High Five

There is something about this picture that I love. I think it truly depicts our life as the special men in my life all smile and laugh having a ball together. Both Aiden and Chris typically have different ideas of what they want to do as you can see here. Chris is climbing the Daddy ladder while Aiden tries to ride Daddy's leg like a horse. These are the moments that we will fondly look back on.



Aiden had a blast carrying around our 5 pounds, 2 foot cucumber and even attempted to take a bite!



Chris looks on seriously as he supervisors Dziadzu's work with the blueberry bushes.



Dziadz and his two future little gardeners! Chris (L) and Aiden (R)




I must admit that I am an addict - I am addicted to my toddling toddlers, my amazing husband and my unbelievable family and friends. To this list I must now add that I am addicted to gardening (we've had a fruitful crop, raising my spirits and level of interest for next year!), surfing the internet, photography, decorating, canning and entirely too excited but all of the craft projects that are floating around in my head for "someday!" The internet addiction helps feed my other addictions and this weekend I have been busy exploring new crafts to try and new canning recipes. As I mentioned, we have harvested a LOT of veggies from our garden - not bad for our first year! On Friday night, Mike and I got daring and untook the project to make and can homemade salsa. There is no denying that it is labor intensive but there is truly nothing like the taste of fresh, homemade salsa. We can't wait to enjoy it as the fall and winter months approach. I should note that the labor intensive part was slightly enhanced by the fact that the tomatoes that we used were cherry tomatoes 12 cups all diced, seeded and cleaned! We also have some canned peaches and homemade pickles to enjoy and I made and froze fresh pesto cubes last night. What fun it is to try new things!

Highlights of our week:
- Cali got daring, let herself out, refused to come in at night and proceeded to stick her face in the rear of a stunk. You guessed it... it didn't end well! After a long night outside, she came in for a much dreaded bath. Our kitty's gotta learn some street smarts!
- Gross but note worth, we had our first "floating poop" experience in the tub. I won't mention any names but it wasn't Mike, Chris or myself. I guess everyone with kids knows that it is only a matter of time before this one happens!
- Dziadz and Grammie came for visits! Grammie came Thursday to help with some cranky kids and was a super lifesaver for me! Dziadz came Friday to give our blueberry bushes some TLC and to get tackles with love and kisses from A & C
- We had a great walk along the CT river in Agawam with our friend Leeanne and the boys had a BLAST playing at the playground. The hit of the day was the water fountain of course!
- We are limiting snacking for the boys and are continuing the appetite stimulant but aren't seeing any results in interest in food yet.
- We have a new, used car and after 4 trips to the DMV (although I have other choice names I prefer to use), our Honda CRV is finally registered and on the road and we have been enjoying the comfort and MUCH needed extra room!
- Aiden and Chris has their first trip to the golden arches - McDonalds that is! With the hopes of finding high fat foods that they might enjoy, we checked out the play place and picked up on fries & burgers. French fries.. a hit! Burgers... a flop!
- We checked out the Hartford Country 4-H Fair in Somers, CT and had a ball. They boys delighted at the animals and LOVED LOVED LOVED the tractors and the new experience. Fried dough was also a "first" and a hit with both Aiden and Chris. Maybe we should consider investing in having a fair booth in our backyard with our own supply of fresh, greasy fried dough!
- We had a fantastic trip to Belchertown today. A & C loved seeing Dziadz, Grammie, and GG Mimi. The boys love to rule their house, running around and making themselves right at home.
- Last but not least and maybe most importantly, we are now a pacifier FREE household! Yes, are no longer giving in to the ease of using a "plug" and the boys have been slightly suffering but getting by without their "plugs" for over 48 hours now. We are hopeful that we are in the home stretch.