February 24

Just a few quick pics from our afternoon playtime... we've been up since Riley lept out of his bed at 4 am, so if this isn't coherent, it's not my fault!

Riley tripped and cracked his head on the edge of the train table - first big boo-boo. :(

As annoying as we thought the sounds were from this toolbox when we first got it as a present 2 years ago, it's been a favorite and will continue to be one! Riley loves to "fix" things around the house with his tools.

February 23

We went to a friend's house last night for dinner and a movie for a few members of our playgroup. I love these events - I don't have to make dinner, the kids get to play and we come home and the boys go right to bed. But it always amuses me because there's never a lot of actual movie-watching that goes on!

Cutie Arthur...

Jonah loved this big toy so much that he spent most of the evening climbing and trying to stand on it!

Sydney & Rufus ready for the movie.

Hmmm.... plotting his next attack.

Movie time!

February 22

I love the random mealtime silliness that comes out... when Riley was done eating breakfast this morning he went behind Jonah's high chair and started popping out to play peek-a-boo. Jonah was cracking up - he kept trying to turn around to look for him.

What's that expression about having egg all over your face?

February 21

Happy President's Day!

We made a special weekday visit to our favorite breakfast place, Billy's Downtown Diner and then headed to my friend Amy's house for a playdate. They recently finished part of their basement into a playroom that is really nice & cozy! Riley's only question as we were driving over was, "Do they have trains?"

Thanks for a great morning!

February 20

Today is an extra-special day only because it's my Grammy's 93rd birthday! Our family gathered at her nursing home this afternoon to celebrate - complete with a taco bar, yummy cake and a surprise visit from my cousin Alex, his wife Jean and their 4 kids. They live in Maryland so it's always a special treat to spend time with them. Riley and Jonah had a great time playing with their cousins for the afternoon!

The birthday girl!

Jonah checking out the toys that my aunts got out for the kids.

Sebastian & Riley having some boy conversation with their cake.

Cake face!

Ann had a great time playing with Jonah.

Six of Grammy's eight great-grandchildren: Riley (2.5 years), Ann (9 years), Jonah (11.5 months), Sebastian (4 years), Helen (2 years), and Bridget (6 years).

Grammy and her five children (I won't list them by age...). :)

Our family with Grammy.

February 19

Random silliness...

And a boy who is done having his picture taken!

February 18

We took advantage of the continued warm weather by heading to the Philadelphia Zoo this morning with my friend Kim and her three boys. Yep, if you're keeping track that's two mommies and 5 boys under the age of 5! They certainly kept us on our toes! We were a little sad to see that it was still a little too chilly for some of our favorite animals, and that some of the animal areas were under construction, but the big cats were very active and vocal which was a lot of fun. Riley's favorite area is always the Children's Zoo - he loves to feed the ducks, play on the big tractor and brush the goats.

Cutie Quinn... just 3 weeks younger than Jonah.

This turtle surprised us by climbing up this wall to get a little snack of the plant that was growing nearby.

Riley was our tour guide for the day - he always had his map in hand!

Jack, Grant and Riley checking out the construction in one of the animal areas.

Playing on the tractor - always a favorite!

Jonah is thinking "I can't wait to play on there too!"

Sitting in the big turtle on the carousel.

Ready for a ride!

February 17

We had some unexpected but greatly welcomed warm weather today. I'm not talking 45 degree-warm, like 60 degree warm! After naps we headed outside for a quick walk on our street in the wagon, and then enjoyed some playtime in the driveway before dinner.

February 16

Tonight we hosted a dinner (taco night!) for some of the moms and kids in our playgroup. It was a GREAT time... I love when we can give the kids an opportunity to burn off the late-day energy, get a good meal and have some adult conversation all at the same time. My friend Meg has twins named Gwen and Cole who are 2. They're the sweetest kids and we love spending time with them. Tonight as they were leaving, Riley was giving hugs and kisses!

Hug for Gwen...

Hug for Cole (love his smile!)...

This picture was a little mis-timed, but it was such an adorable smooch! Everyone who was watching this go down was squealing!

February 15

Jonah got this totally adorable stuffed rocking cow for Christmas from Abe's Aunt Sandy and Uncle Chuck. It's the perfect addition to his farm-theme

I love when a good deal on a toy ends up being a better deal... we bought this toy box/activity center at a yard sale 2 years ago for $8. Riley was pretty small when we first got it, but he's grown to love it. Whenever we're playing upstairs, Riley heads to Jonah's room to play with this before playing with his own toys.

February 14

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I had some special treats waiting for the boys at the breakfast table this morning in honor of our day of love. 

The wrapped presents were special treats from Nanny & Poppop - a book of stickers for Riley and a new book for Jonah.

Riley did get a little bit of candy - this little M&M man held some sweet treats for him. Riley started calling him his "red guy".

Of course Jonah didn't really understand that today was a special day, but he was happy as always!

We spent the morning with some of our playgroup friends at the DaVinci Science Center. Most of the exhibits are geared for more of an elementary school-aged child, but the boys and their friends always have a great time experimenting with the exhibits.

Lots of love to everyone!