them were TOUGH!

Connor ~ Olivia ~ John

SLUGGER!!!

We had a fabulous team!!!

Con's biggest fan!

2009-07-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

My BABY!

Danny decided he wanted to wear his big boys pants on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 (it MIGHT have had to do with the ice cream bribe!). He's done a fantastic job and I am so proud of him! Another thing he is really working on is...NO more bahti (I know I know - he's too big...he's my kid - I'll deal!) So a couple of weeks ago, Danny wanted his bahti in the car. He must have asked me 457,000 times (no joke) and I told him "NO!" 457,000 times. After the 457,000th time he said in his ADORABLE little voice..."OK, Mommy! but when we get home I'm just gonna sneak it!" He's so tricky!

SOOOOO BIG!

What are you up to???

I said, "Danny, let me see your big boy pants!" and boy did he show me!

2009-07-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

BUBBLE FUN!

I think these images speak for themselves!

2009-07-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

4th of July

Although the 4th of July was a chilly, rainy day...we still had lots of fun:)

The boys and I went to the Carmel parade with my parents and they really enjoyed it. It was perfect b/c it wasn't too hot and the kids just sat in their little chairs and took it all in.

Later that day, we went to the Latimers for a little party - which was lots of fun. The kids always love playing at the Latimers. The food was yummy and there were lots of good drinks and fireworks to watch. It was a wonderful day. Mom was on her own this year and she decided to come over just for a glass of wine. She helped Danny with his sparklers and I was happy that she stopped by.

Connor was a little timid at first - but then he became a pro at holding the sparklers.

Mom Mom showing Danny how it's done - she's the real pro...the 4th of July is probably her favorite holiday!

CHEEEEEEEESE!

That sparkler was as big as he was!

2009-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun!

My very favorite thing to do in the summer is to spend the day with my whole family ~ swimming at my parents ~ and then cooking out! It doesn't get any better than that :)

Ya gotta love the Indiana Corn!

Connor will even eat it - now that's sayin' something!

2009-06-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my 2 favorite men!

Father's Day turned out to be a very nice day. We went to my mom and dad's for a little swimming and cookout. The boys LOVE when Daddy swims with them...he can sure toss

them high up in the air! They had a ball! After the delicious dinner that mom prepared (I helped a bit too) we played Apples to Apples with my parents and Colleen.

That was lots of fun too! Although we missed Rudy this year, it was

very nice to be together and it ended up being a very enjoyable day!

MY BOYS!!!!!!!

Pop Pop O - We love you 2x!

Look at my Danny Boy! WHOA!

Crash Landing for Connor!

2009-06-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

We Love You and We Miss You

Dad ~ Pop Pop H. ~ Rudy

Tig's father passed away on Saturday, June 20. He had been battling cancer and was in so much pain. Although we will miss him, we know that he is in a better place and there is so much relief knowing that he is not suffering anymore.

Rudy was one of the nicest people I knew. From the first day that I met him, he was always so kind, generous and welcoming. He was also one of the simplest men I knew ~ a good book was enough to make him happy ~ or a visit with his son and grandsons. Our boys enjoyed his weekend visits and we will miss them. I will miss his stories about David as a little boy ~ he loved to talk about David growing up (and how mischeivious he was!). It was very hard to watch him suffer and it was equally as hard to watch Tig. He spent so many hours

at the nursing home with his dad these past couple of months - he truly was a dedicated son and he will miss his Dad very, very much.

God Bless You, Rudy!

2009-06-19T07:13:00.001-07:00

Connor and Daddy's new hobby!

Tig and Connor have spent hours setting up his good guys vs. bad guys in his room. Tig is in the habit of buying figures for Connor quite often (good thing they are sorta cheap!!!). I am beginning to think that he is picking them up for himself b/c he seems to enjoy this little game sometimes even more than Con. It is cute to listen to them talk from down the hall and listen to Tig explain to Connor why this guy goes here or why this guy goes there. Connor eats it up and always has questions for Daddy. Sometimes this goes on way past when Mommy thinks Connor should be fast asleep. But QT with Daddy is priceless!!!

These are the bad guys aiming up at the good guys!

Here is a shot behind the good guys.

Good Guys!

