Merry Christmas to one and all!

25 Dec 2008

• Checking out what Santa brought to the kids! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas checks out his two newest friends with fins! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Alexander checking out their stockings! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is working over her stocking! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander holding what would be the theme of his gifts! [Web / Reprint]
• If Santa is reaching for the ibuprofen, we'll understand... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie opening a gift! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie helps out! [Web / Reprint]
• Ornament! [Web / Reprint]
• Woody and Buzz are two of his favorite friends right now... [Web / Reprint]
• Such a patient unwrapper! [Web / Reprint]
• To infinity and beyond? [Web / Reprint]
• You know what he's thinking as he's giving that hug...Buzz? Woody? :) [Web / Reprint]
• Barbie's car might be popular... [Web / Reprint]
• ...but don't you mess with Woody!!! [Web / Reprint]
• In yer face! [Web / Reprint]
• Princess shirt! Woo hoo! [Web / Reprint]
• So much for the nightie! [Web / Reprint]
• Can't you see I'm hanging out with my pal? [Web / Reprint]
• Wow...interesting! [Web / Reprint]
• She's such a wonderful hostess... [Web / Reprint]
• All hail Mighty Buzz! [Web / Reprint]
• He's definitely over the moon about Buzz Lightyear! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie shows off her new Dora cup! [Web / Reprint]
• What?!? [Web / Reprint]
• Look at me... [Web / Reprint]
• Think she's got a future in modeling? [Web / Reprint]
• You read the card...I'll look pretty! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex tries on his new hat! [Web / Reprint]
• Me do my self!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Now that is sensory overload... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Katie comes in to give Alex a hug... [Web / Reprint]
• ...and a snuggle! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie shows off her new baby crib! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and his new Lightning McQueen Leapster! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie's new high chair that actually works! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex checks out his new snow globe! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex just contemplating life... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas playing with his new Leapster... [Web / Reprint]
• We know what's near and dear to Nicholas' heart...fire trucks! [Web / Reprint]

Time for a rockin' Christmas Eve!

24 Dec 2008

• Sir Topham Alex about to build his really useful train line... [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy's helpers... [Web / Reprint]
• Ta-da! [Web / Reprint]
• Ta-da! [Web / Reprint]
• Waiting for the cookies to finish cooking... [Web / Reprint]
• She's really laying on the cuteness now! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas opening his first present... [Web / Reprint]
• Princess paper fora princess! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas shows off his Lightning McQueen blanket! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is awfully proud of that princess blanket! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander on the move with Buzz Lightyear... [Web / Reprint]
• Is Katie auditioning for Fiddler on the Roof? [Web / Reprint]
• Attention span is such a fleeting thing! [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy reading the traditional Christmas Eve story... [Web / Reprint]

Gram, Uncle Ben, and Aunt Meghann come to visit!

20 Dec 2008

• Alexander helps out! [Web / Reprint]
• There's plenty of help if you need it! [Web / Reprint]
• Here you go! [Web / Reprint]
• You know she's totally wanting to rip into that package! [Web / Reprint]
• Who? Me?!? [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy and Alex take time to read a book... [Web / Reprint]
• Or at least that was the plan until he picked up a scrap of paper... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas checks out the bulldozer... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie checking out the kaleidoscope... [Web / Reprint]
• One tired boy... [Web / Reprint]
• Tired until he can terroize Uncle Ben... [Web / Reprint]
• Think Uncle Ben is trying to tell us something? [Web / Reprint]
• Now there is a handful... [Web / Reprint]
• Oooh...cooties! [Web / Reprint]
• I said...COOTIES!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Happy snuggling! [Web / Reprint]
• He makes a right convenient chair... [Web / Reprint]
• ...apparently pillow isn't out of the question! [Web / Reprint]
• You might think I'm hugging you...but I'm still watching the TV! [Web / Reprint]
• Attack! [Web / Reprint]
• Gram with an arm full of grandkids... [Web / Reprint]
• The boy was totally loving this... [Web / Reprint]
• Gram and Katie conspiring? [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is loving the ride... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie takes her turn... [Web / Reprint]
• But his head was this big... [Web / Reprint]

Working hard to get the Christmas card picture!

10 Dec 2008

• All three of them in front of the fireplace... [Web / Reprint]
• All three of them in front of the fireplace... [Web / Reprint]
• All three of them in front of the fireplace... [Web / Reprint]
• All three of them in front of the fireplace... [Web / Reprint]
• ...and the tree! [Web / Reprint]

Trimming the big Christmas tree...

06 Dec 2008

• They're on the run! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander posing in front of the door... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex is hinking of running again... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie adds an ornament to the tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie adds an ornament to the tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas takes a turn hanging an ornament... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, that's quite a scary smile... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander hangs an ornament... [Web / Reprint]
• See this one? [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Alex team up to trim the tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Oh, the mischief we can make with this... [Web / Reprint]
• One...two...three...four...I declare a tug of war! [Web / Reprint]

Day Two at Disney!

28 Nov 2008

• Here we are on Main Street! [Web / Reprint]
• Riding along in our automobiles... [Web / Reprint]
• Riding along in our automobiles... [Web / Reprint]
• Riding along in our automobiles... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie strikes a relaxed pose! [Web / Reprint]
• Piglet comes to visit Alexander at lunch! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas gets a hug! [Web / Reprint]
• Now Piglet goes for both of the boys... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie wasn't quite so convinced...maybe next year! [Web / Reprint]
• Eeyore comes to visit Alexander! [Web / Reprint]
• I suspect Alex is really enjoying himself! [Web / Reprint]
• Tigger bounces by to visit the boys... [Web / Reprint]
• Pooh gets an armful of Nicholas. [Web / Reprint]
• Now Pooh has them both! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander and Buzz...best of buddies! [Web / Reprint]
• Piglet leads the parade! [Web / Reprint]
• Here comes Tigger! [Web / Reprint]
• Monorail Gold pulls into the station! [Web / Reprint]
• Monorail Gold pulls into the station! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie gets a cockpit ride! [Web / Reprint]
• We're now on our way to the Transportation and Ticketing Center... [Web / Reprint]
• According to our driver, there were 58,000+ in Magic Kingdom today! [Web / Reprint]
• We're officially cockpit qualified now! :) [Reprint]
• Katie strikes the diva pose! [Web / Reprint]
• Sure the tree is striking, but she's even more so! [Web / Reprint]
• Now check out this side of me! [Web / Reprint]
• The tree at Hollywood Studios lit up... [Web / Reprint]
• Get your 3-D glasses ready for a ride through Andy's bedroom! [Web / Reprint]
• The boys are ready to ride! [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy and Nicholas are ready for action! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander has his game face on! [Web / Reprint]
• So of course Alex is decked out in Buzz Lightyear gear! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Alex in front of Woody! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas strikes a pose! [Web / Reprint]
• Finding Mickey illuminated at the plaza! [Web / Reprint]

The first day at Disney...

