cleveland's natural history museum

This past week we went on a trip to Cleveland's Natural History museum and were blessed with nice weather - so we spent a good portion of our time (and photo ops) outside. They had a large "live animal" area where we could observe birds, deer, the trio's favorite - otters (which Gabby named ollie and oscar), racoons, etc. Great Aunt Liz and Great Uncle Jim (pa's sister and brother) accompanied us and helped make it a wonderful outing!

pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins

It wouldn't be halloween without a hayride to pick out your pumpkin, right? The Schwartz family tradition lives on at Butternut Ridge Farm's Pumpkintown where the kiddo's got to ride the hayride out to the pumpkin patch and pick out their very own pumpkin.

yep... there were enough of us to fill our own wagon!

slim pick'ns if you ask me....

some carved pumpkins that we can be proud of!

finger up

The triplets are giving you an alternative for when you do a "good job!!!"
You can either have a "thumbs up" or a "finger up." Which would you prefer?

Often, I take the later and receive a "finger up" (usually the index finger) for when I do a good job.

bedtime prayers

Who should we pray for tonight?

Mateo - "Uncle Rob & Aunt Hilary" (he prays for Uncle Rob EVERY night)... perhaps the other uncles need to up their ante and invite Toe over for a camping sleep-over?

Mary - "Kelsey, Ashleigh, & Isabelle.... and fairies & princesses"

Gabby - "everyone, because I love everyone"

Mary - "ok, I guess I should pray for everyone, too."

abby's toys

I am not sure why (perhaps it is the novelty of the item) but the trio LOVE to play with Abby's toys... especially when I bring out the ones that the trio had used (and outgrown.) They spent a good hour yesterday playing with Abby AND her "new" toys....

can ya feel the sisterly love?

mmm...mmm....good

nothing tastes better than pumpkin cream cheese on a bagel

football season

The trio had "football" day at school last week. They not only dressed up in their football jersey's, but the highlight was when they were able to tackle a giant bear! (Thank you, Aunt Cas, for the girl's sparkly pink and white jerseys!)

Abby's first tooth

Abby is finally (she seems to have been "teething" for months) showing signs of her first tooth. As soon as it clears the gum line, we'll take a picture for ya!

she shoots she scores

We are loving the warm weather! (And we love playing basketball with our Daddy!)

dress up

Lolo and Lola went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and brought back souvenirs! My favorite is the egyptian camel that plays music....

and the winner is.....

Mateo!!! He can stay "dry" through the night!! Good job, Toe!

future all-star

The trio had a blast playing ball with cousins's Kelsey, Ashleigh, and Isabelle. And what is Mateo doing???

dinner with the garcia's, part deux

Here is just another prime example as to the trio's differing personalities. Gabby is cutting a kiwi with a knife and fork. Mary is naked from the waist up becuase she spilled water on her shirt and couldn't possibly continue eating with a wet spot. Mateo, as usual, is distracted by the tv... and Abby can't consume food fast enough.

Anyone want to join us?

savor the sweet moments

I feel like a broken record every time I type on the blog... that time is flying and that the trio (and Abby) are growing up way to fast. But I just can't seem to get over the fact that they have grown up so much... and it seems that as they get older, they are growing exponentially fast. In just the short time that they have started preschool (which they absolutely LOVE by the way), they have begun to make friends at school and in the neighborhood, argue with me more, and seem to really be "thinking" about what they say and do.

And I am trying so hard to relish in the small things that still remind me that they are my babies. I especially like the few mornings when one at a time, all three will climb into bed with me and vie to hold my hand as they grab a few more winks of sleep.

Ahh.... father time, can you hold off on the "growing up" for a little while longer?

hands-on fun

Last week we went with Aunt Liz to the Cleveland Children's museum for some hands-on fun. They had a mini size grocery store where the kids could push a cart, pick out food, buy the food and use the cash register. They had a doctor's office, play house, RTA bus, etc. (You get the idea...) They had a blast!

safety first

A few weeks back we went to the Costco "safety day" and had an opportunity to see police, rescue, fire engines, etc. "up close and personal." (But, ahem... safety would mean a helmet, right?)

apple picking

Last weekend, while Lou was out of town, the Garcia's and Keberdle's went apple picking with Miss Katie... and we had an awesome time!!!

The trio picked apples, played kid's games, ate some fun, fall, food... (how is that for alliteration?) and enjoyed a hayride. Even Abby loved tasting the apples!

i wanna be like sissy

In just a few short days, Abby has decided that she wants to self-feed - baby food on a spoon isn't good enough. She is enjoying banana's, cheerio's, and drinking water with a straw! And yes, she is growing up way..... way.... to fast!