Yesterday we celebrated Patrick's 3rd birthday with a big family party! Lots of pictures were taken - here is a just a selection!

I was trying to get a picture of Patrick with his balloons from Grandma and Grampy - but he refused to look at the camera. At least K is looking at me in this one! You can also see Auntie Brenda, Janae, Mattea, and Ayla.
Auntie Brenda and Uncle Cal are the makers of this kid-sized chairs. We've had one for Patrick since Christmas 2005, but Auntie Brenda brought a second one for Kathryn! Lucky kiddos!!
Patrick opening gifts. This one is goggles from Auntie Brenda:

Opening a Dr. Kit from Auntie Sara, Uncle Derek, A,M&J:

More gifts - it gets blurry for me after this!

A shirt and shorts from Gramma and Grandpa Noot:
P insisted we put the shirt on. He also wanted to wear the shorts - on his arms!
A gift from Auntie Boo & James:
KAthryn wanted the wipe-off markers opened!


Gifts from mommy & daddy - a 'lawn mower' for the back yard.

Kathryn really likes the mower:
A Toopy and Binoo puzzle from Gramma and Grampy:
Nemo V-smile game:
and an 'i-pod' Elmo book too!



Lounging and opening the gift from Grandpa Train and Gramma Charlie:

Kathryn got a little gift too - a cape and a book:
A book, puzzles, sleep over bed, and little einstein DVD:
Kathryn wanted Patrick's new Little Einstein DVD opened!!
Time for Cake!

Patrick still wasn't sure about the candles! But he did 'blow' them out with me.

MmMmm delicious chocolate cake! Patrick literally got it EVERYWHERE!

We had a great time with our family but the day went REALLY fast. Thanks again for all the great gifts - we are still re-discovering them!

At Kathryn's request, we have moved her into a booster seat on a regular kitchen chair.
Despite 'the face', she was really pleased that we took her suggestion to heart and she got her way.
Happy as a clam with juice and pretzles.
The only real downside for her? She can't escape!! I guess she was hoping for an arrangement like Patrick has - he's sitting on a regular chair now without a booster.
And here is Mr. Sunshine! So glad to see this outfit still fits him! Today was the first day that the kids were in shorts.

Kathryn takes bedhead to a whole new level:

Good Morning! I snapped these pictures after breakfast to send to Shaun at work and hopefully brighten his day.

This was my second attempt at the piggie tails! I think they're adorable. And yes, that is banana on K's face..oops!

Hello Blue Eyes!

More random shots:

This morning, Patrick wanted me to take his picture and he actually smiled!!! YAY for a good picture of Patrick!
My first attempt at pigtails! I think it turned out nicely...despite the scowl:
Playing v-smile last night:

Patrick is really starting to get into arts and crafs. He painted this gorgeous spring painting at playgroup on March 24th. I now have it hanging in the kitchen!

Here is a post-haircut shot of Mr. Patrick. He was not feeling photogenic and this is the best one we got! I had Lori cut his hair very short and I am quite pleased with the restult!
Shaun snapped this nice picture of Kathryn and I reading together.

Kathryn was helping put away the groceries today. She's a strong and determined little girl and insisted on carrying a bottle of apple juice around for us. Shaun snapped some pictures because it was quite hilarious... of course the pictures don't do it justice, but you get the idea.

I spent a week at my parent's place with the kiddos. Here are some of the few pictures I took. Again, I tried to get more of Patrick but he is just not photogenic these days.

We had a great time, did lots of shopping (I got outwear for the kids for NEXT winter! Great deals) and visiting and playing!

Kathryn: kitty girl!
Stories with Grandpa:
Mr. Maxed out relaxed:

Stories with Gramma:

We also had a great visit with my sister, her hubby and my three nieces and got to meet their pet rats - super cute! I wish I'd taken my camera and taken pictures of P&K with them. Hopefully next time!

On April 1, I took the kiddos to visit my Grandpa. He is 92 and living in a seinor's residence. They had a great time checking out his building and Kathryn made lots of friends!

I was able to get a few shots of them with Grandpa:


It was quite warm in the building which is why Ms. K's cheeks are so red!