A Day With Grandma

Noah is used to being left behind on school days when Grandma Connie picks up and takes Nicholas and Joshua to school. At first, he was a little confused about the whole idea of his brothers leaving with grandma and he having to stay at home with me. He doesn't like to miss out on anything that his big brothers are doing. Well, that all changed on the day Grandma picked up Noah for a little "Noah and Grandma Connie 1:1 time". Being that there are 6 other grandchildren besides himself, this doesn't happen very often. As you can imagine, he was elated when I told him Grandma was going to come to our house and take him bye bye! I guess he thought he was going to school because he insisted on wearing his backpack. In his own words, "Like brothers Mom!"

I am ready. Let's GO!

He looks so big with a backpack on.

(Sniffle. Sniffle)

Is she here yet?

Grandma where are you?

I don't think Noah could have got in the car any faster!

Tiffany's Wedding

On September 4th, Tiffany became Mrs. Press when she said "I do" to the love of her life, Brad. For those that don't know who Tiffany is...well let me just give you a little background info. I met Tiffany when my little sister, Hilaria, and her became best friends in elementary school. So I have known and watched her grow up every since she was about the age my Nicholas is now. I know. Long time huh? After I had children of my own, Tiffany began babysitting for me. She and the boys got to know each other very well through the times she'd watch them and when she would come over when Hilaria was in town.

So, back to the wedding. I usually don't get to go to many weddings because of my work schedule, but somehow I was able to get the day off. I was so thankful to be called off of work because I was able to see my sister walk down the aisle as Maid of Honor and Tiffany as a Bride. After the ceremony, we (Dad, Mom, Nicholas, Joshua, and I) headed to the reception were we ate, drank, danced, and were married! We had a great time! Congratulations to Tiffany and Brad!

Hilaria and her best friend (besides me) Tiffany at the rehearsal dinner.

Hilaria the Maid of Honor

Getting ready to walk down the aisle.

I do!

Mr. and Mrs. Press

Tiffany and Dad.

Isn't she lovely!

Dad and Mom 

From the little girls to this.......beautiful!

This is me showing off my "wanna be a photographer" skills.

I had a double date. 

Here is date number one........

And here is date number 2!

Date number 3(Noah) and 4 (Nick) stood me up and stayed home.

Nicholas and his Tia Lala

Sisters

I love seeing my parents like this.

Love you Dad and Mom!

Cheers!

Here are my boys letting loose!

I am not sure what it is about wedding receptions,

but they turn my boys into dancing machines!

Joshua's 5th Birthday

Joshua turned 5 years old on August 21st! It's hard to believe that it has been 5 years since he came into our lives. I couldn't imagine life without Joshua. He is so loving, energetic, unpredictable, and at times can be humorous! I am not sure what it is, but there is a soft spot in my heart for him. He makes my world a better place.

This year we celebrated Joshua's birthday by throwing a backyard birthday bash. Joshua loves playing outside, so this party was right up his alley. He wanted to blow up the bounce house, break out the power wheels, and run around the backyard for his birthday, so we did just that! Lots of our closest family and friends came to celebrate with us. We even had guests come all the way from Germany! My sister-in-law, Katy, had her husband's extended family in town visiting. You know my motto, the more the merrier! Joshua had so much fun playing with all his cousins and his friends, eating birthday cake, and of course opening all of his birthday presents! Here are some pictures from Joshua's party. Enjoy!

Here is Joshua getting ready to leave for school wearing his Birthday Boy shirt!

Let's PaRtY!

Yummy! Cake!

Daddy doing what he does best! 

Thanks for the delicious hamburgers and hot dogs Daddy!

The birthday boy having some birthday fun!

This year was the first year Joshua invited a friend to his birthday.

Nickolaus (sitting on back of car) and his brother Alex (sitting in the passenger seat) have become really good friends of Joshua and Nicholas this year!

Baby Brother taking a drink break from all the birthday fun.

Big brother Nicholas

Smile! You're FIVE!

I hope his birthday wish, as well as all his wishes, comes true!

Happy Birthday Joshua Delmar!

First Day of School

School started early this year for Nicholas and Joshua. Most kids were probably bummed out about having to go back to school so early, but not my boys. They were excited to start Kindergarten and 2nd Grade! I know what you are thinking because I thought the same exact thing....."What? They are already in Kindergarten and 2nd grade?" Time sure does fly by!

This year, Nicholas is in Mrs. McFall's Second Grade class and Joshua is in Ms.Williams's Kindergarten class. Both boys are enjoying their teachers! I recently had conferences with both of their teachers. Of course, they both had nothing but wonderful things to say about my two boys. It's always heart warming to know that someone else can see all the wonderful qualities that you see in your children. I am lucky that they LOVE school!

Here they are! 

All ready to start the new school year.

Smile you're in KINDERGARTEN!

Smile you're in SECOND GRADE!

Here is Nicholas unpacking  his school supplies.

This is how I left him on the 1st day of school.

I am glad the camera got a good shot because my sight was blurred with tears.

