Colin (2 yr, 9 mo) & Justin (7 mo)

The boys...
Now that I'm swimming again, I asked my dad to mail me some swim caps. Colin wanted to try one on!
My dad once mentioned that Colin should take acting classes. I didn't think much of it at the time, but tonight Colin read this Curious George book and I thought about him being an actor. When he got to this page, he actually starting tearing up when he said, "sometimes we're sad." Then he wiped his eyes, and went on to the next page!


Justin @ 7mo. He's now crawling from one of the house to the other!


Colin @ 2yr, 9 mo. Playing his guitar. He loves it and now wants a piano for his birthday.

Life is good

Nothing but good quality family time!

Colin wanted to be in the Baby Bjorn. Silly kid.
Justin @ the Greek Festival...Greek food, music and dancing! (When we got home, Colin directed Grandma and me to hold hands and dance like the Greek dancers! Grandma was a great sport and did two lines dances with me.)

Jamie updates: I've been running with my friend, Sarah, and it feels awesome!! Hope I can keep it up to run the Turkey Trot (5 miles on T-giving) this year. I also hope to start swimming twice a week with another friend at work. I can't remember the last time that I've actually done a swimming workout (maybe 3 years?)...we'll see how it goes! Very exciting.

Jamie: "honey, do you have any updates for the blog?"
Jack: "no."
Jamie: "okay, i'll make up some for you."
Jack: "sure, whatever."

Jack updates: He's running almost every day, keeping busy at work, managing all of the rentals, and being the best dad and husband ever. Like I said, life is good. =)

Week updates...

Bachan flew standby, and her flight was full (Lori was able to get on the plane). So she got to stay with us one extra day... and we were able to celebrate her birthday. Colin thinks she is two years old, and she's fine with that. =)

Had an impromptu play date night with the neighbors. Aren't the boys growing up?!
Enjoyed the Lee Rd Block Party, but it made me question why clowns are for kids...(a bit scary, don't you think?)
Colin loves blue tape, and used it to make a train out of his cars. He was so proud. Justin tried to take the cars, but Colin kept saying, "This is my project. When you get bigger, you can have a project."
Then his train fell apart...
He was just so frustrated...
We built a new one and saved it for Jack to see in the morning. Sorry, no pictures of Justin...but he was witness to this train wreck and kept his distance...smart boy! Justin loved his time with Bachan and Auntie Lori. Caught this one on tape from last week...

Mom & Lori visit Ohio

We made it...staff training is officially over!! My mom and sister flew in to help with the kids while I worked late nights. The boys loved every minute of it! Here are some highlights...

Bachan treated Colin to his first movie, Toy Story 3. He thought it was a bit loud, and about an hour into the movie, he declared "It's scary. I want to go home." After the movie, Bachan and Colin found a Toy Story guitar (a real, kid-sized guitar). Colin absolutely loves it.
I've seen more smiles and heard more giggles out of Justin than ever before. He's also moving more than ever before, but he's still a bit tentative with food. We keep giving him new flavors to try...
We met Nick, Tami, Reagan & Brooke at the African Safari Wildlife Park. Holy smokes-- it's like Jurassic Park. We fed animals from our car. The kids also got to ride on a horse and camel!!



Trip to the zoo -- Colin's new favorite part of the Cleveland zoo is the train ride.
For the majority of the week, we just enjoyed good fun at home and in the neighborhood. =)
Thank you Bachan and Auntie Lori for all of your help this week. You are the best. THANK YOU!

Family Road Trip!

1st stop: Marblehead, Ohio to see Nick & Tami's new boat, "Twin Powered," and to enjoy a beautiful day at the Lake! Boat ride, jet ski ride, good family time, swimming, and good eating. Thanks for an awesome day.




2nd stop: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Did you know that the Holiday Inn in Ann Arbor serves a "traditional Japanese breakfast" for all of their Japanese business people? Of course I ordered it--shoyu salmon, miso soup, rice, and tsukemono for breakfast! (too bad I didn't have my camera with me!) And they even had rice crackers in the vending machine. As for the room, Colin & Justin absolutely loved rolling around in the king size bed.

Sunday morning, we headed to Matt & Elena's house (in Ann Arbor) to see cousin Alex and meet baby cousin Ana (born on 8/3).
The boys each had quality time with Ana.

Proud parents -- Matt & Elena
Colin & Alex played together for most of the day.
Grandma was there too -- so Justin got some quality Grandma time. (and the rest of us enjoyed some quality grandma cookies!)
Justin doing pushups and yoga. =)
And the 3 hour drive home...

Week updates (Justin @ 6mo)

Colin updates:

• "cuz, why?" is the question of the week. Any tips on how to make it stop?
• LOVED his Reagan & Brooke sleepover. "I want you to sleep next to me."
• Funny new phrase, "I smell somethin, mama."
  

Justin updates:

• 6 month stats: 27" and 17 lbs, 6.5oz
  
• still loves to roll all over, and creeps much more now
• sits by himself for short periods of time--but would much rather be on his tummy and back moving around
  
• eating veggies + cereal, and loves it! I forgot how messy this whole process was.
• He's babbling more now, and I think he kinda sounds like Donald Duck. I'll try to catch it on video for our loyal blog followers. =)

Jack updates:

• earned "dad of the year" badge when he watched Reagan, Brooke, Colin + Justin all by himself for a day. I got to play with all the kids on Friday night, but left for work on Sat at 7:30am.
  
• keeping the house in order while I'm busy at work. Love you, hon!
  

Jamie updates:

• It's the start of 2010-2011! Staff training started on July 29, and ends August 13. (12+ hour work days) Rock on!!
• Colin nearly broke my heart when he said to me, "mama, you work so much. cuz, why?"