I am getting used to life with 2 boys. Charlie likes to put on a show these days whenever you ask to take his picture. As you can see, Jude is already getting in on the action!

Finally settling down for a photo with Mom...

Jude is getting so big.

Charlie is still working out whether carousels are fun or terrifying.

Four tooth showcase!

The blog rarely had a post during the summer of 2009 but we are hoping to get back on the blog train soon. The boys had a great summer with a trip to FL to visit the Vidal's, Auntie Alana, and Uncle Scotty in May; a visit from Mimi and Poppa over July 4th complete with watching the fireworks from Linda Kay's roof; hot summer days at the neighborhood spray park; a visit with the extended Malkus family in a mountain cabin in NC; and of course, celebrating Jude's 1st and Charlie's 3rd birthdays with friends in DC.

We are looking forward to a busy fall with Jude learning how to walk and talk and Charlie starting his first year of preschool. These boys are the joys of our lives and we are hoping to share more fun stuff on the blog.

Photo credit goes to our friend and photographer Ross Bickers. Check him out at www.rossbickers.com. There are a few great shots on his website of Charlie and Jude under Children's Portraits.

Charlie turns three today, and we will try to get a picture or two up later, but for now I thought some might like to hear the last conversation I had with Charlie before his third birthday. This was recorded last night, probably later than it should have been.
BTW, I am not a big, big, big, big, big woman... "Oh, Yeah!"

We went on a fun vacation in May to Florida to visit friends and family. We came home to sickness (all 4 of us) but we are finally on the mend. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip. It was a great time. Traveling with 2 little ones is not easy, but it is worth it.

Taking off for a week with my 3 favorite people - to visit with a few more of my favorites in the sunshine state. Pictures of relaxation to come...

Posts on here usually focus on the boys, but (a day late as usual) I would like to give a little acclaim to Paige, the great gift God gave me.

From May 2009

From April 2009

This woman serves her family about 20 hours a day with far too little support and far too little thanks. She is patient, compassionate, selfless, efficient and beautiful. She is the total package.

Her boys love her completely, and so do I.

Day Out With Thomas 2009

Charlie is a little obsessed with trains, specifically Thomas the Tank Engine.  So, a Day out with Thomas that included Hunley and Porter was one of the highlights of his 2.5 years to date.  Here are a few snapshots from the occasion.  We had a great time.

Admiring his favorite tank engine

Riding the train with the Parishes

Having SO MUCH FUN

Watching James go around the tracks

Last peek at Thomas before we headed out for dinner

Nat with all the boys

Blog Catch Up:
It's been a while since we posted any pictures. We've been busy working, gardening, hanging out, and playing with trains. That about covers it. The boys are growing up and getting cuter by the day.

Charlie loves to drink out of the hose. Probably not a great habit when you live in DC, but there's no stopping him.

Jude eats anything and everything. He recently discovered Cheerios and is pretty happy about it.

Jude sits back and enjoys the Easter mayhem as Charlie chases Mabel around the house...

Easter 2009

Charlie and Jude are wearing outfits that my grandmother made for my brother Scotty when he was young. So sweet.

Developmental Milestone: "The Funny Face"

Brotherly love is complex...

Beep, beep, beep......

Springtime - Finally!!

Charlie and his trains

Charlie likes to play with dinosaurs. Jude likes to eat them.

Jude at 8 months old

It's a challenge to get a picture of both of them sitting still (mainly Charlie) and smiling at the camera. But, they do look so cute in their sweaters!

Here are a few pictures from the snow that we had 2 weeks ago. Charlie loves the snow and had a great time. We tried to make a snowman, but he kept knocking it down. Oh well.

Here he is in his city yard

Cute little snow angel

Charlie tried to include his brother in the snowball fights

He's still smiling!

We've been spending time at the Smithsonian museums lately. We went to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles. It is very impressive. We will be going back soon. Here are a few highlights.  

Charlie looks so tiny next to the space shuttle (The Enterprise)

My dad will like this picture

Charlie with the Enola Gay in the background