The Circus

Mike and I took Matthew to the circus a few weeks ago. We had a great time, Matthew's favorites were the elephants and the clowns. If you have never seen a big circus you have to go!

It's a...

BOY! Big surprise, the Fallis family will welcome another boy to the house April 7th!

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween from our resident bat and pirate! Hope you got lots of candy.

Picking a pumpkin

Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch!

Why we haven't posted...

Sorry there hasn't been a post in a while but we have been busy...
We are pregnant! The 3 Fallis baby will arrive sometime in early April.
Pictures of all the kids soon.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

At the recommendation of a colleague we took the kids to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo the weekend before school for a little family time. It was great! There were rides, a seal show and the boys got to feed a giraffe. It was nice to spend a little quality time together, at least until Mike's car broke down in the Friendly's parking lot and it took almost 3 hours to get back on the road. Oh well, it was still a great day.

A Fair to Remember

This year's fair was extra special because Matthew entered some art and cooking projects for the first time. We had a lot of fun doing them, especially since Matthew came up with the ideas and did everything with a little supervision. From painting with food coloring gel on his marshmallow snakes to pounding dozens of nails into his rain stick. We didn't want to be stage parents! We were shocked when we got to the fair to realize that he ended up with 2 blue ribbons, a second place and a third place! We did the usual fair things, rode rides, ate cotton candy and saw the animals but this made it even more special.

Kindergarten!!!

Here is Matthew outside his new classroom!

More first day of Kindergarten later!

Hooray!!!

My brother proposed to the most wonderful girl in the world last night... and she said YES!!! Congrats to Chris and Amanda, we could not be happier to officially add her to the family.

Family Vacation, Pt. 2

Our vacation wasn't all caves, we also went to the beach, visited the Corvette Museum, spent time in Bowling Green, KY, checked out a train museum and saw Abraham Lincoln's birthplace! It was a busy few days and we were all tired when we left but it was a lot of fun!

Family Vacation, Pt. 1

We went to Mammoth Cave National Park on vacation this summer. The caves were amazing, Mike and I spent over 8 hours on cave tours exploring places called Fat Man's Misery and the Mammoth Dome and even eating in the underground cafe in the Snowball Room. If you have never seen it - go!

Our Fort

We decided to move the furniture today and build a fort!

Fallis Family Rock Band

Mike brought the boys guitars back from his trip to Nashville. I don't know what possessed him to make this purchase, the boys love them, mommy isn't so sure!

Our 1st Emergency Room Visit

This is what happens when you get pissed at your little brother...

Matthew didn't want to watch Monsters, Inc again so he climbed our bookcase to get a different movie and somehow (Mike and I didn't see what happened, we were finishing dinner) fell off and busted open the corner of his eye. Mike took him to the emergency room where they glued his cut shut with "special doctor glue" and he got popsicles and lots of stickers. He is okay now and very greatful he didn't have to get shots.

Magic Treehouse & The Art Museum

Matthew has become obsessed with the Magic Treehouse book series by Mary Pope Osborne this summer, after reading one of the titles Mummies in the Morning we took a trip to the art museum to learn more about mummies and Egypt. We had a great time learning and then playing in the children's center. Some of the biggest hits were antiques such as the typewriter and the Polaroid camera!

mmmmmmm.... Swensons...

need we say more?

Becky's Birthday!

We celebrated a very special birthday with Mike's mom last weekend. It was made even more special because Kate, Jeff and his girlfriend Bre were able to be in town for the event. We had dinner on the Nautica Queen, everyone had a great time!

Legos!

The Lego legacy continues. Mike and I grew up loving legos, Mike was the bigger nerd than I was - but that is another story for another time, and Matthew has discovered and fallen in love with legos as well. We spend a lot of quiet time in the afternoon and before bedtime building amazing creations such as houses, cows, motorcycles, airplanes and trains.

Last Day of School

The boys celebrated their last day of school on Friday. For Matthew it was the final day of Preschool, in the fall he will start Kindergarten at Mommy's school! It is hard to believe that he is that old already. For Cameron it meant saying good-bye to Miss Shelia again. Lucky for us it isn't good-bye to Discovery Kingdom, we will be back in the fall. Matthew will attend their half-day Kindergarten program and Cam will continue to spend time with his friends in day care. We are so lucky to have found a group of people that love and care for our children so much!

