Summer Haircut

We interrupt this trip down memory lane for a couple more recent photos.  Tonight at dinner I mentioned that I thought I might buzz Jack's hair.  Jim thought it was a good idea.  Jack was not so sure.  I told Jack his hair would always grow back, but that I wouldn't do it unless he wanted me to.  He then decided he wanted it buzzed, and that I should do it after dinner!  So....

Before:

 After:

It looks good!  I'm actually not sure which I like better.  It will be nice to have short hair this summer, though!

Welcome Rory!

In February, we welcomed the newest member of our family - my brother and sister-in-law's son Rory.  He came a few weeks early and is adorable!  I took Jack and Patrick to the hospital to meet him.

The week after he was born, I was lucky to get to spend the whole day with him and take lots of pictures!

Look at all his hair!

 

I love this family!

WAO 2015

In February, we went to Milwaukee for Jim's sister's WAO party.  WAO (pronounced "wow") stands for "Winter's Almost Over."  Winter is nowhere near over in Wisconsin in February!

The kids had fun playing in the snow.

I have no idea what is going on here, but it looks cold.

Karen and Lenny set up a "stage" in their living room and people bring their instruments and music and get up and play.  It's a lot of fun!  Jim and his brother Paul did some sound checks after setting up.

Jim, with his sister and brother:

Jim got a new 'do for the party, a mohawk!

I'm not sure exactly what is going on here, but I like it!

Our niece is at Marquette University, so she came to hear her Dad play at the party.

We visited Mimi in her dorm the next morning.  I don't miss sharing a tiny space with another person!

Maggie Turns ONE!

Maggie turned one in late January.  She cruises (walking while holding on to things), but does not yet walk independently.  It was a fun day!

She is a happy girl!

I'm always afraid she'll forget her name, so we have it on her clothes to help her remember.

Jim worked late, so I took the kids out to dinner.  We had birthday cupcakes when we got home.

She wasn't so sure about the cupcake at first...

She soon figured out it was sweet, sugary goodness.

Her brothers helped her play with the "Maggie" puzzle we gave her.  Remember my concern about her not knowing her name?  ;)

Everyone wants to help the sister.

That weekend we had the extended family over to celebrate.  Maggie enjoyed a cookie dough cupcake. Yum!

Once again she had many helpers opening her presents!

Countdown to Noon

Every New Year's Eve my friend has a "Countdown to Noon" party.  The kids have a blast and I don't have to keep them up way past their bedtime to celebrate.  Win-win!

There were probably two dozen kids at the party this year.  At noon, we gathered in the living room and counted down from ten.  Then, mass chaos and celebration ensued. 

These four 5 year olds were all born within a couple months of each other.