Our Babies Three

First Trip to the Movies

2011-10-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

As usual, it has been a while since our last update and, as such, I have a lot of updates to do. So, let us begin where we left off.

Back in July, we took the kids to the movies for the first time. "Winnie the Pooh" was the movie of choice, although I think Eve really wanted to see "Cowboys vs. Aliens." It was a lot of fun. We snuck in some snacks, sat in our comfy chairs, watched the previews (which were all, thankfully, very mild), and then watched a delightful 67 minutes of Pooh and his friends.

This kids really liked it. They didn't panic when it got dark, no one complained about it being too loud, and they were all smiles afterward.

Now, whenever we drive near the theater, a place to which they have only been once, they have a tendency to ask, "Can we see a movie."

They're hooked!

The Wedding Weekend

2011-07-27T18:30:00.001-07:00

We attended the wedding of my cousin (Marissa) on July 16. This was our first such event to attend since the arrival of our children so, we set out with fear and trepidation. Despite our darkest concerns, the event came off without a hitch (except for the planned hitching) and we had a very good time in Columbus.

Here is Eve enjoying some water from one of the "BIG GLASSES"

Eve, still drinking, and mommy directing Jonah's photo shoot of Cate

Cake anyone?

The lovely bride (Marissa) and the dapper groom (Jamie)

Eve and Jonah on the dance floor

Back at the hotel...let the mayhem ensue.

The kids loved jumping onto the bed (something that is an absolute "NO-NO!" at home).

Jonah, sizing it up

Cate, leaping forward

Eve, landing safely

Jonah - mid air

Cate - mid air

Eve (and duckies) - mid air

Birthday No. 4

2011-07-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

It was a BIG day for our three little ones. We started the day off at Krispy Kreme. To be honest, though they like the doughnuts, for them it is all about watching the doughnut-making-machine (pictured in the previous post). After Krispy Kreme, we headed home to rendezvous with Gramma, Grandad, and Aunt Leeann after which we headed to Chuck E. Cheese (no photographic evidence of this adventure exists). After we ate pizza and accumulated about 1500 tickets, we headed home for cake, ice cream, presents, and exhaustion.

Here is Jonah in his new pirate getup...Avast!

Opening their new Tag Reader

The excitement of the cupcake had worn off...now they were down to the business of finishing the cupcake.

Speaking of cupcakes...

Here's a collage of some of the day's events. You can click on the image for a super-sized view.

Happy Birthday Cate!

Happy Birthday Eve!

Happy Birthday Jonah!

Birthday Morning at Krispy Kreme!

2011-07-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great time on the morning of their Birthday watching the amazing Krispy Kreme donut making machine.

THE CIRCUS...

2011-07-21T17:07:00.000-07:00

...three months later.

We brought the kids to the Charleston Civic Center for their first circus experience. It was a rousing success. They loved it all...the lights, the sounds, the animals, the crazy jumping guys...all of it. Cate's favorite was the pony dance (unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of that). Jonah was awe-struck by the Motorcycles in the Sphere if Death. Eve just liked being able to sit with Mommy and Daddy without much interruption for three hours.

Without further ado...

The "side show" tattoos

In circus gear (Jonah appears to be praying for a dad who would NOT take a picture of his own son in a pink and purple circus outfit)

The painting elephant

Glowing Necklaces? Check!

Sphere of Death? Awesome!

Line of Elephants? Sweet!

This is only about half of the tigers in the show

Some mid-air flippery

Trampoline Dancer Guys

The big finale

The Ring Master's exit

Mommy with three tired, over-stimulated children

Oh...one more thing from Dollywood

2011-05-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

We saw this wagon and thought it must be the original minivan concept.

In a pinch, it'd get the job done.

Pigeon Forge Vacation - Everywhere Else

2011-05-10T20:11:00.001-07:00

Between our two days at Dollywood, we headed to Ripley's Aquarium where we encountered to standard aquarium fare. It was a lot of fun...especially the penguin tubes and the interactive fish tanks.

The kids admiring one of the many "Walls o' Fish"

"Inside" a fish tank

Deep Seas with Eve

I'm not sure what she was looking at or what she was thinking about, but this is a classic cute Cate pose

When you stand (or lay down) on this trout it shakes so, Jonah had to try it out

More interested in their reflections than in the penguins

In the Penguin Tube

The family at the falls

A little Smokies adventure

Eve's theory of perpetual motion

Serenity

A little more serenity

And some more

It was a wonderful vacation

Pigeon Forge Vacation - Dollywood

2011-05-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Over Spring Break, we went on an actual family vacation. Normally, when we vacate, we head to familiar locations, visit familiar people, and do familiar things. Not so this time around.

We headed to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and took in Dollywood, Ripley's Aquarium, some sights in the Smokies, and a little around town in Pigeon Forge.

We had a blast.

The kids' most favorite part about the whole adventure was...the hotel. They are still asking us if we can go back to the hotel. A close second was the Carousel at Dollywood. So, that is where we begin.

Cate loved the horses

Eve couldn't stop smiling...

...same for Jonah

"Cinderella" the Steam Engine

Back to the Carousel - Mommy and Daughters

Daddy and Son

Cate behind the wheel

Eve is The Distracted Driver

Trying out the drums

They were amazing on these "low ropes" obstacles

Eve

Cate

Jonah

Luckily, the kids are still too young to be embarrassed by their parents

GO VOLS? Ummm...no!

Let the duckies roll

And we're done...

...that is, we're done after one more Carousel ride

Yep...Cate's tall enough

So's Eve

Jonah too

Out at Camp

2011-04-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

This was the weekend of the Appalachian Association Youth Retreat. It was held out at Camp Joy this year, and we brought the kids for their first over-night Camp Joy experience. It went really well. The kids had a blast running around and getting dirty. They ate well, played hard, and slept intermittently. All in all, not a bad two days.

the kids plus mommy on the least safe bridge for foot traffic

(notice the lack of railings)

Cate drawing her version of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Eve figuring out a new toy

Jonah trying to find a place to play where he won't be bothered

the kids in the Berea Church building

the kids plus mommy examining the local livestock

The Clay Center

2011-03-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

The kids watch Sid the Science Kid on a pretty regular basis and their favorite episode is the one where Sid goes to the science center. They were so excited when we told them we were going to go to the science center. "Like Sid Daddy? Like Sid?" They had so much fun (and I think we did too). So, here are a few photos from our Science Center adventure.

Waiting for our tickets

Experimenting with microphones and voice alteration

This one's for all of the Snoop Dogg fans out there

Cate trying to get out of the ball pit

Eve peeking out

A set of Jonah triplets

Title: Cate

Medium: Pin Wall

Title: Eve & Jonah

Medium: Pin Wall

The family reflected on a sheet of bubble solution

Winston is Five!

2011-03-04T21:01:00.000-08:00

Just like with kids...sometimes it seems like it is impossible that we have ALREADY had Winston for five years...while there are other times when it feels like it has been MUCH longer. Regardless, here are just a few photos of Winston over the years.

Here he is on the day we brought him home

One of his favorite activities...staring out the window

Helping with the pumpkin carving

Here is his "flash face"

This is Winston snuggled down (in our bed) tonight

He has certainly slowed down some over the course of his still-young life, but he is full of energy, love, and kisses. He's a good puppy.