27 Nov 2008

• The Tree of Life... [Web / Reprint]
• On a trek through the forest... [Web / Reprint]
• Pumbaa is in the house! [Web / Reprint]
• Everyone's favorite meerkat Timon! [Web / Reprint]
• Timon gets caught by the monkeys... [Web / Reprint]
• Ready for a safari? [Web / Reprint]
• Big bird! [Web / Reprint]
• Get a load of those snappers... [Web / Reprint]
• Camouflage is such a wonderful thing... [Web / Reprint]
• Now a little closer... [Web / Reprint]
• What a pretty giraffe... [Web / Reprint]
• Big giraffes having a bit of lunch... [Web / Reprint]
• The mighty elephant... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, it IS Florida... [Web / Reprint]
• Rhinos! [Web / Reprint]
• A big rhino! [Web / Reprint]
• Guess The Lion King was right after all! [Web / Reprint]
• Pumbaa's cousin... [Web / Reprint]
• There is no getting over the fact that the ostrich is a goofy looking bird! [Web / Reprint]
• Banging on the drums near Harambe! [Web / Reprint]
• The whole gang is here! [Web / Reprint]
• Gramps and his grand-children... [Web / Reprint]
• I can't see anything! [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn jammin' to the bongo beat! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex and Katie share the drum... [Web / Reprint]
• Thump! Thump! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas tries his hand at it... [Web / Reprint]
• Some of the trees walk at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Just keep swimming... [Web / Reprint]
• I've got a bad feeling about this... [Web / Reprint]
• 'Allo, mates! [Web / Reprint]
• Let's see, where are the launch controls... [Web / Reprint]
• Scooter buddies! [Web / Reprint]
• Grandma Carol and Katie pointing fingers! [Web / Reprint]
• Grandma Carol and Katie pointing fingers! [Web / Reprint]
• Grandma Carol and Katie pointing fingers! [Web / Reprint]
• Grandma Carol and Katie pointing fingers! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander loves his blankets... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is awfully persistent! [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie gives the perfect princess wave! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie gives the perfect princess wave! [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Parade at Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is enjoying the ride... [Web / Reprint]
• We love our little spinners! [Web / Reprint]
• We love our little spinners! [Web / Reprint]
• We love our little spinners! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas enjoying the ride on the monorail... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex holds on tight... [Web / Reprint]
• ...to his blanket, too! [Web / Reprint]
• A view down Main Street... [Web / Reprint]
• Walt Disney and his most famous friend! [Web / Reprint]
• All of us in front of the Walt Disney statue... [Web / Reprint]
• Welcome aboard, Space Ranger recruits! [Web / Reprint]
• Be careful what you're aiming at! [Web / Reprint]
• Engaging hyper-active hyper-drive! [Web / Reprint]
• Now, where is Zurg lurking? [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is ready to take on Zurg! [Web / Reprint]
• Good luck getting that hat away from him! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander just couldn't believe his eyes... [Web / Reprint]
• There is some serious hero worship going on here... [Web / Reprint]
• it took a few minutes to finally get Alexander to turn round for the picture! [Web / Reprint]
• Cinderella's castle is nicely illuminated! [Web / Reprint]
• Spectro-Magic parade! [Web / Reprint]
• Spectro-Magic parade! [Web / Reprint]
• Spectro-Magic parade! [Web / Reprint]
• One of the butterflies... [Web / Reprint]
• Ariel swims on by! [Web / Reprint]
• Ariel swims on by! [Web / Reprint]
• Ariel swims on by! [Web / Reprint]
• Cinderella passes by in her pumpkin carriage... [Web / Reprint]
• Mary Poppins stops by... [Web / Reprint]
• Spectro-Magic parade! [Web / Reprint]
• Let's hear it for Donald Duck! [Web / Reprint]
• Here comes Snow White! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex enjoying It's a Small World... [Web / Reprint]
• It's a Small World is a hit with Katie, too! [Web / Reprint]
• Oooh, lookit that! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie gets a ride through Animal Kingdom... [Web / Reprint]

A lovely day at Sea World!

26 Nov 2008

• What?!? [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas enjoying riding the teacups... [Web / Reprint]
• So do Katie and Alex! [Web / Reprint]
• A different kind of ocean at Sea World! [Web / Reprint]
• Hi there! [Web / Reprint]
• We've heard tell certain people like these goofy flamingoes... [Web / Reprint]
• Dolphin show... [Web / Reprint]
• Dolphin show... [Web / Reprint]
• The jester really sells the picture! [Web / Reprint]
• Standing in front of the Christmas tree... [Web / Reprint]
• A bit closer this time... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Katie share a moment with a duck... [Web / Reprint]
• Shamu! [Web / Reprint]
• Going for a ride, Orca-style! [Web / Reprint]

A lovely day to relax with family in Port Orange...

25 Nov 2008

• Down the slide he goes... [Web / Reprint]
• You can tell he's thoroughly enjoying it... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie in the swing... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex has a good grip with lefty... [Web / Reprint]
• He loves to swing... [Web / Reprint]
• OK, now I'm ready to get out! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie's ready to go... [Web / Reprint]
• Watch me climb! [Web / Reprint]
• And down the chute she goes! [Web / Reprint]
• No, Alexander isn't enjoying this at all... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas reaches the bottom of the slide... [Web / Reprint]
• Whee!!! [Web / Reprint]
• I think I'll just relax here... [Web / Reprint]
• Don't overshoot the runway, Kathryn! [Web / Reprint]
• Someone has a head start... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie reaches for a bunch of green bananas... [Web / Reprint]
• Persistent if nothing else... [Web / Reprint]
• Now there's teamwork... [Web / Reprint]
• Let me shake your tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie's reaching for an orange... [Web / Reprint]
• Here ya go! [Web / Reprint]
• I've got an orange, you don't have no orange... [Web / Reprint]
• Mine! [Web / Reprint]
• Hey Buzz...whack the orange off the tree! [Web / Reprint]
• He's awfully proud of that fruit! [Web / Reprint]
• I think she's found the one she wants... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex helping with the harvesting... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas shows how it's done... [Web / Reprint]
• Now there's a star of mischief... [Web / Reprint]

Hopefully this isn't a sign of a brutal winter!

18 Nov 2008

• Actual snow in November! [Web / Reprint]

Happy Halloween 2008!

31 Oct 2008

• Happy Halloween! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is ready to go! [Web / Reprint]
• Stealthy Buzz Lightyear! [Web / Reprint]
• Vampire, ghost, and Lumpy pumpkins... [Web / Reprint]
• Potato-Head pumpkins and our ghost... [Web / Reprint]
• Vampire pumpkin! [Web / Reprint]
• Close-up of Lumpy... [Web / Reprint]
• Close-up of the vampire... [Web / Reprint]
• Close-up of the ghost... [Web / Reprint]

Our entry for the pumpkin contest...

29 Oct 2008

• Next stop for Lumpy...WakeMed's Children's ED! [Web / Reprint]

Two more pumpkins...

25 Oct 2008

• The Little Princess on a pumpkin! [Web / Reprint]
• Winnie-the-Pooh finds himself on a pumpkin rather than a honey jar! [Web / Reprint]

The 2008 Silly Monster Bash!