Queen of Mulch

I was tired of looking at our sad little flower bed and waiting for "someone" to come and mulch them so I took matters into my own hands. I called the local nursery, ordered a dump truck full of mulch and did it all myself (honestly I did, Mike only helped with three wheelbarrows worth). I also moved and replanted 3 Hostas, bought 3 weired berried/flowered plants and got those planted and then got 3 new roses and planted those. It was a good first day out of school!

Kind Kid's Book Club

Matthew joined the "Kind Kids Book Club" this winter. It was a program offered through the local humane society that gave children a list of books that had kind messages about animals and based on the number they read (or had read to them) they got prizes. Matthew and I read 20 so he was invited to take a tour of the humane society, got a puzzle and a stuffed animal. He wasn't sure about the place but he loved the bunny room!

Cam's New Bed!

Thanks to Mom-mom (with moving support by Poppy and Grammy Moving Co.) Cameron got a new bed last weekend. That's right, our baby is out of his crib and into a "big boy bed" of sorts. This isn't just any bed, it is a toddler-size fire truck complete with lights. We were very worried that he wouldn't stay in it but he doesn't seem to realize that he can climb out of it. In the morning he just lays in it and yells for one of us. It has been interesting to say the least!

Happy Anniversary!

Mike and I celebrated our 7th anniversary last weekend by painting the boys rooms. It doesn't sound romantic but we had a good time. We did enjoy an amazing dinner at the Melting Pot (thanks for the recommendation Jeff)! Mike surprised me with the beautiful flowers.

Relay for Life

On Friday the boys and I went to Relay for Life as a part of the Conneaut Cats team. This year not only was I a member of our school's team, I was the co-captain. The weather was horriable, cold and rainy, but the people were fun, the teams amazing and the individuals inspiring. So once again I ask myself the same question I ask each year, why do I Relay?

• for grandpa


• for auntie


• for Tami


• for the hundreds of survivors I watched walk around the track
  
• for hope
  
• for a future


• for a cure


• so my children never have to walk for me

My husband is not very smart...

but according to Matthew he is "awesome!" That would be because Mike took Matthew on the roof this weekend, which Matthew proclaimed as "amazing" and "cool." I was just there to take pictures and act as the potential emergency room chauffeur.

Our new camera

We got a new camera, as soon as I figure out how to hook it up to the computer I will post some new pictures.

For those of you wondering, no I am not an idiot, I am just a tired mom with only 9 more days left to teach this year!!!

Easter

Eggs, and chocolate and baskets oh my!

Mike's Birthday

Since I am home with Cameron I thought I would get caught up with my posts. We celebrated Mike's birthday twice, once at my parent's before Easter and then again on the actual day. He was suprised at the first party with a Wii, which made Easter weekend a lot of fun, everyone played.

Then the boys and I took him to Henry Ford for his birthday on Saturday. We rode a train, looked at lots of cars and even saw a 3-D IMAX movie. It was a great day!

It is a good thing Mike is cute because he sure is spoiled!

Cameron's Surgery

Cameron had his surgery today, tubes in his ears, adenoids out and sinuses irrigated. He did great and is at home resting now. Check out the great teal socks to keep his hospital id badge on his foot beacuse he had already ripped it off his hand!

Play-doh

Hanging out on Sunday, playing with Play-doh

Author Day

For the third year in a row we went to BGSU's Literacy in the Park event where they bring in a children's author and have lots of activities that go along with reading. We always have a good time and it is a free event and nothing is more fun than that! Matthew and Cameron loved the puppets and the crafts - Mike loved the hot dogs!

Judge Fallis

I waited to post these pictures until after Judge Fallis had attended Judge School, it seems more official now!

Bowling Party!

Matthew had his first "friend" party at a local bowling alley last weekend. He invited 3 girls and 2 boys for a game of bowling, pizza and cake. Mike gave bowling lessons and I dried tears, it was an interesting experience but all the kids seemed to have fun.

Volcano Brother's Luau

We all survived the Volcano Brother's Luau this weekend. The boys donned their hawaiian shirts and we spent some quality time with family and friends. It was overwhelming and fun and exhausing and very worthwhile! Thanks to everyone who came or sent happy thoughts, we love you all!

Goofball Cameron

Happy Meals make me happy!

