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Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Sherbert “Bert” and 7th Birthday fun
Jackson got a kitty for his birthday! Here are “Bert’s” first pictures. He’s a sweet little kitty with some spunk – he’ll fit right in with all the boys.
Jackson also swam in a swim meet on his birthday, and then came home to open a few more gifts. What a great birthday!
Jackson’s 7th Birthday – Cowboy Style!
We survived Jackson’s 7th birthday party! 23 kids helped us celebrate cowboy style with piñata, bandanas, western boot cake, badges and fun.
It was a hot steamy day peppered with thunderstorms. Luckily, the skies cleared enough for us to enjoy games and food outside before moving indoors to open gifts and watch a movie.
Enjoy the pictures!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day Fishing at MHCC
Mt. Hawley Country Club has some fun family events over the summer holidays. The golf course sports a big pond with a fountain, which they stock full of fish.
On Memorial Day, they open up the pond for fishing at 6:30 in the morning.
We got lucky today! Not only did Charlie catch a fish on his very first try, but Jackson won the grand-prize by catching a huge catfish weighing in over 5 lbs.
Jackson—the grand-prize winner!
Jackson receiving the big prize!
Charlie’s fish. He was very excited!
Henry – not in the mix…yet.
The “big” fish. The line actually broke and Brian grabbed it with his bare hands.
Beautiful morning at Mt. Hawley! Happy Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Peoria Photo Shoot
A few weeks ago I had Nellie take pictures of the boys. http://www.nellie-photography.com. We got very lucky. It had rained non-stop for several days. I’m not sure how I got them all dressed, fed and out the door in less than 1/2--but I did my best! Our location was still a bit soggy, and Charlie kept trying to run away, but it all turned out.
I was just happy that Henry didn’t sleep through the session. Charlie, however, was in a “mood” and Jackson was hamming it up as always. Enjoy!
Some friends and neighbors recently started making custom shirts: http://www.sewmicheen.blogspot.com. Jackson is sporting his cute Burberry plaid pocket/initial shirt.
Henry was still a bit sleepy, but managed to smile when I held him.
Charlie, who is normally all smiles, was much more interested in playing on the playground than posing for pictures.
The boys! I’m not quite sure why Henry’s hair looked like a mohawk…but it does that on occassion, so at least we captured his appearance authentically.
Henry’s “H” shirt. He’s still not sitting up on his own, so I had to help.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day 2010
My first mother’s day as a mom of three! We had a moment to capture a picture before heading out to Mass, lunch and a movie.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Snips and snails and…boots
Apparently my boys love boots. Jackson has wanted to put on his cowboy boots any chance he can get (out of school) since he got them. And Charlie…well…Charlie seems obsessed with his rain boots. He says: “boots” all the time. The other day I put him down for a nap and removed his tennis shoes. When I got him up, he had found his rain boots and they were on!
I love the following picture. Jackson is “helping” Charlie (with no pants on?) up the tree. As a side note…I found my first tick on Charlie soon after. One of the charms of living in the Midwest. Anyway…pull up your boots! The Lewallen boys are in town!
Three of a Kind
I wasn't exactly “planning” on having three boys…but now that they are here I love it! They love each other so much and I love watching them play together. Since Charlie and Henry are both still in diapers, I normally change them at the same time. They look at each other and giggle.
Jackson and Charlie are a hoot! Those two have entirely too much fun. Whether it is making a “vehicle” out of cardboard boxes and driving each other around, or stirring up pretend potions in our backyard in their respective boots – those two are having the time of their lives and I’m just happy to be around to see it!
Cheers!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Arizona Biltmore
Spending all day in the hot dusty sun, we were ready to kick off our cowboy boots and relax! We headed to our final destination -- Phoenix Arizona. Brian was speaking at a CLE at the Arizona Biltmore. http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/. The Resort is gorgeous. We essentially went from the wild west to 1930's Great Gatsby style. I loved everything about the resort from the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired architecture, the manicured lawns and beautiful gardens, the incredible pools to the myriad of activities for families. We particularly enjoyed playing checkers/chess in the garden and roasting marshmellows for the s'mores at night.
While Brian presented at the CLE, the boys and I enjoyed our morning walks around the Biltmore Estates. The "Estates" are mansions located around the golf course. Each mansion looked different, but they were all meticulously maintained and had beautiful gardens. Apparently roses grow quite well in Arizona (as opposed to Illinois). I loved looking and smelling all the roses along our walk. It reminded me of my rose garden in Washington.
After our walks we would head to the pool. Jackson made a lot of new friends. The main pool area had three pools -- one with a big slide, one by the cabana bar and another pool with a hot tub. Surrounding the pools were private cabanas complete with misting water to keep the guests cool.
Eventually the boys got tired and we'd go back to the room to clean up and get ready for dinner. The first night we ate at Frank and Alberts on the resort. The garden chess board was right next to our outdoor table, so the boys played while we waited for our food. Jackson actually played the games, but Charlie had a ball kicking the pieces and running around like a maniac. Henry, thank goodness, is still in the "purse stage" and isn't mobile -- yet.
After dinner we walked the grounds. The Arizona Biltmore is quite charming. Lights are strung on the trees, fire pits are lit, and people settle into the Adirondack chairs, which surround the main fountain, and sip their glasses of wine while people watching. The boys made s'mores and took a few bags of popcorn back up to the room for a late night snack.
I loved the Arizona Biltmore. I only wish we had more time! I would love to go back (with or without the kids) to play tennis, hike up Camelback Mountain, shop and spend more time in the sun.