Playin' In The Snow

2011-03-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

So, this actually took place before Christmas...but, seeing as how Winter is slipping past us, I thought I better put these photos up before Spring was in full effect.

Ready for the snow

"Here, let me help you up," said Jonah.

"Let me return the favor," Eve replied.

Cate fell down and began crawling as she was trying to get up.

Jonah and Eve just thought crawling in the snow looked like fun.

Angel Eve

Tired Jonah

A Wintry Smorgasboard

Daddy explaining the aerodynamic nature of a snowball

Mommy, Kiddos, and a Snowman (the best one we could muster)

Done with the snow

Christmas 2010

2011-02-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

So, it happened again...Christmas has come and gone as has the month-plus since Christmas and I have just now gotten around to a post regarding the festivities. Without any further delay, let us just dive into the photographic record of the events.

This was the scene Christmas morning

We had to make it to church so, everyone was dressed up and ready to roll BEFORE stockings.

Here's Caters...

and Eve-ers...

...and Jonah (I couldn't get one with his eyes open)

Winston even had a stocking present

And then we went to church, came home, had some lunch, and the kids waited patiently for presents. They were exhausted before we even began opening up the packages.

The Pile o' Jackets

Winston even got into the mix

The Pile o' Grandkids

Cate a'paintin'

Eve fenced herself in

Jonah and his diamond tower

One of the kids' favorite gifts was dress-up clothes (they got a bunch of 'em).

Fairy Princess Cate

"I'm just a princess" Eve

Fireman Jonah

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

It has been another good year full of exciting adventures, first-time experiences, illnesses (and the necessary doctor appointments that always accompany illnesses), playground construction, and more smiles than tears. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for our family throughout this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmases Past!

2010-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

This is just a little rewind to Christmases past. From Enterprise, Florida to Belpre, Ohio to Charleston, WV, the picture locations have changed but each Christmas day for Cate, Eve, and Jonah has been spent at Gramma and Grandad Rogers' home in Belpre. This is the first year that the kids are aware enough of the fact that Christmas is coming that they are excited... and that makes me excited. Anyway, on with the Christmases past.

2007 - Enterprise, Florida

2008 - Belpre, Ohio

2009 - Charleston, West Virginia

The Thanksgiving that wasn't...sort of

2010-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

The family arrived, in turn, in South Daytona for our annual Thanksgiving get-together; and, in turn, each family member fell ill with a 24 to 72 hour stomach flu. A house with three bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms was filled with a large group of Camengas and Crouches, fifteen out of sixteen of whom were sick. Whatever appetites may have lingered despite the illness were staved off by the sound effects that rang true throughout the terrazzo-floored domicile. Plans for Thanksgiving Dinner were delayed until late on Friday evening when nearly half of us were capable of propping ourselves up at the table and partaking in part of the plethora of food that was available. We were able to enjoy an outing to the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona and an trip to Cocoa for dinner with the Grandparents at their home before the illness came into its own. Despite the way the week went, we have a new memory to share and are thankful for the down time that allowed for more conversation and sharing than would have occurred had the illness not occurred. So, in the end, we are thankful for the Thanksgiving that wasn't.

With apologies to Caleb, this image sums up our week

Cousins: Elisa, Jonah, Cate, Eve, and Joey

Cate, Jonah, and Eve on the back of a caboose at the museum

Cate and Jonah "Making a Pizza"

Jonah dreaming about the future

Cate working the generator

Eve just looks so little in the picture

Cate at the Oak Lea Playground

Jonah the Giant

Cousins: Cate, Eve, Jonah, and Luke

This is the closest we came to a family photo

All of the cousins present this year: Cate, Jonah, Joey, Elisa, Luke, Eve, Josh, and Caleb

Elisa having fun with stamps and ink pads

The Three Amigos at the Oak Lea Playground

Fallen Fall Foliage Fotos For-ya

2010-11-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

Lacking our actual camera, I was relegated to the use of the camera on my cell phone for these photos. They turned out pretty well though (I guess you can't go wrong when the subjects of the photos are so darn cute). So, here are some Fallen Fall Foliage Fotos For-ya.

Cate was trying to hide

Eve with a rare prompted smile

Cate

Eve

Jonah

Eve, going for the take down...LOOK OUT CATE!

Jonah being Jonah

Cate...not hiding...they had so much fun in the leaves

Pseudo-Halloween Celebration?

2010-11-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

We aren't Halloween people...at all! With that said, here is what we did on October 31.

We went to Krispy Kreme for some doughnuts on Halloween morning and were greeted by this seasonal box (the doughnuts were delicious, but the Mocha and the Latte were even better).

Later in the day, we planned on carving a pumpkin. Here is the prep work.

And the guts!

Winston had to make sure it was safe.

Then, it was time to de-gut the pumpkin.

Cate drew her face...

...daddy carved it...

...and here it is lit up!

Eve drew her face...

...daddy carved it...

...and here it is lit up!

Jonah drew his face...

...daddy carved it...

(notice Jonah's haircut - this is the first time we've regretted a haircut for one of the kids)

...and here it is lit up!

Since our last episode...

2010-10-13T10:32:00.001-07:00

Well, a lot has happened since our trip to conference. And, as happens from time to time, in the midst of other happenings, I have happened to not be busy about my blogging. My apologies.

So, in the interest of keeping everyone up to date, here is an encapsulated look at the month of August post-conference...

...with the exception of the photo - van Gogh's harvest with the kids at the old train station in St. Louis superimposed

Eve (at the Madison Zoo) unsure about feeding the goats

Cate trying to decide which goat to feed first

Jonah making friends with a turtle

Collin + Log + Conor = Cologor

Uncle Mark giving Jonah a ride

Aunt Faith with a tired Eve

Uncle Mark giving Cate an even better ride

Cate + Collin + Eve + Log = Crowded Log

Conor helping Jonah cross the frog's tongue

Aidan and Collin helping Cate cross the frog's tongue

(while Eve waits, ready for her turn)

Cate's rendering of Cate

Eve's rendering of Eve (this is especially awesome because Eve almost never does anything but scribble)

Jonah's rendering of Jonah

Bubbles anyone?

We made it to Springfield for Conference

2010-08-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

After our 2.5 days on the road, we arrived in Springfield, Missouri for Conference. It had been a tiring 2.5 days for the kids (and for the adults) and so we were fearful of a week full of meltdowns. While we had our fair share of meltdowns, the kids hung in there and had a pretty good week. It certainly helped that Gramma and Grandad Rogers, Gramma Camenga, Uncle Andrew and Aunt Kristin, Aunt Faith, and Uncle Rick and Aunt Grace were all there. Besides all of the Grandparents, Uncles, and Aunts, all of the cousins were there. Their collective presence made the week easier and more blessed than it would have otherwise been.

Here the kids are doing that which they needed to do more of

Day one, walking to dinner with Gramma Rogers

Jonah admiring a cool bug

Eve and Cate dazed in the nursery

Jonah chillin' in the nursery

Cousin Elisa sporting an Uncle Johnmark 'do

Uncle Andrew and Eve enjoying some Drummer Hoff

Could they be any sweeter?