24 Oct 2008

• There is an awful lot of building going on there! [Web / Reprint]
• I'm Minnie Mouse! [Web / Reprint]
• Spider-Man and Buzz Lightyear are guarding the door! [Web / Reprint]
• There he goes flirting again! [Web / Reprint]
• One of them is bigger than the other! [Web / Reprint]
• Did we tell you she was Minnie Mouse? [Web / Reprint]
• I'm Buzz! [Web / Reprint]
• A meeting of the minds! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex and Katie are taking a break from the action! [Web / Reprint]
• The Princess and the Poodle Skirt girl! [Web / Reprint]
• Such a cute Minnie Mouse! [Web / Reprint]
• Makeover Central! [Web / Reprint]
• A little tease, a little mousse... [Web / Reprint]
• Lava-Girl takes a break! [Web / Reprint]
• Dinenr time! [Web / Reprint]
• Vincent von Goth! [Web / Reprint]
• Yummy! [Web / Reprint]
• Gravity is kinda harsh, isn't it? [Web / Reprint]
• Time to make some picture frames! [Web / Reprint]
• Glue dots when you're talking five-year olds is a wonderful thing! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex in mega-silly mode... [Web / Reprint]
• He is such a nut! [Web / Reprint]
• Quickest room clean-up crew out there! [Web / Reprint]
• How low can you go? [Web / Reprint]
• Oh no! Not lower!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Whole lot of twistin' goin on... [Web / Reprint]
• Some monster mashing, too! [Web / Reprint]
• Mitch and Kaity posing for a picture! [Web / Reprint]
• Time for reverse limbo! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex is giving it some serious thought... [Web / Reprint]
• Hey Spider-Man...two words! Web Shooters! [Web / Reprint]
• To infinity and beyond! [Web / Reprint]
• This was very popular last year! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas takes a short-cut... [Web / Reprint]
• Our next contestants! [Web / Reprint]
• There has obviously been some practicing since last year! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex gets in on the action! [Web / Reprint]
• Sometimes, it's really fun to have a camera! [Web / Reprint]
• Connor... [Web / Reprint]
• Mitch... [Web / Reprint]
• Chyler and Vincent at the ring toss! [Web / Reprint]
• Princess Kaylee takes a turn! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Gianna take a turn! [Web / Reprint]
• Kaity and Jenna Rose are concentrating on the target... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Brandon are next! [Web / Reprint]
• Brandon and Alex take a turn... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex and little Gianna enjoying a rest in the chairs... [Web / Reprint]
• Oh, mother... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Princess Kaylee... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas as a serious Spider-Man... [Web / Reprint]
• The Ninja's secret identity looks an awful lot like Brandon! [Web / Reprint]
• Kaity as Lava-Girl! [Web / Reprint]
• Gianna... [Web / Reprint]
• Vincent the Vampire... [Web / Reprint]
• Little Gianna and her mom Christine! [Web / Reprint]
• Chyler rocking the poodle skirt! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas as the not-so-serious Spider-Man! [Web / Reprint]
• Jenna Rose... [Web / Reprint]

Carving the pumpkins!

22 Oct 2008

• Nicholas and Mommy working on the Lite Brite pumpkin... [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn mugging for the camera in front of her princess pumpkin... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex lends a hand... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex hammering away! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander's witch pumpkin... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is proud of her princess pumpkin! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas' completed pumpkin! [Web / Reprint]

Getting ready for a spooky Halloween!

18 Oct 2008

• Getting ready for Halloween! [Web / Reprint]
• Everyone get crazy... [Web / Reprint]
• The ghost is going to get you, Alex! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex is giving that skeleton a clear berth! [Web / Reprint]
• The skeleton's head blinks, too! [Web / Reprint]

The 2008 North Carolina State Fair

17 Oct 2008

• Alex is doing a lot better steering the boat! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie takes her turn at the helm! [Web / Reprint]
• Guess the I'm a lighthouse joke won't work here... [Web / Reprint]
• In Florida, not seeing over the steering wheel is hardly unusual! [Web / Reprint]
• I bet she's telling him "I can do myself!" [Web / Reprint]
• Even at sea, rush hour still stinks! [Web / Reprint]
• The operator of this ride will probably have nightmares set to the tune of Rockin' Robin... [Web / Reprint]
• However, everyone in our party is loving the ride! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas on the roller coaster... [Web / Reprint]
• Looks cozy in that ride! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Nicholas seem to be enjoying things... [Web / Reprint]
• Guess who is the most mischievious one of them all! [Web / Reprint]
• Well, that seems appropriate! [Web / Reprint]
• Clifford's rounded them up...now who is our suspect? [Web / Reprint]
• There's some happy campers! [Web / Reprint]
• Watch out pedestrians...princess behind the wheel! [Web / Reprint]
• Now there's trouble! [Web / Reprint]

A day out at Vollmer Farm!

04 Oct 2008

• Nicholas on the big jumping pumpkin! [Web / Reprint]
• The thing is HUGE! [Web / Reprint]
• Keeping your feet is not always the easiest thing to do! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie's trying to get to her feet... [Web / Reprint]
• Now she's getting the hang of it! [Web / Reprint]
• She's loves to jump! [Web / Reprint]
• The falling down...not so much! [Web / Reprint]
• I'll get up when I'm good and ready! [Web / Reprint]
• See me!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Ah, the joys of long hair! [Web / Reprint]
• Wendy, I can fly! [Web / Reprint]
• You know, when I get bigger... [Web / Reprint]
• Whooopsie! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex, get up here! It's fun! [Web / Reprint]
• And now for her dismount... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas in the corn crib! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie having fun in the corn crib! [Web / Reprint]
• It's safe to say the corn crib was a hit! [Web / Reprint]
• Everyone would be cleaning corn out from unmentionable places! [Web / Reprint]
• Our princess of the corn! [Web / Reprint]
• Corn diva? [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander really loved this... [Web / Reprint]
• Buried in corn...a farmer's dream! [Web / Reprint]
• Beware that smirk! [Web / Reprint]
• Flinging time! [Web / Reprint]
• So serious! [Web / Reprint]
• It's good to be a gangster... [Web / Reprint]
• If John Deere's ad execs are seeing this, we'd be happy to license the rights to you! :) [Web / Reprint]
• She was the prettiest girl playing in the corn that day... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Daddy in the corn... [Web / Reprint]
• Ready for a nap? [Web / Reprint]
• Here Alex, have some corn! [Web / Reprint]
• Open lefty! [Web / Reprint]
• Uh-oh! [Web / Reprint]
• That just can't bode well... [Web / Reprint]
• He could spend all day in here... [Web / Reprint]
• Just relaxing... [Web / Reprint]
• What? [Web / Reprint]
• Camera! [Web / Reprint]
• This picture wasn't easy to get with all of the distractions! [Web / Reprint]
• Don't bug me, I'm having fun! [Web / Reprint]
• Pretty as a princess! [Web / Reprint]
• Feeding the ducks! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie boarding the pirate ship! [Web / Reprint]
• Naturally, she gravitates toward the quarterdeck! [Web / Reprint]
• I make the soundings five fathoms, sir! [Web / Reprint]
• Big toys for big boys... [Web / Reprint]
• Our littly gymnast doing the rings! [Web / Reprint]
• Strike a pose, there's nothing to it... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie coming down the slide! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander takes his turn on the rings... [Web / Reprint]
• No one knows the trouble I've been... [Web / Reprint]
• It's not just boys that like big toys... [Web / Reprint]
• Want a ride? [Web / Reprint]
• No, you are the passenger! [Web / Reprint]
• Somehow, the tricycle doesn't seem as impressive after the truck... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander takes a turn on the slide... [Web / Reprint]
• Our excavation crew... [Web / Reprint]
• Yo ho! A pirate's life for me... [Web / Reprint]
• The cow train! [Web / Reprint]
• And sometimes, that ain't no lady! :) [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas riding further back in the train... [Web / Reprint]
• Cat 1! Launch! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex flying backwards! [Web / Reprint]
• I don't think he's enjoying this at all... [Web / Reprint]
• The train is pulling into the station! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex takes a turn on the train! [Web / Reprint]
• I'm thinking he's going to like this one, too! [Web / Reprint]
• The pumpkin princess and her entourage! [Web / Reprint]
• Here comes the train! [Web / Reprint]
• Time for one more trip round the pond! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie goes for a ride in the airplane! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie swinging on the tire... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex doing a good job holding on with lefty... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas climbing the tire fort! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex wasn't all that keen on this the first time... [Web / Reprint]
• ...but he really got to enjoying it! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas gets launched off the pumpkin! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander goes for a swim in the corn! [Web / Reprint]
• Toasting marshmallows... [Web / Reprint]
• Our crew is ready for a farm adventure! [Web / Reprint]
• Down the slide he goes... [Web / Reprint]
• Grammy and Alex at warp speed down the tunnel slide... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas in hot pursuit! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie takes a turn at the marshmallow roasting... [Web / Reprint]

A relaxing day at the pool...