Enjoy the pictures!
Henry-- all smiles to be in the sun -- and out of the car!
A view of our wing of the resort. Note the chairs lining the garden/fountain area.
Jackson and mommy in the evening by the fountain.
Jackson with some roses on our walk through the Biltmore Estates.
Some of the gardens at the Arizona Bilmore.
Jackson and Henry in the gardens -- I love them in blue!
Jackson, Charlie and Henry.
Mommy and her boys.
Enjoying a stroll in the gardens.
Playing chess/checkers.
Jackson -- check mate!
Nightly s'mores.
Jackson by the slide at night.
Charlie relaxing poolside with his "nite nite" (blanket from Grandma).
Jackson and Charlie. They would stroll around the pools once or twice a day "chit chatting" with everyone. My kids have never met a stranger.
Waiting for dinner at Frank and Alberts. A band was playing outside and Jackson asked me to dance. We had a wonderful evening.
Mommy and her boys!
Sadly, our trip had to come to an end. We spent our Sunday and Monday driving 2/3 of the county to get back to Peoria -- a feat nonetheless with three kids, two of which are under 2. While we originally had planned to stop off at the Grand Canyon, we opted to save that experience for another time -- perhaps when we have more time. We made it from Phoenix to Amarillo, Texas on Sunday (arriving at midnight). On Monday, we traveled another 13 hours through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois. We hit St. Louis at sunset. The arch was lit up in the sun's pink light. It was very pretty.
All said: 8 days, 6 states, 5 hotels, 3 time zones and 3939.2 miles! What a great trip!
We saw a lot of country. Brian and I both agree that the drive through Missouri is probably the prettiest. I would say that the drive through Oklahoma is my least favorite, although there is a stretch of I-10 through Southern Texas, which is relatively boring as well. One thing is sure -- this is a BIG country with a lot of land. There is no shortage.
We love our road trips. We have more planned! Perhaps a drive through New England in the fall? For now...a trip from Illinois to Washington is more likely. Now back to planning!
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While Brian presented at the CLE, the boys and I enjoyed our morning walks around the Biltmore Estates. The "Estates" are mansions located around the golf course. Each mansion looked different, but they were all meticulously maintained and had beautiful gardens. Apparently roses grow quite well in Arizona (as opposed to Illinois). I loved looking and smelling all the roses along our walk. It reminded me of my rose garden in Washington.
After our walks we would head to the pool. Jackson made a lot of new friends. The main pool area had three pools -- one with a big slide, one by the cabana bar and another pool with a hot tub. Surrounding the pools were private cabanas complete with misting water to keep the guests cool.
Eventually the boys got tired and we'd go back to the room to clean up and get ready for dinner. The first night we ate at Frank and Alberts on the resort. The garden chess board was right next to our outdoor table, so the boys played while we waited for our food. Jackson actually played the games, but Charlie had a ball kicking the pieces and running around like a maniac. Henry, thank goodness, is still in the "purse stage" and isn't mobile -- yet.
After dinner we walked the grounds. The Arizona Biltmore is quite charming. Lights are strung on the trees, fire pits are lit, and people settle into the Adirondack chairs, which surround the main fountain, and sip their glasses of wine while people watching. The boys made s'mores and took a few bags of popcorn back up to the room for a late night snack.
I loved the Arizona Biltmore. I only wish we had more time! I would love to go back (with or without the kids) to play tennis, hike up Camelback Mountain, shop and spend more time in the sun.
Enjoy the pictures!
Henry-- all smiles to be in the sun -- and out of the car!
A view of our wing of the resort. Note the chairs lining the garden/fountain area.
Jackson and mommy in the evening by the fountain.
Jackson with some roses on our walk through the Biltmore Estates.
Some of the gardens at the Arizona Bilmore.
Jackson and Henry in the gardens -- I love them in blue!
Jackson, Charlie and Henry.
Mommy and her boys.
Enjoying a stroll in the gardens.
Playing chess/checkers.
Jackson -- check mate!
Nightly s'mores.
Jackson by the slide at night.
Charlie relaxing poolside with his "nite nite" (blanket from Grandma).
Jackson and Charlie. They would stroll around the pools once or twice a day "chit chatting" with everyone. My kids have never met a stranger.
Waiting for dinner at Frank and Alberts. A band was playing outside and Jackson asked me to dance. We had a wonderful evening.
Mommy and her boys!
Sadly, our trip had to come to an end. We spent our Sunday and Monday driving 2/3 of the county to get back to Peoria -- a feat nonetheless with three kids, two of which are under 2. While we originally had planned to stop off at the Grand Canyon, we opted to save that experience for another time -- perhaps when we have more time. We made it from Phoenix to Amarillo, Texas on Sunday (arriving at midnight). On Monday, we traveled another 13 hours through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois. We hit St. Louis at sunset. The arch was lit up in the sun's pink light. It was very pretty.
All said: 8 days, 6 states, 5 hotels, 3 time zones and 3939.2 miles! What a great trip!
We saw a lot of country. Brian and I both agree that the drive through Missouri is probably the prettiest. I would say that the drive through Oklahoma is my least favorite, although there is a stretch of I-10 through Southern Texas, which is relatively boring as well. One thing is sure -- this is a BIG country with a lot of land. There is no shortage.
We love our road trips. We have more planned! Perhaps a drive through New England in the fall? For now...a trip from Illinois to Washington is more likely. Now back to planning!
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