A lot of love

Another picture dump on the blog but I haven't found any other way to capture all the love in my life! Joe and I tell each other daily just how lucky we are and we truly mean it! These kiddos have stolen our hearts! Parenting is just too great!

 

 

 

I got to hang out with these cuties one afternoon at Oma's house! I can't wait to

Watch how their relationship develops over the years - of course now Elisabeth just thinks she's Oliver's Mama.

 

 

These 2 play mama and papa a lot and care for their little baby together! And Jack has really found interest in dressing himself - it's funny to watch them start to notice and care about their clothes. 

 

 

If Jack gets to wear underwear then of course Elisabeth wants to as well! 

 

 

 

 

Jack and his friend Hannah playing "mom and dad" this picture just cracks me up!

 

 

Calling papa at work ;) 

 

 

 

 

 

A few weeks ago we took an evening ride on the street car downtown! 

 

 

Joe's parents came to visit last weekend and it was once again lovely and memorable!

 

 

 

And a special thanks to Joe's dad for helping jumpstart our painting project/getting house ready for winter! He is such a hard worker!!

 

We are currently in the midst of thanksgiving week and on our way to Cleveland for

What will for sure be a wonderful holiday and long weekend! I feel especially grateful this year for Joe and the love he shows to the kids and me, for how hard he works for our family, for the father he is to the kids, and for being my partner in this wonderfully beautiful life we live! Happy thanksgiving to you all!

Halloween and Joe turns 30!!

We threw the first annual March Halloween party at our house and this year there was an extra special focus on Joe to celebrate his 30th birthday! I love to host and I love to party so I had a great time in the weeks leading up to this event preparing the house, the food and some fun activities! We lucked out with a perfect 80 degree and sunny late October Saturday! Many of the guests that came to the party dressed up and here was one of the best the Milroy family/Xavier's 2017 cross country team!

We spent Halloween at the Aunt Lillian and Uncle Thomas's house just like we always do and it was a blast just like always! I really look forward to this holiday each year because the whole family still goes over to the Rickes and we eat delicious food and trick or treat in their neighborhood with the cousins! 

 

 

 

 

This girl and her smile and this girl and her Papa - they are inseparable! 

 

Jack really understood and loved trick or treating this year! We was able to walk for an hour and thought it was "just the best" - he kept saying!

 

The Indians were in the middle of the playing in the World Series at Halloween this year - it was a big deal! Joe had to wear his gear for his costume this year! 

 

 

My aunt Lisa and uncle Greg always come up with a creative costume and this year they dressed up like Oma and Opa and it was spot on and so hilarious! Lisa has an awesome German accent and Oma and Opa got a kick out of it!

 

Another very memorable Ricke family Halloween! Joe and I really love Halloween so it's always a bit sad to see another October come and go! We really did a great job this year taking advantage of everything Fall had to offer! 

A Few Funnies!

 

We've been having a blast with these two crazies lately! I have to write down a few things Jack has said recently that I don't want to forget!

Look mama I made a sling shot like David!

Who is David?

Oh you know mama like from David and Goliath!

Mama stop cleAning! 

But Jack if I don't clean who will clean this house

I will!

Oh great when will you start?

I'll start in 7 weeks!

Mama I need to start sleeping more I'm exhausted!

"Mama, I'll check if Elisabeth has a poop. SON OF A GUN she's got a big one!"

Jack, what are you laughing about?

"Oh im just laughing about something. It's nothing. It's a kid thing."

I overheard Jack talking to his friend:

Jack: My grandpa is coming tomorrow!

Friend: what does your grandpa look like?

Jack: oh he looks just like a gymnast!

We walk in the house after being outside and Jack looks at Elisabeth and says: "sit down Elisabeth so I can take your shoes off." And that girl follows his every command! 

 

 

Jack is becoming a great older brother. He is helpful in assisting Elisabeth with anything she needs, he feeds her, gets me diapers for

Her, puts on and takes off her shoes, runs to her aid when she yells for him. I love having him around ;) I think secretly Elisabeth controls him even though he thinks he's in charge - she would let him push her around all day!

 

Potty training started two weeks ago

When Jack declared "I'm finally ready mama!" 

Jack has stayed dried all week (except naptime and bed he is still in a diaper).  He is very proud of himself but does not like when you remind him to use the potty! "Don't tell me mama I'll go when I have to!" And he actually does - he will come out of the bathroom and tell me "I peed! I dumped the potty into the toilet, I flushed and I washed my hands!" He is very excited about his underwear and he's rocking the potty! I feared potty training but have to say I actually really like it! So glad I waited until he decided he was ready!

 

The kids got a special day with Omi while the mamas worked and they all loved it - don't let this picture fool you!