How can it be, our Lachlan is THREE!?

Three years ago, we carried home a sweet and adorable (though his aunties would say interesting looking...) perfect little baby boy.  And now here he is telling stories, singing songs, and hitting baseballs!

Not the most flattering of the child, but I could either have this one....

Or this one!

Quite different from our little babe sleeping in his car seat.  So we had a great celebration to honor our three year old.  Lucky Lachlan was able to have his birthday on a Saturday, and we celebrated all day.  In the morning he was able to play with his friends while Mama was able to attend a 'meeting', and he received a fabulous HUGE chocolate cupcake.  (Thank you, Taryn!)  After a requested mac n' cheese gourmet lunch, he 'took a nap' and once he heard Nana and Grampa come through the door, he was yelping and screeching and so excited he was pounding on the door of his bedroom wanting to come out and party!  Nap time over.

We grilled, opened presents, and had some rocket ship cake.  And we were able to do it all outside.  This may be one of the only times we get to do that, with a March 24th birthday!  But we enjoyed every minute of it.  I think he did to!

The kiddos at the party included the 2 Cahill boys, their cousins, Evie and Andrew, and their Uncle James. Out of the 28 pics that were taken-no exaggeration, that's how many I had to look through, thanks to my sister-this was the best one! Lachlan's face was pretty much the same, but don't be mistaken-he actually did have a good time at his party!



Oh children and photography...

An Air rocket ship!  Notice how the father has his hands on that one.

Ah yes, Dada's found his new toy! 

Lachlan received a bunch of trains and tracks from Uncle James, along with a train whistle.  Torin, notorious for having a runny nose, blew the whistle, and then was being so kind and wanted to share with Auntie Tess (by shoving it in her face).  She was not really interested.

The black and tan swing.  And here is Baby Andrew Kevin Volker!  I haven't officially introduced him.  Our beautiful Godson!  Sitting with Auntie Janey and Uncle Aaron.

 

Uncle Michael and Auntie Molly

Auntie Molly and Gramma

Nana and Grampa

When I asked Lachlan what kind of cake he wanted, he mentioned balls, rocket ship, green, chocolate, and a bunch of other things I can't remember.  So, after figuring out how to cut a rocket ship shape, this is what I came up with.  The round thing is supposed to be a comet/moon/meteor--use your imagination!

Yeah-that's a Buzz toy we had-he took a bath in hot soapy water before making his journey to the cake

To Infinity and beyond!

So excited!

Luckily, there wasn't too much spitting...

 After winding down, it was time for the birthday boy to head to bed.  Only after a few books, of course!  

We are so blessed to have such a sweet, adorable (and now the aunties would agree!) perfect little boy.  We love you, Lachlan!

Love ya, mean it!
Be here now

Pretend Play

So we are back!  It has been a while since I have added a new post (there is still so much catching up to do--mainly to show off some pictures), and I realized with a sister out of the country, I should get back into it.  That and she & I have a bet going on to see who will add the next post their blog, and I think I am going to win! 

It has been so much fun seeing Lachlan develop into a sweet little boy.  He is becoming quite the story teller-especially at bed time...hmmm...  But he has also developed in his play.  We went to the zoo with some friends, and I saw a whole new side of him-pretend play.  First, we saw some animals.  This monkey was a hit, until he used the glass as a jumping board and went freaking around his area a bit.  Torin was not a big fan.

After some of the animals, we decided to go to the play area that has a bee theme.  They had such a fun time!

First Lachlan checked out the flowers.

Then the grass.

Then he decided to BECOME a bee.

Torin enjoyed 'being a bee' as well, even though he just thought he was running around with wings on.

This was one of the first, if not THE first time I ever saw him become something else.  It was so special to see.  He was chasing after friends and 'other bees', buzzing and trying to catch them.  For some reason, I got a bit teary-eyed watching my little boy pretend he is something he is not.  I got to witness a step in his progress of play.  I was very grateful and very entertained watching all the kiddos enjoying themselves and playing together.  Good job, my little bee!  Way to buzz your way right into my heart!  (sorry, I couldn't resist!)

PS Thank you to Jessica for the pictures!
PPS Mary, I would like an Italian Cabernet Sauvignon, or a red Italian wine recommended by a local-thank you!  : )

Love ya, mean it
Be here now

Our State Fair is a GREAT State Fair!

