A Cute Picture and Cute Singing

Just a cute photo. They decided to get out their hats and Dylan thought they should be worn sideways. The "Hey Dude" t-shirt was an added bonus. I love my boys, they each make me smile and laugh in a different way! They may be rough and tumble but they certainly do love their momma!

I promised video of the kids singing "Happy Birthday" to Brett. They just get confused as to what to call him when Karly is around. To Karly he is Uncle Brett. So the boys call him that too! Cute! I have to say - they sing so much better than we do!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow we head to Syracuse for Cody's 2nd ortho. consult. This ortho is the one that is on our team and I am very anxious to see if he wants to follow the same guidelines as the ortho we saw a couple weeks ago. With all hopes, he does as I really do not want to travel for this procedure. Time will tell what our future holds.

Once done with that, Cody has a photo shoot. The team is re-doing their brochure and asked to have Cody put on it. So I am very honored and excited for this. I am partial and think Cody has an amazing smile followed by big brown eyes.....but that amazing smile is due to his surgeon. Believe it or not, when he was first born I didn't ever think he would "smile". What mother has a baby and thinks that!??

Today though, Cody woke up with a very glossy, pink colored eye. Unsure if it's actual pink eye but I gave the drops anyways. It's looking pretty good tonight so I hope we are out of the woods. Figures right?

On the baby front - my sister in law is 37 weeks today. She goes to the doctor tomorrow and I am hoping that things are starting to move along. Baby Jack should be here by the end of the month for sure. Yeah!

Check back tomorrow for an update on our day.

A lazy weekend

We had a pretty lazy/quite weekend. Which is nice and I am so not complaining. After a busy summer - it is nice to have these. Our weather was rainy and yuck so we stayed in. Friday night after everyone went to sleep - Brett and I rented a video. Something we haven't done in a very long time. Kristie had recommend to us "What happens in Vegas" so we got that. I love watching movies that has Vegas in it as at times we can see ourselves standing in front of the same fountains. Very good movie - totally recommend it - perfect "date night" material. Thanks Kristie! Saturday Brett had 2 football games in the rain. He said at one point he had rain just running down his clothes and arms. He was soaked! Got done with that game, got dressed for another one. Then celebrated rule 13......out at the bar with the guys. So the boys and I did our Walmart trip. I cooked up a crock pot meal and then we decorated for fall. The boys have been begging to get out the Halloween decorations and I figured it was close enough to October 1st. Once done they said "Mom the house isn't that scary". This coming from the group of boys who ever since our Haunted House days at Knoebles have hated anything scary! Today I had a "me" day. I went SHOPPING! Shopping is so therapeutic. Either that or I have a problem! My sister would agree with the latter. I refreshed my fall wardrobe. While gone, Brett turned our kitchen into a barber shop and the boys got new do's. He had done hair cuts, baths, and all cleaned up by the time I got home. So hair cuts are good as school pictures are around the corner and Cody goes to the photographer on Wed. for the team. After Brett went to work, the boys played and I watched the Bills game. Can't believe they are 4-0. Wow! So that was our non-exciting weekend! I'll take it! Back to work tomorrow :(

Happy Birthday Brett

Today is Brett's birthday.....he turned 32! He's had a good day so far. Tyler and him slept in. Then he did the normal running around. Reffed a football game this evening. Then everyone came down for cake and ice cream. The kids had so much fun singing 'Happy Birthday'....the adults don't even have to sing anymore. It's to cute to hear them do it. I'll post it so everyone can watch. He got some new t-shirts. 2 Florida State and 2 Buffalo Bills. His t-shirt collection needed a re-fresh. That's it! I think the two of us will end the night with a movie on the couch.

Dylan's High and Low

Ever have those days. Start out on a LOW and end on a HIGH. Dylan had one today. His low moment came today at school. While he might not know of the "low" it was my job to inform him of it. My mom picked the boys up from school today. When she got there Cody was crying and pretty upset. The teacher said Cody fell and cut his lip and cried and the kids decided to call him "baby". Oh my goodness - you have no idea how mad that made me. Then the tough part came when I learned that Dylan was in on the action. That is NOT acceptable to me - at all! While this was really nothing major - it really bothered me. Why? Because I have heard of all the comments kids can make to others. Pick on them because of how they look, what they wear, how fat/skinny they are......I seriously won't accept that from my kids. I know they are only 4 but they need to learn this. Cody's feelings were hurt. Dylan and I had a heart to heart.....he's a good boy!