So proud of you Nicholas!

And here is Joshua!

Even though he was only 4 years old when school started, 

this little guy was so ready to go to "Nicholas's School". 

He was so happy to finally start Kindergarten (just look at that grin)!
 So proud of you Joshua!

Here is Joshua with his teacher. 

Of course, Noah followed Joshua around his classroom

and was even able to find his way into this picture. I am not sure who had the harder time leaving Joshua when it was time to go, Noah or I. Yes, I teared up, but Noah cried. 

It was hard for him to leave his best friend/playmate.

Backyard Fast Food

I bet you never knew we Walters had a McDonalds drive-thru in our backyard. The boys love playing with this toy especially when they can actually drive up to the window with their power wheel! WE LOVE MCDONALDS, so this was a great gift from Grandma Violet and Grandpa Dan a few years ago. As you can see the boys still enjoy playing with it. There is something about those famous golden arches. They just never get old!

Homecoming 2010

For those that do not know, the Mascoutah Homecoming is a pretty big deal for our family. As a matter of fact...I think Nick ranks it right up there next to Christmas. I know. CrAzY huh!?! We always enjoy the rides, food, hanging out with family, catching up with friends (old and new), and of course watching the parade! Here are some pictures from this year's Homecoming.

 This is a picture of some of the girls I cheered with.

This year, yours truly was in the parade and rode on the MHS Cheerleaders....Past & Present float! That's right. Once a cheerleader....ALWAYS a cheerleader. 12 years ago, I wore a short purple and white cheerleading skirt with bloomers, yelled cheers at the top of my lungs, and was loyal to the Mascoutah Indians. Now, I wear longer clothing with comfortable underwear, yell "stop that"/"no"/"please quit fighting" at my three boys, and I am loyal to my wonderful family. So see...I am still a cheerleader just in a different way!

Here is the float.

He may not be a cheerleader, but he sure does look cute with a pom pom in his hand.

Shh..don't tell Nick I said that.

My Mommy was able to enjoy the Homecoming festivites with us this year!

Speaking of cheerleaders.....she is my favorite "cheerleader" of all time!

Love you Mommy!

Noah enjoying a treat while watching the parade.

Mr. Pickles

Oh, to be young again!

Auntie Liz and her baby girl Jami!

Welcome Home Daddy

We sure did miss our Daddy while he was away serving our country in the desert. I wanted to do something special for him when he came home to celebrate his birthday and celebrate our 6 year wedding anniversary. Since Grandma Violet was still in town, I planned a surprise overnight stay downtown St.Louis. With three kids, this was a TREAT for the both of us. I booked us an Arch view room at the Millenium Hotel! We also ate dinner on top of the hotel where there is revolving restaraunt. The view was amazing! We were able to see the St.Louis skyline while the sun was up, as the sun was setting, and at night with all it's lights (including a game at Busch Stadium with fireworks). I have lived in this area since I was in the 3rd grade and have been in the Arch like a million times yet,  I have never seen St.Louis like this. It was breathtaking! I am so glad that Nick and I were able to have a special night out. Thanks Mom for making it possible!

The view from our room.

Summer Vacation Part 5

The boys, Bella, Grandma Violet, and I packed our bags and headed back home to Illinois after our fun filled trip to Texas. On the way home, we had an over-night stay in Oklahoma at my cousin (on my Dad's side) Anthony's house. It was a short, but sweet visit. The boys had so much fun playing with their cousins Isiah and Adrian and their baby sister! We will definitely stop and visit again on our next road trip to Grandpa Dan and Grandma Violet's house.

Summer Vacation Part 4

I know what you are thinking......FINALLY! With that being said here are the last of our summer vacation photos. This summer Grandpa Dan and Grandma Violet took us to beach! This is the second time my boys have gone to see the ocean. They picked up right were they left off the last time they were there. Of course they had a blast digging and playing in the all the sand. Grandpa and Grandma brought along some boogie boards so Nicholas and Joshua could ride the waves. They had some pretty good beginners luck with the tides. We were only at the beach for 2 days, but we created a lifetime of wonderful memories!

One of the best things about going to the coast is that you get the BEST eats!

Of course we ate seafood for every meal!
Here is Grandpa Dan with his oysters.

Shooshie waiting for his nummies.

Ahoy there matey!

We just had to get a picture of this.

Look at all the fish we caught! 

No, I am only kidding.
This was right outside another restaurant that we ate at. 

However, Grandpa Dan told the boys that they were going fishing next time!

Here is Noah on the beach.

And here is the rest of the crew

This is the best part about playing at the beach......

1) you can play in the sand (and mom doesn't care)

2) when you get dirty you just rinse off in the waves

Who can blame him?

They just can't get enough of this stuff!

Grandpa Dan 

Joshua and his sand castle!

Me and my little beach bums!

Grandpa Dan and Joshua at the famous Shark Shop.

On our way home from the ocean,
we were able to experience a ferry ride.
The boys thought it was so cool that we could drive our van onto a boat
that would take us across the water.
Here we are standing beside our van during the ride.