I Am Octimus Prime

Matthew is obsessed with Octimus Prime (yah, I know his real name is Optimus Prime but Matthew insists it is Octimus). Our good friends Paul and Eli were kind enough to let us borrow this great Transformers toy that brought a lot of fun to our house!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Cameron! I can't believe that two years has gone by so fast. You are your own person with out a doubt - intense, rough-and-tumble, all boy and independent to a fault. I have never met anyone who enjoyed snacks so much! I feel so lucky to have been given you as a part of my life. I hope this year brings lots of new words, we know it is going to bring your first surgery (ear tubes), and successful speech sessions so we can know what is going on in the busy head of yours. I love you baby boy!

Matthew said it was a good day to have a cup of coffee and he must have been right. Matthew got his brother the coffee pot as a gift!

Birthday Pictures

We took the boys to get birthday pictures today. For your viewing pleasure here are some of the images that didn't make it...

Swimming Lessons

Our daycare/preschool offers swimming lessons which Matthew has taken several times already. I never thought Cameron was ready but now that he is almost two and has a mild fear of water I figured it was time. Yesterday he had his first swimming lesson and he did great! He was scared at first but he quickly relaxed and was blowing bubbles and splashing with his classmates. Matthew does great in the pool and wanted everyone to know that he can hold his breath longer than anyone else in his class.

Our "special" son

Is is a cause for concern that our son takes his clothes off almost every night so he can sleep like this????

Snow Day

The snow slowed down a bit this morning so Mike and the boys could go out and play. It was Cameron's first time playing in the snow! I'm not sure what he thought about it. After pulling the sleds around outside Mike and Matthew ventured out to the sledding hill for a while and Cameron stayed home and cried because he was too little to go.

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful, although hectic, holiday. After eight days of traveling to Akron to see Mike's family and then to Euclid to see mine we were ready to be home again. Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful gifts and wonderful time spent together (the best gift of all). Matthew got 7 webkinz (almost the 20 he wanted) and Cameron got lots of trucks and cars!Unfortunately Matthew got the worst parting gift - pneumonia for the second time this year as well as sinus infection. He will be seeing a pediatric pulmonary specialist in Feb. for all his "issues." Oh well, things could definitely be worse! Hope your holidays were just as wonderful.

Discovery Kingdom Holiday Party

The boy's school had a wondeful holiday party where both boys refused to sit on Santa's lap (Matthew wrote him a letter instead). While enjoying dinner Cameron discovered the wonders of chocolate covered strawberries!

Story Time with Santa

On the Saturday before Christmas Matthew, Cameron and I went to the library for story time with Santa. We listened to the librarian read two stories and then right in the middle of Santa Claus is Coming to Town Santa came jingling in! He read Twas the Night Before Christmas and when he asked who wanted to sit on his lap Matthew was the first one in line (much to my surprise since Matthew had refused to go near Santa at his school's holiday party the week before). After the stories every child received a Christmas book and a bag filled with fun treats to promote literacy - it was my kind of event! Cameron wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing, but he was fairly content to sit on my lap and watch what was going on.

Happy Halloween

Mike brought it to my attention that I never posted pictures of the boys from Halloween, so here they are...

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! We made stuffing, sang a song, and saw a parade but mostly we thought of how thankful we are for all of you.

Oh, Breathing Machine

"Oh, breathing machine, I hate you" were the words of my 4 year old today as he sat to do yet another treatment. We are now using an inhaled steroid as well as the Albuterol, the steroid requires that he wear goggles or sunglasses to keep the steam out of his eyes. The picture is worth a thousand words...

The Most Beautiful Christmas Tree Ever!

The weekend before Thanksgiving we went to Alexander's Tree Farm for the 10th tree we have gotten there! After much searching Mike found the perfect one. All of the boys worked together to cut it down, this was the first year Cameron was big enough to help and he couldn't wait to get right in there with his big brother. Matthew helped Daddy carry the tree all the way back to the car!According to Matthew we have the most beautiful Christmas tree ever. I think Cameron thinks it is the most beautiful tree of toys he has ever seen. Broken ornament count so far... 2.

Election Night Message

This message has been approved by Matthew's parents!

Joe Biden Comes to BG!

Mike and I got to go the the Biden rally last night and thanks to a former student (thanks Nick!) who works for the campaign we got to sit in the bleachers behind the next VP and his wife. It was an amazing night topped off by getting to meet him and shake his hand. We were on the news and had a ton of fun. Special thanks to Mom and Dad for watching the boys!
Here is a link to the video we are in, look right behind Joe to the left and you will see us!

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/politics&id=6481213

48 Hours And Counting!!!!

Please get out and vote!

Kalahari

We spent time last weekend at Kalahari with Mike's mom. Everyone had a great time relaxing, plaing in the water and of course eating snacks!