Then his HIGH came this afternoon. One of the bikes training wheels broke. So Brett took them off today. Dylan has been watching the older boys in the neighborhood all summer ride their 2 wheelers. Today was HIS turn. He got on, Brett helped him and he did it! He rode a 2 wheel bike!!!! YEAH Dylan! He still has a little ways to go to keep from falling off but it's a start. To bad it's going to rain all weekend because I really want to get him on video. Maybe we'll get a break.

Tomorrow is Brett's birthday! Not doing anything much. He has a football game. After that everybody will come down for some cake. The boys and I made it tonight and decorated it. Let's just say, I am not a cake decorator. :)

Cody goes to Syracuse next Wednesday. He'll meet with another orthodontist and see what he has to offer on our process. Hopefully it's the same report we got last week so we can stay local. Then we have a photo shoot after that. The team would like to use Cody's picture on their brochure. I am very honored that they asked. I think Cody has a fantastic smile! It's all thanks to a fantastic surgeon.

Have a nice weekend and stay dry!

Random Conversations

We've all had them....these random conversations with our kids that either make us laugh or we ponder at what they just told us. Even some let us know that we really aren't going crazy. I had three different conversations with my boys and feel the need to share! :)

Cody
On Sunday, we were in Target looking around. Got over to the video section and of course there was something in this isle they wanted to. I don't think there is a section in any store that a kid doesn't want SOMETHING! So we are looking at the video's and Cody is just in awe over a couple DVD packs of Pokemon. First let me say, Pokemon is a new found favorite of Cody's. He understands them and I just DON'T! He'll fire off their names and I am still stuck on the first syllable trying to get it to roll off my tongue. All the DVD's he was finding were the 3 pack for like 30 bucks. I told him if he could find one video for $10 he could get it. So....he does! shucks! However, there was a Pokemon and a Bakugan movie.
Our conversation:
Me: "You can only get one"
Cody: "Awe Mom"
Me: "Sorry Cody, only one today."
Cody: "If I get Pokemon, could Santa bring me Bakugan for Halloween".........
Me: "Nice try Cody, Santa doesn't come at Halloween"
Gotta give the kid credit right!!!!

Dylan
I always ask the boys how school was. Usually I get told Nothing and have to leave it at that and realize I have a bunch of boys who like there father, I am going to have to pull everything out of. Tonight was no different. Dylan and I were talking and I asked:
Me: "What did you do at school today?"
Dylan: "Well Mom, we couldn't go outside today"
Me: "Oh really, why not?"
Dylan: "We didn't pick up our toys fast enough"
So it's not just at home that they don't pick up their toys......I can't imagine getting a bunch of 4 year olds to PICK UP anything. It's a huge challenge at my house. Dylan just told it so matter of factly. Like Oh well!

Tyler
We to had our talk about school. Tyler goes to school in the smack dab middle of the afternoon and Brett does all the running with him so I really do feel out of the loop with him and his class. I really don't know any of the little kids or their parents. I guess this bugs me - ok it does - but the school year is just starting so I have time. Everyday I ask Tyler how school was and the first thing he says to me is "I didn't cry". So cute! Then we have this talk:
Me: "well that's good" (referring to the not crying)
Me: "who did you play with at school?"
Tyler: "I played with little one"
Me: "laughing, who is little one"
Well that's all I get........Then he says.....
Tyler: "I didn't play with anybody, I don't like them" (sigh) we have to work on this. Is he telling the truth - probably not!
Tyler: "I played with little one"
Ok, now I am really getting curious as to who the heck Little One is? I mean it's not like he is the biggest in the class - He probably won't be taller than many people in his whole life. So who is little on? I was talking with my sister tonight and told her it might be an imaginary friend. Who knows. I had one and her name was Amy! Maybe Amy knows 'Little One'

Costume Shopping

The boys and I went to the party store today and got their Halloween costumes. I wasn't going to do it this soon but got a $10 off coupon and I couldn't pass that up. Plus the last time we were there they had told us that they aren't getting multiple shipments in and the costumes my gang has chosen are popular and I really didn't want to have to pay shipping from the internet if I didn't have to. So.....we shopped and they got them.

Cody is the Blue Ranger
Dylan is the Red Ranger
Tyler is Spiderman

What I didn't realize is all of these costumes come with accessories. So after Cody said "but mom, we have to look like the real Power Rangers" I couldn't just walk out with a costume. Although I did talk them out of the swords and gloves. We got the boot covers and the "triggers" that transform you into the Power Rangers by saying "Operation Overdrive".

