Date Night

Before we had kids I remember telling Andy I wanted to make sure our marriage always came first.  Ha!!  4 kids in 4 years and that sort of flew out the window.  We're not quite ships passing in the night but we definitely do not get very much "us" time. 

On St. Patrick's Day Andy planned a night out complete with childcare in place.  He wanted to celebrate the night he asked me to marry him and I'm so glad he made the arrangements.

We went into Philly to Andy's great friend's amazing restaurant.  Dan and Andy have been friends for a long time and Dan is an amazing and well-known/respected chef.  We went to his newest 5-star restaurant, R2L and to say it was delicious is an understatement.  We were treated like royalty and were given a  wonderful seat.  The restaurant is on the 37th floor and surrounded by glass/windows.  All throughout our meal Dan sent out complimentary food and ended our meal with a sample of all the desserts, complete with a Happy Anniversary (for lack of a better descriptor) message on a large slab of chocolate.

It was nice to reconnect and enjoy a meal out together without our precious little ones.

Hopefully we'll remember to do it more often!

Chillin'

Music!

I have been taking the boys and Ella to music class for the last couple of months.  Ella loves it and follows along singing and playing instruments.  Luke took a while to warm up but in the final month of class he began moving away from me and participating. Gabe sat on my lap for 9 weeks.  He didn't move a muscle.  One day we were all riding in the car and he began singing one of the music class songs perfectly.  We were shocked!  On the very last day of class Gabe actually got off of my lap and played instruments on his own!
*You'll need to visit the blog to watch the video: http://www.cliffordandgeorge.blogspot.com

Dog Fight

 Baby boy is getting big.  Oliver is 4 months now and weighs over 50 lbs.  He is the sweetest dog in the world which is why it killed me to watch him be viciously attacked by another dog at Pet Smart.

 Look at my baby's Saint Bernard jowls!

 During one of Oliver's puppy classes a few weeks ago he was attacked by an adult greyhound dog.  She grabbed onto his back and shook him violently.  Oliver was screaming and lost his bowels all over the floor.  It was so scary.  The trainer finally got the greyhound to release but she latched back onto his neck and again shook him violently for quite some time.  His wails were killing me and I was pretty sure she was going to kill him.  In the end, the trainer got them separated, there was poop and pee all over the floor and us from my baby boy, the trainer needed the ER, and Oliver needed a trip to the vet.  They could only find the one bite on the back so they cleaned him up and put him on antibiotics.

He was lucky and has since healed.  Thankfully he's no worse for the wear and is not afraid of Pet Smart or other dogs.  I, however, am now much more nervous than I was when we're around other dogs! 

School Talent Show

Lilly and two little girls from her kindergarten class were in their school talent show tonight.  They made up their dance with the help of an older sibling and practiced for two weeks.  They were very excited!  We went as a family, which we rarely do these days, and we had a blast.
If you're viewing this via email you'll have to visit the blog to see the video: http://www.cliffordandgeorge.blogspot.com

Yay Lilly!  We're so proud of you. :)

Beautiful Weather

I'm so in love with the weather this week.  We recently had an electric fence put in for Oliver.  It was perfect timing because he loves to sit under our tree in the front yard and watch everyone pass by.  He learned very quickly not to cross the flag line though a few times he's taken the shock to be with us...

Ella and Oliver on a stroller ride.

 Oliver finished with his ride.  Ella, our patient and relaxed child.  Love her soul.

I have not pulled my camera out much lately but will work on incorporating it back into our days!  As the boys become more mobile and competent I have to be ready and waiting around every corner and taking pictures has taken a back seat.  These pictures were taken with my cell phone.

Enjoy the week!!

Trick Candles

Thank goodness I also found this video of Lilly blowing out her candles and the only picture salvaged of her cake!  Not the greatest cell phone video because I was worried about her hair...

Again, you'll have to go to the blog to view the video:  http://www.cliffordandgeorge.blogspot.com

Freeze Dance

I found a video on my phone of Lilly and her class playing Freeze Dance at her birthday party!

To view this you'll need to head to the blog: http://www.cliffordandgeorge.blogspot.com!

Big Girl

So, I'm trying not to freak out.  About 5 minutes ago I uploaded all the pictures from Lilly's 6th birthday party and something happened... 49 pictures were lost.  Of those pictures were the ones of our family, Lilly's cake, kids singing to Lilly, a whole group shot, the kids dancing and lying on the floor spelling out her name, watching a movie, and more.  I know this isn't the biggest deal in the grand scheme of things but right now, it's killing me.  This is all I'm left with...

 Lilly had her whole class to the house for a Pajama Party.  The kids all arrived in pajamas and with sleeping bags.  They watched some of the movie Cars, made a dream catcher, got airbrush tattoos, had their hair and nails done (by Stephie and her friend Bayla), ate pizza and fruit, had cake, and played many games including Freeze Dance.  It was a bit hectic at parts (13 boys!!) but the kids had a blast which is all that matters.

 Lilly picked out tie dye plates and napkins and her cake was a tie dye sheet cake (I don't even have a picture of it, wahhh!).

 Ella had a ball too.  This is the only picture salvaged of Ella from the party.  There were some adorable ones of her in pig tails with her nails painted.  The boys did a great job too but I don't have any of those pictures either.

 Some of the boys hanging with Lilly...

Thankfully Thomas and Jackie were there to help.  Thomas manned the tattoo machine and Jackie helped with everything.  We were busy busy busy and when all the kids left we plopped down and ate and relaxed!!  Lilly sent each child home with a pair of pajamas as their gift.  I can't believe our baby girl is 6 already. 

Happy Birthday Lilly!!

Trouble

 My baby boys.
I love my baby boys.

They love to play and they do find trouble but I can't complain.
I heard the vase drop and turned the corner to see this...

 I'm not sure who they were blaming.  Maybe the dog was sitting under the table.  

Thankfully I have Ella who is witness to most and teller of all.

 

Luke likes to dump out any bag or box he can get his hands on.  On this day it was an extra large BJ's size bag of Pirate's Booty.  

Oliver enjoyed it!

"Hi Mommy!!"

 Everyone here is well. Blogging is harder to find time for as is exercising, sleeping, and many other things but life is good.  

I can't complain!

May The Force Be With You