New Hire

Mike's Lawn and Garden Service would like to welcome their newest employee Cameron. He will be working mainly at grass cutting and picking up apples, next year hopefully he will graduate to brush clean-up as well. I hope you will join us as we congratulate the new member of Mike's team!

The Zoo

We visited one of our favorite places last weekend, the zoo. Everyone had a great afternoon, Cameron even got his first ever ride on a carousel. It was a nice change to have Mike there to help pull the wagon up and down the hills!

Black Swamp Arts Festival

Many people visit black swamp to see art, we visit so Matthew can create art. His two favorite things this year were making his own tie dye shirt and his butterfly wings. Cameron didn't make anything but he really liked eating pizza and rocking out to the bluegrass band that was playing while we ate lunch.

Out of the House

Mike and I got out of the house for the night to attend a very special wedding and we were looking pretty good if I do say so myself!

The Boys Adventure

While I was getting ready to go back to school Mike and the boys took a trip to Providence Metropark and went for a ride on a canal boat (which Matthew later raced) and visited the village there. Matthew loved Molly and Sally the mules!

Camping

We had a great weekend camping with the family and everyone's significant others. Mike was just greatful for pie iron night!

Matthew Goes to Time Out!

Cameron decided that Matthew needed a time out last night, so he gave him one... in the laundry basket!

(See Matthew underneath???)

Back to School!

The boys went back to school last week, Matthew is in Preschool again and Cameron is in Infant 2 for a month before moving up to the Toddler class. I can't believe a year has gone by so quickly. This time next year Matthew will be off to kindergarten!
After school they got smiley cookies for a special treat!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Cameron's First Haircut!

After lots of nagging and several comments about Cameron's mullet he got his first haircut a few weeks ago. He thought it was great fun for the first two minutes and then he just wanted out!

Our little baby is growing up fast!

Air Force Museum

One of our favorite things we did this summer was a trip to the Air Force Museum in Dayton. It was supposed to be a small side adventure on the way to a family reunion but we were amazed by how much both boys LOVED it. We spent 4+ hours wandering amond airplanes learning everything we could and just being four kids. It was another great fallis family adventure!

Happy 4th of July!

A pretty quite celebration of America's birthday here, Matthew wanted to go on a picnic so he organized and planned the whole thing and then shopped for everything he needed.

Picnic By Matthew
1. Go to the sledding hill
2. Hike to the top
3. Spread out the blanket
4. Unpack Diego lunchbox and other food (cheese, pepperoni, crackers, Gatorade, pineapple, and Diego cupcakes)
5. Eat
6. Run up an down the hill like a maniac
7. Have daddy teach you how to roll down the hill, watch daddy try not to puke
8. Go home and get ready for fireworks

We watched fireworks at BGSU after running around in the stadium. Matthew loved them this year and Cameron wasn't quite sure what to think. It was a perfectly lovely day!

Case of the Captain Crunch Bandits

Crinkle, crinkle, crunch, crunch. That was how the story began, with just a few mysterious sounds. In this house sounds like that are enough to make this mom come running. As I came around the corner what did I behold...

One small and very guilty looking person with his chubby cheeks stuffed full of Captain Crunch (with berries no less!). Busted! Of course the bandit ran from the scene of the crime and enlisted his trusty partner to help with the escape (and eat the booty).

But the sheriff decided with a face like that there was no way to stay mad and she decided to pardon him... this time!

My Favorites

Without a doubt my favorite picture of each boy so far this summer, they capture your personalities so perfectly. Mommy Day Care isn't always easy but it is very rewarding!

Matthew you are amazingly unique, you love to dress yourself and have very specific and self made rules for any situation and rain is no exception. Any time we see precipitation you immediately look for your rain boots and umbrella. I adore your free spirit and I hope you always trust yourself enough to march to the beat of your own drummer.

Cam-man you are silly and goofy all the time. I have never met anyone with a personality as big as yours. You are ridiculously happy 99% of the time. That big cheesy grin is always on your face, usually when you have succeeded in doing something you were not supposed to. You may not have much to say but there is a lot going on in that head, unfortunately I think a lot of your thoughts are plotting against Daddy and I. I love your zest for life, you don't hold anything back!

For Poppy

A better view of the backyard playhome,

and no Sparky and the Sparkettes may not summer with us!

