Never a Dull Moment

BIG SURPRISE!! Grandpa Tom made a surprise visit for Thomas' First Holy Communion. My pictures didn't turn out well from yesterday, but I've posted some of the better ones. The pictures of the kids didn't turn out at all because they are very blurry (they were all dancing, playing, and running around -- basically acting like kids at a party.)

We started opening the pool yesterday. Liam helped Daddy vacuum. Shortly after this picture was taken, we purchased an automatic vac -- it's doing a great job at this very moment. I'm hoping that it works well so that I can be replaced as the pool vacuum girl. Last summer it seemed like both Bob and I would each vacuum the pool at least once a week. I'm looking forward to more swimming, he is looking forward to planting and pruning more trees.

Umpire

The boys have started hitting coach-pitched balls, so now they have an umpire. Liam got to play umpire in the Indians' last game. Every player gets to play the position at least once during the season. Liam played the first inning, and then other boys were given the chance.

Mom's Day Weekend

Lot's of fun was had these past few days. We enjoyed good company and good conversation, heard funny jokes, ate yummy food, drank delicious drinks, played fun games, ice skated, shopped, planted trees and plants, and generally just had a fun time.

Above Dad is doing the dishes, which basically turned into the boys watching a movie while Dad washed up.

Grammies and Mom.

Bob watching over the corned beef and cabbage.

Dad preparing to take photos of Mom playing hockey.

Liam teaching Grandma how to play hockey. Once Grandma learned how to hold the stick properly, she actually stick-handled well and scored a goal.

Mom chillin'.

Liam and Grandma planted a garden of supersonic tomatoes (real name) and squash. They also made this nice sign.

Kitchen Update

The Kitchen is almost finished. Bob started the back-splash today (see right side of photo) and should be done with it in a day or so. We have to install a ceiling fan, need to pick out stools for the peninsula, and exchange our dishwasher that doesn't work, other than that we are looking good. Tonia had fun cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner today. She especially enjoyed washing dishes in the kitchen as opposed to the bathroom.

King of the Jungle

Liam declared that he is "King of the Jungle." We are thinking he means of the Jungle Gym.

Noonan Cousin Play Date

Liam and Michael Noonan had an ice skating/hockey play date this afternoon. Michael did well for his first time skating. Ice skating isn't the easiest of sports to jump right into. Michael was very cute when he asked me, "Is that ONE big piece of ice!?!"


Michael won't be six until June. He informed me that by the time he turns six like Liam, he will be better at skating. I believe him, he is a very determined little boy.


When the public session was over, the boys watched some men practicing hockey. Liam pointed out that the men were taking slap shots -- Michael was most impressed and wanted to try slap shots in our backyard as soon as we got home. We weren't home long before sticks and pucks were taken outside and decisions were made as to who would goaltend and who would shoot. Of course in true kindergarten fashion, it wasn't long after that that sticks were put away in favor of other activities. The sticks and pucks, however, did make a couple more showings before the boys had to call it a night.
If truth be told, the highlight of the entire afternoon was probably being able to play the above hockey game at the rink. Liam asks to play it every single time we go to the rink, but has never been given permission to do so until this afternoon. It was hard to resist two cuties working the same angle.

What Has Become the Earth Day Tradition

Bobby sent Tonia out to buy eight new trees to go along one of our fences. After Liam's T-ball game this evening, the boys started planting (that is until one kid had a small meltdown as a result of a very busy day.) This is probably just the beginning...who knows how many new trees will find homes at 46 Carlton Road this year.