Locke turns 2!!

For Locke's 2nd birthday, we didn't have any big plans.  It's a very busy week for the Michel clan and we are going to celebrate his birthday in KC next weekend.  I was actually feeling pretty guilty about the lack of day-of-birthday plans -- ya know, the second child getting a little screwed in the planning process.  But it actually turned out to be a pretty good day.  We all woke Locke up by singing Happy Birthday to him in his crib.  He was smiling, but a little confused.  Then we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  Yum!  Locke even got a candle in his!  The boys had a special lunch trip to Taco Grande with Daddy and Grammie.  They had a great time.  I actually made the mistake of scheduling our carpets to get cleaned on Locke's birthday, so we spent the afternoon playing outside while the carpets were cleaned.  The boys loved that!  At dinner time, we went to Tucson's with Grammie and Papa and afterwards, we came home to celebrate with cake and presents.  Locke loved being the center of attention!  His big birthday gift from Mommy and Daddy was a Cozy Coupe -- he loved it!  (Actually he loved it too much.  The next day he could hardly eat breakfast or lunch because he didn't want to get out of his car and sit at the table.)  Love the family pics! :)

Ides of March

So here we are in the middle of March.  Time sure has FLOWN by.  The next 7 days brings a lot of activity for us, so I'm going to try to do a little photo dump to show you what we've been up to in March...

The boys found my old Big Cat tattoos and wanted to have them on.  Aren't they cute?

The boys got pirate kits from grandma Jamie for Valentine's Day.
We cracked them open and enjoyed dressing up!

Whenever we pull up to preschool, Ledger and Locke like to poke their head out the skylight.
On this day, Ledger was sniping and Locke was his look-out.

When it's cold outside, we love to play dress-up!

... And when it's nice outside, we get OUT! 

Jumping.

Locke climbed these spiral stair steps all by himself.
(Scared the crap outta Mommy)

For Mommy's March bout, we all got our tentacles on to support Dr. Blockapuss!

Both of my kids photobombing in this one...

I took home the MVP blocker award for the Skate the Rainbow bout vs. Tulsa.

Daddy time!!

Locke's funny faces.  Love this kid.

Where Did February Go?

The end of February is upon us and it has truly flown by.  Chris has been busy at work, but is also completing his final semester of graduate school (including preparing for board exams) and has been working especially hard at his 100 days of exercise challenge.  He has been such a good inspiration for us all.  Ledger and Locke have been real troopers through a difficult couple of weeks.  Grandma Jamie has been out of town for a family emergency and so our child care situation has been changing from day-to-day.  Luckily, they have been rolling with the changes pretty well.  I had a bout of terrible stomach flu right after Valentine's Day and it took me nearly a week to fully recover.  I have been very busy at work but also trying to balance roller derby with planning a 40th anniversary party for Pam & Steve!  So that's been our month, and I expect that March is going to be even crazier!

Ledger helping us work out!

My Valentine's Day presents from my boys -- Mickey Mouse earrings and pendant!

Getting outside when weather allows!

Since the weather hasn't allowed too much outdoor play, Ledger has started really enjoying drawing!

Bonding time!

Brotherly Love.