Another Graduation

I wasn't the only one in the family to graduate this year, Becky, Chris and Kate all graduated from BGSU and are on their way to bigger and better things. Chris recently started work in Wooster for Frito Lay and the girls are working out the details in their future plans. It will be really weird not to have them in town any more, we already miss Chrisy sooooooo much! Besides, I cannot afford to pay for babysitting.

It's About Time

Don't be angry, it doesn't matter who you supported before (Hillary, Mike Gravel, those other guys) join us now and change the world!

Playing in the Backyard

Summertime in Ohio...

Slip-n-slide

(So far Mike has survived the sliding)

(Uncle Nate Matthew said this picture was just for you)

Dinner on the grill

A brother to chase

102% humidity

Does life get any better than this????

We're back...

You may have noticed that the Fallis Family Blog has been noticeably absent for some time. I do apologize for the lack of posts but this "family" blog is run and maintained not by a family as one might believe, but by a single person. This isn't a conspiracy on the same level as Miracle Whip (for more on that outrageous lie see our slightly crazy friends at Mcbone) but a misnomer at least. Well the editor in chief is back in full swing because I have finally finished my Masters Degree in School Library Science and passed my PRAXIS license exam. The plan for this summer is to rest, relax and to keep the friends and family up to date... in fact I will post some cute pics right now (and not just of Barack Obama!)

Steven Kellough

We went to BGSU's annual Literacy in the Park event where they bring in an author or illustrator for children. This year we saw Steven Kellough. Everyone had a great time!

Happy Easter!

Okay we are a little behind with the posting, what can I say? No one here is pretending to be a Stabbone or McGraw or any of those guys. Only a month left of grad school and then life will be normal-ish. Easter was great, kids were cute, bunny was yummy!


Egg of the year goes to....
Mike for his abstract entitled "Kate in the Morning"

Matthew is 4!!!

We simply cannot believe our little guy has suddenly become, as he told us this week, "big now" It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital and now he goes to school, "reads" books, plays on the computer and loves puzzles. Everyday is an adventure, often tainted with whining, but always interesting. His favorite color is red, his favorite activity is still Thomas but puzzles are moving up quickly, he loves to go the library and help mommy cook. Matthew's request for his cake was Thomas so Mommy did her best, how can I tell that cute little face no?

Mass Chaos

Otherwise known as a birthday party for two. We celebrated Cameron's 1st and Matthew's 4th birthdays with tons of friends and family. It was a great time, there was lots of food, fun and presents. Thanks to everyone who traveled near and far to be with us. Our sons mean the world to us and it was very special to share their big day with everyone we love.

Snow Day

Last week Mike and Matthew took advantage of the snow day and built the world's best snowman.

Mr. Peanut Turns 1!

Happy Birthday to Cameron!

Matthew and Daddy picked out and made chocolate cake for Cameron while Mommy was in NYC. Cameron ate every crumb individually, with his left hand no less (YAH!). He liked it but it sure made a mess.

Hang in there...

Yes We Can!

Christmas Part 3

We went to Cleveland early Christmas morning to celebrate with my family. We arrived just in time for breakfast (thanks Dad!) and then went on to open presents.

At one point Cameron was almost lost in a gift avalanche.

We all had a great time, everyone was too generous! It was nice to relax and then we had a wonderful prime rib dinner (thanks again Dad!) before opening Santa gifts. Mike and I were so looking forward to a few days of peace and quiet before heading home to BG.

Mathew was so excited to get chocolate covered Percy, one of his top christmas requests (thanks Chris).

Christmas Part 2

Our second christmas celebration took place at Mike's Dad and Genie's house. We had great intentions of going to Christmas Eve mass but after a crazy week and a few glasses of wine that plan went out the window and we decided to stay in and relax in the new bar. We had a wonderful dinner and then sat around and participated in heated political conversation. We spend so little time with Jeff and Kate that this was really special.

We woke up early Christmas morning and opened presents. Matthew loved his tool set and tool box that is "just like Daddy's." We were able to spent a little more time together before heading off to Cleveland.

Irene's Baby Shower

Matthew attended his first baby shower right before Christmas, for a friend of ours, Irene. He made a dinosaur from Build a Bear for the baby and was really excited to take it to the party.

He did a great job giving Irene all her presents (amazingly enough he did not break anything).

We had a fun morning, it was nice to see a friend we haven't talked to in a while.

Only 46 Days to Go!!!

Are you freaked out yet Irene?

