Catching Up

On June 6th, we celebrated Great Grandma Flaherty's 8oth birthday with a big party at the Flaherty house. Since all of Grandma's great grand kids were in town and at the party, she wanted to get a jump start on her Christmas card photo for 2009. This included 20 kiddos ages 6 and under. Wow, I thought our last photo op was crazy, but add another 13 kids to the mix and it made for a really great time. I actually think this pic turned out pretty cute. I know Grandma Flaherty was happy.

Here we are enjoying a fun evening of swimming and barbequeing with the Gonzalez's and Hall's.

Bradock and Raylee were having so much fun jumping on the trampoline and singing "Ring Around the Rosie". I think Raylee picked up on the fun song because she totally sings "Ashes Ashes" all day now.

Bradock had his 2 year check up the other day (a couple months late because he needed his 2nd Hep A shot) and is a whopping 26lbs and 35.5in tall. He is such a cute boy and has the funniest personality. The other day we were sitting in the kitchen at the table and he looks towards the stairs and yells "BRETT!" I said "Do you mean Dad?" He told me "No, where is Brett?" I told Bradock that dad was at school and he looks at me with this funny expression on his face and says "OH MAN"! He loves the movie "Cars" and is saying a lot more of those funny kid things. Bradock is definitely our 'Curious George' and has continued to get into some mischief. Bradock has been getting up pretty early lately, even after putting foil up in his window to block the sun. Since I try and go to the gym early I am not home when Bradock decides to wake up and goes downstairs to see what kind of trouble he can get into. He is nice to let Brett sleep, but after getting into Dad's lap top and ripping off all the keys the other day, I think Brett is going to have to find a way to keep that little boy in his room until he is ready to get up. Bradock is also getting so cute with Raylee. They love to make each other laugh, fight over toys, and give each other hugs and kisses.

Raylee girl turned 11 months this week and is growing like a weed. She has been standing up un-assisted for a couple weeks now and actually took her first step. I don't think it will be much longer now before she is full on walking. She loves to say and wave "Bye Bye", say Momma, Dada, baby, Ashes Ashes. She makes the funniest face when you tell her to make fishy lips. She tries so hard but she just ends up smacking her lips and blinking her eyes really hard.
The other day I told the kids to fold their arms because we were going to say prayers and it was the first time Raylee folded her hands together all by herself. Now we just have to say fold your arms and she does it without hesitation. It's those moments that you think "That's what all my hard work is for". Raylee gets lots of compliments on her pretty looks and "grown-up" personality. I think she thinks she's older than she is because she sure acts like it. It's like she has more personality than fits in her little body.

Both Bradock and Raylee are so much fun, challenging yes, but lots and lots of fun. They keep me on my toes and keep my life full and exciting.