Raising Hands

We've been home for nearly two weeks from our big trip to see my parents. I'm still trying to get back in the groove. It's been a slow process. We had a nice visit with my family I took zero pictures of our trip. I'm not that bummed because we had our pictures professionally taken and they turned out way better than I could have hoped for. P.S. It was 32 degrees that day. I cannot express how proud of the kids I am. they were troopers. Big time! The whole Hand/Kolaskey Clan This is my favorite Bella face. Yes, she's judging you. I love this one

Yes, I'm aware that it is December. Here are a few more pictures from William's birthday. We had Pizza at our favorite spot at the beach followed by the infamous blue iced cupcakes.  Bella just realized she didn't get a cupcake. When these boys are teenagers I'm going to be in trouble!

We recently had the opportunity to visit a local fire station with the MOPS group I joined a couple months ago. I'll post another time about MOPS. It's okay so far. This post is about the boys and all the fun they had that day. The excitment builds There is nothing cuter than a group of little people Bring out the Fire Engines! We had lots of questions.  We got hats:-)  William was eager to sit where the firemen ride. Jacob was eager to drive. Bella was not impressed by any of it;-)

Bella had her four month well visit yesterday. We got the big okay to start solids. It didn't go the way I thought. Oh well :-) If at first you don't succeed................... Hmm What's this? Seriously? I don't think so! This is not what I ordered!1 That's the stuff.

Two weekends ago we attended the Lewes Mariner Days Festival. The weather was beautiful and the ships were large. We went to tour the engine room of the ferry boat but after learning that ladders and tunnels were involved to get to the engine room we decided to wait another year until we were a little older. I will also be enlisting one or more grandparents to assist with the younger kiddos. There was plenty to do and see and it was a Saturday morning well spent! A local museum on hand to teach us about sea life three hundred years ago. Fun with pulleys The Ferry in the background takes vehicles and passengers from Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ. The Coast Guard on hand with a patrol boat William was not cooperating but he was there;-) We thanked some troops This was a beautiful Navy ship. Very sleek. super fast! Can't wait to go back next year.

Today we made a short trip North to a little town called Milton for the 9th Annual Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival. The festival corresponds with the time each year the crabs make there way to our shores to spawn. They lay there eggs and then, (as with most food chains) shorebirds of various species eat the freshly laid eggs which are very high in protein and a favorite food among the birds. It's all very fascinating but mostly the festival is about fun with a heap of education on the side. Also, Bella was with us but didn't manage to make it in any pictures. She pretty much slept through the whole thing.  Touch Tank  William's turn The business end of a Horseshoe Crab. The local Lions Club operates this little choo choo for special events. Only .25 Cents a ride! Jacob with MomMom (Steve's Mom) William with Dad Fishing for Horseshoe crab shells Cheating at the bean bag toss. He's two. We're working on it;-) Our favorite ...

We all had one. A little red wagon (with a rope tied to the end for faster pulling;-). We pulled our toys around the yard sometimes our siblings. Sometimes we climbed inside pulled the handle up and hurled ourselves down a hill. Wait, don't tell my boys about that one (yikes!). Thanks to my parents the next generation has their new little red wagon. Complete with new precision turning and all terrain wheels which have promised to work on sand. Good news for beach days! We took it for a spin last night just before it began to rain (again). I can't remember what the boys were going on about but they sure were having fun:-)

This kid has the most beautiful eyes Always eager to give Bella hugs and kisses Wanting to be where the action is Off on another adventure William is my second born. He's my laid back little man. At two and a half he is determined and strong willed but very kind. He's our cuddlebug. Where Jacob is thoughtful and analytical. William will act first, think later. He's a funny little guy who marches to beat of his own drummer (often with his eyes closed). Always ready with a hug or a, "Big Squeeze" as he likes to say. He is his big brothers little shadow following him into any situation (sometimes right into trouble) and also like Jacob, William adores his new baby sister.