Birthday celebrations

On my side of the family there are four birthdays that fall within a month and a half of each other... so we usually get together for just one big family party. And, we did just that a couple of weeks ago. The only family members that we unable to join in on the fun, were Anna and Justin- they were greatly missed, of course.

The Kuetemeyer Fam... just shy a few months of holding another little one in our arms. :-)

My mom taking the candles out of the cake. She made German Chocolate Cake- my brother's fav!

My brother and his adorable fam

All the kids wanted to blow out candles, even though it wasn't their birthdays we were celebrating. he he

Padriac was thrilled when I asked him if I could take a picture of him

The kids opening everyone elses presents... I don't think that I have ever seen presents opened so fast in my life. But, it made the kids happy so we were all happy.

Grandaddy and Padriac reading books (Padriac really was a very happy boy that day, I guess I just didn't capture it on camera very well. he he)

The aftermath of the Fire Station visit

For several days following Story Time at the Fire Station, Jonathan played "firefighter." He got out his baseball hat (as a helmet), put on his most red coat and his winter gloves, wore some 2 sizes too big boots that someone gave to Catherine, pulled out a pool noodle (for the hose) and his little firetruck. We were SO AMUSED with his imagination and excitment! Gotta love the kid!

Story Time at the Fire Station

I caught wind of a story time at the fire station, a few weeks ago. It was Chris's day off, so we decided to head over... and we all had a great time!

Story time started with a tour of the resident part of the station and ending in the garage- which was the coolest and cleanest place of all! Upon arrival in the garage the firemen handed out packets of goldfish and juice boxes to all the kids:
Followed by a reading of Curious George visits the Fire Station, one of Jonathan's favorites:

After the story, one of the fire men put on his gear:

Finally, the kids were then able to explore the fire truck. Catherine wasn't interested in the least, but Jonathan was thrilled!

We were able to go with our good friends, too, which made the trip that much more fun.

Rain, Rain please come so we can play

The clouds were darkening the other afternoon (a rarity in Colorado), and I mentioned in passing to the kids that it might rain. Well, they were both extactic about the idea of playing in the rain. They immediately set off to find some boots (yes, they are winter snow boots), rain coats and an umbrella. After waiting very patiently at the back door for at least half an hour, it started to drizzle... and only did so for about 10 minutes. But, for those 10 minutes they were SO HAPPY to stand in the rain.

Grateful

I am truly grateful that my two kiddos get along so well (most of the time)! The other day they both decided to go outside and play "Ring Around the Rosey" with sunglasses. It was pretty adorable!

He's a GREAT dad!

Gotta give my props to my wonderful husband! He's an incredible father to our children. It's so cute to see them get so excited everyday when he returns from work.

Whether he's rough-housing with the kids,or reading books,or helping them with their snacks at storytime at the firehouse,or just hanging outside together,or taking them to football games,
Jonathan and Catherine seem to ALWAYS be assured of their Daddy's love for them- which they should, because Chris loves them dearly! Thank you, Chris, for being a wonderful dad!