I promise, he's just tickling her

Cate with goat at the Springfield Zoo

Eve reluctantly with goat

Jonah with goat

I just thought this was a pretty scene

The most active tiger I've ever seen not on TV

Jonah and Giraffe

"MISTER M-I-I-I-K-E!!!"

Cate, late in the week

Eve, in a normal pose

Jonah with saw

Photographic evidence of the aforementioned presence of all of the cousins

The "whole" family...sorry Grampa Camenga couldn't be there

On Our Way to Conference

2010-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well, on our way to Springfield, Missouri we made a couple of stops. First, we stopped in Louisville, Kentucky where we took in the zoo and stayed in the Galt House Hotel (apparently it is the official hotel of the Kentucky Derby). Despite the temptation, we refrained from drinking any Mint Juleps and continued toward Springfield stopping in St. Louis, Missouri where we stayed at an establishment much less enjoyable than the Galt House (for example...the first room we were given still had a guest in residence). Yet, the accomodations didn't dampen our adventurous spirit as we headed out to tackle the Gateway Arch. It had its ups and downs (please pardon the pun) but it was an enjoyable experience for each of us.

At the Louisville Zoo...playing in water

We thought this camel was hilarious

They were trying to spot the pygmy hippo...can you spot him?

At the hotel, exhausted already (and it was only day one)

Cate enjoying the A/C vent (while blocking the Muhammad Ali Building)

A cool faux-caboose at Union Station in St. Louis

A glimpse of the Arch

The Arch in traffic

Up Close

From underneath

The kids waiting to go up, up, up

Yep, that's the doorway into our egg-shaped elevator

The Eads Bridge and the Mississippi River (a little flooded)

The kids enjoying the view

Go Cards!

Jonah admiring the Courthouse

Cate...in descent

Eve...in descent

Jonah...in descent

Cathy and the kids working on their grips

It was such a nice day

The kids and the South Leg of the Arch

Birthday Celebration - Round IV

2010-08-03T20:20:00.001-07:00

At an event that was well attended by relatives of all varieties, Our Babies Three enjoyed the fourth celebration of their third birthday while in attendance at the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference meetings at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.

Word was spread, and the gathering took place between dinner and the worship service one evening. It proved to be just enough time to "sugar-up" the kids and get them to the nursery before the inevitable crash.

Here Eve, Cate, and Jonah are engulfed by their cousins Caleb, Conor, Collin, and Luke

The implement of the aforementioned "sugaring-up"

Jonah, Eve, cousin Elisa, and Cate preparing for battle

Cate wryly gazing downward

Eve unabashedly face-stuffing

Jonah taking one bite while looking for his next

Elisa focuses on the camera...loses focus on the fork

Birthday Celebration - Round III

2010-08-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

We ventured out of the house on the big day (actually on July 21) and made our way to a couple of places. First, in what is becoming a birthday breakfast tradition, we invaded Krispy Kreme for some ridiculous deliciousness. Cate, Eve, and Jonah each had more donut than they needed, but less donut than they wanted.

After Krispy Kreme, it was back home to pick up Aunt Leeann and then we were off to...

We had a really good time. Aside from a minor (read "short-lived") and completely characteristic meltdown from Eve, the event went without a hitch.

Here Eve makes her first attempt at a manual transmission

Cate and Jonah in what appears to be a tiny Driver's Ed car

Aunt Leeann making the most of a photo-op

Cate, unsure about Jonah's ability at the wheel

I think Eve was anxious about that giant rat, ahem...mouse (or is it a rat?)

Jonah loved the horse riding game

None of them were sure about this roller-coaster simulator

Birthday Celebration - Round II

2010-07-21T20:49:00.001-07:00

So, on Sunday afternoon we had present-time at Grandad and Gramma's house. They were all excited about opening their presents (especially Cate). From dresses to easels and movies to puzzles, there were plenty of gifts to be opened by each of the kids.

Here they are, just waiting for the "go ahead"

Still waiting while Winston rushes onto the scene

Aunt Leeann gets a little Jonah-time

Gramma and Mommy help Cate with her new Gramma-made dress

Cate modeling said dress

Eve modeling her Gramma-made dress

Jonah opening what he will discover to be puzzles

Grandad in the middle of the madness

Here they are wrestling with a gift for all of them

Birthday Celebration - Round I

2010-07-21T20:32:00.001-07:00

We started celebrating the triplets' 3rd birthday this past weekend. Their Uncle Dale and Aunt Janet were kind enough to allow our "cupcake fest" to enter their home. And so, we kicked off the big Birthday Week with a joint celebration of Uncle Dale's, Aunt Leeann's, Cate's, Eve's, and Jonah's respective birthdays.

Here, the aforementioned cupcakes await extinguishing

Uncle Dale deals with his candle

Aunt Leeann's turn

Now for Cate (with a little help)

And Eve

Finally, Jonah's turn

Cate works on her cupcake with a spoon

Eve takes a more traditional approach

As does Jonah

Everyone in attendance but Mommy, Daddy, and Gramma

Photo Shoot - Year Three

2010-07-09T10:43:00.001-07:00

We brought the kids to Penney's for their (now) annual photo session and it went pretty well. Eve still needed to be bribed for smiles toward the end, and they were more interested in smiling at each other than smiling at the camera. Despite these minor setbacks, we came away with a few decent shots (I think).

So, here is a low quality collage of some of the better shots that were taken. You should be able to click on the collage for a larger view. Be warned...the image become grainier and grainier the larger it gets. Enjoy!

Superimposed

2010-06-08T17:38:00.001-07:00

Below are some photos that I have modified from their original state. The photo at the top of the page (of the "knights") is the one I'm most proud of. I do most of these just for my own amusement, but I wanted to share a few that I have worked on since the birth of Our Babies Three.

We went for a little Family Reunion last summer, but forgot to take a family photo. So, Eve had to be stuck in somewhere.

Cate was just learning to pull herself up. In this shot, she was using a side table to pull up. It just looked like she was hanging on for dear life.

This was one of those moments when it hit me "again-for-the-first-time" that we had three babies to take care of.

Jonah was climbing a rock wall on the play-set at Gramma and Grandad's so, it was obvious what had to be be done with this photo.

Some Shots from the Afternoon

2010-06-03T19:52:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Caters

Eve-ers and Mommy

Jonah's Self-Portrait - He draws this often and almost always then says, "Look Daddy! It's Jonah!"

Jonah's Rendering of a Whale (I'm working on getting him to draw himself inside the whale)

Cate and Eve

Jonah

Winston - Up Close

Cate easily filling Daddy's shoes

Eve enjoying some Chuggington courtesy of PlayhouseDisney.com

Jonah - tired, but cute

Just as cute as can be...will they always be this cute?

A Little Art

2010-06-03T19:11:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we had our first experience with water colors. All in all it went very well. Cate went for color and coverage. Eve went for a bit of a morbid tone. Jonah went for precision. Beyond what a child psychologist might make of color choices and brush strokes, I've discovered something even more important...no one with triplets should have a home without at least one room floored in linoleum.

