Our March

March was busy with Caden's birthday, the end of basketball season, Easter, and Spring Break.

If I sit down, Rey is on my lap.

Curious about bathtime

Cole researched Jackie Robinson for his class biography project.

Dressed for presentation day

Cole gave a good presentation.

Rey's favorite playtime activity is fetch. Here she is bringing back her favorite little mouse.

Caden finished a fun basketball season with a great team and coach in a very intense game. They lost by two points in overtime. They played so hard! It was a heartbreaker!

Caden and Coach Bob

It was a tough loss, but the boys pulled it mostly together for photos.

Jovie and Rey are not supposed to be on the counter, but then they look at me like this.

I tell Rey that she cannot use her paw as a pacifier, but she does not listen. 

The rest of Cole's biography project was a "bottle buddy" of Jackie Robinson.

Jovie lounging with Kieran

Cole's basketball team had a fantastic season. They made it to the championship game and WON! Very exciting!

Getting his trophy

Fun team with great coaches

Pretty excited about his championship trophy!

Bird-watching kittens

Kieran's preschool Easter program included chapel with Pastor Brian and a couple songs.

Raising his hand ever so slightly and looking at me for approval when Pastor Brian asked the kids if they have sinned

Now owning his sin! He looks pretty pleased with himself. ;)

Singing a couple songs

Jovie and Rey will snooze in Kieran's bed with him every once in a while.

Kieran's only complaint is they purr so loudly that he has trouble falling asleep.

Sweet Rey

Buddies--Quite the pair!

Jovie and Rey approve of the new couch.

Easter Weekend...On Saturday, the boys dyed Easter eggs.

We had regular colors and "marbled" dye. The marbled dye did not really marble.

 

 

Easter morning after baskets and before church

My handsome boys

After Easter dinner, the boys hunted for 60 candy-and-coin-filled eggs hidden in our house.

Spring Break...We had an enjoyable staycation with the boys off school and Curt off work. Caden went to the City Museum in St. Louis on Monday with two friends. The rest of the week's activities included mini golfing, seeing Batman vs. Superman (Curt, Caden, and Cole only), rollerskating, and bowling.  

Watching the duck couple that visits our yard in the morning

Playing games during a break from skating

Cole, Kieran, and Curt

My friend, Jamie and I created together at It's Scrapicated. Not easy for an inpatient artist, but so much fun!

Caden's 12th Birthday

Our last year before we have a teenager! Hard to believe!

Caden wanted a low-key birthday celebration this year. He had three friends over for pizza, ice cream cake, lots of video gaming, a movie, and sleepover. 

I heard the last noises around 2:00. I thought that wasn't too terrible until I found out they set an alarm for 6:00! This is what happens at your brother's basketball game when you get very little sleep... 

After taking a nap at the basketball game, Caden opened presents from Grammy, Grandpa, Aunt Mariah, Nana, and Papa.

Rey was Caden's official helper.

It is safe to say that present-opening is a hit with Jovie and Rey. They claimed the boxes and tissue paper for a few days after the birthday celebration.

Giving a sleep-deprived Caden a hard time does NOT go over well.

Denver Broncos cake by Grammy

Expressing his disgust over the candle placement

Jovie got caught! The cake was hidden in the pantry after this photo.

Caden's actual birthday!

Opening presents from us--gaming headphones, wireless earbuds for running, and gaming gift card

Next up, 13! Not sure we're prepared to parent a teenager, but we are learning as we go. Caden loves school, socializing, running, reading, his phone, video gaming, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He excels at school and likes to be involved in as much as possible. Right now, he is involved in track, band, Student Council, and Creating Superheroes at school. He also takes piano lessons and plays baseball through a recreational league. He likes to be busy! Love this kid!

Our February

Cole had a fun basketball season and played with a great team.

Cole is #8.

On the day of school Valentine parties, Kieran woke up with a horrible headache. Unfortunately, the dose of Tylenol did not stay in him. He was so disappointed to miss his Valentine exchange, and I had to miss running Cole's classroom party. After this nap, he felt much better. 

On Valentine's Day, we finally got a decent snow. The boys played in the backyard with Nana and on the golf course hill with our neighbors. 

We joined Cole for lunch at school. Kieran practiced his cafeteria skills for the fall.

Caden earned another superior rating at his piano recital.

Caden had to construct an earthquake-proof structure for science class. It survived the earthquake simulator!

The inside of his house

Finished product

Caden participated in Sangamon Elementary Music Association Solo and Ensemble Contest for the first time. Per Caden's request due to nerves, I was not allowed inside the room for his solo. (This is exactly what Curt used to do to his mom.) I stood right outside the door though and recorded through the window. ;) I WAS allowed inside for his ensemble with another trumpet player and a friend on bells. Both performances earned first place ratings!

Caden and Saurya after their solos

Caden's ensemble performance

Inspired by Food Network's Kids Baking Championship, Cole was in the mood to decorate a cake.

His lightsaber design

Kieran just being cute and wanting a photo