Cornelius Chronicles

Loyd has begun practicing his cool euphonium at home.  Everyone gets excited when he pulls his instrument out of it's big black case.  There is no shortage of excited and eager audience participation when Loyd begins to practice.  Go Loyd!  May this be the first of many exciting musical years for this awesome kid with brass lips.  :)   Owen has recently decided he is old enough to try and pick up the gerbil friends.  They are still faster than he is, but every once in a while he gets a nice little pet of their soft fur.  We just love our furry little friends who are so busy chewing all day long. They are soft and sweet and fun to care for.  What a fun family pet.  We love you Tangee, Legacy, and Tornado!   In other exciting news, we finally got a good crop of satsuma oranges from our little tree!  Here's a shot of John enjoying his new favorite snack, home grown oranges, yum!

  This handsome kid turned 10 this year!  Happy Birthday, Xavier!  We had a fabulous birthday week celebrating our favorite Xavier.  We went out to eat on Monday, enjoyed birthday cookie cake and a special lunch together on Wednesday, and then took birthday pictures and did some shopping together on Friday.  I love this boy's smile and his goofy personality.  He's quick to smile, quick to crack a joke, and quick to make new friends.  Xavier tries hard every day to do what's right and be a good example to others.  He's kind and considerate.  He's loving and playful.  He works so hard at school and always tires his best, even when things are hard or boring.  I know I can count on this kid to be my helper, not to mention he's just fun to hang out with.  Xavier, I'm so thankful you are my little boy and I have the pleasure of watching you grow up and become the amazing man I know you will be.  I love you so much!  Happy...

October 1st was the first day back to preschool for this handsome young man.  Owen is so excited to get back to the exciting adventure that is Troooper School Preschool.  He loves his friends and his teachers.  He loves playing outside, and his favorite center is blocks.  Look out world!  Owen's on his way!

Dustin was out of town for the week on a business trip and of course we all fell apart without him.  We all promptly took ill with a stomach bug and spent the rest of the week laying low, sleeping lots, eating little, and snuggling our favorite fuzzy friends and blankies.  Luckily, Dustin came home and we were all better again so we could spend lots of time playing with our favorite Daddy.  We also learned while Dustin was gone that John can tell Dustin's voice from across the house and he won't let his Daddy out of his sight again.  I think having Dustin gone was hardest on John.  John loves his Daddy more than any other person.  It's very sweet, but I want to know why the nice lady who feeds him, changes most of his diapers, and plays with him all day long isn't his favorite person?  What about Mom? :D Maeve with Teddy Bear and John with Elephant.  What a cute pair.