Embracing the Circus

Last week at work, I was in a meeting where we asked teachers to think about the different roles people have at a circus and asked them to select one they identified with most. As I looked around the room I found I could relate to most of the circus jobs we had displayed....a lion tamer, juggler, ticket taker, ringmaster and high wire act. The thing is.... at some point John and I both live each of these roles at home. While thinking about juggling the demands of life with work, kids, marriage and time for myself, I recognize it's hard to balance it all. I had a bit of an aha moment this past week.....Life is a total circus and it doesn't slow down so I might as well embrace all of these acts and enjoy the show. The best act is the one I come home to each night. What fun our little clowns have been having the past few weeks.

Ringmaster and her crew (In real life she is Wonderwoman)

Master Juggler

Magic tricks...the disappearing toy act

Lion Tamer...Frisco, I'm sure glad you're feeling better

Concession Stand is open...it's always fun to have a snack with Dad 

Animal Trainers...now if I could just get these toy horses to come to life 

Intermission....a little quiet time with the Cheerio Book

I'm so smart, I can give these seals a cheerio ball to play with

Our little artist

Clowning Around
Yes, that's a bow in Jack's hair. He insisted.
Someday, he'll regret it and be mad at me for sharing it with the world

The weekend's Main Event - Catching up with good friends the Wrights.
We're so glad they're back and thankful Whit is home safely from his deployment.

Whoa what's that matter with her?
Hope expresses her need for food while Kate patiently waits.

The boys catching up with Hadley

Twirling Girls

Playgrounds and Picnics

The kids had a fantastic week with Jessy. We are having work done on the outside of our house which means there is a lot of banging and noise going on during the day. Such a perfect time for Jessy to venture out with the kids. They had a playdate at the park with Jessy's sister and nieces. Another day they went to the Great Mall and played inside since the weather was a bit iffy.

It was a beautiful weekend here and we enjoyed lots of time outside. The kids and I went for a nice long walk on Saturday and stopped at the park to play. Of course we went to the pool each day and enjoyed splashing around there. The highlight of the weekend was our picnic at Loose Park today. Frisco even joined us for the fun.

We are still giving Frisco lots of love around here. He got to visit his favorite vet Dr. Gage twice this week. First as a follow up and then to hang out another day for a couple of more tests. Unfortunately, we did not get awesome news. His kidneys are starting to falter a bit and he is in the initial stages of kidney disease. Our hearts are achy today as we cuddle our furry friend. On the bright side, as the vet said...Frisco is still Frisco. He's still got lots of personality. We're going to make sure he's cozy and loved for now.

Ready for our first field trip with Jessy

Super Nanny and crew

Can you get me now?

Lunch time with Jessy's nieces

I think I got a big one here!

Wheeeee! Just can't get enough of the swings.

We keep Mom busy running in different directions.

Best seat at the playground

This is kind of a tricky water bottle.

Today's lesson is about sticks and trees.

Perfect picnic spot

Life is good!

Frisco, try this yummy bite.

Our best buddy

It wouldn't be a picnic without some fancy hats

What's A Family To Do On A Rainy Weekend?

Kind of a lazy weekend at the Stichnoth house. The weather prevented us from getting outside as much as we would normally like. We did find a few things to keep us busy though. The last picture is one of my favorite moments of the weekend. I was changing the crib sheets and came into the playroom to find Jack enjoying a book.

Sidewalk chalk time between the raindrops

Vroom Vroom!

My what big teeth you have!

Lazy Sunday morning watching some Doc McStuffins

Visiting Curious George at Crown Center

Helping George wash windows

First mini golf lesson

Look.....I think I found my Doppleganger!

This is the perfect place to enjoy a favorite book

She's Back.....

Yay!!! Nanny Jessy is back as of today! Check out her handsome new little man Morgan. We are thrilled she is with us for another fun filled year. The kids had a great day with her and I think they even showed her a few of their new tricks. My how things change in a year. Last year when she started we had two little babies. This year, we've got two toddlers and she has a baby of her own. He came dressed for success this morning. Oh the fun they will all have!

One year ago today

Today - Jessy's first day back

Meet Morgan
He dressed business casual for his first day of work