30 Aug 2008

• As long as it doesn't hit me... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Not a very convincing hiding place, Alex! [Web / Reprint]
• Little Miss No Fear is on her way in the spray ground... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas does his best Heisman Trophy pose... [Web / Reprint]
• Face first might not have been the best idea... [Web / Reprint]
• That's one determined little girl... [Web / Reprint]
• ...now get me out of here! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Gianna are armed and dangerous! [Web / Reprint]
• Hold the line! Hold the line!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas with one of his girlfriends...Gianna! [Web / Reprint]
• ♫  Someone knockin' on the door...someone ringin' the bell... ♫ [Web / Reprint]
• Just try and take those away from her! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex, I love you...but she'll still take you! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Gianna on the march! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Gianna on the march! [Web / Reprint]
• Momentum is such a wonderful thing... [Web / Reprint]
• Gianna is hot on his heels... [Web / Reprint]
• And they're off again! [Web / Reprint]
• And they're off again! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas working the valves... [Web / Reprint]
• Make my day!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Huh? [Web / Reprint]
• Alex and Fifi having fun... [Web / Reprint]
• ...trying to empty the kiddie pool! [Web / Reprint]
• Bonnie and Clyde, eh? [Web / Reprint]
• Bonnie and Clyde, eh? [Web / Reprint]
• Three happy kids in the kiddie pool... [Web / Reprint]
• Lionsgate has a very nice pool... [Web / Reprint]
• Who will win the race? [Web / Reprint]

New Glory on the Beach!

26 Aug 2008

• Three young patriots on the dunes... [Web / Reprint]
• Three young patriots on the dunes... [Web / Reprint]
• Wearing the colors proudly! [Web / Reprint]
• The beautiful children on the beach... [Web / Reprint]
• The beautiful children on the beach... [Web / Reprint]

Golf links and water hazards...

23 Aug 2008

• Alexander checking out where the hole is... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Alex walking the course... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is ready to tee off... [Web / Reprint]
• Can I just pick it up and put it into the hole? [Web / Reprint]
• Alex, that club is taller than you are! [Web / Reprint]
• My foot works perfectly fine...winter obstruction rule, you know... [Web / Reprint]
• One of the kids in this picture carded a hole in one...wanna guess who it was? [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas aiming to catch the water... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is ready for the water...sort of. [Web / Reprint]
• No fear in that little girl... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander watching the water... [Web / Reprint]
• Don't think we'll need to give her a bath tonight... :) [Web / Reprint]
• A new friend joins the water parade... [Web / Reprint]
• I don't think Alexander really wanted to be right in the middle of the wet zone... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, this ought to be interesting... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie takes a break! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex and Kathryn are content to play chase... [Web / Reprint]
• Water...on?!? [Web / Reprint]
• Yes, those are your feet... :) [Web / Reprint]
• That's a happy boy... [Web / Reprint]
• Better hope that jet under you doesn't go off, Nicholas! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex gets a little too brave and gets caught! [Web / Reprint]
• Downpour!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Where is my towel?!? [Web / Reprint]

Just chillin' at the beach house...

21 Aug 2008

• Three happy siblings... [Web / Reprint]
• Three happy siblings... [Web / Reprint]
• Three happy siblings... [Web / Reprint]

Ripley's, Rocket's, and Fountains...oh my!

20 Aug 2008

• That boy is out for the count... [Web / Reprint]
• See if you can find our little pirates... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas, it's painted red for a reason... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander takes a turn with the valve... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is content to ride the pipe... [Web / Reprint]
• No!!! Not that valve!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie takes a turn at the helm... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas is thinking of a way of liberating that treasure chest... [Web / Reprint]
• What a big fish tank! [Web / Reprint]
• So how can he look at the camera and the fish at the same time? [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas cruising with the fishes... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, Nicholas' look kind of scares me... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Awwwwwww.... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie strikes a pose in font of the tank... [Web / Reprint]
• What beautiful fish... [Web / Reprint]
• Our kids hanging out with the jellies... [Web / Reprint]
• Checking out the stingrays... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Katie riding the rhino... [Web / Reprint]
• If Johnny Rocket's would like to license this photo for their promos... [Web / Reprint]
• If Johnny Rocket's would like to license this photo for their promos... [Web / Reprint]
• Grrrr... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas in touch with his silly side... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas in touch with his silly side... [Web / Reprint]
• Monkey see... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas climbing a coconut tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas climbing a coconut tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas climbing a coconut tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas climbing a coconut tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas climbing a coconut tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas climbing a coconut tree... [Web / Reprint]
• Water a little chilly, Katie? [Web / Reprint]
• Alex wasn't totally brave that day... [Web / Reprint]
• Where did the water go? [Web / Reprint]
• I'm outta here! [Web / Reprint]
• Right behind you! [Web / Reprint]
• That's the look that needs no caption... :) [Web / Reprint]
• He's so happy watching everyone else get wet... :) [Web / Reprint]
• ♪ Walk like an Egyptian... ♫ [Web / Reprint]
• She loves the water... [Web / Reprint]
• Can you tell it was a long day? [Web / Reprint]

Of water and water colors...

19 Aug 2008

• A pile of mud and Alex is happy... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas looks like he's up to no good... [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn loves the tide pools... [Web / Reprint]
• What was that?!? [Web / Reprint]
• There's some lovely dirt over here... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie sifting through some shells... [Web / Reprint]
• I think she likes the beach... [Web / Reprint]
• Caught in the act...of painting! [Web / Reprint]
• Guess this won't be a problem for her in school... [Web / Reprint]
• Guess charming teachers won't be a problem for her, either! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas looks like he's having fun painting... [Web / Reprint]
• Oh, boy...that laugh does not bode well... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Twinkers getting the final touches... [Web / Reprint]

Just a lazy day on the beach!

18 Aug 2008

• One sleepy girl! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is perfectly happy in the tide pool... [Web / Reprint]
• Wanna play? [Web / Reprint]
• Everyone has their own hole... [Web / Reprint]
• Time to go get Nick! [Web / Reprint]
• She certainly loves playing in the water... [Web / Reprint]
• ...and he's off! [Web / Reprint]
• One small...errr...large step for Alex... [Web / Reprint]
• Personalized holes on the beach... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex can certainly move when he sets his mind to it... [Web / Reprint]
• I've got my boat... [Web / Reprint]
• Go play! [Web / Reprint]
• OK!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas in his hole... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie in hers... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas going for a bit of a swim... [Web / Reprint]
• So many toys... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie loves the water! [Web / Reprint]
• Didn't I tell you she loves the water? You really can't tell from these pictures... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander perfectly content... [Web / Reprint]
• Our family on the beach... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is already doing the swim strokes... [Web / Reprint]
• Daddy and two little urchins... [Web / Reprint]
• The hardest shot of the day...Alexander alone in his hole! [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn showing off her painted toes... [Web / Reprint]
• See my pretty fingers? [Web / Reprint]
• Oh my! [Web / Reprint]

Bubbles and Beaches

17 Aug 2008

• The landscape sure has changed since last year... [Web / Reprint]
• Beachfront is not that far away... [Web / Reprint]
• Looking across the channel to Holden's beach... [Web / Reprint]
• Our pretty princess is ready for the beach! [Web / Reprint]
• And she shows what she thinks of paparazzi! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander getting the free ride! [Web / Reprint]
• After a few tries to get out of the swirling surface winds... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas holding on to the kite while Alexander supervises... [Web / Reprint]
• ...the ladybug kite takes flight! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander checking out the kite... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie taking a turn holding the kite... [Web / Reprint]
• That's awfully high up there... [Web / Reprint]
• First time flying a kite and she looks like a veteran... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas now on the kite handle... [Web / Reprint]
• What is this for? [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander take a turn with the kite... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Alex sharing a tide pool... [Web / Reprint]
• It's no fun unless... [Web / Reprint]
• ...you're totally wearing the mud from the beach! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas splashes a boat into the tide pool... [Web / Reprint]
• Just the boys doing a bit of digging... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander takes his turn with a boat... [Web / Reprint]
• Just the boys doing a bit of digging... [Web / Reprint]
• Who needs a big bath tub? [Web / Reprint]
• Three tubs for three kids enjoying bubbles on the deck... [Web / Reprint]
• Comfy? [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas with a handful of bubbles... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie enjoying bubble central! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie relaxing in a plastic tub... [Web / Reprint]
• Oh no! [Web / Reprint]

A little time down at the beach...