So we are set......Halloween can come! Or I should say my nephew can now come. My SIL is due 10/22 but we all think she'll go earlier - or hoping she will as we can't wait to meet Jack - but we plan to go to OC for the birth and I don't want to have "costume shopping" in the back of my head.

Night Out

You know..it's so nice to go out after work for a few drinks and have a good time. I don't get to do it often but tonight I did. A bunch of us from work met at the bar and had lots of fun. One of our remote employees is up from NC and he's a hoot. (Treated to lunch today too). Tanya was kind enough to come and watch my kids for me so I could go.

My mom left for OC today. Lucky duck! I so want to go to the beach.....we are all talking about next year renting a condo and going for a week. The kids would have a blast staying right by the ocean. We are so going to make that happen! So with her gone, I get to leave work early tomorrow so I can pass Brett in the hallway while he goes to work. He's got Daddy duty all day!

We got the new stove today. It's so nice....I love it. The only challenge I see is the oven light switch is right by the burners and right in range of "little" hands. Do they make a lock for that? We aren't putting the oven lock back on as I think they are old enough to know better. Just might need to remind them of that.

So glad 1/2 of the week is over. Anxious for the weekend. Brett and Shaun are going to Dover to the races. They got free tickets given to them so they are super excited. I bet after going to that track - the Glen will be out next year and Dover will be in. Not sure what Tanya and I are doing with the kids. I'm sure we'll come up with something.

Till then....

Ortho Visit

So today was our much anticipated Ortho visit. I get so nervous/worked up before these visits. Not only at the appointment but even to call and make them. We have been "quite" for 2 years now and I know it's going to change - just not sure when. Thankfully it's going to remain quite for now. Now the details.......We got to Dr. Mark's office and was in ahh. Their office is beautiful and very friendly. Once signed in we were showed the "game room" and Brett thought he was in heaven. This was the one time you wanted them to be late but they weren't. We went over all the paperwork with Lynne (who also has twins) and felt right at home. Cody was given some teeth molds to play with and he thought that was pretty neat. Dr. Mark came in and hit it right off with Cody. Some of the paperwork they had given us was a Favorite Things for the child. One question was "favorite music"....well at 4 do you really have 'favorite' anything....doesn't it change like all the time. So I had wrote "Wiggles". Although we don't watch them anymore he likes their music. Dr. Mark (who has 5 kids) instantly started talking about the Wiggles and Greg being his favorite. I shared my up-to-date knowledge about Greg. Then I laughed because it's not often you can talk "wiggles" with a doctor. Dr. Mark is great! Cody then sat and listened and followed direction while he was examined thoroughly. I haven't said yet but I am so proud of my little man. Then we all talked. Dr. Mark said he would do whatever we wanted based on our report from Syracuse. But he feels in his professional opinion it's best to wait a little bit. He said Cody does have a cross-bite although not severe. His midline is off just a little bit and actually shows characteristics of a unilateral palate instead of a bilateral. Which is better for fixing. He said really only one side of the palate would need to be expanded. It does make sense as Cody's gum line was only split on one side and not both. He said Cody has good strong jaws.....he is missing his incisor at the cleft spot, but may have an extra one in the palate itself. He could see his adult teeth (from the xray) and is actually thinking he may need teeth removed in order to fit all of his teeth in his mouth. He really recommends not doing anything now and would like to monitor his growth over the year and see us back next year.

I do agree with everything he said. I trust this doctor as I have seen his work. We will though keep our other Ortho appointment for October 1st in Syracuse to see what is suggested then. If both doctor's concur then we will stay local and see Dr. Mark. If not, well then I'm not sure what I'll do as I will be totally confused. Probably will discuss it all with Dr. Tatum to see what he says.

But man...can I say one more time how proud of Cody I am. He got a few ants in his pants as the doctor and us were discussing things and Lynne asked if he wanted to go to the playroom. Off he went - by himself - when we went out he was playing with a friend. He just "goes with the flow" of things. Never complains and is such a trooper. Made my heart very proud of him!!

My Mom's Birthday

Today is my mom's birthday. She turns 58 today. We celebrated at Tanya's with a super yummy dinner (chicken and biscuits) and chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. I am so stuffed! I ate to much but aren't you supposed to? The kids had a lot of fun as they trashed the play room. We had a super muggy day today. It was horrible but by early evening the wind picked up and we got some relief. I probably shouldn't be complaining as the snow will be flying in no time.


