Day Out with Thomas

The day after Danny's bday party (on his actualy bday), we went to the Colorado Railroad Museum to see Thomas! As I'm sure you know, Tommy loves trains and Thomas. We didn't really talk about it before going so it was a surprise trip in some ways. It was a beautiful day and he got to climb on all sorts of old trains, and ride the touring Thomas train. Tommy was like a kid in a candy store - all smiles - which made it even more fun for Mom and Dad.

Grandma and Grandpa joined and were already seasoned Thomas tourers as they had done this in Miami before. Thanks for joining us again!

Tommy's Thomas t debuted for this special outing!

Tommy and Grandma checking out the large "model" trains.

Cute pic of Tommy, Grandpa and Grandma :) All smiles.

Very nice firefighters showed up and let the kiddos climb on board to check things out. Way cool!

After our trip, we opened Danny's presents including many fun books. Tommy enlisted Grandpa and Grandma to read most of them!

Happy Birthday Danny Boy

We made it! Woo Hoo! Danny turned the big ONE on September 18th. Hard to believe it really. Time goes so fast. We had an elephant themed party on the 17th with some good friends. Grandma and Grandpa joined us from FL for the weekend. It was great to have them here for his special day. Thanks for joining us!

Tommy helped Danny understand how it's all done - including blowing out his candle. He told us many times before Danny's big day that Danny could try first and then he could. We kept reminding him "Danny goes first." Tommy had 3 things he wanted to get him - a whale, a party hat and a cake. All 3 requests were met. Danny wasn't so fond of the party hat some Tommy stepped in.

Brothers enjoying the 1st birthday cake.

Cupcake tower with peanuts on top for the elephants.

Danny and his pal Declan having some play time.

Some birthday pizza.

Our friends the Bells moved to Denver recently from KC. Parents Jenny and Mark have been long time friends. Erin and Mark have gone to school together since kindergarten. They have 3 darling boys (Owen, Leo and Clayton) who help show everyone the ropes. It was Leo's 6th birthday that day so we sang a 2nd rendition of happy birthday to him.

Finley, Liam and Claire eating some pizza

Proud birthday boy!!

To keep the gang busy, we had an elephant pinata. The 9 year old Owen asked for a metal bat (he's quite the baseball player) but we opted to pull strings. Everyone took a turn. Here's Liam in action.

Claire takes a try at it

Neighbors Tyler and Molly

Owen multi-tasking hoping it breaks into his bag

Neighbor Carolyn gives Tommy a boost

And Finley

Grandpa and Tommy looking on with anticipation - maybe we'll get some candy.

Maybe no candy but a smooch will do

Big eyes watching as the cake comes in

Clearly the hat is a hit!

Tommy gears up for the hat

Not quite sure what to think

Success - the team blew out the candle

Checking it out some more

A little taste with help from Dad.

Tommy dives in to help

Tommy's turn and Danny thinks this taste pretty good as he starts in all by himself.

I got it down now

Delicious

Check me out. I'm a pro now. Yum!

"Soccer"

So Finley and Tommy joined a little "soccer team" known as the Yellow Bees this fall. I would say it's more like "come on Tommy and Finley, you can at least touch the ball. Are you sure you need to go potty? You can have milk and a snack soon." It's been fun getting together on Saturday mornings, although I wouldn't say it's competitive in nature in any sort of way. And we've learned stickers are a great incentive.

Check out Finley in action


Tommy's on the move

Walking to warm-up

Gearing up to buzzzz like bees

First day of school

Tommy all smiles for the first day of school! He was very excited to see his friends and get back to "work."

In backwards order here but Maddie is ready and waiting...Danny all smiles throughout it all - little does he know his cherrios are being stalked!

Go!

Get set...

On your mark...

Peek-a-boo, where are you?


Here we are!!!

A Labor Day Hike

Over Labor Day weekend, we took a drive to a nearby open space area with beautiful hiking along a creek. Both boys were in good spirits and ready to go.

Dad and his bud.
Tommy immediately found his walking stick

As we all know, we are all things cars, trucks and things that go. Add to the list, bridges! Engineers in the works? And check out my stick, please.

Danny was too cute resting his hand on Dad's shoulder most of the "hike"

Using my stick to draw in the dirt

Bustling water down below

Moments

Here are just a few recent moments...

I couldn't resist - a sleeping baby is the best especially with those feet crossed!
Gearing up for some Irish football - too bad they lost tho there has been improvement since this shot!

Our neighbors have a mobile home and just returned from a trip. Tommy was riding bikes with pals Ainsley and Charlie when all 3 kiddos were invited for a trip around the block in the RV. Wow, was that a hit! Mom and Dad have traveled in an RV a couple of times although I imagine it wasn't quite like the neighbors experiences :)

Smiley guy!

You caught me, I like cake. At a recent birthday party, they opted for ladybug cupcakes (aka red frosting). Needless to say lots of clown look-a-likes at the conclusion! Yum!