16 Aug 2008

• Nicholas cruising along the shore... [Web / Reprint]
• Our little girl has always loved the water... [Web / Reprint]
• Better check her for fins! [Web / Reprint]
• Our little excavator... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander loves digging in the sand... [Web / Reprint]
• Grammy and Katie doing a bit of wading... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander mixing up a batch of mud stew... [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn doing a bit of digging herself... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas in the tide pool... [Web / Reprint]
• Daddy and Katie going for a swim... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is perfectly content near the sandbags... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Daddy out in the ocean together... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Nicholas enjoying the night on the deck... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed... [Web / Reprint]
• Go in?!? [Web / Reprint]
• Katie rocking the Dora nightgown... [Web / Reprint]

Increasing the number of houseguests by a couple of hundred...

13 Aug 2008

One of the party favors at Katie's ladybug party were pretty lively...we had ordered 1,500 live ladybugs from a company northwest of Los Angeles so that we could send them home with guests to release in their own gardens.

Despite the genteel name, ladybugs are voracious predators who especially like eating the aphids that like to eat roses. Have we got the target rich environment for them!

Because it's summer, you have to overnight them so these ladybugs are about the fastest you'll ever find...they averaged 482 knots from LAX to Raleigh with a stop in Indianapolis. They even got to go in style...two widebodied freighters that you don't see very often in mainline fleets...a DC-10 and an Airbus A-300.

Fortunately, the ladybugs can be stored in the refrigerator up to two weeks...they just go dormant when they're in there.

What you learn very quickly is that you've got all of about three minutes to transfer them from the mesh bag to the jars with holes in their lids because they get real lively, real quick. That was definitely a two-person job to load those jars!

But they were definitely a unique parting gift (after all, when was the last time someone gave you ladybugs?).

So after most of the rain had passed, it was time to release them into the garden to do their aphid eating thing. Those ladybugs were no more cooperative then than they were when they came out of the refrigerator.

Eventually, they did find their way to the roses and the other flowers out front to find a smorgasbord of aphids to munch upon.

Bon apetít!

• Ready to release some ladybugs? [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas looks like he's ready! [Web / Reprint]
• Live ladybugs are not exactly cooperative! [Web / Reprint]
• If you look closely, one of the ladybugs has escaped! [Web / Reprint]
• Now they're awake! [Web / Reprint]
• Get out!!! [Web / Reprint]
• One of our little six-legged friends on a leaf... [Web / Reprint]
• Yep, put them right there! [Web / Reprint]
• Not so easy, is it? [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander checking out the ladybugs in the jar... [Web / Reprint]
• Interesting variation on release, Alex! [Web / Reprint]
• Another ladybug trying to find it's way... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie is game for releasing some more ladybugs... [Web / Reprint]
• Ladybug climbing along a leaf... [Web / Reprint]
• Bet that's a nice drink of water... [Web / Reprint]
• You are going to get out of that jar! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie's through with trying to coax them out... [Web / Reprint]
• Oooh! Creepy, crawly... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Persistent little thing (the ladybug, too!)... [Web / Reprint]
• Hello, little aphids... [Web / Reprint]
• This rose sure beats the refrigerator! [Web / Reprint]
• Ladybugs exploring their new home! [Web / Reprint]
• Hang six! [Web / Reprint]
• Bug off! This is my rose! [Web / Reprint]
• There is room enough for everyone... [Web / Reprint]
• Welcome to aphid heaven! [Web / Reprint]
• Just chillin' on a leaf... [Web / Reprint]
• Daredevil ladybug... [Web / Reprint]
• Ladybugs snuggling in for the night... [Web / Reprint]

Gramps and Grandma Carol come to visit...

08 Aug 2008

• Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper? -- Princess Leia [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn is all about opening presents now... [Web / Reprint]
• Two boys and their Gramps... [Web / Reprint]
• Gramps and Katie checking out Blue... [Web / Reprint]
• Who goosed Alexander? [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander passing along a secret... [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy and Katie... [Web / Reprint]
• Our pretty little princess... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Nicholas playing with a new toy together... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie sitting on her ladybug bean bag chair... [Web / Reprint]
• Got enough pictures?!? [Web / Reprint]
• The perfect fashion accessory...a Speed Racer helmet! [Web / Reprint]
• Mission accomplished! [Web / Reprint]
• Grandma Carol and Alexander... [Web / Reprint]
• Don't bug me! [Web / Reprint]
• Does that girl know how to work the camera or what? [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Nicholas together! [Web / Reprint]
• What a lovely shot of the three of them... [Web / Reprint]
• Go Speed Racer! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie with an arm full... [Web / Reprint]
• That helmet sure has interesting side-effects... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander figuring out the Speed Racer steering wheel... [Web / Reprint]

Guest photographer Carol Gidney (Grandma Carol):

• Got my snack and a steering wheel...what else do you need? [Web / Reprint]
• She's ready for action! [Web / Reprint]

Happy birthday, Mommy!

22 Jul 2008

• Mommy testing out her new toy... [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy testing out her new toy... [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy testing out her new toy... [Web / Reprint]

Celebrating Mommy's birthday with her at WakeMed!

20 Jul 2008

• Mommy's birthday cake as picked by Nicholas... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Alex enjoying some time with Mommy at work... [Web / Reprint]
• Stuff the pizza...Nicholas wants cake...NOW! [Web / Reprint]

Pirate Day Camp!

16 Jul 2008

• Digging for Captain Blackhand's buried treasure... [Web / Reprint]
• A doubloon has been found! [Web / Reprint]
• Taking a break from the searching, eh? [Web / Reprint]
• So much for individual piles... [Web / Reprint]
• Mitch has found some treasure! [Web / Reprint]
• Guess we ought to find a treasure chest, eh? [Web / Reprint]
• Our three buccaneers! [Web / Reprint]
• Pirates pillage and plunder...with a smile! [Web / Reprint]
• Arrrrrrr.... [Web / Reprint]

Sailing into harm's way...

15 Jul 2008

• Preparing the feast for our buccaneers... [Web / Reprint]
• Full speed ahead... [Web / Reprint]

A day out at RDU's observation park!

04 Jul 2008

• Playing at the sand box at RDU's observation park... [Web / Reprint]
• Where are the planes? [Web / Reprint]
• Wouldn't you know she'd go for the matching shovel... [Web / Reprint]
• He's thinking about it... [Web / Reprint]
• King of the...well...spider... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas watching Northwest's DC-9-51 taking off... [Web / Reprint]
• Our little princess... [Web / Reprint]

Happy Fourth of July from Lake Benson!

