Ying and Yang

This little Patrick and Jackson are just so different in so many ways. It is funny that it even surprises us anymore. Tonight, we were outside enjoying the beautiful weather and Dominic found this HUGE toad. Luke chased it for a while and finally caught it with two little buckets (all the while, I'm screaming and flinching).

Dominic wasn't crazy about picking the little amphibian up. Jackson may have whimpered a bit when it came near. But Patrick on the other hand...

First a little timid...

Then chasing it...

Then petting/pokeing it...

And, finally, picking it up by its head and throwing it back into the sand.

Hi.lar.i.ous.

I laughed forever after watching him do this over and over again (yeah....sorry PETA, but really, he doesn't throw very hard). When we let the poor thing go, it was breathing so hard, I'm hopeful it survived. Luke assured me it was fine. He is an expert on all things toad, after all.

Little Book Worms

Celebrate Life!

Dominic and our niece, Jessica had a joint birthday party last weekend. Jessica turned two on May 2 and D's birthday is on the 17th, so we split the difference, which ended up being a very wonderful Mother's Day birthday party.

Aunt Jena made this very cute birthday shirt for the proud (almost) three year old.

And can I just say A.Dor.A.Ble. Seriously. The little princess was a dolly in her homemade tu-tu and babydoll t-shirt.

The party started with some face painting. Of course, that ended up being the kiddos painting their own faces and then mom and dad's and Grandma's. (And by mom and dad, I mean Jena and Jake. Dominic didn't ask and I didn't offer...:))

Next, cake with Elmo and some Yo Gabba, Gabba characters (possibly the most ridiculous show ever produced). I'm pretty sure Dominic had three pieces. It was his birthday party, after all.

It was a pretty chilly day, but we took the kids outside for some fishing and playing for a bit.

And, of course, there were lots and lots of presents from generous friends and family.

Here is D's easel he got from Grandma and Grandpa. He drew this picture for Grandma and I had to take a picture. It's one of about 5 pictures that I had to take of his artwork!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Dominic and Precious Jessica! We love you!

Patrick "Ornery" Deaver

Oh, dear Patrick, where did you get your little personality? Certainly, the temper tantrums, which include throwing yourself against a wall or to the floor every time you don't get your way can't be from the Deaver side. You still win the "loudest person in our house" award, too. I'm not sure if I like that you look right at me and and say "no, no" while you hit the nearest person to you, whether me, your dad or either of your brothers. Also, one of your current favorite things to do is climb on a table or chair, stand up and yell "sit down, sit down." Yes, it must come from the Mach side, your over-the-top personality. I guess you come by it naturally. And we can't help but laugh and love you.