Cate and Eve early in the process

Jonah trying to remember if it is water-then-paint or paint-then-water

Cate (bird's eye)

Eve (bird's eye)

Jonah (bird's eye)

Cate's Color and Coverage

Eve's Dark and Morbid Tone

Jonah's Precision (note the stars and the letters)

The Big Build

2010-06-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Memorial Day Weekend was spent building and then enjoying a playset at the homestead of the Rogers Grandparents. We had Uncle Ryan, Uncle David, Grandad, Uncle Norman, and Daddy hard at work for a large portion of the weekend. The assembly was made much easier by the sorting that Gramma and Grandad did prior to the weekend. Thanks to everyone's hard work, we had kids climbing, sliding, swinging, and gliding by dinner-time on Sunday. Not a bad weekend's work.

Here's Uncle Ryan and Uncle David at work during an early stage of the build

Here's Jonah waiting to play on the playset while enjoying a little "fan time"

Uncle Norman helping cousin Hailey with the post-hole digger while Uncle David looks on

Eating some lunch, waiting to play on the playset

The slide begins to go into place

Winston at attention

Jonah and Uncle Norman gettin' all patriotic

Cate on the wall

Eve adjusting her climbing equipment

Jonah reaching the summit

Daddy ensuring Jonah's safe ascent

Cate - a study in static electricity

Eve content

Jonah just before getting a time-out for sliding head-first

The Construction Crew

The Indian Mound

2010-05-26T08:45:00.001-07:00

Sunday was a very pretty day, so it was prime-time for a little adventure. In the middle of downtown South Charleston (the thriving metropolis that it is) there is an Indian Mound (I recognize that the term is not exactly PC, but that is how it is described on the signage). The skeletal remains that once inhabited the mound are now at the Smithsonian so, at least we weren't walking on a mound that was still in use.

Here the kids are in ascent-mode

Mommy assisting in the ascent

Eve spotted this plane and would be very upset if I didn't share it with everyone

Here's Cate holding her "flower" and counting her fingers

Here's Eve asking if she can pick a "flower" too

Here's Jonah very proud of the "flower" he picked

Here's the whole family at the top of the mound

Graduation Day

2010-05-26T08:15:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a long time coming, but I finally graduated. On May 16, 2010 I, at long last, ended my undergraduate career (and here is the photographic evidence - complete with tassel on the left and a diploma with my name spelled correctly).

Now, it is off to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky as I begin my quest for a Master of Divinity degree. Whose idea was this?

For Leeann

2010-05-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of Winston over the years. We brought him home in May of 2006 as a tiny little 3 pound puppy. He quickly grew to a whopping 10 pounds, but he acts much larger.

Winston on the day we brought him home

Snuggling with Cathy before church

One of my favorites

Silly? Perhaps. But, he did graduate from "puppy training school."

He loved that squeaker in the background.

He always looks like he is in pain when eating his kibble.

Winston the Regal Hound

Winston the Flying Squirrel

One of his favorite spots is a basket full of warm laundry.

This is what most dogs look like mid-shake.

Fearful of the basement stairs

Warm in the sun

Confused (he looks like this a lot)

Sometimes, it is hard to take a picture of him (still, this is one of my favorites also)

Winston with his Kong

Perhaps this is where Cate gets her inability to keep her eyes open for a picture.

A typical pose for Winston...all you can see is his nose

He puts up with a lot

Did we mention that he puts up with a lot

This is just too darn cute...don't you think?

For Holly

2010-05-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

It's been an interesting ride with the triplets, from before they were here, they've been altering our existence and making our lives better. For starters, here is one such alteration...

This is Cathy (about two months along) after a long day at the Magic Kingdom. Note that Cathy would not have needed a wheelchair for this outing if she wasn't hauling three extra passengers.

This is what greeted us at an appointment early on.

In this photo Cate is A, Jonah is B, and Eve is C

Here is Cathy at Disney's Hollywood Studios about four months along

Cate at 6 to 7 months

Eve at 6 to 7 months

Jonah at 6 to 7 months

Cathy (and Johnmark and Winston) on Mother's day 2007

Cate - day 1

Eve - day 1

Jonah - day 1

Cathy and Cate, Jonah, and Eve - day 3

1 month and 2 days...at home

September 11, 2007 (their actual due date) - 1 month and 20 days

Note Eve's apnea monitor...her constant companion for the first 6 months

About 9 months old at the zoo...this is the Double Decker Stroller

About 10 months old

About 11 months old

Celebrating 1 year at Sea World...where we were the attraction

About 16 months old...sleeping in the BabyTrend Triple Stroller

About 17 months old

About 18 months old

About 20 months old

Just shy of 2 years old

About 2 years and 2 months old

About 2 1/2 years old

About 2 years 10 months old

It has been a blast and it has been a lot of work. God has truly blessed us through this entire journey from the point when we were absolutely clueless up until this point now that we are slightly less clueless. We can't say that we've loved every minute of it, but we can say that every minute of it has been filled with love.

Domino Theory

2010-04-28T09:56:00.001-07:00

Jonah developed a fever Monday night. By Tuesday at 3:00pm, all three had the fever and were diagnosed with Strep Throat (yippee!). So, one by one, they each fell victim, once again, to the same illness. Thus, the photo below. On a normal morning, you wouldn't see more than two of the kids sitting still at the same time for any more than ten minutes, let alone lying down; yet, this is the pose they held for about two hours this morning after a hearty breakfast of Lucky Charms, Milk, and antibiotics.

Gramma Lin came for a visit

2010-04-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Well, once again it has been quite a while since our last post. Sorry about that. Gramma Lin came for a visit in March and the kids had a great time with her. Unfortunately I only got one...that's right, just one...picture of Gramma while she was here, but I promise that she spent nearly a week with us. The visit started off with Cate running through the terminal toward Gramma with her arms wide open calling out, "Gramma Lin! Gramma Lin." It was very sweet. We didn't do too much while she visited, but we had a great time while we didn't do too much.

Here are Cate and Jonah proving that they can climb

Here is Eve proving that she can too (just in the wrong direction)

Caters at the bottom of the slide

Evers at the top of the slide

Jonah close to the bottom of the slide

Here is the ONE picture of Gramma Lin...hey, look...there's Cathy too

Cate going headfirst while Jonah questions the wisdom of that decision

Here they discover the joy of sticks and metal poles

Cate finally sat in the big chair!

2010-03-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well, she did it. Not without some crying and pleading, but she did it. Cate has finally joined Eve and Jonah in the realm of the haircutted (I know that's not a real word). She knew exactly what we were up to as soon as we walked into the SmartStyle Salon at the WalMart. All it took was one horrifying experience for it to be etched on her brain forever; however, she sucked it up and sat still just enough to get her bangs cut, thereby eliminating the ocular obstruction. Good job Cate! Next week, it's Eve's turn again. Pray for us!

Clay Center Redux

2010-03-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

So, another snow day, another trip to the Clay Center. After bundling up the kids, loading up the van, sliding down our driveway, and dodging lots of potholes, we arrived at the Clay Center ready for some fun-time away from home. Little did we know that we are the only former Floridians in the greater Charleston area; otherwise, there might have been at least one other family there. The place was deserted, save the employees, so we had room to roam...and Jonah, Cate, and Eve made the most of it.