03 Jul 2008

• Our crew taking on the inflatables at the Garner Independence Day celebration! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander having a fun time in the jumper... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, at least one of them is pretty nimble... [Web / Reprint]
• Step lively, Katie! [Web / Reprint]
• I think she's enjoying herself... [Web / Reprint]
• Gabe with a big bounce... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas is up in the air... [Web / Reprint]
• Gabe comes back to earth...sort of... [Web / Reprint]
• She's on the march! [Web / Reprint]
• Three boys riding the train... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Grammy sharing a seat on the train... [Web / Reprint]
• Gabe waves bye-bye as the train pulls out of the station... [Web / Reprint]
• Enjoying the ride... [Web / Reprint]
• Peek-a-boo! [Web / Reprint]
• Alex has the alligator slide all to himself... [Web / Reprint]
• Whee! [Web / Reprint]
• Boy was I glad that I had the only camera given where I had to go to get this shot... :) [Web / Reprint]
• The crowds are already impressive... [Web / Reprint]
• Waiting for the half-pipe inflatable... [Web / Reprint]
• The queue for The Wild One was certainly impressive... [Web / Reprint]
• Climbing the pipe... [Web / Reprint]
• And he's out of the jumping pit! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas opens up a small lead on Gabe... [Web / Reprint]
• Round the turn neck-and-neck... [Web / Reprint]
• Down the stretch they come... [Web / Reprint]
• It's Gabe by a couple of lengths! [Web / Reprint]
• It took thirty minutes to get on the inflatable...and only one for them to finish the race! [Web / Reprint]
• If anything, this year's crowd looks much larger than last year's... [Web / Reprint]
• Camp Liberty at twilight... [Web / Reprint]
• Getting outfitted with glow sticks and bracelets... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander can move very quickly when he sets his mind to it... [Web / Reprint]
• Gabe... [Web / Reprint]
• There is mischief in those eyes... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie raiding the cooler! [Web / Reprint]
• Forget tin whistles...how about ice pops instead? [Web / Reprint]
• What did I do?!? [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Daddy... [Web / Reprint]
• A little noisy, eh? Gabe? Gabe? [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander and Grammy enjoying the show... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas watching from Mommy's lap... [Web / Reprint]
• This one just might end up on a Christmas card... [Web / Reprint]
• Grammy and Alexander are nice and relaxed and enjoying the show... [Web / Reprint]
• Finally found the setting to catch the fireworks... [Web / Reprint]
• Fireworks... [Web / Reprint]
• Fireworks... [Web / Reprint]
• Two buddies watching the show together... [Web / Reprint]
• Fireworks... [Web / Reprint]
• Cool starburst effect... [Web / Reprint]
• Caught this one with Gabe and Nicholas in foreground... [Web / Reprint]
• This one kind of looks like an angel... [Web / Reprint]
• This one is fairly impressive... [Web / Reprint]

Goodness grows in North Carolina!

23 Jun 2008

• Check out our first tomato! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander wondering if the rains are going to come to water the garden... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, this storm looked more impressive than it was...it petered out before it got to our garden! [Web / Reprint]

Splishing, splashing, occasional washing of the van...

20 Jun 2008

• Get a load of this washing crew! [Web / Reprint]
• Interesting technique...sponge in one hand, Twizzler in the other! [Web / Reprint]
• Well, that's a scary smile... [Web / Reprint]
• Joe Cool! [Web / Reprint]
• Yummy... [Web / Reprint]
• All of them working on the side of the van... [Web / Reprint]
• ...with Nicholas planning a little mischief! [Web / Reprint]

Dinosaur Day Camp!

18 Jun 2008

• Goin' my way to Dino Day Camp? [Web / Reprint]
• Hard bank to the right! [Web / Reprint]
• Doing some dino crafts! [Web / Reprint]
• Putting on the final touches! [Web / Reprint]
• Oooh, that's going to look pretty... [Web / Reprint]
• Aviation term for you: MTOW = Maximum Take-off Weight. I'm thinking we're just about there... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is loving the parachute... [Web / Reprint]
• Look at those dinosaurs fly! [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn's doing her part! [Web / Reprint]
• But that's not to say she can't be distracted... [Web / Reprint]
• The parachute seemed to be a big hit! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander enjoying a juice box... [Web / Reprint]
• Apparently the crafts aren't just for kids... :) [Web / Reprint]
• That looks yummy... [Web / Reprint]
• What a cool mask... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas' shirt was certainly appropriate... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, it stands to reason that there would be dinosaur princesses ... [Web / Reprint]
• What big horns you have! [Web / Reprint]
• Your horns are also mighty impressive! [Web / Reprint]
• So I wonder what kind of dino we have here? [Web / Reprint]
• Very creative mask... [Web / Reprint]
• We're sporting a very popular green mask... [Web / Reprint]
• Our motley crew of dinosaurs! [Web / Reprint]
• If a Tyrannosaurus Rex were to fancy cake, it'd probably look a lot like this... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander taking a bit of a break... [Web / Reprint]

Father's Day 2008!

14 Jun 2008

• Think these two might be aiming for a job on Person Street? [Web / Reprint]
• Wake up! It's doughnut time! [Web / Reprint]
• He's hopeless...but I'm cute! [Web / Reprint]
• Now there's a motley crew... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander goes for sprinkles... [Web / Reprint]
• There are professionals who aren't as good at selling the product... [Web / Reprint]
• Happy father's day! [Web / Reprint]
• Yep, Daddy's a real propeller-head... [Web / Reprint]
• That goes for her, too! [Web / Reprint]
• So what does this wheel do? [Web / Reprint]
• Didn't we see this scene in The Sorcerer's Apprentice? [Web / Reprint]
• Ooops! [Web / Reprint]
• Yeah, you can't imagine what would draw Nicholas' interest here... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas playing Chicken Little... [Web / Reprint]
• Missing the water is easy... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas channeling John Cleese...I'll do the silly walk! [Web / Reprint]
• Better water pressure than our upstairs shower... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn is still conducting the symphony! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas really liked this part of the water playground... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas still getting zapped by Aquaman! [Web / Reprint]
• I'm singing in the rain... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas? Yep, he's still there... [Web / Reprint]
• Yes, I've had gallons of water dumped on me...get over it! [Web / Reprint]
• Weather report...localized downpours possible today! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas manning the hose! [Web / Reprint]
• It's Katie versus the wall of water... [Web / Reprint]
• Shower, yes. Deluge, not so much! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas' turn! [Web / Reprint]
• Well, if that grin doesn't make you nervous... [Web / Reprint]
• ...him manning the fire hose ought to! [Web / Reprint]
• There is our little princess! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and his noodle... [Web / Reprint]
• Now there is an arm full... [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy and her three special swimmers... [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy and Kathryn... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas is swimming off by himself...and very well! [Web / Reprint]
• Get the impression he's ready for lessons? We do! [Web / Reprint]
• He seems to think so as well... [Web / Reprint]
• Mommy and Alexander! [Web / Reprint]
• Daddy and an arm full of kids... [Web / Reprint]
• Why did I get put ashore?!? [Web / Reprint]
• Daddy and Nicholas! [Web / Reprint]
• Daddy and a very relaxed Alexander! [Web / Reprint]
• Daddy and Kathryn! [Web / Reprint]

Let's go bowling!

16 May 2008

Well, the technology of bowling has certainly improved for first-time bowlers. Automatic gutter bumpers help keep the ball on the lane and an inclined metal contraption helps the kids roll the ball toward the pins.

We can only guess it was liability or just plain not wanting to see newcomers to the game totally embarrass themselves by rolling themselves down the lane rather than the ball.

That being said, those three kids were beating Mommy and Daddy going into the eighth frame of the first game. At a couple points in the game, they were beating us quite handily. Fortunately, some late strikes and spares helped us pull out the victory and avoid the total walk of shame back to the Sienna if they had smoked us on their first night of bowling.

Attention spans being what they are, we didn't last much into the second game but finishing the first was a miracle unto itself so we can't really complain all that much.

