Our Boys

It is so amazing to not only watch our boys grow and change everyday, but also to watch their relationship with each other develop. Ronan and Latham are now truely playing together - before Ronan would just run up to Latham, scream in his face and run away laughing. Now the play goes both ways. A few days ago Latham "chased" Ronan down the hallway. It was the slowest chase ever, but both boys were enjoying themselves.

What a sweet picture of brothers!

Playing in Latham's crib

Ronan is usually pretty good at sharing both his and Latham's toys (which he thinks are his too).
Note: Latham is now pulling up to standing!

Playing takes a lot of concentration!

Latham's new skill!

Just yesterday Latham learned how to clap. Now he does it all the time; probably because we all crowd around him encouraging him and clapping back!

He's proud of his newfound skill, and it's so special that he has learned it. No matter how insignificant a new skill may seem, the small steps contribute to larger and larger ones for later on in life.

Keep on learning, little one!

Ronan's Three Year Professional Pictures

Yesterday the boys and I went to get Ronan's three year professional pictures done at Sears Portrait Studio in Bellis Fair Mall.

After Latham's six month pictures I raved about Sears because I love the pictures that we got of him at that age, and I am really happy with how these ones turned out too. After recommending Sears to others because of their great results, the thought struck me that maybe instead of Sears being so great, maybe it's the subjects that make the pictures fantastic! :)

Woodland Park Zoo

On Wednesday the four of us took off to visit Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. It was so nice for Collin to take three days off of work to spend with us since we hadn't seen him for so long due to the Japan trip.

Ronan and Daddy at the Elephant enclosure.

What a magnificent animal!

Mommy and boys on the baby elephant statue.

Latham was content and angelic all day.

Stopping for a picnic lunch on the grassy grounds.

The gorillas were interesting to watch.

The jaguar was putting on a show for us.

She went up on the glass and I put my hand up to her paw.

What a great close up look!

Ronan watching the penguins swim. He loved that they swam so fast and chased each other.

The funny looking penguins close up.

The grizzly bears were really interesting as well - we got to their exhibit right before feeding time, so they were up and about looking for their meal.

Fishing!

For his birthday, Ronan received a gift certificate to go fishing at a stocked fish pond from Papa, Auntie Teresa and Lauryn. We all headed out there on Monday to witness Ronan's first fishing experience.

Watching Daddy bait the hook with a worm.

Daddy casting the line...

...then helping Ronan reel it in.

Mommy and Ronan waiting patiently for a fish to bite.

Ronan proudly displaying the fish that Papa got. Daddy and Papa were the lucky ones that day!

Ronan's Third Birthday - Family Party

My parents hosted Ronan's 3rd birthday party this past Sunday. The weather was cloudier than expected, so we had the party indoors.

Ronan's prefers cupcakes to regular cake because that way he can eat it with his hands and they don't get all full of icing. He doesn't like to have dirty hands - exactly like Mommy!

Make a wish, Ronan!

Excited to open his presents.

Modeling the "Cars" backpack that he received from Auntie Delta - unfortunately, she wasn't able to make it to the party.

Daddy and his sons in their matching "Hang Loose" shirts that he picked up in Hawaii when he was there for a friend's wedding in February.

Collin's Home!

He's home! Collin just recently returned home from his four-week business trip to Japan. He was over there leading two seperate executive management study tours that showcased lean manufacturing practices in companies such as Toyota, Sanyo and Toto. He also spent some time making contacts for a new lean health care tour that his company (Enna) is offering this fall.

Collin (left) leads a tour participant on a walk-thru on the shopfloor at one of the companies they toured.

It is so nice to have him home!

Ronan's Third Birthday!

Ronan turns 3 on Sunday, so yesterday we had his friend birthday party at our house. There were 7 mommies and 11 children. Luckily, the weather was fantastic and a good time was had by all!

Cupcakes...the best part of a birthday party.

Ronan didn't get to blow out his candle because the wind did it for him.

Addy Mae, what a cutie pie!

The kids ran around and played on the grass.

Some of the mommies relaxing in the shade.

More mommies.

Danielle with a face full of cake.

On Sunday, his actual birthday, we are having a small family party up in Canada.

Happy Birthday, Ronan!

Gummy Smiles!

Latham is always growing and changing, and since he will soon be cutting his first teeth, I took some pictures of his current "gummy" smile.

Soon enough there will be teeth and his smiles will look completely different. At least I have some pictures to look back on!

Latham's professional pictures - six months old

In the middle of May I got some professional pictures taken of Latham. I just took him to Sears, and I was amazed at the great shots that we got!

He was performing that day and I am so happy with the end results!

I love the new collage layouts they have - I like how they capture a few different poses and facial expressions. Yay Sears!

Click on the pictures to see them larger.