Here is a picture of Connor's room with his birthday decorations hanging above his bed. The omitrexes (sp) and big picture of Goop protect my little guy while he sleeps!

2009-06-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 8, 2009

Happy 3rd Birthday, Danny!

We started off the morning with cinnamon rolls - yum!

This picture was taken on the way to lunch - I was having a chat with Danny about how now that he is 3...we REALLY need to work on giving up the pacifier - he wasn't having it!

Pizza Hut lunch with the cousins - FUN AND YUM! Danny got to choose where we went to lunch - he chose Pizza Hut. Mom Mom O and Aunt Janet were there too!

This is Danny's new "puter" from Aunt Mary Anne - he loves it!

(notice - pacifier STILL in mouth) We'll work on it June 9 - HA!

2009-06-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Danny's 3rd Birthday Bash!

We celebrated Danny's birthday for the second year in a row at Mom Mom and Pop Pop O's! Danny is such a lucky little guy with the summer birthday, b/c parties at the pool are the most fun! Danny had such a wonderful time - we had been talking about it for weeks and weeks. At one point during the party, I happened to be holding him and he looked at me and said, "MOMMY! I'M SO HAPPY!" and then gave me a hug! It was the absolute most precious thing ever...knowing that he was happy at his party was ALL I needed to know! He also asked me that night as I was tucking him in, "Mom...I will do my party again! OK?" Just another reassurance that he did indeed have a BALL! Mission accomplished! Thanks to Mom Mom and Pop Pop O for all of your help!

After seeing Connor get the TOP cupcake at his 5th birthday party...one of the things that Danny reminded me over and over the weeks prior to his own party was, "I GET THE TOP, MOM!! I GET THE TOP!" and of course...he got the top :)

When I would ask Danny what he wanted for his birthday - he would tell me that he wanted a Green Goblin Bike. Well - Green Goblin Bikes don't exist - BUT my good friend and one of Danny's favorite people, Tonya, made him a Green Goblin Bike - annoying horn and all - and it made Danny SO, SO happy! It was his favorite present! It is super cute and watching Danny ride it, is the best!

This bat from Aunt Janet was also a HUGE hit!

ALL the kids had a ball with it - This is my cousin, Jon, pitching to the birthday boy :)

I LOVE YOU, DANNY BOY!

2009-06-08T10:47:00.000-07:00

PARTY PREP for Danny Boy!

We always make cupcakes together for birthday parties.

Connor and Danny love to help and I love to make a big deal out of it!!

My mom ALWAYS made birthdays over the top special when I was growing up and I try to do the same for my boys!

Do you think he is excited for the big day??

Cracking the eggs is the MOST desirable job! Danny got to crack two since it was his birthday and Connor got to crack one - they are pretty good at it :) Thanks, guys!

Danny was SO careful to do it just right!

YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!

The following morning was SPRINKLE duty! They both did a fabulous job and I only had about 4 million sprinkles on the counter - not bad!

2009-05-26T16:10:00.001-07:00

Surprise Mom Mom and Pop Pop!

We surprised Mom Mom and Pop Pop and picked them up from the airport after their NYC trip! I was just going to get them b/c it was a 9:30 flight but since it was Mother's Day we put the boys' pj's on and made a mini fieldtrip out of it. The boys made it fun - they loved the airport!

We missed Mom Mom and Pop Pop but we were glad they got a chance to get away! One of Mom's favorite places in the whole world is NYC and dad surprised her with a trip on her 60th birthday. It happened to fall on Mother's Day weekend which was awesome for her...if anyone deserves a break from her kids...SHE DOES!!!!!!

Connor and Danny were fascinated with the big planes!

We were hiding from the arriving passengers from NYC - shhhhhhhh!

Silly booty shot - they BOTH had the same dorky idea - oh man!

2009-05-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Fun in the Sun!

Here are a few of my favorite photos of the boys playing outside this spring...the boys want to go out the minute they wake up and they want to stay out until it's dark!

2009-05-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Mommy's BEST helper!

Believe it or not, Danny actually was my best helper when it came to the mulch - he must have made 20 trips back and forth filling up his tractor with mulch! Thank you Danny...I had lots of fun doing yard work with you :)

I love you!