Singing Happy Birthday to Gimmie!
We had a nice weekend. Brett was busy with football games. 2 Sat and 2 Sun. Tanya and I took the kids shopping on Sat. We went to our party store to check out Halloween costumes. They all found what they wanted to be and now I just need to save my penny's to buy them. :) Gosh, those things aren't cheap. Then we went back to Tanya's to bake my mom's cake. I would of done it at my house but my stove broke so we need to get a new one. UGH. You never realize how much you use something until you can't use it. New one should be here Tuesday!

Cody has his first orthodontic consult on Tuesday. This is with a local office so I am hoping to hit it off and we can stick with this office and not have to travel.

A couple pictures from the weekend!


Go Bills! Gimmie and Guy bought them all these shirts.
Can you say: "Trouble times 4".....what a crew!

Dinner out with the girls

Tonight was a special night....tonight my mom, sister and I went to dinner ALL BY OURSELVES! That hasn't happened in um 7 years at least. Just the 3 of us....we went to Olive Garden. We really went because my brother and SIL made it possible by treating us as a big thank you for their baby shower. Wish they were around to go with us, but we did talk about baby Jack a lot and how we can't wait for him to get here. We enjoyed a super good meal with drinks and dessert. Even embarrassed my mom and had them sing happy birthday to her. Her birthday is Sunday! It was fun. Thank you Kevin, Kristie and Baby Jack!!! Now hurry up and get here! :)

To all of those in Ike's path - sending thoughts/prayers your way tonight. All I remember is Floyd, the wind, the flooding.......the devastation and adjusting that comes after a storm like that.

September 11th...

Today marks an important day in our history. Now I know I don't need to tell you all that - not one person in the world doesn't remember this day 7 years ago. What's a little bizarre to me is that this will make the history books that my boys will learn about in high school. I remember back to History in HS and never thought I would live through something so big to make a history book.

Anyway, I can't help but reflect on what I was doing that day that changed so many lives. We had just moved back to NY in June. My sister had her first baby in July. I had started the search of finding a job and was working through a temp agency at a Psych Center. That day I went to work like every other day. It was early when the first plane crashed into the first tower. I think we all stopped working at that point and found whatever TV's we could and watched. I came down with a huge migraine (that I normally don't get) and went home early. My Dad called me on and off all day. I had gotten home, switched on the TV and just about that time as I was talking with my Dad....the first tower collapsed. I couldn't believe it. Memories flashed before my eyes from our senior trip and we went to those towers - went up in them and I have pictures looking down. Now it was gone. What an incredible sight. What a horrible tragedy. So many families touched forever.......

Where were you?

Long Day for Ty

Tyler had to start the morning off very early today. Tish started her twice a week sessions with him for speech today. She'll now be coming 2 times a week for 1/2 hour sessions. He was up and et em at 8:30. I know it's not exactly early as most kids have to be up much earlier but Tyler is a sleeper in the morning and needs his beauty rest if you know what I mean. He did great for speech today. He is making good progress and I am really hoping that by the end of the school year he won't need it anymore.

After speech, we headed to the dentist for his first teeth cleaning. Um...yah...that didn't go so well. He is a very stubborn 3 year old - much more stubborn that his brothers were/are. He DID NOT want to get his teeth cleaned. He let them look in his mouth with the mirror, put a couple drops of water in his mouth but that was it. He would not let them count his teeth. I really didn't have any concerns but wanted his teeth cleaned. So oh well, it didn't happen so we will re-try in Jan. and I made an appointment for all 3 of them to go at one time. Maybe he'll cooperate when he sees what a good job his brother's do.

