Maggie's mess

Because Darcy has not completely outgrown the chewy puppy stage, I put her in the backyard every time I leave the house for a few hours.  Usually, Maggie goes out with her, but sometimes I feel bad punishing Maggie for Darcy's poor behavior.  Yesterday was one of those days.  This is how Maggie rewarded my kindness.

The mess started in the kitchen and continued into the dining and living rooms.  It smelled as bad as it looked!

Maggie didn't even pretend to feel guilty about this.  She watched with a smile while the kids and I picked up her mess.   What a bad dog!

March 2011

Spoiled rotten

March 2011

Cough cough cough cough

Poor Ryan.  He doesn't go to school anymore.  All he does is sit on the couch and cough.

At least he has a dog to keep him company.

March 2011

Coughing

Have you seen this masked man?

If you live anywhere near Aurora, Colorado, you've probably heard him.  That kid can cough.  No really.  You just haven't experienced coughing until you've heard Ryan cough.  It's that bad.

Fortunately, his lungs are ok.  The doctor thinks he has whooping cough.  Test results will be back in a few days.  In the meantime, we get to listen to him cough and cough and cough...

March 2011

James' birthday bash

This year James celebrated his birthday with an overnight party.  His guest list included Javier, Jozsh,

Cameron,

Marcus and Ryan.

The party menu included pizza, root beer floats and birthday cake.

James was positively jubilant as everyone sang happy birthday to him.

I wonder what he wished for?

After the food was gone, the boys disappeared into the basement and weren't seen again until Sunday morning.  Judging from the looks on their faces, I don't think they did a lot of sleeping!

March 2011

James' birthday, phase two

Phase two of James birthday celebration started at three o'clock when I headed over to Highline.

James' classmates were really happy to see me.  Ok, maybe they were happy to see the cupcakes...

After the kids sang Happy Birthday, James took a moment to pose with some of his friends.  This is Jozsh...

and this is Cameron.  Can you believe that Cameron is only three days older than James?

James and his teacher, Mrs. Tomey.

Mmmmm, cupcakes.

After the final bell rang, Norbert walked with us to our car.

Once we got home, James was really excited to find a pair of birthday cards on the table.  Thanks Memere and Grandpa and Nana and Papa!

March 2011

James' birthday so far

James woke up this morning and found a pile of presents awaiting him at the kitchen table.

"I name thee, Hop."

Opening...

Party Poppers!

A Wizards 101 gift card!

A PS2 game!

While James opens, a very sleepy Ryan looks on.

Seth records the event for all posterity.

Why?

After all the presents were opened...

James ate a healthy breakfast of double chocolate muffins...

and skipped off to school!

March 2011