2009-05-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Tea

I had a lovely time at the Mother's Day Tea in Connor's classroom.

There was entertainment, refreshments and beautiful pieces of art made by the children. The teachers also helped them fill out

an ALL ABOUT MY MOM worksheet

~ Connor's Answers ~

My mommy is - 2o years old

Her hair - is blond

Her eyes - are brown

Her favorite color is - pink/blue

Her favorite food is - healthy food - lettuce - sloppy joe's

Her favorite thing to do is - to go here and say "hi!"

She looks the prettiest when - she goes to a wedding

I love my mommy because - she is my mommy!

Thank you, Connor - I enjoyed the Tea Party very much and I love you 2X!

What an awesome piece of Art!

My Big guy!

and his best buddies!

2009-05-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

May 6, 2009

Connor's 5th Birthday!!!

My big Five year old -I can't believe it!

We started off the day with cinnamon rolls - Danny and I sang Happy Birthday to Connor!

"They say it's your Birthday...It's my Birthday too, yeah!!"

I made cupcakes (with his favorite color icing...green, of course!) for Connor's Class. Tig was able to pop in to school to sing Happy Birthday to Connor and surprise him:)

We went to pinheads after school for bowling and pizza. Connor brought his friend, Andrew, from his class. Aunt Co Co stopped by too :) It was LOTS of fun!!!

After his BIG, BIG day...Connor begged me to stay up "just a little bit later" I of course said, "OK!" to the birthday boy and not more than 10 minutes later...found him fast asleep in the bonus room. Daddy is on the couch right next to him...PLAYING Wii!

Sweet Dreams, My Big Boy!

I LOVE YOU 2x

p.s. He also got to have a special lunch before school with Mom Mom O, Pop Pop O and Allison (the birthday girl!) at McDonald's...it was a jammed packed FUN day!

2009-05-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

A few more party shots!

Pop Pop H got Connor a Wii!!! He's a LUCKY little boy!

The oldest and the youngest! My nephews are SUCH HUGE HELPS and love them so much!

Picnic style dinner!!!

Danny LOVES LOVES LOVES dip ~ he is the only one that is allowed to double dip ~ I pretty much still think everything he does is ADORABLE! (almost everything!)

MAY BIRTHDAY GROUP!!!!!

2009-05-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CONNOR!

MY BEAUTIFUL BOY - WOW... you are getting so big ~ SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!

Con wanted green sprinkles on his cupcakes - green is his very favorite color!

Danny Boy took this opportunity to climb up Aunt Colleen's back and get on her shoulders to watch Connor open his presents! Great seat, Danny Boy - good thinkin'. And Aunt Co Co was EATING IT UP!!

We LOVE Princess Alli!!!

Lookin' GOOD, Mom Mom and Pop Pop O'

I love this pic, girls!!!

2009-05-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

BEN TEN Birthday Party!

Connor wanted a Ben Ten themed Birthday Party. I think I pulled it off b/c he was very please and after the party...he wants to transfer all the decor to his room (a later blog :))

The things hanging from the ceiling are called omitrixes (sp) - Ben Ten's sign...I solicited the help of my class for this project...they were very, very eager to help!

2009-05-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

I THINK you got it all, Danny Boy!

yummy in your tummy!

2009-05-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

Brithday Party Prep!

The boys were my best helpers getting ready for Connor's 5th Birthday party. Thanks, guys!

2009-05-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

SLEEP OVER??????

Connor wants Danny to sleep in his bed with him so, so badly!

And I believe that Danny truly wants to...until he tries. He'll stay for about 5 or 10 minutes ~ but Danny always ends up in my room..."I go my bed now, Mommy" It breaks Connor's heart every time.

(They do always watch a bedtime show together.)

2009-05-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Cruisin'

One of the boys' favorite thing to do is cruise around the court! Connor got the "Stang" for his third birthday. The tractor was given to us by our neighbor...we just had to buy a new battery for it and now it belongs to Danny. The boys LOVE driving around - it really is fun to watch and living on a court makes it ideal!

2009-04-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Aunt Co Co! Happy Birthday to you!

We celebrated Colleen's Birthday on Easter Sunday too!

Doug was in town so it was perfect.

We LOVE you, Colleen!

Colleen is a FABULOUS aunt - all the kids LOVE her!