Reindeer Food

Okay, I am sure everyone knows that Santa requires milk and cookies to deliver the goods but did you know that his reindeer also need something to eat? Matthew informed Mike and I that "you have to sprinkle the reindeer food next by the house so that Santa's reindeer know where to go." This was something very serious and the reindeer food (oatmeal and glitter) was carried around for four days waiting to be sprinkled. Christmas Eve Mike and I took Matthew outside for the sprinkling

... it was a big night for him. And you need not worry about Santa, we left him milk and cookies as well.

Christmas Part 1

And the celebrations began....

We spent our first Christmas with Mike's mom on the 23-24. We all had a great time talking and just being together. Thanks Mom! And thanks Uncle Jeff for the clubbing outfits... we will be sure to send you the dry cleaning bill!

Cameron's Baptism

Having Cameron baptized is something we have been meaning to do for some time but hadn't gotten organized. When we realized that Mike's sister and brother would be in town the Sunday before Christmas we decided to get our act together and douse our little boy. We asked Cliff to be the godfather and Amber to be the godmother (how did we ever find such wonderful friends?) and the baptism was held at Epiphany on the 23. It was beyond crazy to try to squeeze another thing into the week (I cannot believe everyone survived - it was close) but we did it and everyone was happy. It was really neat that Matthew was such a big part of the day, he got to pour water on Cameron's head!

We had a great brunch at my parents afterward and all our friends got to spend time together with our families. Thanks to everyone who was able to come. We are so lucky to count you as friends - love you all, especially the new godparents!!!

Fallis Family

Getting A Tree

Last Sunday we took our traditional trip to Alexander's, a little tree farm just outside of town. Mommy and Cameron found the perfect tree which Matthew and Daddy proceeded to cut down. We had a great time and can't wait to get it all decorated!

Matthew wanted to get this baby tree for Cameron because he is a baby and it is his first tree. We left it behind so it could grow bigger for next year!

Seeing Santa

We took Matthew and Cameron to see Santa the day after Christmas at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. Cameron was confused but Matthew was so excited he almost exploded! Matthew told Santa he wants a camera and chocolate covered Percy and Cameron wants an animal train for Christmas. Matthew was slightly confused about the whole Santa idea though, as soon as he got done sitting on his lap he wanted to know where his presents were, apparently he thought he could get them right away!

Thankful for...

1. Healthy Kids

2. Homemade stuffing (yes, Mike we are!)

3. Yummy Turkey

Or in Matthew's case scrambled eggs for Thanksgiving

4. Our family near and far, we love you!

Daddy's other little helper...

It was only a matter of time before Mike converted our other son to a tool freak as well. It is obvious that Daddy has not totally covered tool safety yet!

Poor Baby

Matthew has been horribly sick the past two weeks with pneumonia and an ear infection. The other night he fell asleep watching a movie in our room, I guess its time to let him in our bed!

Fairy Tale Ball

Just another reason I love BG... the annual library gala fairy tale ball for children. The boys and I went and heard stories from around the world, made crafts and ate food. It was a lot of fun!

More Happy Halloween!

Matthew told Mike and I yesterday "I am so excited for Halloween" in the joyous voice only children have. He and I spent an hour gluing googly eyes on ghost suckers for his class yesterday. Tonight after a delicious but perhaps not nutritious meal at Old McDonalds it was tiem for trick or treat. At every house he told us "I can do it by myself, just stay here."

He and Mike went around the block and then they came home where Matthew passed out candy. He had to hand pick two pieces for each person who came to the porch, it took forever! When it became apparent that no one else was coming he stood on the porch and yellled "where are the customers?" Got to love the kid. Cameron just sat and looked confused throughout the whole process. Happy Halloween everyone!

Happy Halloween!

It may be dark and kind of hard to see but it's cute!

Forget Crawling...

I'm walking!

Camping with Grammy and Poppy

Matthew roasted his 1st marshmallow by himself.

Poppy needs an escape route!

I can help you Poppy!

Pumpkin Patch

We took the boys to the pumpkin patch in town today to pick out pumpkins. Matthew spent forever wandering the rows looking at all the pumpkins saying "that's not the right one..." over and over. Finally he found his and then picked one a little smaller for his brother because, "Cameron is littler than me Mom so he gets a littler pumpkin."

Go Tribe!!

I know this post might seem a little late, but for true Indians fans the season never ends...



It won't be long until Opening Day!

Another outdoor project

Mike and Cliff decided that they needed to take down a large tree from the front of our house. Luckily our house is still in one piece and Cliff survived!