Here the girls are in a giant ball pit

They were amazed by this contraption

Jonah looking through the telescope/kaleidoscope with his mind's eye

Not quite big enough for three

They were fascinated with the water features

Jonah couldn't quite figure out how to knock this thing over

Pulley Chair anyone?

Who doesn't love a magnetized wall with whisks

It's Jonah, Cate, and Eve (in that order) impressed upon this pin wall

Jonah and a sarcophagus

Big enough for three...or more

Just an angelic shot of Eve

Playing with some blocks designed for building pyramids

Just a devilish shot of Cate

Here's Eve doing what Eve does best...undoing that which others have done

First Haircut for Jonah and Eve

2010-02-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

At 2 Years, 6 Months, 1 Week, and 4 Days of age, two of Our Babies Three got their first haircut. Cate was horrified by watching Jonah and Eve go under the scissors so, we didn't want to further traumatize her by subjecting her to that which was the current source of her horror. Jonah needed to be held while being clipped so, Cathy had the pleasure of holding him and getting covered in blond baby hair. Eve was whimpery but she was able to hold it together enough to sit in the big chair on her own.

It was, overall, a better experience than we had feared, but we still have to do it all over again with Cate. Hopefully we'll be able to convince her that her fear is unjustified and that no harm will befall her. That won't be too much for her 2 1/2 year-old brain to comprehend, will it?

The Mighty Knights

2010-01-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

One of the kids' favorite shows is Backyardigans and their favorite episode is entitled "The Tale of The Mighty Knights." So, when you have access to a plastic jousting helmet, a camera, some photo editing software, and a couple of spare hours, this is the end result.

Cate really likes this picture.

Ahhh....snow days

2010-01-11T16:54:00.000-08:00

Cathy was supposed to go back to work last Monday, the 4th, but instead, we had a week's worth of snow days. We only ventured out into the snow one day, but the kids enjoyed every minute of it. This was their first chance to play in the snow and they certainly made the most of it.

Here are the little duckies in a row heading for the yard

Here they are waiting their turn to be heaved into the Wintry Wonderland

Cate doing her best Lebron James impression

Some days, Eve never closes her mouth...at all

They just weren't sure who was going to get the snowball

Hey Eve, where are you going?

Jonah getting Daddy with a snowball

I'm not sure what was going on here

Cate admiring her new boots...or checking her footing

Eve coming with a snowball

Jonah enjoying a good tromp through the snow

Mommy tending to some runniness

Angel Cate

Angel Eve

Archangel Jonah

Christmas Day

2009-12-28T19:28:00.001-08:00

It is really hard for me to believe that this is already our third Christmas with children. But, I won't allow myself to do too much reminiscing here. Instead, after a quick look back at Christmases past, I'll make haste with photos from this Christmas.

Here is Eve on Christmas Day 2007

Here is Jonah on Christmas Day 2007

Here is Cate on Christmas Day 2007

Here Eve, Jonah, and Cate are in Grandad's chair on Christmas Day 2008

Eve, Jonah, and Cate on Christmas Day 2009 (each showing some of their own personality)

Jonah with Animal Crackers...in his teeth

Eve securing her spoils from stockings

Cate enjoying the glow of the tree

My girls

My boy

Stocking at the ready

Eve continuing her perpetual motion

Jonah glad to have something to hold

Gramma glad to have two grand-daughters to hold

Cate stunned by something

Eve enjoying her new flashlight

It's official, the flashlights are a hit

We just couldn't get a well composed shot of all three of 'em

Mommy and Jonah playing with a new Mini Magna Doodle

Cate's piggies

Eve's snowflake 'do

Cate and Eve sharing the V-Tech Alphabet Train

Just about to open presents

Here's Grandad helping Cate

Eve helping herself

Jonah unveiling his new snow boots (or, at least the box for his snow boots)

All enjoying the new Leapfrog DVD

Stockings re-hung with care

Merry Christmas - 2009 Review

2009-12-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Well, 2009 has come and almost gone and our lives have changed significantly in the meantime.

We have gone from a Deltona, FL mailing address to a Charleston, WV mailing address.

We have gone from "stay at home mom, bacon earning dad" scenario to "stay at home dad, bacon earning mom" scenario.

Cathy, has started working at Valley High School in Smithers, WV and Johnmark has started finishing school at West Virginia State University in Institute, WV.

Jonah and Cate have gone from sleeping in cribs to sleeping in Toddler Beds (Eve is still working on that).

Almost all of the Triplets' baby teeth have come in (Jonah is still lagging a little bit).

Cathy and I made a trip to the Orlando area for a basketball game (GO MAGIC!) and Disney World.

Over the Summer, we travelled to Florida and went to Disney World (so hot), and we went to Plymouth, MI to visit with the Greens (that trip will take a bit longer now since the Greens are moving to Morocco).

We made it to Conference in Lancaster, PA. This was the first Conference for the Triplets and the first time that Cathy and I have been since 2000.

My entire family (all 21 of us) descended on North Myrtle Beach, SC for the Thanksgiving holiday.

We will be spending Christmas in Belpre, OH with the entire Rogers family (all 14 of us).

Who knows what we'll be doing for New Years (probably sleeping).

It has been a good year.

I remember hearing from many parents, before I joined their ranks, about how fast the years go by when your kids are little. Well, it is true; our kids are little and this year has gone by fast.

Cate, Eve, and Jonah have grown so much in the last year. Their personalities have become fuller and more obviously distinct one from the other.

Despite the challenges and frustrations of each day, I am still reminded each day just how blessed our family has been and continues to be.

Thank you to everyone out there who keeps us in their prayers.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

- Johnmark, Cathy, Cate, Eve, Jonah, and Winston -

Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach

2009-12-03T17:50:00.001-08:00

We made our way to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for our 7th annual Camenga Family Thanksgiving Vacation (strangely enough, only 10 of the 21 people there have the last name Camenga). Our week consisted of a trip to a State Park, Ripley's Aquarium, a local garden/zoo, and, of course, way too much eating. It was a good week all around. Now, we just have to figure out where we'll go next year. So, on with the lengthy photo parade.

Here's Cate on the beach...

...and Eve...

...and Jonah.

Mommy and Daughters

Father and Son

Aunt Faith and Cate

Uncle Mark and Jonah

Our Babies Three standing in the rectangle or the "wecktandull"

Gramma Lin and Jonah

Eve speeding through the woods

At least we found a nice place for a family photo down that path.

Part of the Herd

Joey and Jonah spotting jellyfish

Grace and Luke

Joey blinked first

Eve sliding down the tongue of an Anglerfish

Seeing double?

Conor, Aunt Cathy (or Mommy), and Cate admiring the Sting Rays

Jonah and Mommy in a Bubble

Jonah and Daddy in the same Bubble

Shark from inside the "Shark Tunnel"

Turtle from inside the "Shark Tunnel"

Faith, Cathy, Kristin, and Andrew

Josh enjoying his new Slinky

Elisa looking at Josh's new Slinky

Caleb, Josh, Joey, and Luke surprised by their new Wii

Grandpa resting with Lady

Rick and Luke

Cate with a Cracker at Brookgreen Gardens

Eve finishing her Cracker at Brookgreen Gardens

Jonah in need of a Cracker at Brookgreen Gardens

Andrew and Elisa

A glimpse into the insanity that inhabited the Pineapple Palms Condo

All of Gramma Lin's and Grandpa's Grandkids

The Grandsons (all eight of 'em)

All the Grand-daughters (just three of 'em)

Jonah and Joey (the youngest grandsons)

Playing in the leaves at the Virginia Welcome Center on the way home

Eve's Visit to the Pediatric Opthalmologist

2009-11-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

On the night after Our Babies Three were born, Eve was put on oxygen to help with her O2 saturation. She was on the oxygen for less than 24 hours, but the neonatologist recommended that she be seen by an opthalmologist periodically for a couple of years. So, at 2 years and 3+ months, Eve has had her third (and perhaps last) visit to have her pupils dilated and her ability to move around a room without

tripping over nothing in particular temporarily suspended.