One of my favorite Aunt Colleen/Connor stories is...

She tends to get quite "into" the Colts games and she is known to YELL loudly and hoot and holler. Last year I had mom, dad and Colleen over to watch a game. When the game was over and they all left. Connor said to me.

"MOM! Colleen is SO loud...I wanted to Kick her ass!"

It seriously was hilarious. Now I don't promote or condone ass kickin' talk from my four year old...but since I agreed with him, I let it go - HA!

2009-04-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

BOYS - HURRY..GET ALL THE GREEN EGGS!!

It turns out, all the green eggs had a bit of "green" inside them too!

Since green is Connor's FAVORITE color...I am guessing he went for all of them!

YES! He made a whopping $4.00! and Danny got a special egg with a note inside

it...it said - "Pizza night with Mom Mom and Pop Pop - you choose where!"

Are those the best eggs or what? How come the Easter Bunny that goes to

4613 Somerset is richer than the one on Babson Court?????

I just don't get it!

OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt at Mom Mom and Pop Pop's!

All five of the kids participated in the egg hunt and had lots of fun...these weren't just any eggs - these were special eggs - to be continued...

I caught Jacob on his own for a minute - but he didn't stray too far from Danny. He was Danny's BEST helper!! It was precious. He even re-planted the eggs he found for Danny to grab. Thank you, Jacob...such a sweetie!!

Connor meant BUSINESS!!!!!!!

Even Nick enjoyed it :)

Allison with her cute new hairstyle - LOVE IT! She was not messin' around either :)

My little guy - after finding his eggs AND Jacob's eggs...

he was set :)

2009-04-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

EASTER TIME!!!

2009-04-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

OUR LAST NIGHT :(

GROUP HUG!!!

Connor~ for a VERY small portion of the ride home...

with his new best buddy!

And Danny Boy taking his SMALL snooze on the way home!

Boy ~ it's a LONG ride to Florida!!!

2009-04-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our "FRIEND" by the pool - yuck!

This Iguana hung out at the pool sometimes - the boys thought it was SO cool. Later that night - we were on a search to buy an iguana for Connor...

Aunt Co Co came thru! Thank You, Aunt Co Co!

It was cool - yet scary!

The new iguana came to dinner with us!

Another picture of Connor with "W-Big Chill"

2009-04-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mom Mom really had Danny laughing during

our dinner at Island Cow!

2009-04-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

Island Cow

My Favorite!

I love Colleen 2x! Aunt Co Co ROCKS!

I LOVE MY BOYS 2x

I LOVE my Mom 2x - She is THE BEST!!!!!!!

Best Buddies!

Wait - Con...one more shot :)

My Girls - we had a FANTASTIC time!

Thanks for all of your help :)

2009-04-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Our Big Sand Castle!

Working Hard!

(Not TOO hard!)

Wait - this IS hard work!

TA DA!!!!!

Way to go, Con!

2009-04-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

QT with CON!

A couple of the days, I took Connor to the hotel next door and we ate lunch together! Mom Mom took Danny up for a nap and it was nice to spend one on one time with Connor. HE LOVED IT!! We did it once and he begged me to do it again...so we did :)

I love you 2x, Connor!!

2009-04-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

My little FISH!

We stayed at the pool this particular day until almost 7! And then we ordered pizza!

It was a very fun night!

2009-04-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

FUN AT THE BEACH!

In their NEW swimming trunks!

Good Job, Danny Boy!

OH - you are so "busy!"

uh oh! mini meltdown!

There is my happy Connor!!!

2009-04-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Another lovely breakfast out!

I can pretty much always count on my boys to eat all of their breakfast! Waffles for Con and Eggs for Danny...oh, and of course sausage!

Danny anticipating his eggs!

Connor is practicing his wink ;) for Aunt Co Co.

Hi Con!

YUM! Apple Juice!

2009-04-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Mucky Duck

We had quite a long wait at The Mucky Duck - Mom Mom was prepared...we brought a bat, a baseball, a football and a blanket and chairs. Come on - how bad can waiting on a beach really be?? I got some of my favorite pictures that night and we had a ball!

Connor with his new Mucky Duck T-shirt!

