Luke William

Although if you were to ask him what his name is,

he would respond, "Wukie."

Cleaning out my closet, I came across this Tuxedo and didn't have to look too far for a model.

He was duly impressed and has asked to wear it on several different occasions:)

I also came across this:

He was NOT AT ALL impressed and adamantly refuses to wear it;)

Since Aidan was not back from the swim meet, he chose to sleep in the music room next to me.

I always use a yoga/fitness/balance ball to sit on while working at the computer.

To my surprise, he grabbed this ball (just the perfect size for him) and joined me.

TOO cute!

Big bubbies brought him this gift home from Canada.

He couldn't wait for them to arrive.

I love the way he practically sits on the back of Drew's basketball shoes as he squats to control his truck.

(These are his favorite shoes to wear outdoors, because it keeps him from any contact with the grass.)

Luke's 4th Birthday

Where is my baby?

Well, he is STILL my baby, but you know what I mean.

He has grown and matured so much in just the last few months, that I often catch myself glancing his way twice and being surprised that my baby is really becoming a big boy.

And just in time, with his new little brother to arrive before too awfully long.

When asked what he wanted for his birthday dinner, he responded, "Bacon on steak, and those pincher things... you know, from Nana's house."

Dig in:)

Sooooooooo excited!!!

Ironman action figure - "just what I wanted:)"

Guitar

Happy 4th Birthday, Luke.

You continue to bring so much joy to each of our lives.

You are one of the happiest, sweetest little boys:)

Unlike your brothers, you LOVE to be the center of attention and to make everyone around you laugh with your silly antics and "teasing"

(and yes, you can totally pull our leg)

Brothers x2

A few pics from this summer when the older boys were away.

Forts

Silly boys

Can you guess what is in their mouths?

Pool time

Nothing like water to keep 2 boys happy and cool on a hot summer day.

"Facetiming" big brothers

Sleepover with friends:)

Chunky Monkey

Look at those CHEEKS!!!

Not sure if you can tell, but his eyes are open and he is stuffing his fist into his mouth.

Oh, so cute:)

His guestimated weight today was 4 Lb. 11 Oz. (77th percentile)

Aidan took this pic for me on Sunday.

And Sean took this one for me today.

It is hard to believe how quickly this pregnancy is flying by.

Aidan's 9th Birthday

Aidan Palmer

June 22, 2002

9 Lbs. 1 Oz.

Drew, Aidan ( 5-6 mth. old), and Sean

When it came to his birthday dinner, this boy new just what he wanted:

As an appetizer (and yes, it was his idea to have an appetizer),

he requested shrimp,

followed by

Steak,

(His daddy picked out a selection of Ribeye, and New York Strip - Mmmmm)

Asparagus,

Mashed potatoes and sauteed mushrooms/garlic.

For dessert: Key Lime Pie:)

Happy Birthday to you...

Wow, he sure has strong lungs;)

Tackle box

Fishing rod.

He is one happy boy:)

On a side note, Key Lime Pie requires only egg yolks.

Not wanting to throw away the 6 egg whites, I googled a recipe in which to use them:

Meringue Torte

It was actually quite yummy and gave him a selection of birthday desserts - of course, he chose Key Lime Pie (can't blame the guy:)

The almost 4 year old

hard to believe.

Also, it seems unreal that he before too awfully long will NO longer be the baby of our household.

We still refer to him as baby and even call him baby sometimes to which he readily responds - guess there are going to be some pretty big changes over the next few months.

Luke and I will occasionally stay home together while the big boys are out doing "big boy" things.

Here we are playing army together.

He LOVED knocking my army down and waiting for me to set it back up...

boy was I glad when Aidan showed up to take over -

nowadays it is a bit of a chore getting up and down;)

He is using swords for what purpose?

Breakfast this morning (or is it lunch).

My little man really does NOT like breakfast, nor does he like to eat first thing in the morning.

Miscellaneous

The weed...

or at least that is what a certain someone thought as they proceeded to chop it down...

I think it might be a Dahlia?

Lighting is a tricky thing...

I can't even decide which one I like the best...

Rachel (31 weeks) and Drew

We have started a tradition around here -

on the boys 13th birthday, I take them out to Starbuck's for their very first coffee.

I LOVE it!!!!

First harvest:)

This vegetable was new to us:

do you recognize it?

Swiss chard

All washed and chopped for cooking -

I sauteed it with a bit of butter, olive oil and fresh garlic.

Everyone was pleasantly surprised, and we will definitely be growing it again in our garden next year

(maybe 2 squares instead of 1 :)

Memorial Day...

started off with sleeping in,

followed by a delicious brunch.

Potato cakes

(just use leftover mashed potatoes with the addition of an egg or two and extra seasoning)

Oven-puffed pancakes

This was a first; it is a keeper!

Super easy and the boys loved it!

Later in the day,

we met up with friends for swimming and BBQ:)

Not sure what the hold up is...

but I suspect this little guy was laying in wait...

with his daddy to...

Best Buddies

These 2 have really begun hanging out a lot.

Usually, where one is found, the other is close by.

Birdwatching together:)

Party planning together.

They even colored and cut out the balloons.

I had a package of balloons they could have used; but they were having so much fun and being so imaginative, I did not even offer.

It was a fantastic party - pizza, The Cosby Show, and Rice Krispy Treats for dessert!!!

Luke insisted on this picture in the middle of dinner, nonetheless;)

Rainbows

Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

Genesis 9:16