To Grandpa J on his birthday

Just a little something to make you laugh.

We love you, Happy Birthday!

The Adventures of Luke and Ben

Luke is big into helping these days...mostly he just wants to do whatever his dad is doing. He did help wash dishes last night. But his favorite thing to do is help dad with the rose bushes.

Luke grabbed his pilers off his tool bench cause Dad had a set of clippers.

My boys at work...I wonder what Dad will do when he needs another work glove for Ben.

Helping Dad put the trach can in the garage...which would be easier without that silly van in the way. Dad got out his step stool to hang a picture for me...so Luke got out his step stool to hang a picture on the tv.

I know Erin beat me to Luke's birthday pictures, but here are a few from his actual birthday and other highlights from his party.

As you can tell Luke got to pick his outfit for his birthday. Personally my favorite part of this picture is the face in the background.

It was the first day of school so we went up to Trinity and took Katrina, Emily, and Tiffany to McDonald's after their half day. We spent the rest of the day hanging out at home with Dad and then Dad made Luke's favorite, beer can chicken. And for dessert, Mommy's first attempt at a homemade birthday cake...that's right it was from scratch. The decorating didn't work out well on the first try, but Luke could tell it was a baseball so that's all that mattered.

"Can I have some cake?"

"Look what I can do! Now can I have some cake?"

That Sunday after Luke's birthday we had a small celebration with family and friends. Luke got a second baseball cake FROM SCRATCH. This one started out looking much nicer then the first one...until Aunt Erin convinced Luke in order to eat the big cake (instead of a cupcake) he needed to go in face first.

And Uncle Chad showed him how.

Nothing like a bath with the cousins after a big party.

Then cuddle with Christina to watch Curious George (a present)

Ben got a kick out of Dad and Uncle Josh.

It was a great time and we're glad everyone could make it.

The next few pictures are just shots of two brothers enjoy each other's company.

Ben thinks he's a big shot when he gets to play in the bedroom with Luke.

Luke loves to lay on Ben whenever possible.


Ben watches Luke's every move.

Just lookin' Mom...
We could see the critic's reviews.



Early morning

Laundry Baskets are loads of fun!

This is a little taste of Ben's new hobby.

His new trick, climbing on things.

And melting your heart.

WARNING

I am telling you now, there are a lot of new posts and pictures on this blog since the last time you checked...I am at school, alone, and this doesn't happen often. For your own sake, please pace yourself. Don't read all the new posts today, save some for later. You can't be sure when the next posts will appear...

Random Summer Days

Luke finally got to open one of his Christmas presents, a tool bench. He helped Daddy put it together. But of course, safety first!

Scott calls this picture "multi-tasking"
Here's the boys at the park, we walked over on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Luke loved the slides.
They certainly do love each other.

STL part 2

The real highlight of our trip was Jeff and Sally's wedding. We had a great time. And I'm so glad to have Sally as a sister.

Miss Mya looked SO pretty in her dress and wore it for a LONG time.

The happy couple and some wedding party...there were 3 professionals taking shots of EVERYTHING. I can't wait to see what they ended up with.

Grandma and Cole dancing the night away, and let me tell you, Cole danced until the DJ packed up

Dad and Jeff and the whole family during "Family Tradition"

Aunt Sherri aka Grandma and Riley

STL part 1

On our way into town we thought we should see if Grandpa needed any help around the office...

Then on Sunday we went to the Maupin family reunion...Luke enjoyed the bucket of water for the water guns...Brady is helping out.

Luke also enjoyed the watermelon slices at the family reunion.

Cole and Mya hanging out on the slip and slide at Grandma and Grandpa's house. You can't really tell but Mya is trying the drink the water. If you would like to catch Scott taking a few turns on the slip and slide, check out Jen's blog (links on the right hand side) Luke wanted nothing to do with any of it

Aunt Jennifer/Mom with Ben and Mya

Luke and Cole helping Grandpa with his tractor

Playing ball in Grandma's living room (don't worry, the ball's pretend)

One of the cutest pictures EVER!

Scott and I got to take advantage of one of Dad's birthday gifts...VERY nice seats to a Cardinals game. That's right, I didn't have to zoom in on Pujols while they played the National Anthem (it was the only time he stood still).

We had a great time. Thanks Dad! And thanks for meeting us there, Shawn and Anna!

The Zoo

We have lots of highlights from our trip to St. Louis...but most of them involve Scott's family...well, here's one from my side. We just happened to meet up with Chad, Erin, Maddie, Emma, and big sis Beth at the zoo. Luke had a blast following his cousins around and keeping a safe distance from all the animals. It rained a little in the morning but at least it wasn't too hot!

"Come on, Luke!"

Emma and Luke enjoying the fish (there was a hippo, he was sleeping)

Ben LOVED the zoo!