Brilliant Idea

haha, I thought so anyway!

We decided to give Devin his birthday Imaginext toys a couple days early. Now he has a few more at-home days to play with them. Below you will find the events in photos in chronological order!
It is currently 8:50 pm (about 1.5 hrs PAST Devin's bedtime!) and Erick and Devin are on the floor happily playing with the new toys!

*Its actually fine that Devin is up so late since he took an almost 4 hour nap today!!!

Wordless Wednesday~ Photography by Devin

Big Papi

Today we went to lunch at Big Papi's Grille in Framingham, Mass. We all dressed up in our Red Sox/David Ortiz shirts (yes, we are corny like that!). The food was great and all of the David Ortiz paraphernalia was interesting to look at. Devin was such a good boy in the (semi) fancy restaurant- he even loved the Crab Bites starter we had, and he was REALLY into the pictures and bats all around.
After lunch we went over to Jordan's Furniture in Natick. This Jordan's has a Mardi-Gras theme so we were all given beads upon entering (we didn't even have to flash!). Then you walk down the hall and all around you it looks like you are in New Orleans- very cool! We even saw a Mardi-Gras show. Devin loved dancing/running around under the strobe lights to the fun music.

Here are Devin and I in front of the Streetcar Named Dessert in "New Orleans"
OF COURSE, Devin noticed ALL of the Toy Story 3 advertisements!! June 18th~ can't wait!
We also had a lot of fun just walking around looking at the different pieces of furniture. Devin tried out all of the cool kids' chairs. I think he settled on this one to be his favorite:


After we found our favorite bunk bed set and sectional chaise lounge sofa we headed out to Ben and Jerry's for some delicious dessert. Devin and I both fell asleep on the way home :)

Papa Time

Devin has been working on his batting skills with Daddy the past few days. So over the week-end when we visited my parents, naturally, Papa (being a former sports Dad and Coach) tried his hand at teaching Devin.
Devin is doing very well at batting for only having a few day's practice. (Especially if the pitcher is accurate- me, not so much!) He also has one heck of a throwing arm! Here is a quick video of his skills:

Wordless Wednesday~ Present Replacements

Interview with Devin...Revisited

I did this interview with Devin last year and thought it would be fun to re-visit it and see if/how his answers changed.

~ What is something mom always says to you? Devin, no!

~ What makes mom happy? Listen and saying good things

~ What makes mom sad? Saying bad things

~ How does your mom make you laugh? tickle my belly

~ How old is your mom? 6

~ How tall is your mom? You're just like this (pointing to mid way up his chest)

~ What is your mom really good at? listening

~ What does your mom do for her job? go to work What does Mom do for work? You teach students!

~ What is your mom's favorite food? casserole

~ What makes mom proud of you? Listening to you

~ What do you and your mom do together? relax

~ How do you know your mom loves you? because we're family

~ Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Store, Mommy Store

I always find these things funny. Its insightful to ask Devin questions that I wouldn't normally ask him and see things through his eyes. I am glad to see I've aged, from 2 to 6! Hopefully all years don't pass that fast. And, uh, gee do you think we talk about "listening" much?

Cancel That

Ok, cancel that gift. I just realized that it says weight limit 60 pounds. Devin is 52 pounds. That won't last long if we keep it!

Its going back tomorrow. Now I am thinking maybe a new Imaginext Set. But which one?? He loves his Firehouse and Helicopter. Imaginext = The BEST toys EVER!

Life's Curve Balls

I am still here. I've been busy dealing with some of life's curve balls. Its funny how when things get crazy hectic in life, other things get put to the back burner. Its not because I don't want to do them, its that emotional issues wear me down. They exhaust me. Anyone else like that?

Anyway...

Here is a sneak peek of one of Devin's birthday presents...SHHH! Don't tell him!
He is a Buzz Lightyear obsessed little boy right now! He is OBVIOUSLY having that as his theme for his birthday...Bounce House and all!

Shocked!

A snip-it of conversation from Easter dinner...

Memmere (my grandmother): Well, I'm going to be 77 in June.

Devin (with a genuine look of surprise): You've got to be kidding me!

It was so funny that we all busted out laughing!! I really don't think that Devin understands the concept of age (well, actually he does- to a point) or what 77 years old actually means. I think it was just an appropriate/well timed/ testing out the waters kind of reaction.

A Princess Gift?!?!

Oh! The Easter Bunny left it here for Lexi :)Thoughtful Easter Bunny..now the kids can bounce on their respective bouncy balls together!

Busy Week-end and Picture Overload!

We started off the week-end with a park playdate with Kim, Emma, and Lexie. All was going well until Devin face planted off the monkey bars. It wasn't pretty. Nose bleed, fat lips, and split gum (above the front teeth) so we headed home for popsicles, ice, and a movie. Poor kid. He is doing better now, but I have a feeling the gum/lip thing is going to take a while to heal.

Saturday morning Devin and I made bunny cupcakes for Easter. It was an idea that Devin came up with after he saw my ALL YOU magazine with bunny cupcakes on the cover. Devin was a big help: lining the cupcake pan, measuring the water, and placing all of the bunnies on top.

Saturday afternoon, after a haircut, lunch, and nap, we headed over to see Candace and Matthew. The boys had fun running around and got nice and DIRTY!!
Happy Easter by the way! On Sunday we started off the day at home with an egg hunt indoors and Easter basket. Then we headed outside for an egg hunt with Lexie. That was a lot of fun. They are so cute together.
Is that picture didn't make you say "awwwee!" then how about this sweet one?

We spent the afternoon at my parent's house. A delicious ham dinner courtesy of Mom, another egg hunt with some great gifts, and good company/many laughs and our day was complete.

Check out this gorgeous beach bag from Grandma and Papa! He even got a matching beach towel.Grandma and Devin checking out the eggs while Memmere watches.

Papa and Marie taking it all in, including the beautiful, warm sun!
Uncle Mark has been teaching Devin how to play hockey. They took a break here for the egg hunt!

We are so thankful to have wonderful friends and great family! We love you all :)

Lessons Devin has Learned this Week

* Don't let your butt slide forward on the swing, you WILL fall off.

*Look where you are going, especially during a fire drill, or you WILL bump into another child.

*Don't slip off the monkey bars or you WILL face plant on the ground.

*Pay attention to the water you are pouring in your cup, it WILL overflow all over the place.

*Don't hold a chocolate tightly in your hand, it WILL melt.

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Yeah, Devin currently has a bruised cheek, 2 fat lips, and ripped that thing above your front teeth connecting to your lips. I swear I don't beat him. I have witnesses. LOL