The Wallace Family

Wild Baby Bunnies Invasion!

We found a little nest of baby bunnies in our yard...they were so stinking cute. While I took the photos, I was thinking how many ways I could sanitize the kids' hands once they were done holding them.

They were pretty darn adorable though, disease ridden fleas and all.

Summer of Pneumonia

It was Friday, the last day of school — Memorial Day weekend. And I was getting sick. Jenni could see it and sent me home from the last day of school party to go rest.

Fast forward through a weekend of high temps, chills, scary cough, and by Monday I had a diagnosis of pneumonia. Bad pneumonia. I started on what would be 3 rounds of antibiotics, 6 weeks of oral and inhaled steroids, and plenty of bed rest. I had no idea that I would not even be semi-functional for nearly 2 weeks, and almost functional at 3 weeks. By 4-5 weeks I was feeling a ton better, but even today after the entire summer, I still have junk in my chest. I am so fortunate to have my mom who came every day she was off to take care of me and the kids, and friends who brought meals and called to check up on us.

That same weekend I got sick, Mia had strep and a severe urinary tract infection — Bob had to make two trips to urgent care. In early June, Aidan got pneumonia. Three weeks later, Mia and Jack got pneumonia, and Bob got bronchitis. These bugs seriously messed with our summer vacation. We spent the majority of our summer at home getting everyone well, administered countless doses of antibiotics (both Mia & Aidan required two rounds), and missed out on more pool days and playdates than I care to count.

All better now — let's hope it stays that way!

Last Day of School!

These photos are actually from the last few days of school. The kids in Aidan's class were treated to a pizza party by the room mom.

Mia's sweet teachers had her for two years...they've had a huge impact on her.

The director of Mia's school is an angel — she just exudes love.

The official last day of school!

The sweetest first grade teacher around! Hmmm...they look like they could be related!

Jenni and I thought it would be fun to have a little last day of school water party with our kids. I started coming down with something that day and was trying to push through it. I could tell something was not right. But I persevered and filled up a bunch of water balloons. Jenni laid out a table full of a bunch of treats...

The water balloon fight lasted about 30 seconds. And there was crying. And anger. Apparently, they didn't quite get the concept that you're supposed to get hit by them. And yes, they explode all over you. Jenni and I were shocked, because seriously, there's no crying allowed in water balloon fights!

A few minutes later, ice cream was served up and all was right with the world.

Yay for summer!

Field Day

This was the first field day I could come to (well, it's only Aidan's second one). It was fun!

When I walked up, I overheard some parents talking about how awesome this boy did on his first long jump. I told them that his Dad would be proud. They said that everyone was amazed at how far he could jump.

Aidan takes this stuff very seriously.

First attempt at the high jump. I hate to admit laughing at little kids, but watching them do the high jump was hilarious!

Three legged race with his good buddy Simon. Tie some kids' legs together and hilarity and madness ensue.

Oh ya, it's on! 1st grade trash talking...

Tug of war. It started out all fun and games, then the second match was girls against boys. Guess who won? Guess who I rooted for? Two words: Girl Power!

That's when things got serious. The boys were NOT amused to lose to a bunch of girls. This was the next match...look at the intensity on Aidan's face. He pulled so hard he got blisters.

Jack's Birthday Celebration...Continued

We always have a "family" birthday party, usually the Sunday following a birthday. Here was the bunch of weirdos in attendance for Jack's family party.

I know he needs a haircut, but jeez this kid is cute.

This is Jack's signature look of mischief.

Ironman from Uncle Andrew was a huge hit.

There Goes the Neighborhood...

Our first attempt at potty training Jack...didn't realize he had run out in his saggy underwear to play on his scooter while Bob mowed the front yard.

He's also only wearing one shoe. Sock-less.

P.S. Still working on that potty training thing.

Being Three...

It's August, and I'm just now writing a post on Jack's 3rd birthday. He is now 3 years, 3 months old — you do the math. I guess it just speaks to how neglected the youngest is! Or how busy I've been. Or how crazy it's been. I could blame it on the Summer of Sickness too. More on that later.

Three years ago Jack Logan became part of our family. I thought I had flashed back to when Aidan was born, he looked so much like his big brother. The kids loved him immediately.

Back to 2010. We made a little sign for Jack to wake up to. And he had a little present waiting for him at the top of the stairs. His face is slightly swollen from some random mishap that involved a piece of furniture and his eyelid. Note the coordinating pajamas and wrapping paper!

We headed over to Deanna Rose to celebrate Jack's big day with a few friends. I thought I'd pick up some cookies on the way for after lunch. All they had was pink. Note how I'm lowering my kids' expectations early on to avoid disappointment later in life. It's all part of my master plan!

Jack 'n' Owen