Getting into the spirit

On Friday, C visited Rhys' school to participate in their Halloween Party...(pictured with Ms. Bonnie).

Of course she had to wear the appropriate mix of Halloween colors without being too obvious.

On Saturday, R helped us carve a pumpkin (Dom swears it is the first time he has done this...better late than never.). And R composed an ode to the sad pumpkin - he was missing his candle.

One more day

Is that a look of fear in our eyes?

I came across our online wedding photos and thought to pepper this blog with some history.
This photo is from Oct. 28, 2005 - the day before our wedding. There may be a few more gray hairs and lines - but I would argue we are even happier now with the joyful additions to our family.

Dom with Rhys

Heather and Claudie

Pumpkin

A gorgeous day in St Louis -- getting ready for Rhys' third Halloween and Claudie's first.

Firefighter cont'd

Rhys is obsessed with firefighters these days (as you may have noticed). Not only is he going to be a Fire Dog for the second year in the row, he also wants to drive by the Clayton Fire Station every chance he gets and is eager for any book from the Library about firefighting.

Today, the family went to the Emergency Vehicle Fair in Clayton and saw a helicopter, firetrucks, and more...Grandpa Oldham joined us for a bit to ogle at the mastery of the local firestation.

Rhys in the 1940s style Firetruck

Claudia and Rhys

Happy Birthday, Daddy

A bit late in the posting, but Claudia also got dressed up to wish Dom a happy 46th.  There she is...our girl!

Partners in Crime

Jamie and Rhys learn about fire hydrants from the friendly Clayton fireman.

Meet Mr Frog and Mr Duck

Our good friends the Nolidans were lured to St Louis with promises of AB products, a babysitter, and lots of activities to keep the wee ones occupied. Our four days of fun together included circuses, firefighters, carousels, trains, animals galore, fine dining at home and abroad, baby smiles, big boy tears - and one -- "You are my Best Friend". 

It is hard to say good-bye to good friends -- but, as we promised Rhys, we will see everyone again soon - and the big boys will be three and our little ones will be not-so-little. But Sheila and I will have hardly aged. More photos coming soon on the Nolidan's blog...

A kid at heart

There is nothing quite like having small children to keep you young. Dom celebrated a birthday yesterday -- on 10-10-10 -- so I thought it would be clever to develop a Top 10 List of why we love him. (I thought it would be clever when I started but I have under 10 minutes to post, so please feel free to add in your own Top 10 ideas to help me out!).

10. He is always up for watching Glee, True Blood or The Office if it makes his wife happy. (I think he did draw the line at Pride and Prejudice, however).
9.He is a great friend and amusing dining companion.
8. Ok, he has a UK passport. And is always up for travel ideas even if our dreams are curtailed right now due to budget and children.
7. He makes great turkey tacos and will pick up Chipotle or Ben and Jerry's when requested. 
6. Dom is very safety conscious thanks to his upbringing and I know we are in safe hands when he is in the driver's seat.
5. Fair is far -- if Dom plays tennis, I go to yoga. I have plans with friends, he has plans with friends. If I make dinner (yes, it does happen occasionally), he does the dishes. If he makes dinner, he does the dishes....(not quite fair on my part, is it?)
4. He likes to go to plays - and museums - and will take Rhys in the mornings (how does this fit together, you ask...well, it does somehow in my mind.)
3. He is a great sport on the tennis court.
2. 10-10-10 and we have been together for almost 10 years.
1. He is Rhys and Claudia's number one Dad.

We love you, Dom!

Air Time for C Too!

While not as visually arresting as "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" - Claudia's growth is just as fascinating. She is such a sweet, smiley happy baby.  Here is a peek at what she is up to at six moths.