Before We love Cliff

After

BGSU Homecoming

Mike & the guys Mike & Cameron

Mommy & her boys

Every year Mike invites all his college friends back to BG to celebrate homecoming. This year Rob and his family, Kevin and Cliff came as well as my parents and the triplets. Another fun time was had by all, in fact I think the guys had too much fun!

How cute is this guy?

Matthew & Mommy love the Hairspray soundtrack. This post is especially for Bob & Matthew's godparents!

Love you all

Look... he crawls!

I thought everyone would like to see our little guy moving around, I can't believe he is already crawling!

We love you!

Look at me, I'm standing!

I love my brother!

BGSU 1st Home Game

Matthew, Mike and his Dad went to the first BG home game together this past weekend. Mathew and his Pop-pop enjoyed giant popsicles in the heat!

Wood County Fair

Wow, I am so behind in my posting. The summer just flew and with two graduate classes my computer time was striclty for working. We had a great time at the fair this summer, here are some pics!

Black Swamp Arts Festival

We took the boys to the Black Swamp Arts Festival at the beginning of Sept. Cameron mostly chilled in his stroller but Matthew was quite the budding artist. He ran through the Children's Art Fair and wanted to make everything there was. He painted a picture, make a coffee filter hat, put together a magnet and made percussion sticks. It was so much fun watching his creativity!

First Day of School

The boys started school Aug. 20. Matthew's teacher is Miss Nicole, he adores her, and Cameron's teacher is Miss Shelia, who is amazing. The school looks like a castle (which is why Matthew calls it his "Castle School") and they have tons of enriching activities for the kids. Matthew is in preschool with other 3 year olds, lots of boys! Cameron is in the older infant room, he is the youngest by 4+ months, but he loves the older children. It has been a big adjustment getting two little people up, fed and out the door but we are grateful for a fun and safe learning environment for them.

Aww shucks - ain't he cute!

Cameron at 6 months

Family Vacation - pt.2 Philly

Saturday morning we were off in the direction of Philly! It was a short car trip and we made it uneventfully (yah!). French Creek State Park was the total opposite of Hershey - wooded, primitive and quiet (except for my parent's neighbor - the definition of crazy). We set up camp and then Mike and I drove the triplets into Philly for a music festival for them and a date for us, the boys got to hang with Grammy and Poppy. Mike and I ate at the first Italian restaurant in America, great food and atmosphere, and then did a little exploring of the city. We picked up Bec, Chris and Kate in time to find a WalMart for the release of Harry Potter! I only stayed up until 5 am reading. The next day we went to Valley Forge which was amazing. Monday it was off to Philly to stand in the rail to see Independence Hall. From there we walked the city, stopping at the US Mint (no they do not allow camera's and you should have your id) Betsy Ross' house, Elfrith's Alley and then the Reading Terminal Market for my dad's only request of the trip - a real Philly Cheese Steak. It was exhausting but a lot of fun. After that everyone voted for a quiet day Tuesday at the campground, we had a picnic, swam in their amazing pool, rented a kayak and just hung out. It was a very busy vacation but we all had a great time. Everyone was exhausted on the way home, especially Matthew and his parents (mostly due to the fact that Cameron screamed for about 4 hours on the way home). Thanks Grammy and Poppy - we can't wait to do it again (next time both boys can ride with you)!

Family Vacation - pt.1 Chocolate World!

Matthew finally got to go to Chocolate World (known in the real world as Hershey). After weeks of looking at pictures online and talking about the trip we were off. After 6 or so hours on the road we arrived at the campground, which was very nice. We set up and went to check out Chocolate World, the visitor's center/store at Hershey. We all rode the simulated factory tour and had dinner at the Kit Kat Cafe. Grammy got her birthday present - a morning at the Spa with me! The next morning Mike, the boys, my dad and the triplets went to the amusement park while mom and I went over to the hotel and spa - WOW! It was amazing -quiet rooms, a bathroom I got lost in (3 times), amazing views of the gardens and bowls of Hershey Kisses in every room. I loved my Chocolate body scrub, massage and mojito pedicure and mom was equally pleased with her facial, chocolate massage and sweet hands manicure. It was a great morning. We spent the next two days at the amusement park which was a lot of fun. Matthew rode everything in site over and over with no fear. The water park was really nice but it was a little cool out that day. We had a wonderful time at Hershey... part 2 Philly to come soon!

The Playground is Done!!!

