The Adventure Continues

Our newest adventure is progressing whether we want it to or not. We have our house on the market as of last Thursday and I'm slowly working my way through the list of repairs that our relocation company wants done before they will accept the house. I'm spending a couple of days a week in Decatur where my new job is and working from my office here the rest of the time and Andrea is trying to do some organizing and re-boxing in preparation for a May or June move date. And we've looked at every house surrounding Decatur and don't like any of them. Except one in Argenta, but someone else is already making an offer on that one. Phooey.

I should be more specific - we've looked at every three and four bedroom house that has a main level bedroom and bathroom and has at least half an acre. And that's colored blue. Just kidding. Well, April is supposed to be prime housing season, so I guess we'll just have to be patient.

Work is crazy busy. And challenging. I'm enjoying it very much. I'm working on a project with some of the best engineers in the company on one of the highest profile products we make. Unfortunately, it's going to require a fair amount of time in Tucson this summer for testing. Like, up to a couple of months worth. Starting in May. Great timing, huh? We should be able to break up the testing so that I won't have to spend much more than three weeks at a time away from home, but still - I'm not looking forward to being away. Maybe the Pandemonium Family can take a summer trip to visit me during one of those stays!

The kids had Spring Break this week.We spent the weekend and the first couple of days in Decatur visiting friends and looking at houses. Then, Andrea took the whole crew up to Shaumburg today to go to Legoland. She met up with Sandra and her kids (also Lego lovers) and they didn't get home until after supper. Everyone is pretty beat tonight.

Is it Friday yet?

Three for Three

A couple of belated pictures from Number Three's big number three.

Any question about how old Paxton is?

 Mommy knows that sometimes little boys just need their own little frog-shaped table and chair set.

 A bean-bag game from Grandma. Thanks Grandma!

Paxton had his birthday planned months in advance and every baking event in the kitchen brought new questions about whether this was his birthday yet, so when mommy finally put together his special "twinkle star" cupcakes he was mighty proud.

Our little fireball is three. May your enthusiasm never diminish, Paxton! Happy birthday.

Happy 10th Kenrick

In the middle of all the hullabaloo I seem to have forgotten to post pictures of both Paxton and Kenrick's birthdays. Oh well, better late than never.

Kenrick turned 10. Really. I'm not sure how that happened, but it did.  Here's proof.

Andrea made the ice cream cake.

We just had a small party for the new double-digit boy. Dig in, buddy!

Joy! Or maybe just silly.

Anya can't resist. Let me help, let me help! Ooooh, pretty paper.

Here's the crew, checking out the new Lego train set. Anya thinks it makes a fine place to sit.

When I look at my growing little boy with his big feet and long skinny limbs it's hard to remember the tiny little baby that swept into our lives and changed us forever, that little baby boy who cried and cried at night, who wanted to be held and bounced and walked back and forth across our little living room in Peoria. As the first of the clan you endured our inexperience and often overeager attempts to raise the perfect child, you survived our full attention for two years and then you became a big brother and a big helper and unique member of our funny little family. You've grown so fast and have made us so proud. Happy birthday Kenrick, you'll always be my little boy.

Just a couple more pictures. The other day everyone was tired of being inside and the temperature was hovering just above bearable, so Kenrick got his bike out and hooked up the trailer.

Who do you think is inside? Little Sister, of course! She seems to be enjoying her first ride.

It was fun while it lasted...

Now that the snow and ice and howling winds have mostly given way to spring, I have to say; it was fun while it lasted but good riddance to winter.

Happy First Birthday, Anya!

Anya turns one whole year old today. Wow.

She's the cutest little girl ever.

So what did little Anya learn this year? I mean, besides everything she knows. Well, she learned how to walk and how to squawk. She learned about bottles and blankies and cute little shoes, about grandpas and grandmas and kitties and spoons. She learned about bath time and hugs and jammies with feet, about grapes and bananas, how to sleep in a car seat.  And she learned about big brothers. Who love having a little sister.

Anthony gives her a push.

An early birthday present generates much interest among the boys.

Andrea finally gets to put pink on a cake.

 The birthday girl gets her own.

 Which, after some hesitation, gets devoured with gusto.

Presents are always special, but a giant card from Anthony is especially so. "I even put some pink in it" he proudly proclaimed.

If Anya could talk she would say "Thanks to everyone who made my first big day a bunch of big fun!"

"Now, see ya later..."