Thus, the photos below with the ridiculously chic Hater Blockers.

Here is Eve demonstrating "Full Pout."

Here is Cate ensuring that her shades are securely in place.

Here is Jonah tolerating my interruption of his Lego time.

Which Baby Built It?

2009-10-07T20:37:00.001-07:00

And now it is time for everyone's favorite game..."WHICH BABY BUILT IT?"

The possible answers are limited (Either Cate, Eve, or Jonah) and each answer is used only once. We can discuss later what each structure says about the psyche of the builder; but for now, it is time to play "WHICH BABY BUILT IT?"

1) Which baby?

2) Which baby?

3) Which baby?

The answers are just below so...no cheating!

photo 1 is jonah - photo 2 is cate - photo 3 is eve

So, it has been about a month and...

2009-10-07T20:18:00.001-07:00

...not much has happened. Life continues as usual with stay-at-home Daddy and work-at-school Mommy, school, family, church, weekends in Belpre-Salem-Belpre and all of the other little things that act as the Jell-O in our smörgåsbord of life. Despite life being what it is, we have had a few chances to snap some photos and, as you can see, Our Babies Three are as cute as ever and getting bigger and bigger.

Here's Cate enjoying an episode of Backyardigans

Here's Eve just enjoying life

Here's Jonah being Jonah

Here they are all trying to figure out how they can all fit in a one seater

They really do love each other

So, it's been a while since the last post...

2009-09-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

So, it has been quite a while since our last post, and all I can attribute that to is the post-Summer daze. We did a lot of traveling this Summer (more than any Summer for us pre-triplets). With that said (and my excuse now made) I now give you a few photos from our DSi. But don't worry, what the photos lack in quality they more than make up for in poor composition so...enjoy.

Here are the kids showing Daddy the appropriate position of the eyelids during a photo session.

Here they are enjoying their table...puzzles, books, and whatever else can be carried.

Cate and Jonah show off "Crazy Face"

Eve just relaxing

Jonah demonstration the "Strong Man" face

Cate just being cute

Eve blowing kisses

Jonah and his beautiful smile

Here they all are enjoying a nice "fwing"

Babies in a Ball Pit

Family Picture from our Two Year Photo Shoot

2009-08-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

Two Year Photo Shoot

2009-08-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

We made it into JC Penney for another rousing game of "Catch the Smiles Between the Tears." Unfortunately, we lost two of the three rounds. Jonah finally came around and gave us some good smiles, but all we could get out of Cate and Eve were tears and pouts. I think we ended up with some good shots, we just didn't end up with something that demonstrates their actual characteristics. So, here they are in all their glory.

First, we have Cate with a tear (cute, but sad)

Next, we have Eve with her big beautiful eyes

Then, we have Jonah having a good time

Conference '09 in Lancaster, PA

2009-08-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

So, after a nine year absence, we made it back to the General Converence Meetings of the Seventh Day Baptist's. It was an entirely different experience than the last time around. Not to mention the already mentioned nine year time lag, we also had Our babies Three in tow. The week was a blessing (despite the fact that we wondered daily if bringing three two-year-olds to Conference was wise).

Here are the little ones in a normal pose: breakfast on the bed at about 6:00am (too early)

Here's Eve at the center of attention

Here's a sprawling view of the congregation on Sabbath Morning

Here is Jonah in the Cafeteria looking to lay claim on the camera

Here is Eve...tired and oh so cute

Here is Cousin Elisa (Uncle Andrew and Aunt Kristin's little girl)

Here's Cate consuming that which was a staple of the week's meals...cookies

Geese in the morning behind our dorm

The landscape behind the dorm

The chapel

Cate and Cousin Aidan

Elisa, Uncle Mark, and Jonah

Eve with a kindred spirit

Sabbath Afternoon just before pizza and naps

The whole family just after church and just before changing clothes

A few more shots from the Birthday Celebration

2009-07-23T19:40:00.001-07:00

This was a day of delicious treats for the babies...yeah, that's right...for "the babies."

In keeping with the precedent set by their first birthday, cupcakes were the dessert of choice.

But, alas, cupcakes were not enough. So, we've now started a new tradition...Krispy Kremes. They even make mini doughnuts for the mini humans.
Here they are enjoying the cupcakes and wondering what I am doing.

Winston got to enjoy some leftovers from lunch. He was very appreciative.

Here's Aunt Leeann keeping watch over the cupcake consumption.

Ahhh...enjoying the spoils.

The clan (minus daddy)

They just love playing with Grandad.

The beginning of the day.

The end of the day. They had a great time.

I can't believe it...two years old already!

2009-07-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well, believe it or not, it has been two years. It has been a truly blessed ride (with lots of bumps and wrong-turns along the way). We are so thankful for the prayers that we know have been raised for us and for Cate, Eve, and Jonah...please, keep them coming.

Grandad, Gramma Jo, and Aunt Leeann were able to come down from Belpre, OH to help us begin "Year Three."

Here are a few simple collages from the Birthday Celebration...one for each of the kids. You can click on each collage for a full screen view.

First off, here is Cate.

Next, we have Eve.
Lastly, I give you Jonah.

Just hangin' out - Michigan Vacation

2009-07-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here is Eve at one of her favorite posts during our week. She would climb up on the bench with (and without) permission.

Here's Conor helping Jonah out with the intricasies of gliding.

Here's Collin and Aidan "enduring" yet another one of the triplet's shows.

Cate and Daddy

Mommy and Eve...it only looks like Eve is about to take a swipe at Cathy. I promise that she was only waving.

Cate and Eve

Here's Jonah requesting that I draw a circle for him.

Here is Uncle Mark complying with Jonah's request for a circle.

Here is Aunt Faith consoling Eve with some Gummies because Eve couldn't find the wherewithall to play in the spray scape with Jonah and Cate.

Here are the cousins.

From left to right: Jonah, Collin, Cate, Conor, Eve, and Aidan

Playgrounds and a Spray Scape - Michigan Vacation

2009-07-21T19:15:00.001-07:00

We spent quite a bit of time outdoors while we were in Michigan...from the zoo to a playground, to a spray scape to the backyard. We had so much fun just watching Cate, Eve, and Jonah as they wore themselves out day after day.

Here's Cate dealing with the predicament of shoes that came off while she was going down the slide.

Eve was a bit less adventurous than Jonah and Cate, but she was (as always) very cute.

Jonah could have sworn he heard Mommy on the other end of this slide.

Here's Jonah enjoying the spray scape.

And here is Cate doing the same.

