Crossing paths...

With Jay and I both traveling for work, the last two weeks have been a whirlwind and we literally crossed paths for one night in between...(So I apologize for my second post being over a week late.  I promise I'll try to be better!)  

Jay was the first to leave for almost a week.  He was headed to Kansas City, Topeka and then to Dallas. But not before helping me to get the kiddos out of the house...then off he went!

Our first night started off busy with soccer practice.  Coleman was so excited to have some fans show up to watch him.   Grandma Murch, Grandpa Jim and Grandma Iris came to cheer him on (and help me with the little ones!)  He's getting better at listening...

And being patient at waiting his turn...

And stopping the ball with his foot...

After practice everyone was tired (and melting down), so Grandma Murch read "Goodnight Moon", Cooper and Cal's favorite book...

We made it though the rest of the week and it was finally Friday.  I always look forward to Fridays, because it's my day off to spend with the kids.  Coleman still goes to school on Friday because he has music class.  He's always coming home with a new song that I've never heard of and expects me to sing along.   When he tries to teach me and I get it wrong, he's quick to say..."Noooo, Mom, not like that"...with a disappointing eye roll.  I quickly get a glimpse into his teenage years and it's not pretty!   

It's lunchtime and we make it easy with some lunchables...

Then some play in the bounce house.  As you can see, Cal is causing trouble as usual...

They love to hide in the closet and get into things they shouldn't (like unwinding the cord to the vacuum)...

Saturday morning starts with the three of them pulling up a seat at the Murchison Theater.  Coleman is the  Director and (at only 3 years old) knows how to navigate the iPad better than me...

It's unusually chilling for a March day in St. Louis, so we bundle up and get some fresh air...thankfully it's Sunny!   Our first visit to the local farmers market.  The sun brought everyone out.  There were tons of vendors and of course everyone had to have a fresh baked cookie...

All three were so excited to see this little puppy. Coleman's getting a lot more comfortable with dogs these days...

Then it was back home for some a nap and afterwards, more play time.  Although this one is a little small, they love building forts....

And Cooper loves tearing them down! (Coleman gets so mad)...

Ever since we got Coleman a "big boy" bed, the mornings are pretty tough...(again, glimpse into the future troubles I'm going to have with him as a teenager!).  Here is Cooper and Cal trying to get him out of bed...wake up sleepy-head!

But Mom!  He's not waking up...

Maybe a hug will help...

Then it was time for me to head out.  And honestly?  I was ready for the break! 

I don't travel much (only a few times a year for training and our annual National Sales meeting).  This years' meeting happened to be in Dallas as well, and actually in the same hotel from where Jay just returned.   With me gone, Jay was ready for the challenge...and man, did he do a good job!  It started off with some play... 

And some crazy hair...

And buckets on their heads...

And bathtime...

And more crazy hair...

And Cal trying on Daddy's shoes...

And Cooper trying on Daddy's shoes...

And each of them running of with one...

The next morning they kept Daddy busy with a little "Hide and Seek".  Note: empty cabins can provide hours of fun...

They did make it out of the house and to the park that day, thanks again to Grandma Murch.   Then, before you know it...it was Sunday and I was finally home!

Crossing paths is no fun, but we made it!  We're off and running to another busy week.   Hope you have a great one as well...

Wedding season...

I have just a few more girlfriends left to be married, and one more took the plunge this weekend...congrats Jen and Christian!   This was a destination wedding (although a short one, only to the Lake of the Ozarks).  We are lucky enough to have a good support system for the kiddos for times like this and my brother and sister-in-law were nice enough to host a 3 yr. old sleepover at their house.  

Coleman was so excited to spend the night with his cousin (of only 2 months difference in age), Merrick.  This is an old pic, but as you can see, they are the best of buds...

And Loren, our trusted sitter, stayed with Coop and Cal at our house.  They're so comfortable with her that they barely even noticed when we left the house.   She spoiled them with cupcakes at her nieces birthday party and I'm told the guests fell in love with them...how could they not!

The wedding was at a winery on the lake, beautiful setting, and I got to hang with my ladies outside most of the night...

But to get there, was quite a hike...so the bride and groom were nice enough to set up a bus that was "off the hook", literally that was the name written on the side.  Blue lights and yes...that's a pole that our friend Brian is holding and let's just say it's not for safety (but more for the entertainment).  The ride was a bit bumpy, so apologies for the blurry picture.  To be honest, it was a blurry night...

 

After a much needed greasy breakfast we rushed home to see the kids...and man did we miss them after only 24 hours!  Although Jay and I were "tired", we rallied and had a fun filled day...  

First we walked to Bonnidell's Ice Cream shop down the street.  And Calvin got his favorite...blue Cookie Monster flavor.  Look, he's doing really well on his own with a spoon...

Coleman at like two bites...really, what kid doesn't like ice cream?  Nope, not pizza either!  

and Cooper is quite a Daddy's boy these days...

We just couldn't get enough of being outside, so we headed to the backyard to play a little more before dinner.  Calvin is quite fearless when it comes to climbing, pretty much anything...I fear there may be lots of bruises and maybe even broken bones on our future...

 This is him saying "Cheeesssseee" to the camera...such a little ham!

 And Coleman "helping" him along...

Cooper likes to take his time...

But he always catches up with his brothers...

After dinner and a bit more play, they were exhausted as usual.  Mom and Dad wore them out...mission accomplished!   

Another great weekend filled with new beginnings for a lovely couple just starting their lives together and our family of five continuing to cherish the little moments and make the best of every hour together.   

Welcome to our world...

we're hoping it just keeps getting better!