A little about Joey

I haven't posted much about our oldest lately...he is such a big help, although he likes to have things HIS way and he is SO persistent. It is going to serve him well later in life, I am sure. I know that he didn't get it from me!
Joey is very excited about starting 2nd grade, and since we recently got our books we are going to start in a couple weeks. He would like to start now, but I would like a little more summer! He started Karate a couple months ago and is doing really well with it. He really enjoys it and he has a great Sensei. The classes are very personal as there is only one other boy during the summer. He and the boy take turns kicking each other (with pads on) and an exciting time is had by all.
Here is a picture...i will post more later!

The essential article of clothing for a 5 year old

Paulie has only taken this off to sleep, wearing it everywhere (the park, the store, etc) these past two days. I would recommend a personalized cape as a great gift for every wanna-be superhero out there. You can get them in any color, with different designs on the back.

It was hot then, and its hot now!

Man, is it ever hot! As I recall though, 5 years ago today when our little Paulie Jr. was born, it was fairly hot too!
Here is a picture from his first day of life...

He was a big boy then...9 lbs, 9 oz...and ton of hair that he never lost.




Here is the big boy now...we had a party yesterday for his 5th birthday. It is amazing what he has done in that time...made friends, taught himself to read, and become a huge part of our family. We are so blessed to have this little boy. Happy Birthday Paulie! We love you so much!

The picture in the forground, in front of the cake, is of Paulie at about 3 months.

Up late

Paulie doesn't normally nap, but yesterday he did. Consequently, this was the scene last night at 10pm. Wide Awake! It was nice to spend some time alone with him and he doesn't usually get a chance to hold the baby so long. Joey and Anna are much louder protesters, so sometimes I fear he gets lost in the shuffle.

By the Water

Some friends of ours from college recently started a blog. They also have four kids...two boys and two girls! Carrie has done a great job with it so far!
Here it is...

Something new I am trying

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pictures from our little trip

Here are a few shots from our trip to the zoo, as well as a few more of smiling Sophia!

Rock, Paper, Scissors

We've been out of town for a few days...visiting a larger city near us and going to their zoo, mall and science museum. It was a wonderful trip and I didn't want to come home. It was so nice to be in a larger city than what we are used to because of the things for the kids to do...all the wonderful animals to look at and we could have spent two more days at the science museum.
Anyway, while in the hotel there, Joey and Paulie taught their 3 month old sister Sophia how to play Rock, Paper, Scissors. She really has caught on and Joey and Paulie think it is hilarious how she seems to pick 'rock' every time. Amazing! Some rounds, she even wins, as she will suddenly switch to 'paper' seemingly to trick them. Such talent in our family!
I will post some pictures tomorrow of our trip. Its nice to be home to enjoy the fireworks here with some friends.