Early signs of spring

 I know that spring will arrive eventually! 

Ben and Jack.

Ben's treasures from a hike with friends.

Backyard fun with our pups.

Crazy swing time!

Zionsville Youth Art Month

Sam and Nick's art projects were both chosen to be a part of the Zionsville Youth Art Month display!  Their art work is on display at our local library throughout the month of March.  I am very proud of both of them and their hard work and creativity!

Sam and his sunflower.

Nick and his abstract art.  "It's the letter W", he tells me!

Ben is 5!

Ben turned 5 on March 6!  He began his day with 5 candles on his favorite breakfast item- a cinnamon roll!  He had preschool and was allowed to bring in a special treat to share with his classmates. He brought in his favorite cookies- sugar cookies, on a stick.  

Puppy birthday kisses and hugs to start out Ben's day!

Ben asked for a party at home with his friends.  Eric and I gladly planned a Monster Truck party complete with games, arts and crafts, hot dogs, mac & cheese, gold fish, cake pops AND a piñata!

The marshmallow toss with Ben's buddy, Cole.

Eric and I found the best way to keep these kids quiet for a few minutes, using straws to suck up m&m's and move them from a bowl to a cup!  It was real quiet for almost 3 minutes!  Until they ate the candy….. 

I liked Catherine's way of playing this game the best.  No straw needed!

Pin the wheel on the monster truck.

Crafting monster trucks!

Piñata time!

Jackpot!

Time to eat!

Happy Birthday to Ben!

Opening gifts.  We waited until later that night to open gifts.  Ben was certainly spoiled with so many wonderful gifts.  He received a lot of monster trucks which he loved.  

At age 5 Ben tells me he wants to search for animals in the wildlife when he grows up.  His favorites are monster trucks, the color blue, hotdogs, mac & cheese, pbj sandwiches, playing outside with his brothers, puppies and kitties and collecting sticks, pinecones and leaves.  He is a funny, sweet little boy who loves to talk and tell stories to anyone who will listen!

Tiger Scout!

Nick has officially earned his Tiger Scout badge!  and a few other beads and belt loops as well.  The Blue and Gold banquet was held in late February to recognize all of the scout's achievements.  There was an Olympic theme for the event complete with games and a parade.  

Nick was proud to be the scout who got to bring home Den 2's flag!  

Puppies!

Ruby and Louise are settling in nicely with our family.  They are sweet, happy girls with lots of puppy energy!  

Ben and Louise,  snuggling together after her bath.

The boys love to Skype with their cousins Brandon and Jonathan in New York.   All of the boys love to pick out random treasures from their homes to share with their cousins via Skype.  On a recent visit Ruby and Louise were introduced to our NY family.  

And a few Pokemon cards as well!

Twin Day!

It was "Twin Day" at school recently.  

There was no question in these two boys' minds when I asked who they would like to be 'twins' with on this special scool day.

I actually get asked quite often if these two are twins.  (I've even been asked if we have triplets when Ben is with us!) How fun to dress the part!  I'm not so sure that they look like twins on a daily basis, but you sure can tell that they are brothers!  

One more surprise….

Introducing Ruby and Louise.

We have puppies!

Ruby and Louise joined our family on Sam's birthday.  They were born on Christmas Day and Eric and I have been anxiously awaiting the day that they would come and live with us.  We drove about 3 hours north of Indy to pick them up.  It was so fun to share the surprise of 2 new puppies with the boys that morning, just before we got into the car.  

They are great car riders, especially when being held.

Puppies in the snow.

Their first meeting.  

The kittens don't seem to mind the puppies too much.  They bat at them as if to tell them who is the boss!  It's been a lot of fun having furry creatures around again, they definitely add to the liveliness of our home!

Bowling Birthday Party

Sam choose to have his birthday party at the bowling alley, Mario style.  The kids were so cute giving their try at bowling.  With the help of the bumpers and ramps, they were pretty darn good!  

Sam was very happy with his Mario and friends cake!

Pizza and cake time!

There was even a real bowling pin for all of the guests to sign for Sam.

What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon celebrating being 6 years old with lots of friends!

Happy Birthday Sam!

Sam turned 6 on February 15th.  We celebrated his special day with our family on the 15th, the following day we had a party at the local bowling alley with lots of friends.  

Opening presents from our family.  I love how close Sam is with his brothers, literally and figuratively speaking, as well.

Sam always has a smile on his face.  He is a genuine friend to his brothers and a joy to his mom and dad.  He is always the first one to complete a task asked by mommy, and does so without complaints.  

At age 6 Sam's favorite things are Mario Kart-Wii, the color green, corn dogs  and the Green Bay Packers.