Then it was off to the arcade room for some hard driving NASCAR style. Yes...Nicholas and Daddy rode to victory lane driving Matt Kenseth's #17 car to the win at the Daytona 500...a victory made all the more sweeter as a bit of bump drafting going into the tri-oval on the final lap to saw us taking the checkered flag after putting Jeff Gordon into the wall. Sorry any of you Gordon fans out there...I've never particularly cared for the guy!

A little air hockey and some other games and then it was time to get three very tired little ones back home and into bed. Or so we thought...they got awfully lively when we pulled into the garage and did the usual running all over the yard screaming like banshees.

Let's just say we prevailed in the end...there was no resistance to sleep once they were in their beds. None at all.

Silence. Blissful silence! You learn quickly to appreciate it when you can get it! :)

• Nicholas getting ready for his shot... [Web / Reprint]
• He's going for a strike... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander takes his turn... [Web / Reprint]
• Now there's some style...Katie has her pacifier in one hand and pushing the ball with the other. [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas is ready to line up his next shot... [Web / Reprint]

Happy birthday, Kaitlyn!

04 May 2008

• That's our princess! [Web / Reprint]
• Let me out of here! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie does the jail bird thing, too! [Web / Reprint]
• Here comes our big boy! [Web / Reprint]
• Better clear out... [Web / Reprint]
• ...Katie's on her way! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander taking his big boy steps... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is enjoying the slide! [Web / Reprint]
• Step in time! [Web / Reprint]
• Wheeeeee! [Web / Reprint]
• Time for crafts! [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn working on her princess crown... [Web / Reprint]
• She's got that wand and she's not afraid to use it... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas working diligently on his sword... [Web / Reprint]
• Uhhh...so not taking my wand! [Web / Reprint]
• Let's play chase, instead! [Web / Reprint]
• Don't make me smite you! [Web / Reprint]
• Time for some more chasing! Get good and tired... :) [Web / Reprint]
• She's such a cutie! [Web / Reprint]
• Try and catch Kaity! [Web / Reprint]
• You can think about running off...but don't do it! [Web / Reprint]
• Normal looking caterpillar... [Web / Reprint]
• Really weird looking one... [Web / Reprint]
• Not just a bubble machine...it's a bubble howitzer! [Web / Reprint]
• Get a good look now because that strawberry shortcake is not going to last! [Web / Reprint]
• Happy birthday, Kaitlyn! [Web / Reprint]
• Make good wish! [Web / Reprint]
• If that smile doesn't scare you, it ought to... [Web / Reprint]
• Oooh! Oooh! Pick me! Pick me! [Web / Reprint]
• So...I wonder what the party theme is... [Web / Reprint]
• Hello there! [Web / Reprint]
• Yes, they actually did sit there nice and quietly. Who would have imagined that? [Web / Reprint]
• My, what blue eyes you have... [Web / Reprint]
• Ready for the casting call for Madame Butterfly! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas and Kaity together! [Web / Reprint]
• Just as we're leaving...a rabbit! [Web / Reprint]

Happy birthday to Vincent and his brother Nicholas!

03 May 2008

• You might not want to stand right there... [Web / Reprint]
• Really...that's not the best location! :) [Web / Reprint]
• Our hosts Christine and Mark... [Web / Reprint]
• This looks familiar... [Web / Reprint]
• She's awfully brave... [Web / Reprint]
• I'm outta here! [Web / Reprint]
• Hello, Nicholas! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie loves the swing... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander relaxing a bit... [Web / Reprint]
• If it weren't for the seat belt... [Web / Reprint]
• Lunch time for the other Nicholas... [Web / Reprint]
• You're a little too big for that swing now, Alexander! [Web / Reprint]
• That shirt can be quoted for truth! [Web / Reprint]
• I think he's ready to get down and play! [Web / Reprint]
• Stuff the food...you knew this was going to be the attraction of the day! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas isn't a big believer of facing forward... [Web / Reprint]
• ...or of a small splash on landing! [Web / Reprint]
• The rinse-off pool! [Web / Reprint]
• Alyssa chilling out on the swing! [Web / Reprint]
• That short queue was a thing of the past at this point! [Web / Reprint]
• Still not a fan of sitting up when sliding! [Web / Reprint]
• Guess we know where everyone else is... [Web / Reprint]
• That's our Princess Bruiser getting ready to slide... [Web / Reprint]
• Splash down! [Web / Reprint]
• Oooooh...squishy mud! [Web / Reprint]
• She's sporting the latest designer swimsuit from Pampers! [Web / Reprint]
• She seems to favor Nicholas' style of sliding... [Web / Reprint]
• ...and splashing! [Web / Reprint]
• The Three Amigos of Mischief! [Web / Reprint]
• Not a dull moment here! [Web / Reprint]
• What do you want? [Web / Reprint]
• No mas! [Web / Reprint]
• Nothing says I'm up to no good quite like that look... [Web / Reprint]
• Oh, so serious... [Web / Reprint]
• Vincent's birthday cake... [Web / Reprint]
• ...and his brother Nicholas' as well! [Web / Reprint]
• I think it meets with his approval! [Web / Reprint]
• Peek-a-boo! [Web / Reprint]
• Happy birthday, Vincent! [Web / Reprint]
• He's thinking about his wish... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, it's not angel food cake but tradition is tradition... [Web / Reprint]
• Niiiiiice cake... [Web / Reprint]
• Oh, I think he's down with tearing this cake apart... [Web / Reprint]
• I think Dr McCoy would say It's dead, Jim! [Web / Reprint]
• No way! Sliding down facing forward? Tell me it isn't so... [Web / Reprint]
• I'm thinking that cake is a goner...and Nicholas is one happy birthday boy! [Web / Reprint]
• I think she's enjoying her cake... [Web / Reprint]
• They look so innocent... [Web / Reprint]
• ...and then you see this look and know better! [Web / Reprint]
• I don't know what she's thinking but it scares me... [Web / Reprint]
• On! On! [Web / Reprint]
• Kaity laying down the law! [Web / Reprint]
• Once more the line grows... [Web / Reprint]
• Uh oh! [Web / Reprint]
• Biker chick? [Web / Reprint]
• Give a rebel yell... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Sensory overload...Vincent style! [Web / Reprint]
• I like the mud... [Web / Reprint]
• And Katie finds out why that's not the best place to be standing... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie! Not good place to... [Web / Reprint]
• ...ahh...forget it! :) [Web / Reprint]
• Just in from the dusty trail, eh? [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander getting a wonderful workout with Katie! [Web / Reprint]
• Do that funky chicken! [Web / Reprint]
• Thank goodness for pressure in the water hose! :) [Web / Reprint]

Checking out the animals at a local farm...

26 Apr 2008

• Checking out Peekaboo the goat... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie pointing at the pig... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander petting the baby goat... [Web / Reprint]
• Kathryn is not to be left out of the goat petting... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander decides to give Peekaboo an early lunch... [Web / Reprint]
• Katie and Alex checking out the baby chicks... [Web / Reprint]
• Nice and soft! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas was certainly fascinated by this tom turkey... [Web / Reprint]
• So of course Nicholas asks for the lady to pull out one of the hens... [Web / Reprint]
• Alex and Katie petting the turkey... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas checks out a laying hen in the coop. If the coop is a cluckin'... :) [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas petting the chicken... [Web / Reprint]
• Don't mind me... [Web / Reprint]
• Guess who is going for a ride... [Web / Reprint]
• Me!!! Again!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is perfectly content sitting on the slide... [Web / Reprint]

Exploring the museum at Ocean Isle...

