Patrick's First Lost Tooth

Patrick finally lost his first tooth. He ripped it out at dinner like it was no big deal.

There may or may not have been tears shed (mom's, not his). Not my baby anymore. 😢

Caught in the Act

Daniel is always looking for new activities to keep him occupied. This year, he was finally old enough to participate in the school's spring play. A company, Caught in the Act, puts on a play at their school each spring. This year they did Beauty and the Beast. He was so excited. He got to be a Tech Ninja, which meant he got to help build the sets and props and helped backstage during the show. 

His job was to hold back the curtain when the actors had to go out into the audience for their dance numbers. 

Tech Ninja crew

Watching backstage 

This is the backdrop he painted

It was a fun experience and he loved every minute of it. Thanks CITA!

Daniel's Pulled Tooth

***Graphic Post Warning***

Daniel, along with the other two boys, inherited my small mouth. Which makes fitting all their teeth difficult. In Josh's case, the orthodontist recommended an expander. In Daniel's case, he recommended we pull a tooth. His permanent teeth weren't coming in because they had no room so we made some. 

It was his first dental procedure and he did great. No tears at all. 

Look at the root on that thing. The tooth fairy gave him a little extra for all the trouble he went through.

Easter

Easter was pretty low key this year. We dyed eggs Saturday. Went to church Sunday morning, followed by a very competitive egg hunt in the back yard.

Then, the boys enjoyed playing with their new science-themed Easter presents from their Grandparents before heading over the Weldons for delicious dinner.

With all the extra time and nice weather, Joe decided it was a good day to cut back some of the trees in the back yard. He had a good helper too.

Happy Easter!

Grandma and Grandpa Weldon's Visit

The only way I could make the Kansas trip work, was having Grandma and Grandpa Weldon come out to watch the boys while Joe was at work. We were lucky enough they were able to help. I didn't make it easy for them with all the boys' sports and school schedules. Luckily, I got back just in time for Spring Break and they were able to stay a few extra days. 

Every year for Christmas, they get us a membership to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science so we like to take them there when they visit. This time, the special exhibit was Creatures of Light. It was all about things that glow naturally. It was a fun exhibit.

The boys wanted to take them Miniature Golfing too so we found a fun course, on a cold day, and hit around some balls.

Thank you for your help, Grandma and Grandpa Weldon. We also enjoy your visits!

Aunt Katie Goes to Kansas

Over Christmas, my sister, Becca, was talking about how worried she was that Mom and Dad's annual trip to Key West was right over her due date for her fourth baby. So, with a little planning, and a lot of help from Grandma and Grandpa Weldon, I volunteered to drive out for a week to help with things until Mom and Dad could get there after their trip. 

I got myself a digital book and headed out to Kansas. I spent the first few days getting used to the routine. School drop-off and pick-up. Gymnastics (which I did solo and everyone thought that meant Baby Alleman arrived). Naps. Baths. Each night we would go over the schedule for the next day with high hopes Becca and Brandon would be at the hospital. And day after day, no baby. I did my Auntly duty and spoiled the kids while I was there. They had pie on Pi day and pudding on St Patrick's Day. 😋I was starting to get worried I wouldn't get to meet the newest member of the family before I had to leave. So, on the 15th, with all the kids at school, Becca and I went out for lunch where I "suggested" she eat pineapple and spicy food and then took a loooong walk around the neighborhood before picking Jonah up from school. I'm sure it was all my suggestions that helped because I was woken up early Friday morning to  let me know they were heading to the hospital. And later that morning, I brought the kids to meet their new brother, Levi!

After naps, I took them to a park (where Jonah and Cora made fast friends so Esther and I hung out) and went home to make a sign for Levi. 

Auntie snuggles are the best

Grilling dinner in the backyard

Matching St Patrick's Day Shirts

I also took the kids to the zoo once Levi was home to keep the house quiet for a while. It was cold so the kids didn't last long but we got to see each of their favorite animals. We even saw the rhinos attacking each other. I thought that was pretty cool.

Then, Mom and Dad got to town so took over grandparent duties and I headed home. It was a fun trip with the Alleman. And I'm glad Levi arrived before I left.

Little Mom

Welcome to the family, Levi!

Josh Turns 12

Josh turned 12 today. How have I been a mom for a dozen years? He's getting too big. He choose Outback for dinner with the Weldons (he loves their mac and cheese). 

Then we came home and he got to open more presents. We had planned on him having a friend over for a sleepover but plans changed and we'll have to reschedule. 

Patrick showing off his muscles with this very large box

Happy Birthday, Josh!