Welcome to the World Henry!!

Look how sweet that little face is!!!  Henry Dawson Motte was born Monday August 20th at 3:29pm and weighed 7lbs. 12oz. and was 20 inches long.  

Michael and I had the honor of being in the room to welcome our nephew into the world!  It doesn't get much better than that.  The boys came to visit later that evening and gave little man lots of hugs and kisses.  Well the older ones gave hugs and kisses and Crobsy doesn't totally get gentle so we tried to hold him back a little (he was very interested in his cousin).  They will be buddies running together soon enough.  Congrats Steph and Stephen.  He is ADORABLE!  We'll take some pics of the boys all together soon and I will post them then!

Dress-Up

One of Oliver's favorite activities recently is playing dress-up.  It usually means he emerges from the playroom wearing one of his many superhero costumes but lately the costumes are as varied and creative as his imagination.

We bought a copy of the Superhero Encyclopedia (yes there is one) with  descriptions, stats, and pictures of every Superhero and Villain known to man.  Oliver loves to choose one of the superheroes from the book and emulate him.  This is "Black Bolt."   He made the mask himself, found some black shorts and a black shirt, and we borrowed some of Daddy's black dress socks.

 This is Oliver in super spy mode.   I'm pretty sure this suit was Michael's when he was Oliver's age.

 Wesley quite frequently joins in on the fun but not on this day,  He just wanted me to take his picture.

 Crosby even gets in on the fun.  Could he be any cuter? 

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Get Acquainted Day and First Day of School

It's hard to believe that it's that time again and even more difficult to believe that I have two pre-schoolers this year.  

This is Oliver and his buddy Tyler (we went to high school with Tyler's Dad).  Not sure why Oliver looks like he is being tortured.

Oliver and Wesley before "Get Acquainted Day"  Looking handsome.

 

Before their first day of school, which happened to be a BIG success.  Neither of them cried, and were both very happy when I picked them up.  They informed me quite promptly, after getting in the car, they both kept their card on green (meaning they behaved well:)  

 Somewhat of a terrible picture of me but this is the two of us waiting for big brothers.

 All the kids getting picked up from half day.  Oliver is on the far right with his Batman backpack that is nearly as big as him.  

A Week in Prescott

While Michael headed to the D.R. for a week we headed up to Prescott to escape the heat.  We had a fun filled week and I was especially thankful to have some extra sets of hands.  

Crosby exploring the great Prescott pines. 

 Mimi stocked the cabin with enough prizes to last us for months.  Here are just a few that Oliver picked out.

 We headed to the square on day for lunch and it was packed with all sorts of people as usual.  They especially like the vintage fire truck with tires as big as they were.

 We passed by a face painting booth and Oliver picked out this spider.

 We were successful in wearing at least one of them out.

 While we were up there we celebrated Mimi's birthday with cupcakes and trick candles.   Doesn't get much better than that.

 We took a second annual trip to the Zoo.

 Last year this bear was sleeping.  Not this year.

 We cooled off at the splash pad.

 Crosby LOVED the Rhino and the Grizzly.

 Of course Oliver and Wesley did too.

 But Papa G might love it the most.

 He is definitely one.  When you're not looking he gets into pretty much everything, including the toothpaste.

 My mom and I spent several nap times gathering, organizing, and cutting wood so we could install this new headboard when we got back.  Turned out pretty cool.

 The hot tub was a huge success and we spend many an hour playing in there.

 Papa G took the boys on some rides in the Rhino.