Bears versus Lions

Today the Bears played the Lions, Jeff's favorite team.  Alex thought it would be funny to pull out a football jersey given to him by cousin Jonathan and cheer against Jeff.  Not so much. Alex ended up watching most of the game in the basement!

Happy Birthday Aunt Melinda!

Happy Birthday!!!

Alex Playing at a Soccer Game

No Gerls

Alex made these signs for his room today.  You would think that with four boys and just two girls in the family, this wouldn't be an issue.  But apparently, he had a point to make!

Pretty funny stuff.

Build A Bear Party

Elena's friend Evie celebrated her fourth birthday at the Build A Bear Store.  Unfortunately, Jeff was on call, so the twins and I went along with Elena to the party.  It turned out to be a fun party, and Elena made a new friends to bring home.

Elmo Goes to School Too

Elena brings a new item to preschool each Friday for Show and Tell.  This week, Elmo came along for the day. 

Alex's First Day of First Grade & Riding a School Bus

The first morning before Alex headed to 1st grade at Forest Dale Elementary School was one of great excitement at our house!

Grandma Liz with her grandkids on the exciting morning





Alex went back to school shopping to find just the right sneakers and outfit for his first day..

   



Heading out the door, ready to go.





Elena, still in her pajamas, wanted to join the fun.

 



Alex looks so grown up waiting for the bus!



Jeff and Elena joined Alex in waiting for the bus.

Here comes the bus...



 All aboard!



And off my baby goes on his first bus ride to elementary school!

Alex at another Swim Meet

First Place!

Pigtails

Elena in front of the doors to Brian and David's nursery, in adorable pigtails.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

It has been a crazy year, and Jeff more than earned these three birthday cakes!

Seton Festival Fun

A Little Clowing Around

A Ride in the Spinny Tea Cups

Waving from the carousel 

Yummy Cotton Candy

 The Dragon Roller Coaster

Fireworks!

Each year, a nearby church has a three day canival, which includes fireworks.  The kids love to sit outside in their pajamas and watch the display.

So pretty!



Our Big Babies

The babies are getting big so fast!

Alex with Brian in his bouncy seat

Big Dave

The Rolly Polly Babies

Elena decided one of her twin babies should join David for his nap

Sleepy Brian

Our Abby

We met Abby through one of the kid's preschool teachers last year, and I don't know what we would do without her! She has basically moved in with us this summer, spending many nights and coming over to play many days to lend an extra set of hands with the big kids and our newest arrivals.  The kids LOVE her, and we feel so lucky to have her as a part of our lives.

Spiderman

Our biggest monkey has figured out how to climb the doorframe.  Nice.

A Little Bit of Chaos

Our living area has been taken over by baby gear! Swings, bouncy seats, walkers, car seats, and the baby bumpo consume much of the open square footage. Add that to the big kids' toys, and there isn't much extra space left.  It is a crazy scence for now, but won't last forever!

Elena is Turning Four!

We celebrated Elena's birthday a week early since she will be in Michigan for the big day next week.  We packed the day with fun activities of her choice.

Heading to see Toy Story 3 

David Wore Elena's 3-D Glasses After We Returned Home

The Birthday Girl with Her Presents

Photo By Alex of Elena with Mom and Dad

Alex Giving Elena Her Birthday Book, a Family Tradition

Elena's Ballerina "Julie" Box, aka Jewelry Box

 Twin Babies, David and Brian (although these baby dolls are apparently girls)

Little Mommy Elena

Baby David in the Baby Swing, Propped to Drink His Bottle...

...While Mommy Elena Feeds Baby Brian.  Amazing how imitative she is!

 Dinner at Bob Evans (Elena's restaurant choice- must be the curly straws!) with the Galvins

 The Amazing "Lion King" (Elena's favorite movie right now) Cupcakes Made By Aunt Melinda

Happy 4th Birthday, My Favorite Girl!