Eve was a bit fearful of all of the spraying back at the spray scape. This was more her speed.

Daddy and Jonah...again.

Here's Jonah thoroughly enjoying the slide.

Aidan was helping the girls with the sandy adventures.

And here are the girls cleaning up after those sandy adventures.

The Toledo Zoo - Michigan Vacation

2009-07-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

So, we headed up to Plymouth, Michigan for the second of our Summer Vacations and spent a week with Mark, Faith, Conor, Collin and Aidan. We had a great time. One day we took the 45 minute trip to Toledo to visit the zoo.

It was a hot day, but we had a good time exploring a brand new (to us) zoo.

I just thought that this was an interesting shot.

Cate was enamored by the hippos.

There's just something amazing about Eagles.

Jonah..Grey Wolf. Grey Wolf...Jonah.

The girls weren't quite sure what to make of this goat.

Once again proving how difficult it is to wrangle three two-year-olds into a good family photo

Mommy and Daddy in a photo...without any children?

Mark and Faith were able to accomplish the same feat.

Jonah and Daddy

Eve sums up the day.

The Rogers' River-Rat Retreat

2009-07-05T07:28:00.001-07:00

We loaded the babies up and headed down to "Uncle George's Cabin" on the Greenbrier River for the Fourth of July. It was the babies' first trip to this location. We added our five to the 34 that were already gathered and then spent the day roaming, splashing, eating, sitting, sleeping, and fussing. It was a good day...not that different from any other day with the exception of the surroundings.

Here's the "whole family" in the river (as if you couldn't tell, Eve has been superimposed into this photo...she was not a fan of the cold water). Here is the aforementioned cabin. There's not much to it, but it has served as home-base for many of these Rogers' Family gatherings over the years.Here's Jonah hanging out with Uncle David.Eve wanted to roam and roam and roam some more all day long. Here, Aunt Christina is hot on her trail making sure that no trouble befalls her. Here is Cate and Aunt Lee playing with a slinky.

Here is Winston, once again relegated to his crate because there were just too many places for him to get lost.

Eve was uncharacteristically reticent when placed aboard the vessel. Meanwhile, Cate was steady at the navigator's post.

Our Babies Three

Cate was helping Gramma blow bubbles while Grandad looked on.

I give you "Tent City." Why all the tents with such a magnificent structure so close by? You'll have to come and find out why.

We know Eve is getting taller...

2009-07-02T10:59:00.000-07:00

...but this is ridiculous!

A few more photos - Florida Vacation

2009-07-01T18:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the trip to Florida that I liked but either didn't fit into another post or didn't make the original cut.
Here's a great smile from Cate."A Convex Reflection of Eve" Here's Jonah trying to figure out this "ball tube."
Cate's hair is finally long enough to almost flow in the breeze.
Here's Eve pointing at Daddy.
The caption is contained within the photo. Simple. I'm not sure if Jonah was climbing or falling.
Cate

Eve

Jonah

Cate really liked coloring at Grampa's childhood table.

Eve was trying to express that she was done coloring.

Jonah just wanted a new color.

This face exemplifies just how hot it was at the Magic Kingdom.

This expresses how Eve felt about being strapped into yet another chair at the end of the day at Disney.

This is Jonah acting out just exactly what we all wanted to be doing once we made it back to the van after a few miles of Magical walking.

Here's Cate strolling at the North Carolina Welcome Center on our way home.
Here's Eve being Eve. Here's Jonah struggling between his desire to step off the curb and Daddy's directive to not step off the curb. Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Museum of Arts and Science - Florida Vacation

2009-07-01T11:50:00.001-07:00

So, on the day before our planned departure from Florida, we headed to the Daytona Museum of Arts and Science with Jon, Kris and kids.

Here is an all too familiar scene; there are only three children, yet somehow they seem to find a way to go in four directions.

Cate was a bit unsure about the "pulley chair." She had to make sure that the belt wasn't going to slip.

Eve was a little more confident in the chair, but her attention was focused on Mommy with Jonah.

Speaking of Mommy with Jonah...he was having a blast in the "pulley chair" while Mommy was getting a bit of a workout.

What trip to Daytona Beach would be complete without the customary ride on a chopper.

Here are the girls taking a dip in the ball pit.

Cate...

...Eve and...

...Jonah all reflecting on their vacation.

Off to the beach - Florida Vacation

2009-07-01T11:16:00.001-07:00

Well, we made it to the beach on the evening after our trip to Disney World. In all liklihood, we would not have gotten over to the beach had our friends Jon and Kris not come over to visit us (thanks Jon and Kris, we're glad you came to visit). We had fun despite both Cate and Eve falling over face first into the water. After some reassurance, they were back to almost-normal and we were able to enjoy the rest of our time at the beach.

Speaking of Jon and Kris, here they are with their children Kylie (on your left) and Luke (on your right). Those two kids love playing with our three little ones...it's fun to watch.

Here's Eve in her favorite sitting position (looks uncomfortable to me). Kylie and Kris helped the kids understand the art of drawing in the sand.
Here's the whole lot of 'em still trying to get a grasp on their environment. It's amazing...at home they seem so big, but at the beach I was reminded of just how small they still are.
Here's Cate...that's it.

Here's all of Daddy's girls.

Here's Jonah surveying the surroundings.

Here's Mommy and Cate.

Here's the whole clan...wind-blown, wet, and weary. It was a good experience, but we were all ready for baths and bed afterwards.

We made it to Disney World again - Florida Vacation

2009-07-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

Well, Eve was pretty much back to her normal self by Sunday of vacation (June 21) so we decided we could make our planned trip to the Magic Kingdom on Monday. Gramma Lin was able to accompany us, which made the trip more memorable and fun (and it made dealing with three toddlers in 96 degree weather more bearable). It was a hot and tiring day, but it was fun overall and it served as a reminder that Florida really is much more unpleasant than West Virginia in the Summer...God Bless the mountains.

Here is proof that Gramma made it to Disney World with us (as it happens, this was her first trip to the Magic Kingdom and her first picture in front of Cinderella's Castle). Thanks for coming with us Gramma!

Here's Eve with Daddy on the carousel in Fantasy Land. This was at about 10:30am and we were already ready for a break from the heat.
Here is Jonah with Gramma on It's a Small World in Fantasy Land (you can also sort of see Mommy with Eve in the background and Daddy with Cate in the foreground).

Here's Mommy with Cate on the carousel. Cate was a bit unsure about the "horace" that she was riding but, by the end of the ride, none of the babies wanted to get off.

Here's Jonah as we were leaving the "Diaper Changing/Getting out of the sun/Rehydration" station. He was greatly in need of water and so, the pink Dora cup was the mean to an end (sorry about this picture Dooga).

Here's Cate showing off Gramma's hat at lunchtime.

Here's Eve showing off Gramma's hat at lunchtime.

Here's Gramma showing off her own hat at carousel-time.

Here's Eve showing signs of heat, exhaustion and still not feeling 100%.

This is just before the carousel started to spin. Uncertainty abounded, but they really had a good time.

An Afternoon with Grampa and Gramma - Florida Vacation

2009-06-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

On Sabbath Afternoon, Grampa and Gramma came over for a little while to hang out.

