do you want to take a picture of me because I'm so handsome?

Joe picks out his own school clothes. And he's proud of it.

And then everyone else stood in line to have their pictures taken, too. Okay, Annie didn't get in line. But she was in the vicinity so I made her take part.

winners

My basketball season ended on Saturday with playoffs and... we won! After finishing 6th out of 8 teams in league play, this was our very happy ending. We definitely worked for it and, phewf, I'm still pooped

Here I am looking what? Intimidating? Tired? Yes, that's it. Tired.

And those are my fans, above. Henry really cheered hard during the first game, but napped all through the second game. When he finally woke up at home and I told him we had won, he slapped my leg and said, "That's great!" Thanks, Henry.

And here's the team, all victorious and scrubbed up clean at the banquet on Saturday night. Thanks, Bauer Systems, for a fun season!

annie's crib

It's where they hang. Yo.

to grammie

Once upon a time - 35 years ago, to be exact - you dressed your little girl up in this sweet little dress. Now today Annie celebrates you, and all that you do for us, keep for us, teach us, and share with us, by wearing her mommy's pink dress. We love you, Grammie. Happy Birthday!

syrup

We like it. And we eat lots of it... the boys request pancakes, waffles, and/or french toast at least once a week. So why not celebrate it? So off we went to the Maple Syrup Festival at Mountsberg Conservation Area. Here we are:

And - what do you know - it turns out that Annie also enjoys syrup. Sticky sugar really is a delightful thing.

the story of today

This is what happens when you try to wipe your tears away while doing chalk art on the driveway. Why you were crying in the first place is anyone's guess.

And would you listen to this face?

Henry put those stickers there. I forgot about them. Later, I was trying to get the boys to settle down at lunch and was starting to threaten time-outs. And not only did they not listen, but they appeared to be amused by the whole thing. Then I passed by a mirror and thought, hrmph, I wouldn't listen to me, either.

And here is Annie. She wore a t-shirt today (ie. and not a onesie). Isn't she a grown-up girl? And isn't that an amazing belly?

While waiting for Henry to wake up from his nap, Joe took some pictures of me and Annie. He was so very pleased with himself when he would actually get us in frame. Here we are. Me, Annie, and her belly.

And here are Joe and Annie. 

And then we had movie night. David gave Annie a piece of popcorn, which she enjoyed holding. 

And that's it. That was our day. Good night. 

eight months