I did have an opportunity to talk with the dentist about Cody though. Remember back a few post ago how I was so annoyed that they hadn't gotten back to me about his x-rays. Well, we talked and she feels that it's best to see an Orthodontist right from the start. The work he needs is just beyond the scope of what she does. Which I really did figure as she is just a dentist and in charge of keeping his teeth clean and healthy. So they recommend a couple Ortho's to me and I could see who I wanted to call. One of them I know as he's a member of the craniofacial team I am a part of. So I called him first as I know he has done lots of work on other children that have a cleft and I've seen his work and he's pretty good. We go to see him on the 16th. I still have an appointment for an Ortho in Syracuse on Oct 1st as I want two opinions and then I will make my decision. The funny thing was while I was making the appointment, the girl asked if our dental insurance covered orthodontics. I said - not sure, but really in this case it's Medical and NOT Dental. She said "well, I know for sure Medical won't pay for it"......she obviously don't know who I am. :) I will fight tooth and nail for it to be considered Medical. Dylan and Tyler were born with a chance not to need any orthodontics, Cody was not! If Dylan and Tyler needed braces or something then yes, Dental insurance should pay for it.......Cody - no, it's Medical. So I'm sure my fight is just beginning.

Oh a good note, Tyler didn't cry when Brett left at school today! Little steps!

Seems we have a Ghost!

Yep, my house is haunted. Just ask my 3 boys!!!!!

As they got in the tub tonight, I went to flush the toilet and noticed something sitting in the bottom. Hmm.. what is that?? Went and found some gloves as I had to inspect. It just didn't look like "you know what" - had to much of a perfect shape to it! It was this:

So I sat them all down to see who did it. They all said they didn't do it. Cody said "must of been the ghost". REALLY....a Ghost! I gave the talk of what goes into the toilet and money isn't one of them. Then they had to know where the "stuff" goes when you flush. Conversations can't be easy can they.

Tyler didn't have as great a day today as he did yesterday. He cried on the way to school and when Brett left. However, that wasn't half of it. There was another little girl crying so hard she was biting her hands...poor thing. Then another little boy cried so hard he threw up. I could not be a preschool teacher! These ladies are fabulous. I talked to Ty tonight and he said he had fun, he didn't cry and he wants to go back tomorrow. As long as the conversation ends with him wanting to return - that is good with me.

Now...I'm off to have a conversation with this "ghost"!

He did fantastic!

Tyler did super today. He surprised his mom and even his Dad and didn't shed a tear. Brett and Ty got to school, he knew he had to hang up his bag but wasn't sure what cubbie was his. So they found that and then went to the tables for a quite toy. He didn't want to do a puzzle or blocks but found a barn with animals and wanted that. So he played, Brett told him he had to go and he'd be back in a little bit - he gave kisses and a hug and that was it. Brett left and no crying! Yippee! When Brett got there to pick him up, Mrs. T said he did good. Did whimper a little about the time the kids ate and wanted his blanket. But it was for a quick minute and the B was in the bag when Brett got him. I chatted with him tonight asking a lot of yes or no questions. It's about all I can get out of a 3 year old. He ended the conversation with "I go back tomorrow".

Cody and Dylan also had a good first day. Cody said they got to draw and he made his Dad a heart and Dylan made me one, they played with some friends and that was about it. Boys...gotta love how "chatty" they are.

On to other news...I got a nice little surprise in the mail today. Kristie had sent us our thank you note. She said she was putting something "extra" in it for us girls but I had no idea what. Well, they sent us gift cards to go to Olive Garden as appreciation for our hard work at the shower. She sooooooooooooooooo didn't have to do that. We wanted to do the shower and can't wait for Jack to get here. So us girls are trying to figure out when we can go have lunch just the 3 of us. Wow - that almost NEVER happens. Thank you Kristie!

Our Morning....

Today officially kicked off preschool. I had to of course wake the boys this morning and drag their little butts out of bed. As I was rousing Dylan, I had sent Cody into the bathroom and he came to the door way of the bedroom and I could tell by the look on his face something was up. I asked what is wrong and he was trying to get out his belly hurt. So I quickly ushered him into the bathroom and well you can figure out the rest! I think he might of had a couple nerves and the fact that he didn't eat well for dinner so he might of been hungry. They got dressed and we were out the door and Cody seemed fine. We got to school and it was like we never left. They quickly hung up their bags and went to find their "table top toy" and sat down. I had to go to them for a kiss bye! No tears this morning........actually I didn't notice any tears from any of them.

This afternoon is likely to be a different story!!!!! Tyler has already told us "I not going" and when I said he could play with the kids he said "I don't like them". So Daddy should have fun dropping him off!

He stayed

He stayed without a whimper. Only asked to see my picture once on Tanya's digital frame. He had lots of fun. They went for a couple 3 wheeler rides, he told Uncle Shaun not to get him muddy (that's my boy), they saw some turkey, he had lots of fun. Connor and him played in the tub without being pushed around by the big kids. Then it was off to sleep. Up this morning for another ride and home he came.

Tomorrow starts the official first day of preschool. This time parents actually leave. Cody and Dylan should do fine. Tyler has already told me he's not going, he doesn't want to play with the kids and he doesn't like them. Sigh.....it's not going to be easy. I decided not to get out of work tomorrow to take him. Just thought it would start to confuse him and I don't want that as I normally won't be taking him or picking him up. Thankfully I am dropping Cody and Dylan off every morning and should be able to keep up-to-date on all the goings on with both classes. Because we all know men and how much they tell you things - if I left it to Brett, I wouldn't know anything.

First Sleep Over

Today has been a yucky, rainy day. Guess we are getting some of the rain from TS Hanna. Not much but enough to make you stay inside. Tanya and I met for lunch with the kids and then we came back to the house so they could play. Brett is off to Syracuse for Bill's bachelor party. So it's just me and the boys. We asked Karly to spend the night as she has been asking and I had promised her a sleep over after we got back from Vegas. That was in July so I guess it was over-due. As Tanya got ready to leave she was joking with the boys and asked them why nobody wanted to stay with her. Well Tyler spoke up and said he wanted to go with her. What, my baby wants to stay over? Yes he did. I packed his bag and he was off. Waving as they left. We agreed that if the night got to much for him she would call and I could meet them half way to get him. But so far, so good! Now he's stayed over places before but it's been because we haven't been home. Never has he left volunteering. My older two haven't done that. So he off to have a fun filled night with cousin Connor. Uncle Shaun had em on the 3 wheeler for a ride and both were in seventh heaven.

A couple pictures from our sleepover/pajama party......

Arm-n-arm, forever friends.....

My spongebob boys!

Only faces a mother/auntie could love!

First Day of PreK and PreK3

What a day today was. The boys all started school today. Well it was really orientation. We got to see what the classroom had to offer, meet back up with old friends, make new ones, had a photo op, etc.....

Cody and Dylan started the day at 6:30am. They beat my alarm clock. They were excited for school. I managed to keep them quite while I got ready and then got them dressed. After putting on their new shoes, Cody said "Mom look how high I can jump" and started jumping - I started laughing. You ask why, well my baby brother (who is getting ready to become a Daddy for the first time) always thought after getting a new pair of sneakers that he could run and jump, faster and higher. Then as I was laughing, Cody proceed to say as he was standing by the front window "Dylan wanna see who runs faster". Guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree on that one. We had a quick photo op outside as it was a beautiful day today. Once at school, they acted as though we hadn't left. They were a little confused why their cubbies had been moved and didn't understand why they needed a new shape/color this year. We have the same teacher and most all the same kids as last year. They didn't want to leave. Oh and the most important thing was finding out our shape/color. As this is the shape/color they sit on on the floor for story time the whole year. Cody is a blue square and Dylan is a green triangle - important stuff for a 4 year old. Hard to believe this is it for them - preK, meaning next year will be all day kindergarten.

I got to work for a couple hours and then it was time to do it all over again. I headed home to pick up Brett and Tyler for Tyler's orientation. He was waiting and all excited when I got home. This one I am having a harder time with as he is my baby - he's it - no more and to see him going off to his first year of preschool (preK3) is a little tough for me. No tears though today. I'm sure those will come Monday. We found Tyler's cubbie and he quickly hung up his Spiderman backpack. The teacher brought him over a table top toy and told him it was something his brother's liked to play with. So he thought that was neat. He mingled with the kids and we just kind of hung out in the background and got to know a whole other set of parents. One neat thing is Tyler will be going to school with a set of twins. So I quickly struck up a conversation with that Mom and answered some of her questions regarding twins in the same classroom. Tyler found out his shape/color and he will be the green square. Thankfully, I only have two shapes and two colors to memorize for 3 kids. Tyler didn't want to leave either but I am thinking that might change Monday when we do leave. The teacher did say it was OK to bring the blanket as Ty is pretty attached to that. So we'll see.

So our school year has begun! We are all looking forward to a busy year.

Here are some of our first day photo's!

Cody's First Day!Dylan's First Day!Our Backpacks...Dylan, SpeedRacer and Cody, TransformersMy little man - All decked out in Spiderman!Spiderman backpack of course!What a pair!

Brotherly Love.....Big brothers wishing Tyler a great first day!!