We really enjoy going to the fair, but sadly haven't been since we've had kids.  It just gets a bit trickier-and you can't stay as long, which means you can't eat as much!  But since it was the day after Torin's birthday, we were inspired for some reason-and my sisters wanted to meet us there.  So we went!  'Randomly' (are life's circumstances actually random?) ran into someone I went to high school with. (Nell, if you ever read this, your call didn't come through, so I don't have your number!)  Fun way to start out the day, that's for sure!  This was Lachlan and Torin's first time, and I think they enjoyed it.  We watched the U of M jugglers for a while, and Lachlan has been trying to juggle ever since.  He's got a ways to go...We also went to the Miracle of Life building and saw all sorts of adorable newborn animals.  Lachlan was able to drive a simulated tractor there.  He didn't understand that he needed to steer so as not to crash into the corn, so he ended up crashing into the corn and oh did it startle him!  He jumped off his seat, I think.  It was pretty funny.

Eventually all our party was there, so it was time to eat!  We had the usual: Mouth Trap cheese curds, nitro ice cream, veggies on a stick, candy bar on a stick (shared with 3 people-don't judge!)  And of course, the bottomless cup of milk.  This was Torin's first taste of cow's milk.  What a great place to try it!  And I think an Auntie even gave him some chocolate milk.

Busted!

 

Torin, you're messy!  But did you like the milk?

'Yeeeeeeaaaaaah!'

We remembered that our Aunt was working at a booth that day, so we went to go find her.  Found her!  She was at the apple booth, and gave us a taste of the 'Sweet Tango'-the hottest new apple of the season.  As she was cutting it up and telling us about it, another party was stopping, thinking that she was giving away free samples!  Well she was, I guess, but not to the public.  She was kind enough to share.  : )  And then she had a bone to pick with me: what's up with the blog?!?!?  She was looking and waiting, and there was nothing new.  Sorry, Aunt Joanie!  Here's 2 in one night for you!  : ) Love you!  And thanks again for the delicious apples-nice contrast to everything else we were eating. 

Lachlan loungin and enjoying his Sweet Tango apple

Add caption

Fun to see you, AJ and Aunt Joanie!

Until next year, we will have to wait for more of the amazing this to eat at the state fair....I hope I can wait that long.  I guess I will have to.

Love ya, mean it!
Be here now.

Look who's ONE! (and 3 months, 3 days)

Well I hope you weren't holding your breath from the last post-I told you not to!  This post is dedicated to our sweet sweet boy, Torin-sorry this is so late, but I am glad that you don't know the difference right now!

Here's the story of his big day(s):
Our last day in WI Dells was actually Torin's 1st birthday, September 4th.

Night before the big '0-1'.

We packed up and headed out after we sang Happy Birthday of course.  On our way out, we stopped by a waterfall for some birthday pictures, once again ate at the train restaurant, and stopped in at the Disney Store, where the helped Torin celebrate.  And then we drove many hours to get back home. 

The next day, we continued to celebrate!  The morning was spent at the State Fair (stay tuned!) and then Torin's first family birthday party.  He had a blast!  Not sure what his favorite thing was: the opening of the gifts or the eating of the cake.

First gift

Some spectators

Well, it looks like he likes the book!

More spectators

Umm, not yet, Sweetie!

holy big bear!

Ok so story of the cake: we are not cake experts, like some other lady I know!  : ) Luke had this gorgeous thing in his head, but perhaps took a few risks in the baking process.  We tried to layer it, and it was just missing something, so we added cookies, and realized it kind of looked animalistic.  And I would like you to guess what animal it is!  ; )  Then we added the ONE candle for his birthday, and, well, take a look at it when it's all lit up.  Perhaps not the best role model of an animal...

See what I mean?

He was appalled at the smoking creature--really he wanted the candle.

'Ok, I'm all better now'

'Oh this is just so yummy!'

To our dear Torin, what a joy you have been to us this past year (and then some!)  We are so grateful and so blessed that we are able to raise you and love you and show you God's love.  We pray you will be an honest and truth-seeking man.  We love you!

Love ya, mean it!
Be here now.