Daniels Family - Part I

We had a great visit with the Daniels clan this week. Everyone looked terrific. Atticus seems to grow a foot every time I see him. Donovan is the perfect baby--not only is she beautiful but she has the sweetest temperament. I decided to split up some of the pictures. Below are a few shots of the boys. In the past whenever we have gotten together the boys have always played in parallel. This time I think they were more engaged with one another. Attie got into the red car and Jack decided they both should be in the car together. That didn't sit very well--but toward the end of the night Atticus was pushing Jack around in the car. I love the last picture because they look like co-conspirators! They figured out how to turn up the volume after we muted it several times. You could see the look of accomplishment on their faces. Donovan is taking it all in...

Saturday in the Park

Below is small montage from a day we spent at the playground. Dave helped me put it together. Clearly, we have too much time on our hands! Haha. Jack could have spent all day on the slides. Once he got off he'd race to get back (as you'll see). Check out his hair in these shots too.

Tackle!

Jack loves to play with his dad. My favorite pic is the last one in this sequence. He finally tired out and decided just to lie on Dave.

Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day I think of all the fallen soldiers and those who have given their lives for our freedom. God bless them and their families. I also think of anyone who has served our country including my brother, grandfather (and dave's grandfather), uncles, father-in-law and friends (thanks Bob). Thank you for your service, bravery and sacrifice. God bless the USA.

Have I Told You Lately...

...that I love this little guy?

Archer Family News

For those of you who don't know, David and I recently had some wonderful news. We're expecting a baby in the first week of November! The clip below is one of my all time favorite tv moments (if not the favorite). There's such a sincerity between them that it's hard for me to believe they are really acting. I cry every time I watch this.

Dude, Where's My Car?!

A couple of weeks ago our neighbors gave Jack this red car. It's a "Wiggles" car. I'm not really into the Wiggles. Something about grown men wearing primary color turtlenecks disturbs me. But, the car is terrific! Jack loves it. In this picture he has a new set of wheels, a new hairdo and a cookie. Does life get any better?

Happy 30th Jules!

Today is my good friend Julie's 30th birthday. The picture below was taken in March when Nicole visited Buffalo. Not only was I lucky enough to have great roommates in college but I was blessed to make lifelong friends. It seems like just yesterday we were at Geneseo and celebrating our 21st birthdays!
(Below: Carrie, Nicole, Jules)

Boys will be Boys

My friend Erin is in town with her little boy Nathan. Yesterday Jack and I met up with them at the Lilac Festival in Rochester. I had hoped to have all these great pictures of the boys and the lilac backdrop. Instead, our day was cut short when Jack ran into one of the trees. My heart stopped for a few moments because I could see the incident playing out before it happened. Jack had started running and within moments I could see he was headed for one particular tree with a branch jutting out at his eye level. Thankfully, he is ok. I raced back to Buffalo to take him to the doctor and they checked him to make sure his eye wasn't scratched. His face is scratched and his eye is a little swollen. But, he's fine and back to his old self. I knew he was ok when he saw his dad at the doctor's office and ran over with a big grin on his face, "DADA!!!" Erin was a great help. She helped find the medic and even carried Jack back to the car because he wasn't in a stroller mood (hopefully her arms have recovered). I know I can expect more scratches in the future. My biggest concern was his eye and fortunately, he is just fine. Boys will be boys.

Friday!

"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age."
-Lucille Ball

Lunch with Dad

The other day we met up with David for lunch. Jack was excited to run around his dad's office. He kept pointing out letters as he ran. One of the attorneys was talking to us and Jack said, "a C!" The attorney then said, "C is for cookie right?" Jack launched into song (with choreography) since that's part of his repertoire. They all started laughing. Anyway, the waterfront isn't far from Dave's office (yes, there's waterfront in Buffalo). We went over there to eat lunch. There were even a couple boats out. Bonus. It's always a treat to see dad during the middle of the day.

Remember that movie?

Mother's Day Weekend

Jack has reached the age, much to my dismay, where he refuses to sit still for pictures. Depending on his mood he will either snuggle up to you or squirm to break free. The pictures speak for themselves!

Happy Mother's Day!

Give Peas A Chance

Ok, so I admit, I hate peas. Last night Dave had to attend a work function so Jack and I were on our own for dinner. In an effort to not impart my aversions on my son, I decided to give Jack a toddler-type tv dinner complete with peas. It was pretty funny. First of all, he kept calling them balls. I tried to correct him and say, "No, those are peas." You could see the confusion on his face and then he would start singing the alphabet. He's right--the only "P" he knows follows that weird sequence of Emmanenno. Anyway, he started picking them out one at a time and dropping them on his tray as if to boycott. I can't say I blame him.

Happy Friday.

Fancy Nancy

While we were in Florida we had a chance to visit with my cousin Joanie and aunt Ann. It was so great to see them (and their new pup)! Joanie is a great reader. While we were there she had to dress up for school as one of her favorite book characters...hence, Fancy Nancy. I think "Fancy Nancy" definitely takes after her mother. She has a flair for the dramatic. :) Bonjour Madam!

"What do you think this is...your birthday?!"

My grandpa (dad's father) always used to say this on our birthdays. So, I have to carry on the tradition. Happy Birthday David! Did you know the name "David" means beloved? I think that's pretty accurate. You're the best. 365 days until you're officially old.

Hi Uncle Keh-Keh

Kevin has been over in Iraq since January. Between his job over there and school, he's been keeping very busy! But, with the wonders of technology, I still manage to catch him on instant messenger from time to time. We miss him and can't wait till he comes home. In the meantime, Jack and I made a quick video to say hello. Incidentally Jack says the word "Kevin" the same way he says the word "cracker." We're looking forward to seeing Kevin and Nicole in July. And by the way, how awesome is my sister-in-law to manage the home, their dog and the inclement Arkansas weather while Kevin's away? We love you both!

PS Sorry I couldn't turn the video

PPS Excuse our home--we had to set up the air mattress because Dave painted our bedroom over the weekend. The fumes were a bit much.