04 Apr 2008

• Maybe if I'm really quiet, she won't notice me on the wall... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander checking out the tank... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas looking like he got his hand caught reaching for the fish... [Web / Reprint]
• Snuggling in after a long day... [Web / Reprint]

A nice day at the beach...and elsewhere!

02 Apr 2008

• She's got a shovel and she's not afraid to use it... [Web / Reprint]
• Alexander is ready for action! [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas is ready to dig! [Web / Reprint]
• She may be wind-swept but she's still cute... [Web / Reprint]
• Atlantic Ocean in April? One word: yowza!!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Katie checks out something that's washed up onto the beach... [Web / Reprint]
• No fear of the water for this girl! [Web / Reprint]
• She loves the water... [Web / Reprint]
• Well, you knew that was coming... [Web / Reprint]
• Nicholas does a bit of diving for shells... [Web / Reprint]
• Did we not say that April is not exactly prime swimming time?!? [Web / Reprint]
• So what do you want? [Web / Reprint]
• I think the beach agrees with her... [Web / Reprint]
• Apparently this is the new throne for our princess... :) [Web / Reprint]
• One of Delta's Mad Dogs (MD-83) with her thrust reversers deployed. Just another arrival from Atlanta, right? [Web / Reprint]
• This is unusual...they don't usually park at the General Aviation terminal at RDU. [Web / Reprint]
• There's Eric Montross boarding UNC's charter to San Antonio... [Web / Reprint]
• Hope Montross fits through the port side hatch! [Web / Reprint]
• Some of RDU's emergency vehicles...guess the ramp rats got wind of whose bird just pulled in at GA... [Web / Reprint]
• There's Tyler Hansbrough...he's TALL!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Roy signing some autographs... [Web / Reprint]
• Coach signing some more autographs for the airport rescue squad... [Web / Reprint]
• UNC is off to the Final Four! [Web / Reprint]

It's not just the ocean that's wet...

01 Apr 2008

• I've got two soakers and I'm not even on the beach!!! [Web / Reprint]
• Surprise! [Web / Reprint]
• All he'd need is a ship's wheel to be the Gorton's Fisherman... [Web / Reprint]
• There is a happy boy on holiday... [Web / Reprint]

Happy Easter (a little early)!

22 Mar 2008

• Check out our spiffy Easter outfits! [Web /Reprint]
• Check out our spiffy Easter outfits (part deux!)... [Web /Reprint]
• Nicholas giving Katie a kiss... [Web /Reprint]
• And Alexander decides he's not going to get left out... [Web /Reprint]
• The first great Easter egg hunt... [Web /Reprint]
• Alexander spots something for his basket... [Web /Reprint]
• It's mine! [Web /Reprint]
• Kathryn finds a soccer ball for her basket... [Web /Reprint]
• The competition is fierce...that basket was put in a very strategic location! [Web /Reprint]
• Yes...candy filled eggs don't naturally grow in trees... :) [Web /Reprint]
• They actually asked us to re-hide the eggs for another hunt... [Web /Reprint]
• This time we made it a bit tougher... :) [Web /Reprint]
• Katie was perfectly content to watch the boys go hunting... [Web /Reprint]
• To the victors go the spoils... [Web /Reprint]
• Kathryn shows off her new night light... [Web /Reprint]
• Alexander is packing a new DVD! [Web /Reprint]
• Nicholas also got a new night light... [Web /Reprint]
• Katie checking out a new book... [Web /Reprint]
• Kathryn modeling a new dress... [Web /Reprint]
• Kilroy was here! [Web /Reprint]

The Easter Bunny getting a bit of help...

21 Mar 2008

• Alexander and Grammy coloring some Easter eggs... [Web /Reprint]
• Wow! Fun! [Web /Reprint]
• Nicholas getting in on the action... [Web /Reprint]
• Katie taking a turn on the coloring machine... [Web /Reprint]
• Alexander isn't missing out on pushing that plunger... [Web /Reprint]
• Any closer and that egg would reach out and get her! [Web /Reprint]
• Not that button!!! [Web /Reprint]

Erin go bragh! It's St. Patrick's Day!

17 Mar 2008

• If that gang doesn't look like trouble, I don't know what does... [Web /Reprint]
• She certainly knows how to do the royal portrait pose... [Web /Reprint]
• Beware that smile! :) [Web /Reprint]
• He's getting to be such a big boy... [Web /Reprint]
• ...so is Alexander! [Web /Reprint]

Beware the Ides of March! (or et tu, Monkey Joe?)

15 Mar 2008

• Alexander checking out an inflatable at Monkey Joe's in Cary... [Web /Reprint]
• Katie seems to be having some fun! [Web /Reprint]
• Coming? [Web /Reprint]
• And she's off... [Web /Reprint]
• So many inflatables...and he's just laying about on the floor! [Web /Reprint]
• We weren't exactly planning to see WakeMed's EC-130 Eurocopter that day, though... [Web /Reprint]

Play dates are tough work!

14 Mar 2008

• Having some friends over for a play date... [Web /Reprint]
• The inevitable result...one girl out for the count! [Web /Reprint]
• Wouldn't your beds be more comfortable? [Web /Reprint]
• Well, if you can't beat them... [Web /Reprint]

We're singing in that stuff we've not seen for quite a while...

07 Mar 2008

• Could this actually be...rain?!? [Web /Reprint]
• Someone is a happy boy... [Web /Reprint]
• As you can see, it was a pretty impressive rain event... [Web /Reprint]
• Let's go...thataway! [Web /Reprint]
• Getting two soakers in the back yard! [Web /Reprint]
• Getting the impression she's enjoying this? [Web /Reprint]

Simon could only dream of contestants this good...

24 Feb 2008

• This...is Garner Idol! [Web /Reprint]
• He's certainly got projection down pat... [Web /Reprint]

It's new pajamas day!

27 Jan 2008

• Nicholas modeling some new pajamas... [Web /Reprint]
• Katie showing off her princess pajamas... [Web /Reprint]
• Alexander seems pretty happy with his Bob-the-Builder pajamas... [Web /Reprint]

Just messing around...

16 Jan 2008

• Believe it or not, the water is cleaner than it appears! [Web /Reprint]
• Kind of crowded, isn't it? [Web /Reprint]
• Building the better girl trap! [Web /Reprint]

This is what we call settle down time...

04 Jan 2008

• Kinda cozy, eh? [Web /Reprint]
• Nicholas' new do! [Web /Reprint]
• You put your left leg in... [Web /Reprint]
• I'm putting my money on her... [Web /Reprint]
• ...you're totally going down! [Web /Reprint]
• Eventually, I'm getting my chair back... [Web /Reprint]
• I WILL have my way... [Web /Reprint]
• Awwwwwwwww! [Web /Reprint]
• On! On! [Web /Reprint]

Truck by day, tea party by night...

01 Jan 2008

• Riding along in our automobile... [Web /Reprint]
• Ramming speed!!! [Web /Reprint]
• Feeling the wind in their faces... [Web /Reprint]
• Boys and their toys... (sigh!) [Web /Reprint]
• Bye bye! [Web /Reprint]
• So should we take the truck back to the store? Apparently the answer is an unqualified NO! [Web /Reprint]
• Princess Bruiser (literally!) ready for the tea party! [Web /Reprint]
• Spot on! [Web /Reprint]
• Alex thinks his cookie is tasty...Nicholas thinks Kathryn's is too! [Web /Reprint]
• Keep your eyes on your own cookie, Nicholas! [Web /Reprint]
• I could totally get up...if I wanted to! [Web /Reprint]
• Alexander reading a book... [Web /Reprint]
• Think she's got a future in the WWE? She's got Greco-Roman first position down cold! [Web /Reprint]
• Alexander doing Bob Marley! [Web /Reprint]
• Now it's a royal cloak! [Web /Reprint]