Dipey Shot of Danny - This was the first time he was on his own letting the water rush over his feet. I just LOVE this picture.

Look at that face! PRICELESS!

My Handsome Connor! Another one of my favorite shots!

2009-04-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Schnapper's!!!

One evening, we rode our bikes to Schnapper's. They have the best burgers and fries in the world! Aunt Co Co treated Connor to ice cream after our low cal meal and then Danny and I shared a big fat chocolate cone! YUM!!!!!!!

Lucky little guys!

Say cheese for mommy!!

2009-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Timbers

We went to The Timbers for Dinner on Sunday - eating out every night was so much fun and the boys were really very good the majority of the time!

I'm always making the boys smile for the camera!

Mom and Colleen - I had the best time with them - we laughed so hard :) and they were the BEST help with the boys!

Danny with his giant cheeseburger - he always wanted to order a cheeseburger!

Connor being extra cheesey!!!! He was probably sick of the camera - oh well!

2009-04-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

LOOK HOW ANGELIC!

This was after our trip to church at Saint Isabelle's which is newly renovated and gorgeous...Mom, Danny and I went. We decided to leave Connor home with Aunt Colleen :)

2009-04-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Dinner at McT's...wait - isn't it McD's, Mommy?

We ate at McT's and is was yum yum yummy!

The boys were very well behaved and they would have been just as happy if we would have been at the more familiar and ever popular, McD's! I was pleased with the coconut shrimp that they do NOT have at McD's!

Photo OP!

Aunt Co Co got to sit by Connor and she also go to sit by his spilt drink - oops...

Sorry Aunt Co Co!

The boys played at a little park after dinner. Mom watched them while Colleen and I did some little looking around at the shops :)

Danny on the dino!

ANYTHING to keep them OUT OF THE SHOPS! Every time we took them into a cute shop, they were little terrors!!!

2009-04-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

PLAY, PLAY, PLAY, PASS OUT!

We spent our first day in Florida by the pool...it didn't take the boys long to get used to the water again! They had a ball!!!

Danny Boy started out the week with his floaties but it didn't take him long to graduate to just the life vest! He was so proud of himself!

Connor wore his vest for half of the first day and then he was ready to swim on his own. Such a good little swimmer!

They must have jumped in that water 100X...

Which was OK with me ;)

2009-04-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

SANIBEL 2009

We left for Florida on Wednesday, March 25. Connor, Danny and I went with Mom Mom and Aunt Co Co! And we had the MOST fun!!

Although the ride was LONG, LONG, LONG and CONNOR claimed it was the worst day of his life and the worst vacation ever (in the car on the way!) it was so very worth it! I am so lucky and thankful that our boys got to take such a wonderful vacation~THANK YOU, MOM!!. We did miss Tig like crazy though!

This was actually our last night on the island...But it is one of my favorite pictures of the two of them so I decided to start with it :) We had dinner at Gramma Dots.

2009-03-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!!!

The boys and I will in Florida for Spring Break on Tig's actual birthday :( so we celebrated it the weekend before! If I didn't have to follow my school's spring break...I never would have planned it that way - I am so sad to be gone on Tig's birthday b/c birthdays are my favorite and since he's my favorite...it makes me sad!

Happy 33rd Birthday, Tig! We love you 2X and we are sorry we will be gone on your actual birthday - we'll call you and think about you all day! - at least I will! All I can say is...enjoy the peace and quiet and have an awesome day!

Love, Shan

2009-03-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2009-03-18T16:11:00.000-07:00

My ALL TIME favorite student!

Teachers are not supposed to have favorites, but when your own nephew is in your class ~ you are allowed! My nephew, Jacob, is in my class this year and I must be the luckiest aunt in the world! I love having him in my room and I will miss him so much next year! Remember...I didn't say he was the best behaved student...I said he was my FAVORITE student :)

Jake and I at the Saint Patrick's Day Parade with the SLDM Third grade

2009-03-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

Sweet Dreams, Connor!

