The Cahill's

Last night Brian and I needed some room to think so Brian “banished” the kids to their room and put up the baby gate. To deal with the emotional trauma of being thus distanced from the adults, Lance and Ivy made up a game: Throw everything that can be moved over the gate.

I kept glancing in their direction as shoes and toys bounced into sight but they were laughing and not fighting, and it couldn’t be that bad, right? Brian said not to worry myself about it, he would clean it up.

When we were through we went to survey the damage. Every toy, block, shoe, some craft items and their clothes had been mixed together on the other side of the gate.

I decided to help with the clean up anyhow.

My little man Lance turned 3 last Sunday! Due to the way things went the last few weeks he actually had several celebrations. The first was with Brian’s family while we were on vacation with them (pictures of that later).

The Saturday before his birthday my sister, Lori, and her husband were visiting. We all went to Putt Putt golf, which was quite an adventure for the little ones!

The kids pose at the beginning of the course (along with cousin Jenny).

Lance starts out well…

But decides the go-carts are much more interesting.

Ivy decides being an obstacle is much easier and gets a lot more attention.

Once the thrill of golf wore off (about hole 5) the kids entertained themselves with the animals.

Ivy enjoyed most of them…except the “scary” alligator.

Part of the special deal for that day included tokens. Uncle Dude helps Lance use some of his.

Tickets!!!

These suckers cost very few tickets and made for very happy kids!

And then today, just so I could feel that Lance was properly celebrated (that and I really wanted to make him a cake) we met with some friends at the park. We enjoyed Lance’s big smile and excitement over having a train cake and getting happy birthday sung to him.

This is a circus train – with animal crackers in the boxcars.

Hooray for friends and a good day at the park! Thanks to all who made Lance feel special.

Life with baby Flora is a continual delight. She is a content, happy little baby, full of cuteness and smiles. Her beautiful eyes light up and a happy toothless grin breaks out whenever anyone gives her some attention.

If no one is around at the moment she will happily explore the world around her. Her newest trick has been turning on her side and enjoying whatever toy her siblings left next to her.

Being a “floor baby” has its dangers when two toddlers are on the loose. However, Lance and Ivy love their little sister and are always asking to “hold a baby ‘plora’”

Lance is a very good baby sitter and likes to do stuff with his little sister, like reading books and singing.

We also play games together, Ivy’s favorite being “ring around the rosie” where they will hold Flora’s hands while I help her go around and fall down. Yesterday I was giving horse rides and Lance volunteered to give baby Flora a ride. It looked like so much fun that Ivy quickly followed suit.

It’s so encouraging to see your children become best friends.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity!