Every year, Monarch butterflies visit our garden. This one was particularly fond of the pink cone flower.

Today is the last day I took this traditional picture, taken on the monthly and then yearly anniversary of his birthday. The chalkboard will go into his keepsake box. Happy Birthday, Joe Cool.

There is no bouquet of flowers more beautiful than those that are picked by your son when he went for a walk with his dad on the trail.

On one of Christopher's regular excursions to the nearby swamp to catch frogs, he came across this turtle. Not to worry, as it wasn't permanently displaced and was returned to its home after its visit at our house.

Joey's Preschool End of the Year Celebration took place last Friday. He is officially registered with the Londonderry Public School system and will enter Moose Hill Kindergarten in the fall.



Here he is in the procession, giving us a grin.


Front and center, surrounded by his classmates.


Each child got to announce his or her name. Joey's friend Alex (to his right) announced his full name and not to be outdone, Joey gave his also, as "Joseph Stanley Brian".


Receiving his certificate

Here is Tommy
Sitting in a tree
R-E-S-T-I-N-G
First climb up
Then sit down
Then enjoy watching the world go 'round

Nothing less than clever improvision, wouldn't you say? And a prayer Joey doesn't crash because there are no brakes.

Jeffrey's first visit to the dentist. His apprehension and fear is clear, although he did a great job and was rewarded with neat prizes in the end. Are those sunglasses cool or what?

The day before his 7th birthday, Christopher lost his front tooth.


Amused with us singing. Although one can only guess what Joey is thinking...

Spring snow in New Hampshire. These are photos from the pre-Easter storm, taken on 04/06/07.

Enjoying a day at the beach.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

His father's son...

Winter has finally found us, and in its worst form.
Birch trees are very flexible, weighed down with icicles. Chris has a taste.
Joey smiling behind the ice web.
Joey and Jeffrey in a winter wonderland.

This is my new Christmas puppy, Noelle. Isn't she just so cute?

Balloon Kisses

There they are. Four little boys whose names may or may not be on Santa's list. And one photo could be priceless, as we may never see the eldest boy sitting on Santa's lap again. His nervousness and embarrassment can be seen in the photo. Notice him pulling at his fingers. Classic sign. And as for the youngest one, the 2-year-old attitude comes through. They all couldn't be more different!

This is how I found Joey when I came home from work last night. Occasionally, after being tucked into bed, he will get up and sneak back downstairs to sleep on the sofa, only unbeknownst to him, he will eventually be brought back up to bed to be tucked in again.

Christopher likes to bunk with Jeffrey on weekends.

It is, by far, the (Joe) Coolest room in our house.

Rye Beach , New Hampshire, in November.

Two little boys running free, chasing sea gulls.

A true gift.

Happy boys in a happy homemade (with love!) loft bed.