Getting Connor to go to sleep at night is NO small task! We struggle with it every night! He was so sure that he was going to be able to go to sleep last night with no problem IF Daddy bought him GOO - the alien from Ben Ten (his new favorite show). Well of course at 10:30 last night he was still coming into our room - making me LOCO! I told him to take GOO and the mini alien, put them on his nightstand and they will watch over him and protect him...but for the last time "GO TO BED AND DON'T COME OUT!!!" About a half hour later, I went to check on him and sure enough...GOO and the mini alien were protecting my precious sleeping child! I was happy that SOMETHING I said finally made sense to him and he took my advice!

THANK YOU, GOO!!!!

I was able to get such a bright shot b/c of course he sleeps with the lights on - crazy kid!

2009-03-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

My Little Piggy!

Danny tends to eat more than the average amount of meals. He eats his own, of course, and he eats Mommy's, Daddy's and anyone else's he can get his grubby little hands on! Don't turn your back if you are eating a meal at our house! It WILL magically disappear!

2009-03-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

My HANDY men!

One day last week, while I was getting ready for work, the boys were unusually quiet. They were sooooo busy "fixing" the upstairs gate! I heard hammering and the "electric" drill and I knew they were fine and decided to take advantage of the situation and actually get ready in peace! I let them know how HAPPY and PROUD of them I was for "fixing" the gate. Little did they know I was actually HAPPY and PROUD of them for letting me get ready ~ for once without breaking up 400 fights :).

Connor was NOT messing around - he meant business!

Yes - He CAN be SO SO cute!

Of course, Danny was snacking on the job and had his mouth full of Fruit Loops! He needed some energy doing all that hard work!

THANKS, BOYS!!!!!!

2009-02-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

Danny "nose" what he likes!

Danny doesn't do this with his bitty much any more, but for a while there he would do it all the time. We thought it was so funny and got such a kick out of it. This particular day, we were on our way home from a day at the pool and I happen to have my camera...I had to get a shot of it. He rode that way the entire way home - chillin' with his bitty (stuffed up his nose), watching t.v..

2009-01-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

SNOW DAY!

We had lots of fun on our day home from work/school!

We started the morning with pancakes and then went right outside!

The boys had fun helping Daddy shovel the driveway.

Our court was plowed by 4 tractors and this is what they left us! PURE paradise for our two little boys~ right in front of our house! We had so much fun sledding down - over and over again!

It was hard climbing to the top...Danny Boy needed a little help!

What a ball! All my boys!

2009-01-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

FISH FACE!

The boys have been coughing pretty bad again this season, so we had to go back to the breathing treatments. We've had to do them the past couple of years, during the winter months.

Danny is very good at his breathing treatments now - when he was a baby, he screamed the entire time! He's finally got the hang of it.

Connor is a pro!

2009-01-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Boys' Rooms

Years from now I want to remember what the boys' rooms looked like when they were my little guys! I think it will be fun to show them too!

This is where we like to display Connor's trophies and medals. If he is anything like his cousins - which I am SURE he is...we are going to need to invest in a larger shelf some day! I usually have his Colts Jersey hanging here too - or sometimes his Flag Football Jersey! When I bought him the blue and gold jersey hanging there...he wore it every day for several days - it was his FAVORITE! He pretended to be on a real ream.

Aunt Colleen made Connor this car bulletin board for his 4th birthday ~ she is the MOST creative. The Spongebob picture was made for Connor by one of my students. In the top left corner is his shield that we made to display in his Junior Kindergarten classroom. I see a picture of Daddy playing rugby and a picture of Nicholas in his SLDM football uniform - and of course a picture of R2D2 . The big blue paper is Connor's famous signature - isn't it lovely???!!!

A view of Connor's room. I know I know - a 4 year old really does NOT need a tv in his bedroom. I blame Mom Mom O' for that one :) She did it to HELP with bedtime and it really has helped! LITTLE STINKER! We painted Connor's room right when we moved in - I love the colors of his room...it's a great room.

This is a view of Danny's room. Still so baby-ish! The furniture was Aunt Colleen's when she was a baby and then I think all of Aunt Janet's kids used it too! The box on the shelf that says "BOY" was a gift from my mom when Danny was born. There was a pretty planter and a yummy smelling candle in it too - I thought the box was SO darn cute, I had to put it on his shelf!

