Let's go fly a kite

Dear Mom,

We went kite flying tonight after Dave got home from work. It was nothing short of magical for me. The kids were so delighted and cheerful. The wind was just right. The pictures  are right off my phone (no filter); it was perfect! Could not have been better.

One of those moments that my heart could have burst. You would have loved it.

I love you, mama.

Love,

Katie

Henry -- six months

Henry Boy is six months old.  Here are his stats:

26 3/4 inches (70%)

16 lb. 14 oz. (45%)

• He is trying so hard to roll over.  Just not quite there. Instead he's got the arched back trick down pretty well.  (see below)
• His second bottom tooth is in.  Hooray!
• He's eating more solid foods...oatmeal, applesauce, squash, sweet potato.  The sweet potato is the running favorite.  
• Hair is coming in...more strawberry blonde!

W turns 5...in Dallas

Winston had two birthday wishes this year.  1 -- go to Chuck E Cheese's.  2 -- See his cousins.  Since his cousin James was going to be baptized just a few days after W's birthday, we knew we'd make the trip to Texas to see James' big day.  And after swallowing our pride, we made Chuck E Cheese happen, too.  

Thankfully, today's Chuck E Cheese is not the same Chuck E Cheese of my youth.  Instead of dark and slimy, it was well-lit and only sort of slimy.  After a round of mediocre pizza, we spent handfuls of tokens to earn tickets.  We confirmed that Skiball is still the best game around, and no matter how much you play, you'll never have enough tickets to get anything really great.  

Lizzie and Winston were in heaven, though.  They loved being able to run around and play everything.  It was fun to see their excitement.  

When we were finished, Lizzie said she wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese for her birthday, too.  I think both Dave and I agree that Chuck E Cheese with be a fifth birthday exclusive.  

The day before Winston's birthday, he flew down to Dallas with Steve and Sherry.  I had tried to explain to Lizzie what was going to happen beforehand, but she didn't really get it until we dropped the three of them off at the airport. Winston was ready to go, hardly even looked back.  And Lizzie, oh Lizzie cried and cried and cried.  It was so sad.  And heartwarming.  They do actually love each other.  Sherry had tried to get Winston to go to Texas with her over Halloween, but Winston was nervous about that.  So I was happy to see that he was able to go with S&S and be happy and excited.  

On the flight down, Sherry said Winston asked her to write a note to me.  He dictated and she wrote.  What a little lover.  I love that boy.  

Life of w

W turned 5! Here are his stats:
Height: 45 1/2 inches (90%)
Weight: 44.8 lb (70%)

W loves his baby brother.  

We worked on this Batman Lego set forEVER. I mean, hours! But he was so proud of it.  

They do love each other sometimes.  

I'm all for Lego free-for-all.  Our approach is build it the first time, then take it apart and build what you want. In this case, W built an airplane.  I'm impressed.  

Henry -- Five months

Some things about Henry:

• First tooth 2.11.14
• Talker and squealer
• Squealing
• Generally sleeps about 6-7 hours at night (8:00pm - 3:00am)
• Loves mommy!  Stares right at me like he's trying to tell me something.
• First rice cereal 2.17.14

Henry's first foods

The way this boy chews on things, you'd think he'd be ready for a steak. Alas, the rice cereal and milk weren't too big of a hit at first, but he's slowly warming up to it.  

After a couple of bowls of this stuff, though, this boy's insides slow waaaay down. So...oats and barley it is.  Along with some applesauce, he isn't having too much trouble anymore.  verall, I'm learning this little boy's stomach is sensitive, to say the least. Should make introducing more foods a little interesting.  

Valentines day 2014

Happy Valentine's day!!!  

We started with heart-shaped pancakes,

and ended with LEGO movie and popcorn.  Such a fun day to spend with these kiddies.