Doing the right thing

So tonight as I got home and started to pick up I was putting the boys shoes away and noticed how worn out they were. The ironic part is the sneakers are only about a month old and have only been worn a couple of times. So I was slightly irritated. I don't spend the money on sneakers for them to wear out after a few wears. So we ate dinner and went back to Penney's. Thankfully they did the right thing and exchanged them for me. We didn't get the same kind because I have a feeling it would just keep happening so I spent the little extra and got Nike's. I could tell the girl didn't want to return them but I am happy they did the right thing.

Tomorrow the boys have their first day of school....well it's really orientation. Cody and Dylan are looking forward to it and Tyler well, it depends on when you ask what his response is. I'm sure they will do great.

3 year olds.....

Today has been ever so challenging when it has come to dealing with my 3 year old. Not sure where the attitude has come from but man...... I had Brett meet me at the mall today so we could get Tyler some sneakers for school. Ty came to pick out his shoes - with the guidance of Mom. We had it narrowed down to two pairs and I needed to see what size his foot was now. He WOULD NOT put his foot on the metal shoe sizer. When Tyler gets ticked he knows how to throw a tantrum. So of course it was right in the middle of Penney's. Finally I looked at the girl and said "his sandals are an 8 so he's got to be at least a 9". Finally he cooperated and put his sock on and tried on the sneakers and we got them. UGH! I was just saying the other day that my most difficult age for the boys was 2-3.....now I'm thinking 3-4 might win!

Can I just say to that I got a little teary eyed tonight as I was talking to my niece on the phone. She starts 2nd grade tomorrow. She is so grown up yet I remember her being born like it was yesterday. She said she is ready, has her dress all picked out, her Hannah Montana backpack is packed full of stuff, Tanya's camera is ready to go and the big yellow bus will be at her house bright and early. Good Luck Karly!

So on the eve of school starting we did some prep work for school as well. Even though the boys don't start till Monday. We started to pack their boxes for their cubbies. They have to have an extra change of clothes in case of an accident. So underwear are packed and backpacks are on the hooks! They do have school orientation on Friday so we are all looking forward to that.

End of Summer fun

Connor on his "higacycle".....what a ham waving to all the kids.

They really liked this ride...
Karly and Dylan preparing to be shot into the sky on a bullet!!
They are in that car - looking at nothing but sky!!! OMG>>>>>
Tyler loved all the rides.

Well Labor Day I guess is the end of summer around here. School starts on Wednesday and this weekend marks the end of summer. Because if you know NY at all - snow will be flying soon. Today we took the kids to the JC field days. Similar to a carnival but all the booths are sponsored by companies in JC or booster clubs for the school. So it's nice to spend a little money and know it's going for a good cause. And the best part was it wasn't that much as it's really meant to be a nice weekend for families. The kids had fun. They rode a lot of rides, played a couple games. Oh yah, another nice point....the games - everybody wins. So you can't beat that. It's not those cheesy carnival games where you have to spend $25 to get a stupid small stuffed animal. The game they played was at the lacrosse tent and they got to pitch a ball into the goal. Have to say Dylan looked like a natural. Cody, um - took him 3 tries. Tyler got it on his second. But the kids one nice blow up hammers and Smile buddies. Auntie Tanya spoiled them for that game and then the sucker picking game. If you picked a sucker with a black marker at the end you won a book. Dylan won Cowboy Octopus - cute book! They had a lot of the "little kid" rides. Connor found his "higacycle" and didn't want to get off. I think he rode it 4 times. Cody and Dylan loved the big slide. As they all went up the first time, they grabbed their bag and Tanya and I couldn't help but say "sit on the bag"....anyone from back home knows what I am talking about! Then as the little kid rides weren't enough - we had to do a couple big kid rides too. So Karly and Dylan got on the bullet. OMG!!!! They had a blast. Couldn't believe they rode it. As they would come around they were bent over the bar and we couldn't tell if they were having fun or not. They got off and LOVED it! Then the did the texas round-up and Brett went with them....well that was marked as the not so much fun ride. Brett and Karly came off of it pretty white.

Saturday Brett had his first varsity scrimmage. That went well. He is ready for the season to start. He's hoping to have a game Friday night. Saturday night we went to the Smith's for dinner. Then it was home to get signed on to the fantasy league. Sunday we went to my Mom's for a cookout and swimming. Always to much food and a lot of fun.

The boys don't start pre-school until the 8th so we have one more week of normalcy. Karly starts 2nd grade on Wednesday! WOW!