Problems

For some reason, many of you haven't been able to access the blog... While I try to figure it out (any suggestions?), it's back to public access...

My goal recently has been to do something memorable every weekend as a family. I know--profound and insightful, right? It's just that now the boys are getting older (maybe 3 and 1 don't quite qualify as "old" ages to you, but they do to me...), I want them to have a history of special memories with their fam. You know, so they'll learn to like their nice ole parents and want to listen to us when they are teens. I can hope. And to Colin's dismay, I don't count sitting around watching the NFL Draft as a "special memory." Sorry. I'm a big zoo lover, especially the NC one (as I've mentioned multiple times already on this blog), and this time we dragged my sister, Matt & Carson along for the fun. It was hot, it was crowded, and it was fun. Thanks for joining us, Allison clan!

Driving a safari jeep. This kid will love Disney one day.

He had so much fun on the carousel a couple of weekends ago--I had to let him try it again.

Thomas didn't know what to make of Carson's affection.

All three boys checking out the chimps.

Driving home... sugar rush post-Wendy's frosty...

A tad worn out, no?

Scared by a recent Oprah episode (love or hate her--the woman offers useful info sometimes...), I'm going to make this blog private... That way, I can post pictures and personal information without fear. I'd LOVE to have you stick with us, so leave a comment or e-mail me with your e-mail address, and I'll send you an invitation to read. I'll make the change within a few days. Thanks!

Update--OK, I wanted to clarify. The show was focused on online predators, but a police sergeant was also featured... here's some of what what he said:

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090220-tows-online-safety/3

That's enough to make me a little wary. So give me your e-mail (don't assume I have it please) if you want to continue seeing photos of my beautiful boys & hearing about their exploits!

He is Risen!

We have indeed had a happy Easter... The boys enjoyed their baskets (compliments of the Easter Bunny & Omi/Opi!)... Will has gorged on chocolate and marshmallows (other than that, he's consumed a roll and a yogurt. All day.)... We celebrated Jesus' resurrection at our church... Friends came over and joined us for lunch and an egg hunt... Colin got to watch the Masters... A sunny, warm, beautiful day--Hope yours was too!

It's a miracle--we're all looking. Even Spiderman.

Quite the artist.

He loved his marshmallow bunnies...

Showing off the goods.

Another fun-filled family outing (can't say that about every excursion we take, but this one truly was a hit!) We spent Friday morning at this fantastic park that had a petting zoo, aquarium, mini golf, playgrounds, paddle boats, mini-zoo, carousel and train ride. Can't believe we haven't checked this out sooner!

Somehow it was Will's first time on a carousel, and he LOVED it--as in giggled the whole time.

Thomas had a thing for the racoon.

All three men enjoyed golf...

Meet the newest G...

She's yet to be named (though we do have several options in mind), and she won't be here until early May...but it's time for the Gallahans to introduce a canine into the mix. Our first family pet, & I can't wait!

The Guys

Maybe, just maybe, there will come a day when everyone will be looking and smiling at the same time. For now, the sight of my little boys with their daddy makes me feel like a very blessed woman.

Let's just say I've been thanking God profusely for the warmer weather--this boy needs to be outside on a daily basis (in fact, he'll inform me: "Mommy, I need some fresh air now"). Ahh--the joys of big wheels, lawn mowers, t-ball sets, and even art projects (a new interest).

Another blog entry cop-out: Cute kid pics...

Yep, I realize I haven't been very wordy lately (nothing really new), but I do like showing y'all my (youngest two) men. Here you go--

I feel guilty when I see this one. I was trying on clothes in Target when Thomas fell off the dressing room "bench." Can you tell he landed on his mouth? He's OK--I promise. And in case you're wondering, he is indeed dragging around a putter, as he did all afternoon yesterday. Maybe there is hope Colin could have a golfing buddy down the road.



When I see him coloring or eating at the kiddie table, it kills me how "old" he seems. Though don't get any ideas (mom!)--there will be no new G's headed our way anytime soon. It's nice to sleep for a change.


Can't take our eyes off this one--he's a climber.


After Will buried him with stuff. Thomas didn't mind.

He looks evil here, but Colin likes this picture for some reason.

Enough with T--I'll update you on big bro next.

Love these guys.

And yes, they do wear pants from time to time. Just not after naps.

Snow!

My guys

Housekeeping. Literally.

I adored my lightweight Electrolux Pronto while it lasted, which sadly was less than a year. Now I'm dustbusting my whole house on a daily (or hourly, depending on what the boys are doing) basis, which might just turn me into a hunchback. Please PLEASE let me know if you have a vacuum that you really like...it's got to be light and good for hard floors & carpet.

On another note, have I mentioned recently how much I love, love, love thrifting for my kids' clothing? Gone are the leisurely hours at the mall, and I have no intention of paying a ton for my boys' apparel. I mean, these children get dirty. But I can spend 20 minutes in my favorite thrift store and come out with a TON of high end stuff in great shape. Like Will's $4 Columbia ski coat for next year. And Thomas' $3 Strasburg spring ensemble. And the multitude of Gap/Polo stuff for $1-2. And last but not least--Will's tacky Spiderman shirt. I'm not one to dress my kids in cartoon characters, but it was a couple of bucks...and it made him so very happy.

OK, it's off to enjoy this gorgeous weather. Nearly 70 degrees in February is just fine with me. Will went swimming in our backyard creek, Thomas wanders outside in a diaper and tee, and it's almost Valentine's Day. Gotta love the Southeast.

I know, I know--it's been awhile...

So I'll try to get back into the swing of things and update this little blog of mine. You mean you don't want to admire my Christmas photos for another 11 months?

Big news #1--Will is (during the day at least) potty trained! Woo hoo! Though I've got to say--with the "I want to do it myself" wiping jobs and "Mommy I didn't mean to [not make the deposit entirely in the commode]," diapers sometimes seem the less-messy route. But it's time, and he is adorably so proud of himself.

#2--Thomas is walking! He's perfected this crazy army crawl for months now, but he finally decided that using his feet is more fun. He's also getting at least six teeth right now, so he's been acting uncharacteristically cranky recently. Super. And doesn't he look like a big kid with his new haircut?

#3--My sister is pregnant with #2! Since our mom already blabbed the news to all of Richmond & the facebook community, I figure it won't hurt to share. Yippee for Carson's baby brother/sister coming in October!

#4--So Will got this butterfly house for Christmas...You know, you send away for the caterpillar larvae, watch them get disgustingly large and fill their plastic cup with poo, transfer the chrysalises into the mesh house, and wait... Will is mildly interested, Colin is grossed out, and I'm reliving my grade school science experiment days. I don't care if you think I'm a dork, it's fascinating.

That's all the excitement and profound thoughts for today. Happy weekend, all!

We had a lovely Christmas, and as of yesterday we're home. Seeing as how someone gets ill every trip (can't forget two Christmases ago when we infected 10 family members with a "memorable" stomach bug), we learned last night that Thomas has pneumonia. He seems to be doing a little better after beginning antibiotics, but he's pretty pitiful.

In random order and without explanation, here's proof of our fun and family-filled several days in VA.