For those of you who have not yet been introduced to this trading and building board game, beware! I have heard it referred to as The Settlers of Satan. This game has the power to turn old friends into new enemies, and from sisters to your worst nightmare. I won't even get started on how many additions there are to this game. A new leaf has been turned and Zug-Um-Zug is now the "it" German board game or better known as Ticket to Ride:
There are a few different versions of this game as well. There is the Europe one, America, Germany and also a Switzerland addition. This is a game of taking over the board, from one city to another, with your little colored train pieces. One has to pick a route and try to achieve it without being cut off by another or running out of pieces. Has anyone else been sucked in by the Germans? They put an addictive chemical in these games so you crave it fort-nightly. ;)
Now I'm just having too much fun with my new camera. These are some pics of the apple blossoms on our tree. I love the contrast between the delicate pink and the vibrant green of the leaves. Too. Much. Fun. 
Can you smell it? So fragrant!!
I had previously posted about the new stroller I got. But I have failed to post pics of the kids riding in it. Here is Naomi getting strapped in.
I'm really glad I bought this cover. It keeps the sun and wind out of their faces. This stroller has to be the best purchase I have made this year! The front swivel wheel is a must and instead of being a double-wide, it is a double-long. Essential especially when passing other pedestrians on the sidewalk or when wheeling around the clothes rack at the mall. 
Mason loves shooting hoops or "shot hoops", as he calls it. Here are some pictures of him doing his favorite thing with pop Gary.
Mason is actually really good at playing basketball. The other day he was in the kitchen dribbling and we had never taught him that. He's our little athlete. 
It is a Razor scooter that is battery operated. Talk about lazy, people! Dan won it at work. We have had so much fun riding it around our neighborhood. Here is a picture of my dad testing it out:
He was zooming pretty fast down the street. 
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? To be honest, I was pretty surprised he hopped right on and went for a spin. My dad is awesome.
Now, if I can just convince Dan to ride it to work, we can save loads on gas money!! ;)
I love this website! It has some of the most creative inventions for babies and kids. I flip through the website and magazine in awe. I find myself saying over and over, "Why didn't I think of that?" These puzzles were given to us when Mason was born.
This cute personalized step stool was also given to Mason after he was born.
Not only do they have cool toys, they have everything to keep your baby safe and healthy
I am actually thinking this would be more fun for me than the kids. I can just picutre it: the kids are taking their afternoon nap and I'm outside on this pool mat, eating a popsicle and catching some rays. I'm sold!
Here is another book from my collection. I actually had this one when I was a kid. My mom didn't want to give up her copy so she found one online and gave it to me when Mason was born. I love the cute rhyming story about a panda and his baby brother who are given money to go to the store to buy ingredients for a cake. But the big brother figures if they can find the ingredients for free, then he can use the money to go to the fair instead. Of course, this choice comes with a consequence. Rosalie creates a fun story and beautifully drawn black and white pictures. I actually think I could repeat the story verbatim from memory.
Recently my family had a little reunion. Here is a picture of my siblings and I with all our cousins. These are the cousins from my dad's side of the family. We have always been really close. I often share with people that my cousins are some of my bestest friends. The response I get from that remark is one of surprise. I find that others aren't as blessed to have such a family. We did take a serious picture but that is never as much fun. :)
I loved this book so much when I was a kid that all I wanted to do was eat bread and jam. And jump rope. I did try doing both at the same time with disastrous results. Well, I didn't think it was too bad but my mom wasn't sharing the same wave length. Mason isn't at the age yet where he likes to sit still long enough for me to read this to him. I guess I don't have to use him as an excuse to read it! Wouldn't it be great to have daughters with the names Frances and Fanny Agnes?
