The One In The Middle Is The Green Kangaroo

I had classic middle-child syndrome growing up. Although Cole isn't officially the middle child, I still sympathize with his situation and try to give him the special attention that he so desparately craves.

His favorite thing to do is sit with me and have me write out words for him to read. Yesterday he asked if he could also write his own words - I dare you to find his version of "Ferris Wheel" or "Water" or "Ghost Ship" - love the way a 4 year old's mind works.


He's in the Pre-K class at school and is luh-uhving all of the projects. He feels extremely old and important now that he's doing "big kid" crafts.





What can I say...he's a fellow ham after my own heart...





The infamous balloon incident of 2011...one of his balloons flew away and as Cole put it, "That was the worst day of my life." I figure if that's as bad as it gets, then the kid has it pretty good.

We're All Growing Up

Yesterday was an interesting day of accomplishments.

In the morning, Phil competed in his first triathlon. It was a 1/4 mile swim, 13 mile bike course, and 2 mile run. It was a long road to get there which included 4:30 am wake up calls for training (plus an unfortunate run-in with a skunk) - but he did it and he's awesome.

Dean took his first steps. We were just hanging out in the kitchen, and he walked clear into the other room. Just like that.

The older boys finished their latest chore charts. Weeks of scrubbing the walls, cleaning the toilets, sweeping the porch, etc. finally produced a Lego set for Ry and Pillow Pet for Cole. Score.

Charlie cleared his own plate after lunch without being asked. He just said, "Excuse me from the table please" and grabbed the plate, put it in the sink, and went on his merry way. Huh?

I actually feel like we're getting somewhere. Like I can breathe again. Like we can start to have our own interests and watch the kids grow into themselves too.

Of course, as I write this Camelot-esque tale I'm covered in spaghetti sauce from dinner, the toy room looks like it exploded and I have about 972 emails to answer before tomorrow. But for now I choose to bask in our victories - both big and small.

As the sticker on the back of our car says...Life Is Good.

Photo Shoot

When Dean turned 1, my birthday present to myself was to get pictures taken of team Kerper. We met our friend Keyai at the park and turned the kids loose.

Highlights included the stroller falling over with Charlie inside (twice), beating a rainstorm, and having Ry educate us on WC artist Horace Pippin.

Here are some of the shots - THANKS KEYAI!!!!

Seriously. When. Did. He. Grow. Up?

I know it sounds so cliche - but wasn't I just holding him in my arms as a little baby? Sigh...our family motto proves itself true time and time again: "The days are long and the years are short."

Here's my little peanut before his first day of 1st Grade.


Cole was not amused when we were waiting for the kids to get off the bus...I think he was in serious big brother withdrawl.


This theory was proved accurate when Charlie tried to kiss him and Cole recoiled like Cha's lips were coated in poison. This 1st grade thing is going to take getting used to (for everybody).


We started this awesome tradition last year (at least I hope it continues as a tradition) of holding an ice cream party in the alley when the kids get off the bus on their first day. It's a great treat to look forward to, and not a bad perk to throw leftovers into our freezer.


So just when I was getting used to all of this growing up...after the second day of school Ry hopped on his 2-wheeler and started cruising. Just like that. He might as well have his driver's license....double sigh...