Colin's First Birthday Party!

Our sweet nephew celebrated his first birthday party this weekend (his actual birthday is May 4th). It's hard to believe an entire year has gone by since Colin entered the world.

The party was beautiful. My sister-in-law, party planner extraordinaire, did not disappoint. The theme was circles. Nicole made most of the decorations and not only were they creative, they were beautiful. I'm not kidding...the entire party spread could have been featured in a magazine. She had circle mobiles hanging around the house. There were bowls of circular snacks...cheese balls, m&ms, fruit loops, gum balls, chips, pizza. The favors were little bags with bright polka dots and chocolate covered pretzels with circular candies. Then there were cds (circles). One of my favorite touches was the silverware and napkins wrapped in dot candy paper. I wish I had gotten a picture of them. They were awesome. Nicole really thought of everything. She even had balls for all the kids and a swimming pool filled with balls for them to play in. Jack and Lily had a blast running around. The party was at Nicole's aunt's home. It's a gorgeous home (or mansion...however you want to describe it). It was great to be surrounded by family and friends and witness just how much this little boy is loved.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures. I'm going to put together a little slideshow but in the meantime...

Colin Patrick, Age 1 !!! Look at the twinkle in those eyes.

Colin had his very own cake!

I think this picture is the sweetest. What a lucky boy to have such fantastic parents.

Having a ball!!!

Happy Birthday Grandma Toni!

I couldn't access some of my pictures...would have liked to post a pic of Toni or both kids...but this will have to do. Wishing you a fabulous day!! We love you and miss you. "Tone the bone, Tone the bone, don't forget your Tone the bone."

Buffalo Zoo

Yesterday Jules and I took the kids to the zoo. It was a gorgeous, sunny day in Buffalo. I should mention that it was a gorgeous, sunny day in Buffalo while the schools were out. So, the zoo was a zoo. Anyway, it was still fun and great to be outside. Julie has a fancy membership with a zoo key that you can use at different kiosks. Jack got a kick out of using the key and listening to the catchy zoo tunes. (The spectacled bear looks like he's wearing glasses and loves honey and molasses. Who writes these things?) Jack and Sam rode the merry-go-round (Lily was sleeping) and we had a nice lunch. Here's some of the pictures. I love the last ones because Sam is having a lion themed birthday in a couple weeks! It's hard to believe he and Colin are turning one!!!

Master Jack

Our Sweetie Pie. She was tired.

Sam looks like he's ready for the safari.

Whoa! Check out the line for the food!

While Sam appreciated the lions, he also really liked the cougars...

I love this shot of Jack and Lily even if it is a little blurry and even if Lil looks like one of the hip hop kids from the Saturday Night Live sketch (with her hat tilted and her oversized sweatshirt)

This picture just makes me think sweetness and simplicity.

Did I mention that Teddy joined us for the afternoon?

Smile everyone!!!

Sam checking out the lion. This was unfortunately as close as we came to seeing a lion. In the real lion exhibit there was a tiger. C'mon Buffalo zoo, even I know if a cat has stripes it is not a lion. Geesh.

Jules and her mane man.


Good times!!!

Animal Theme Week - "Hey Look Kids a Deer!"

As some of you may know, I hit a deer on the way back from Rochester a few nights ago It was scary and I think I won't be travelling the backroads (at night) for a long time. I'm always scanning for deer but the thing about deer is that they leap and they leap out of nowhere. Fortunately, the Corolla handled very well and I was able to stop on impact. It could have been much worse. I'm not sure what the fate of the deer was. Dave was driving a few miles behind me and when we met up he inspected the car. It was still driveable but the fender was all mashed up and there was deer hair covering the dash. Nice. Anyway, Dave is driving a hot vehicle while the car is being repaired (not so much). Thankfully everyone is okay!

New Resident at Louvaine - Be Veh-wee, Veh-wee Quiet

This rabbit has decided to make a home beneath the kids' slide. Apparently he never heard the story of old man McGregror and the pie.

The Safest Place in the World...

Daddy's Arms

Stolen from Erin...

Stole these shots from Erin. I love them!

The monkeys jumping on the bed! Some day we'll have Atticus there too...the three stooges.

Lily admiring Vivian's shoes..."Where'd you get these? Baby Gap or Gymboree? The leather is so soft."

Me and Vivian!