Here is a wonderful view of Danny's room. I just love his room! I know the stars and the moon will come down some day...but I love his room so much I will try to keep it this way as long as he can stand it! The big puppy in the crib was a gift from Santa this year...Danny is a BIG doggy fan ~ just like his Daddy. The cute circus cage was a gift from Mom Mom O for his first birthday ~ I love it! The DANNY BOY letters are probably my favorite part of the room ~ just perfect for him!

2009-01-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

My Little Helper!

Danny "helped" me vacuum the upstairs and it kept him busy for quite a while ~ I'm getting pretty creative with this cold weather. He had fun and he in his little mind...I couldn't have done it without him. Thank you, Danny Boy! You make cleaning lots and lots of fun :)

He means business! So attentive to detail!

Oh my goodness - I could eat you UP!

2009-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

CABIN FEVER!

We are getting pretty creative on these freezing days! I have even given in and let the boys play with play dough in the house.

We have been doing lots of unnecessary cake baking AND muffin making!

Connor has also learned to play on the computer this winter...he told me - "MOM! go to www.nick "slash" big green help" so I did and sure enough - full of SpongeBob games!

2009-01-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

THE FINISHED PROJECT

(It's so exciting - like we bought a new house!)

The table and chairs were my Grandma and Grandpa O'Malia's (Janet had them for a while). The China cabinet and little desk also came from Grandma and Grandpa O ~ I love having pieces that belonged to my grandparents. The tree came from mom. The light fixture came from my generous neighbor, Tonya b/c it didn't match her room anymore. The mirror was a wedding gift, as well as the vase on the table and the little lamp.

That pretty much leaves the tablecloth and the shear curtains, which I actually bought all by myself at Target! Thank GOD for hand - me - downs!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to host a "real" dinner...first ones to be invited??? MOM AND DAD, of course!

2008-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning, 2008

Santa came through with the storm troopers!

The blasters from Aunt Janet (that mommy picked out :)) were a HUGE hit!

Man are they loud!

I love this pic - such a typical 2 year old!

These cheap drums that Santa picked up at Kroger for 20 bucks literally lasted 10 minutes...but they sure were fun... for 10 minutes. I THINK Daddy might be able to come up with a way to "SIX" (fix) them!

2008-12-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

BEFORE...

AND

AFTER

During the Holiday season, I decided the toys were running us out of the main floor - so they ALL went down to the unfinished, yet very play-able basement! And now I have my very first dining room ever :)

2008-12-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Colleen is getting married!!!

Colleen's boyfriend of two years, Doug, asked her to marry him on Christmas Eve. It was a big surprise for Colleen and we couldn't be happier for the two of them!

Congratulations, Colleen and Doug and here's to many years of happiness and memories! I love you guys - such a cute couple!

This is right when Colleen and Doug showed up at my parents' house. We were all crying - OF COURSE - this is too much...very hard to believe. And look at that rock - WOW...well done, Doug!!

The ADORABLE newly engaged couple! They both smiled like this the ENTIRE day!

CHEERS to the happy couple! NOW LET'S have an O'Malia wedding!!!!!!!

2008-12-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

OFF LIMITS game is Sooo ON LIMITS!

The boys would constantly try to turn their comfy chairs over and jump on them. I must have told (or SHOUTED) them 4 million times that they are not allowed to jump on the chairs...they came from Pottery Barn and ANYTHING that comes from PB does NOT get jumped on - plus it scares me a tad. This went on for months and months...finally one day, a few weeks ago, I let it go - I gave in...remembering the fun stool at my Great Grandma and Grandpa Ramsey's house...we spent hours flipping over it and jumping off it - back and forth - back and forth. My boys played this jump on the chairs game for hours...not only did it keep them occupied - it tired their little butts out! We can't go outside- so what is the next best thing??

JUMPING ON THE FURNITURE!

Oh yeah - my rule...the first hint of tears/crying...the game is over! and their rule...must take shirts off!

2008-12-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Zoo

For the third year in a row, David and I took the boys down to the zoo for Christmas at the Zoo. The boys LOVE it and we have made it our tradition! We went on a train ride, rode the MERRY go round (2x), saw the dolphin show, ate junk and saw lots of cool animals. It was a very nice evening and everyone behaved...for the most part!

Danny enjoying a ride on the MERRY go round!

Connor having fun on the MERRY go round!

Danny on the choo choo train - the highlight of the evening! boy was it cold - brrrrr!

