Planes

We were able to go see a historic World War II era B-25 Mitchell bomber and a P-51D fighter at the Blacksburg airport.  The planes were here to do flyovers during the football game.  Its pretty neat that our house is on the flight path for game flyovers, so we were able to see the P-51 fly back and forth while hanging out in our yard. 

Mike & Marcus checking out the plane

B-25 bomber "Axis Nightmare"

P-51D fighter "Cincinnati Miss"

It was a windy day so we headed to the park to see if we could fly a few kites.  The kids had fun running back and forth trying to get their kites in the air.  

Apples!

The family (minus Raquel because she was in school) headed north of Roanoke to pick apples. It was a beautiful day and we had fun picking and eating a few apples.  Poor Natalya was sick but she was a real trooper and helped pick.  Marcus enjoyed picking apples too, we just had to make sure he wasn't picking the rotten ones off the ground. Now we just have to make applesauce, apple pie filling and enjoy some fresh apples!

Filling our buckets with apples

Taking a break and enjoying an apple

Mmm! 

Mike & Erik relaxing in the orchard.

Butter

Marcus is a busy little boy.  He is constantly getting into everything including my shoes, jewelry and the fridge.  He has taken up finger painting with butter and anything else he can get his little hands on. Here I caught him in the act.  We have gone through about 10 cubes of butter, a package of cream cheese and various vegetables to date.  I even caught him trying to broil a sun glasses case in the toaster the other day.  He sure keeps me on my toes and keeps out kitchen floor, cabinets and couches well greased.

Marcus and his mess from the fridge

The proud little artist

Part of his masterpiece

5 Months

Erik 5 months

Lazy Days and Haircuts!

We have been enjoying our warm end of summer days. We love hanging out in the yard, jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes and drawing with chalk.

We have also enjoyed self haircuts. This time it was big sister Natalya cutting Marcus' hair.  She took out a big chunk right down to the scalp.

Marcus and his haircut

And here is Marcus showing off his new haircut by dad to fix the one Natalya did.

Party!

We invited some of Marcus' friends over for a birthday party bonfire. We were going to roast hot dogs and have fun by the fire but it turned rainy and cold.  We still partied just inside and had lots of fun playing and eating cake.  The Tebbenkamps, Grahams, and Folkart/Brian's helped us celebrate.  I made Marcus a car cake.  He even stayed up the night before his party to help me decorating it.

The cake

Marcus' birthday cake

Marcus helping me with his cake

Marcus add a few extras to his cake

Blowing out the candles at his party.

Marcus and all his fun car and truck presents

Birthday Boy!

Marcus turned two and had a great birthday eating donuts, opening presents and playing.  Marcus and I went and picked out donuts for breakfast. Then he opening his presents of duplos and stamps in the shapes of cars and trucks.  The kids and I took Marcus out for lunch and played at Chick-fil-A. 

Birthday Breakfast Donuts!

Opening presents

Eating lunch at Chick-fil-A

Playing at Chick-fil-A after lunch.

 Height: 34.5 inches

Weight: 27.5 lbs

Marcus is my sweet little boy and here are 10 things I love about him.

1. He is my little buddy. Where I go he goes. I can count on you being by my side. 

2. Marcus is a great little helper. He loves to help make cookies and even helps clean up.

3. He wants to do everything his big sisters do, and they are happy to let him. He lines right up in the morning to get his hair done with clips and flowers.  

4. He loves to play with my shoes and can be heard clomping around in them almost everyday.

5. He is stubborn like his mom and wants to do things his own way.  He is my first really pouter and will go stand against the wall.  

6. He is becoming a big talker.  And here are a few of the words he knows

•   on
• See ya
• Tra (truck)
• Bu (bus)
• Ar (car)
• Stinky
• Eat
• goff (get off)
• op (stop)
• I heem (ice cream)
• goggie (cookies)
• shoe
• um mee (yummy)
• apple

7. He love your food especially your sweets.  He will sit at the table and yell for everyone to come Eat.
8. He loves his little pink bike and zooms up and down the street.
9. Marcus is very curious and active.
10. He love his cars and trucks and always has a few in each hand.  He never can have too many and can play for hours lining them up and caring them all around the house.