Here, Eve was still a bit sedate (very sedate for her) so she was content to chill on the little rocking ottoman between Grampa and Gramma.

Here we have Jonah and Cate taking in a little Little Einsteins. By the way, yes that is a bruise on the left side of Cate's face...earlier she had a run-in with the very same futon upon which she is sitting in this picture.

Here's Eve playing a little game of peek-a-boo with Grampa.

Jonah discovered just how slippery a "stuffed horse's head" on terrazzo can be as the downward force of his footstep is redirected into the outward force of a split.

Cate and Eve stand at the front door waving goodbye to Grampa and Gramma.

Ahhh...a tiny, but refreshing, pool - Florida Vacation

2009-06-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

So, we went to Florida this past week for the first of what will be many trips this Summer.

We started the trip off in South Daytona (which is where we stayed the whole time). When we arrived, Eve was not acting quite right so after checking her temperature (102.4) and going to the urgent care we got her on some meds for strep throat. The next day, her temperature was worse (104.1) and we couldn't get it to break. So after going back to the urgent care, an additional diagnosis of ear infection, getting antibiotic injections, giving a little blood sample (twice...aarrgghh!), and starting a new med, Eve started to perk up. She was back to her usual self about two days later.

In the meantime, vacation must go on, so instead of going to parks or zoos, we blew up a pool in the backyard and commenced a'splashin'.

Here Jonah looks on while Mommy squirts Cate in the back.

Here, Jonah gets in on the action.
This is about as close as Eve wanted to get to the pool (she still wasn't feeling the best).

Here's Jonah just enjoying the water a little bit.

Here's Cate doing the same thing as Jonah.

Just a few random photos that I like...

2009-06-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

Caters was playing with Mommy's Crocs.

This is a creation of Cate. She loves stacking, but this was a new twist for her.
Winston...that's it; just Winston.

It took a long time to focus this shot just right. The babies were eating lunch, so I had the time.

Just a few photos from today...

2009-06-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here's Caters looking awefully cute.

Here's a very Eve face.
Here's Jonah wielding his favorite kitchen implements.

Rocket, Please!

2009-06-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

We had some errands to run today. One of our stops brought us close to the mall, so we popped in to stroll a bit and to grab a bite. While we were strolling, Jonah, Cate, and Eve noticed one of those brightly colored coin operated spinning contraptions. They took to pointing and asking very politely (Rocket, Please!) if they could go for a ride. Needless to say, we obliged...but not before we procured a few cookies in order to lessen the blow of eventually having to get off of the ride. I apologize for the quality of the photos as my cell was all we had handy.

Here's Jonah (trying to pose with a smile)...

...and Eve (dancing to the music)...

...and Cate (holding on tight).

Sand and Water table...hold the sand!

2009-06-08T17:58:00.001-07:00

Cate, Eve, and Jonah got to try out their new Sand and Water table on Sunday (June 7). It is amazing how wet three children can get with just two gallons of water.

Here they are just introducing themselves to the new play equipment.

Here they are, fully immersed in play. They all liked the shovel/ladel, but, just like during bath time, splashing seemed to be the biggest hit.

Here's Eve blowing a kiss to Mommy.

Here's Cate giving us her best "smile-on-demand."

Here's Jonah humoring his Daddy by showing us just how wet he had gotten himself.

The Kangaroo Climber

2009-06-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Jonah, Eve, and Cate love their Kangaroo Climber and each of them has their own favorite spot to play.

Jonah loves to hang out under the platform for the slide (he also loves to have his picture taken there).

Eve loves to hang out ON the platform for the slide, but even more so in this little slot that she is beginning to climb into.
Cate loves to climb through one of the upper holes and fall onto either her hands or her head; whichever it is, she loves it and does it over and over.

Easter Eggin'

2009-06-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

This year, Cate, Eve, and Jonah were big enough to get out in the yard and look around for some Easter Eggs with their cousins Hailey, and Emma. They weren't quite sure what exactly they were supposed to be doing, but the had a lot of fun anyway. This Easter Egg Hunt produced one of the best looks of excitement that I have ever seen on camera; so, we'll start with that picture.

Just look at Jonah's face here.

Here's Cate completely oblivious to the egg on her right (your left) but desperately in search of more treasures.

Eve decided the only way to approach this egg was by mode of an army-crawl-sneak-attack. GOTCHA!

Jonah knows that alot of the other eggs had been under flowers like these, but he mostly just wanted to run around.

Here they are going in three different directions...much like any other day. They had such a blast.

The Clay Center

2009-06-04T06:06:00.000-07:00

So, we took a little trip to The Clay Center in Charleston, WV on a day that we were just looking for something to do. It turned out to be a lot of fun. The kids had lots of stuff to do; the hard part was trying to keep them corralled when they weren't strapped into the stroller. It was nice to find a science center so close by that has lots of hands-on exhibits. We know it will be something that the kids will enjoy more and more as they get older.

We forgot our camera so we were relegated to capturing these memories on a cheap but over-priced disposable camera from the gift shop.

Here's Eve chasing Mommy through a cool looking tunnel.

Here's Cate in an immense and difficult-to-traverse ball pit.

Here's Jonah crossing (as safely as he knew how) a small but wobbly suspension bridge.

Here's everyone playing with a large "needle wall." They weren't sure what to make of it especially since there were kids on the other side pushing back on them.

This is the exterior of the Clay Center.We had planned on having some kind of an outdoor adventure that day, but as you can see the weather had other plans for us.

Bath Time

2009-06-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Bath Time has become a more entertaining and a more dampening experience in recent months (especially when they all occupy the tub at the same time). Eve is the most tsunami-like splasher, but Cate and Jonah get in their fair share of waves.

Here's Cate once again struggling with that flash face.

Eve has no problem keeping her eyes open, but she consistently has a problem with keeping her hair out of her eyes.

No eye or hair problems for Jonah, just a smile...he loves Bath Time the most.

Eve's Hair

2009-06-03T20:52:00.001-07:00

As this first picture demonstrates, Eve's hair is getting to the point where something must be done to it in order to keep her from looking like a wild animal. So, we have employed a few techniques in order to tame her mane (as exemplified in pictures two and three). Any suggestions as to something else to try would be appreciated.

Our New Nursery in Charleston

2009-06-03T20:41:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few shots of the new nursery from a few different angles. They are obviously taken in quick succession as you can see in each photo how Cate, Eve, and Jonah are all hovering around a freshly dumped bowl of Goldfish (I had to be quick with the pictures so that I could beat Winston...our Mini Dachshund...to the pile).

Our New Place in Charleston

2009-06-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is the first picture that we were able to capture of all three of our little monsters in our new place. They really enjoy their "Kangaroo Climber" and make really good use of it.

Here's Jonah showing off his almost full compliment of teeth perched upon the aforementioned "Kangaroo Climber." He loves that slide.
Here's Eve doing very much the same thing as Jonah. Her hair has gotten wilder and thus, harder to tame.
Here's Cate doing very much the same thing as Jonah and Eve. She always has a hard time keeping her eyes open when that flash goes.
This is the new place (prior to our move-in date). We live on the left-hand side. While the inside of the place looks much different than when we moved in, the only alteration to the exterior is the replacement of that Cadillac with our Caravan.