Matthew and Cameron finally have their playground. It took about 12 hours of building over two days but it is finished. Matthew has eaten every meal in it since it was up and let's play in my playhouse are the first words out of his mouth each morning. It is a wonderful addition to our backyard. Thanks to Grammy & Poppy and to Daddy & Mark for their building expertise!

Happy 4th of July

Cool Slideshows!

How cute are our boys?!?

Nothing really to say, just adorable pictures that I had to post!

Cameron's first food!

Yummy rice cereal was on the menu for 4 month old Cameron Michael tonight and he gave it 4 stars. Cameron had his 4 month check up today (he weighs 14lbs 12 oz - 50% percentile and is 26" long - 85% percentile) and the doctor suggested starting him on cereal early to help his acid reflux. He did a great job eating, I was impressed.

Lions and tigers and bears...

We went to the zoo last week to see the baby polar bear - annana. Thank goodness the train was fixed (being broken last time almost caused a meltdown). We road the carousal, ate lunch and saw all the animals before getting stuck in a major rainstorm. All three of us needed dry clothes when we got home, although it was worth getting wet to hear Matthew laughing at Mommy running across the zoo!

Potty Trained!

Through a carefully orchestrated effort consisting of the creation of the potty fairy and including gifts Matthew is finally potty trained. I thought this day would never come!

WBGY Kids Extravangaza

We took the boys to WBGU for their annual Kids Day. It was unbelievably hot but we had a good time. Matthew had his first cotton candy, first face painting and his first snow cone! Cameron just hund out in the stroller and sweated.

Happy Memorial Day!

Story Time

Matthew read Cameron Dear Zoo last night - note Cameron is listening intently to his big brother.

Medical Miracle

Breaking News...

Matthew has announced that he is "feeding his baby." We have not yet alerted the media to this mediace miracle but plan to in the near future. He pulls up his shirt and holds his baby to his stomach and makes gulping sounds. More on this new development as it unfolds.

Our Guys

What the...??? Just chillin'


Love you!


Here are just a few new pics from the weekend!

Hiding in the Basement

Welcome to spring in the flat part of Ohio! The boys and I spent most of the afternoon and evening hanging out in the basement during several tornado warnings while Mike helped turn his school into an emergency shelter. My brother Chris, his girlfriend Amanda, and his roomates Adam and Brian came over to seek shelter from their third floor apartment. We had ourselves a little tornado party and everyone stayed safe. Just another spring day in BG!

Miss Molly

It's official, Matthew has his first crush - Miss Molly. As a diversion from the attention surrounding his new baby brother Mom signed Matthew up for swimming lessons and gymnastics to get him out of the house and have some time with Daddy. I had no idea it would lead to love! Now all Matthew can talk about each week is "classes with Miss Molly." When playing at home he often gets into his car and tells me he has to go to classes with Miss Molly right now. I am not sure what it is but he adores her. He will do anything she tells him to in class, his favorite activity each week is whatever Miss Molly is working on. At bedtime he often askes for a special story about him going to classes to see Miss Molly. It is an adorable obsession, I'm not sure how to explain to him that gymnastics class is over and he won't see her anymore!

Big Arthur Day

Author Marc Brown of the Arthur series came to visit BGSU this spring so we took the boys. Matthew had a great time coloring, walking around and eating lunch (Cameron had a great time sleeping). He was more than a little afraid of "Big Arthur" (as he calls him) but he agreed to take a picture anyway. We took turns standing in line for autographs and both boys now have a special souviner of our day.

Happy Birthday Mike!

As a special present for their Daddy the boys sent Mike to Arizona for 4 days to spend some time with Uncle Jeff and visit the Grand Canyon. The part Mom is most jealous of was the continuous nights of uninterrupted sleep!

Mike turned the big 31 this year and he had two boys to help him celebrate!

Spring Pictures

Our Expanding Family

On Feb. 23 at 8:35 am we welcomed a 8 lb 1 oz, 20 1/2 inch baby boy into our family. Cameron Michael Fallis came into the world screaming and promptly fell asleep. I'm not sure he woke up for at least a day! The polar opposite of his brother who hasn't slept since birth.

We were lucky enough to have most of our friends and family in town to celebrate the special day. Mom and Dad are doing great in a sleep deprived way and big brother Matthew loves his new best friend. He always has to

know where Cameron is and what he is doing.

We are so lucky to have this new addition to our family! It is amazing to think that three short years ago Mike and I were a happily married couple who enjoyed sleeping in and going out together and now we are a family of four. It has been an exciting and overwhelming time in our lives - and I wouldn't have it any other way!