What was I thinking?

I only have one minute for a quick post, but here's the scoop:

Lincoln started eating cereal about a week ago (I'll post some sloppy pictures as soon as I can). It's going well and he's starting to get the hang of the spoon.

Grace took one more step towards 'Big-Girl-dom' last Sunday when we went to Toys R Us and traded in her pacifiers for a toy of her choice (the DVD 'Cars'). That may prove to be the biggest mistake I ever make as a mother :). To sum things up, bedtime and naptime have been a nightmare for the last week and it's a miracle I haven't run away from home. It's slowly getting better, but really the only way to go was up.
For all you other young mothers out there, don't listen when they say your kids will have horrible teeth if you let them keep the pacifiers - they're probably going to need braces anyway, so spare yourself the agony and let them keep them until they're 13.

We've got a very busy weekend ahead - with our parish festival, Tony's company picnic at Coney Island, and some time at the River - so, I've gotta run . . . more to come

Summertime, Summertime, sum sum Summertime

Yes, those are high heels, a cell phone, a purse and a Ralph Lauren sweater on my two year old. Holy Smokes!

A trip to the zoo (note the swimming Rhino in the background)

PRECIOUS!!


Smith Family boat ride


And, in case you didn't know, I am a geek, born of a long line of geeks.
'If you can't beat em, join em' I always say!
Here we all are posing before the 4th of July parade.

A Day in the Life

There's really nothing exciting to share right now, but I didn't want you all to think I had forgotten to post something, so here's a smidge of an update:

Grace's new favorite phrase: "Do you need a helping hand?" A question posed to any/everyone who is doing some activity that Grace wants to be a part of. We think she may have learned this phrase from good old Barney the big Purple Dinosaur.

Lincoln's newest skills: Daddy got to see Linc roll over the other day (I think that makes 3 times he's managed to flip himself all the way from belly to back) - Way to Go Lincoln! He is also really into looking at himself in the mirror. Mommy has been telling him how handsome he is and now he can see for himself.

Dad & Mom: Dad has been working hard on getting our flowerbeds up to par (cuz lets be honest with two young kids weeding and planting fall to 510th on the list of priorities). And they are starting to look purty darn good.
And although I won't be posting any pictures of it anytime soon, I just have to give myself a high five for getting back into my pre-Grace bathing suit for the first time last weekend. Mama found her mojo! or what's left of it :)

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BEN!

Congratulations to Mike & Amanda on the arrival of

Benjamin Michael on 06/19/09!

Here are some pics of Baby Ben and his two older cousins (& a very proud grandma and grandpa)

On a less life-changing note, we've been having a lot of fun at the River the past couple of weekends:

A funny thing happened . . .

Linc: is starting to really laugh a lot (so cute) and has rolled over twice! Of course it was an accident both times and he startled himself more than anything, but it counts as a milestone none the less.

Grace: sings everything she says (hilarious!) and is now frequently telling Mommy and Daddy, "I love you too" (even before you say, 'I love you' to her). She LOVES to read and has most of her books memorized, so she can sit on her Disney princesses couch and 'read' to herself - which is very helpful for Mommy.

Also, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grandpa Bob!!!

And really, that's about all. Summer has been flying by in a fun & relaxing sort of way. We are all very much looking forward to the return of Nana and Uncles Kyle and Evan tomorrow from their 10 day trip to Ireland and to the loooooong 4th of July weekend coming up.
Sianara!

Sorry for the Delay Ya'll

Hey - sorry about the gap in blogging, but frankly last week I had nothing exciting to report. And, there still isn't any real news, just some pictures of the cutests offspring ever!

So, above is a picture of Linc and Angela's new baby - Brecken. They came over to visit one night this week and the boys got to spend some time becoming "BFFs" :).

And, for your viewing pleasure, here are some pics of the kids taken one afternoon when they were both being especially adorable.

and a big HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY to Uncle Evan!!!