We had to snuggle close to stay warm - no problem for me - snuggling with Danny is one of my favorite things to do!

Daddy and Connor sat right behind us! We loved the train ride.

2008-12-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

Connor's Junior Kindergarten Christmas Program

Connor chose to be a king for his program and he did a FABULOUS job! He was very into his performance and he sang louder than all 19 of his classmates...PUT TOGETHER! It really was a adorable and as I was video taping the show - tears were streaming down my face! I am such a wimp - but he's my baby - I CANNOT believe he is old enough to even be in a program!!! I was so proud of him. Thank you Mom Mom for coming to the show - we hope you enjoyed it.

Such a handsome king

Thank God for the child on the end..makes Connor look like tall - HA!

An action shot!

2008-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my favorite things

The boys' art projects are my favorite! I LOVE to see the things that they bring home.

I don't want to forget these things and they are so special, I thought I should blog about them. I don't think I have a famous artist on my hands...but their masterpieces sure are GORGEOUS to me!!!

Danny made this at Michelle's - isn't it clever?

I did catch him licking it!

This is Connor's Christmas tree - yes, I know - it really is a tree! Charlie Brown has always been my favorite - so who cares what the tree looks like! I think it's lovely.

Danny made this candy cane all by himself!

This is Baby Jesus in his bed...and when Connor does a good deed, we add a piece of straw to it. I took all the straw out so I can remember his beautiful artwork.

Connor is so proud of this chain, that he had his teacher carry it up to me after school so he would NOT crush it! He told me the last time they made these at school he could not do it - but NOW he can! He was beaming and I think it looks perfect on our tree!

2008-12-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

Mom's 60th Surprise Birthday Party!

The night was a huge success and mom was so surprised.

We all had been looking forward to the party for weeks and it was well worth the wait. Although my mom claims she does NOT like surprises...I can't think of another person who deserved the spotlight, for just one night, as much as she does. We tricked her!!!

My aunts and sisters and I bought my mom a gorgeous eternity diamond ring and we stole her away from the party for just a bit to watch her open it! It's awesome.

This is my favorite picture of the night! Everyone had so much fun!

The O'Malia clan - it is RARE that we are together without the 5 grandkids... but every now and then we leave them at home!

Mom's name in lights - How appropriate!!!

2008-11-30T17:02:00.000-08:00

CATHEDRAL WINS STATE!

Connor and I went to the big game and had lots of fun!

I love the new stadium and Connor LOVED all the junk food (ok - so did I...HA!)

He was very well behaved and I am so happy we went! GO IRISH!

I LOVE you 2x, Con!

2008-11-29T07:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008

We spent the day at my mom and dad's - it was lots of fun! Aunt Colleen was there and most of the Pettygrove family. Kelly, Dave and Cooper came for a little while. The food was delicious and the company was super! It was such a nice day, that the boys even got to play outside for a bit!

ALL my boys and me! I have SO much to be thankful for!

My patient Aunt Sharon played cards with Jeannie, Connor and Danny for quite sometime! They loved it! So did I :)

Connor and Mommy sharing some snacks!

Danny and Daddy sharing some more snacks - healthy ones - that's my boy, Danny!

2008-11-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Grandparents' Day!

Mom Mom and Pop Pop went to Grandparents day at Connor's school. They watched him sing a song with his class, after mass and then they got to go to the cafeteria and have muffins. This was Connor's first official performance ~ he wanted to wear a tie! He was so handsome and he did a great job! His class sang, "Jesus Loves Me".

Thank you, Mom Mom and Pop Pop for being Connor's special guests!

WE LOVE YOU 2 TIMES!

So, you think you can DANCE? WE CAN!

2008-11-25T14:47:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The VeryTalented Hall Family

2008-11-25T13:29:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

2008-11-24T05:24:00.000-08:00

Oh Christmas Tree!

The boys really enjoyed decorating the tree this year! They were really quite precious trying so hard to be careful and put the ornaments on just right - who cares if 75% of the ornaments are hanging off the bottom (which before kids...I couldn't STAND!) We had holiday music going on and the rugby match on MUTE!!! Everyone was happy :)

Great job, Danny!

Two happy little boys!

Perfect!