Welcome Baby Hoffman!

Graham Alexander, 8lbs 1oz, 21.5"long, born June 19th.
The proud family 1-1/2weeks later! Well, we finally got to meet Graham Alexander Hoffman last night! We made the trek out to Greenfield with Jason's favorite fish dinner! Baby #2 is a doll just like his big sister Elle! In about 14months they plan to have a third as to keep the ball rolling! (just kidding jason!) Congrats to the Hoffmans!

Like Jason said, not sure what was going on 40weeks ago, but there should be a third baby arriving any day now...right Emily??

The morning paper...

Hmmm...let's see what's new today.
Oh Wow! Look at that!
Where is that Sports section?

Oh Yumm! The food section!

Lilly loves anything crinkly. You know when they say to keep plastic bags away from children...yeah watch out. She will figure out how to grab one that is 5 feet away. And if you take something away from her that she is not suppose to have she screams her head off. (We are in for it already, Tim's little princess!)

My new niece has arrived!

We headed up north this weekend to meet our new niece!

Miss Allie Michelle was born at 4:56 on Saturday June 23rd. She weighed 7 lbs, 1 oz. and was 20" long and of course is cute as can be!

The new family of four.The proud big sister!
So tiny...you forget how little they come out.
Miss Lilly looks like a giant next to her new cousin. She was fascinated with her when she was crying and even gave her a little kiss. Soon they will be playing barbies together!
Welcome home baby Allie! Can't wait to see you again!

Gotta Love Garage Sales

Miss Lilly standing (leaning) all by herself.
Lucas learning how to share...(the table is 1/2 Lillys).
This is my garage sale bargain for the week. $25 for the train table, buildings, trees and probably about 1/2 the track you see. It is compatable with the Thomas tracks and trains we already have so that just sweetened the deal. Tim says we have too much stuff which is true, but my question is how do you pass up 10 cent toys? If you decide you don't want them 2 weeks later you can donate them to goodwill where they will sell them for $1.
Even in the rain...the sales must go on!

My ADORABLE children

they are just the cutest things ever

such a little boy now

such a doll

Rehauling of the Deck...

If you really want to know what we have been doing in all of our spare time for the past two weeks read on...

This was our deck before June 8th. Might not look too shabby from afar but the railing was coming off, the deck boards were rotting away and Lucas could fit through some of the rails and got his head stuck once between some others.

So we started the destruction of the deck. Tim and his dad tore off the rail and old deck boards, one by one.
By the end of the day it looked like this and we were ready to dig new post holes. (We did get to reuse half the old structure...that saved us a little money).

The two-man auger...it does cut through gas lines just to let you know. Nothing exploded, but it does go to show that if a propane guy comes out and tells you that he thinks it runs around the deck and not under it...maybe get a second opinion.

Lucas thought maybe he would make a better post...luckily there was no cement in this hole yet! See the little shovel? He dug that all by himself. (jk!)

My dad helped this past weekend. Anyone reading this blog that feels the need to screw in some nails please let us know! As you can see we have gotten the rail posts set and most Pergola posts...yes a pergola. (That is what those wood structures are called that "shade" your deck, I have found out that about 65% of people don't know that word). Starting to look better already.

The deck use to be two levels and everyone seemed to fall down the one step you couldn't see and it broke the deck in half which wasn't cool. So, we re-did all the joists to raise it to one level. We are also moving the stairs to the end. Should be pretty sweet when it is done. We will definitely have a few deck parties...hopefully sooner rather than later.

Father's Day

Well, we went to see Thomas the train for our Fathers Day celebration. That is Tim...always thinking of his kids before himself (awwwww). A full replica of Thomas the Tank Engine is touring the country this year and since Lucas is really into trains and it was a few towns away we thought we should make the trip. So we actually got to ride in a coach behind Thomas. It was pretty fun except for the melting sun which made us cut our time a little short (and the fact that Lucas was having a melt down ready for a nap).

Aren't they all so cute? We are very grateful for our amazing jack of all trades daddy/husband. I guess I know how to pick em! ;) He really is a Superdad (notice the shirt).

Both Lucas and Lilly had their first train ride together! (the train whistle scared Lilly a few times and she would just start crying and then when you got her settled down the whistle would go off again!Lucas even got to ride a little train his size...he cried when we took him out of this too. Needless to say we had a good time. Happy Fathers Day to Tim and all the other great dads out there!

Car dates at this age??

Well, Miss Piper came over today and her and Lucas had a blast! In and out of the pool, covered in sand, chasing eachother and the dog. The cutest part though was the car ride. First Lucas was driving and Piper was pushing. Then when Lucas wouldn't give up the driver seat for Pipers turn, she just decided that there was room in there for her too! Lucas of course didn't seem to mind the cute blonde sitting next to him...just makes me think of car dates. (Not until they are 16...no make that 20!)

Where have I been?

Do you recognize the buildings? Chicago of course! My friends Julie and Misty and I were in Chicago Sunday-Wednesday this week for Neocon. This yearly event is held for Interior Designers too preview what is the latest and greatest in the Industry while walking miles and miles at the Merchandise Mart. It was a great time had by all, full of wining and dining from our favorite vendors!
There were steaks as big as your head...And not only do you get to catch up on the latest and greatest but you get to have an amazing time with your girlfriends...(and this of course includes shopping on Michigan Ave)!

"The girls" at the W hotel on Lake Michigan. We did miss having Emily with us this year...but being due with baby #2 in two weeks thought maybe it was best not to come. Missed you Em! We had a great time, it was good to get away, eat lots of good food, and see all the new product...but it is also really good to be back home again.

Hess Paradise...well almost

Ahhhh, pool paradise on the deck.

Check out Miss Lilly sitting up like a big girl!

And the big brother making sure the new pool is ok for all to use. He is even testing the water which is what is filling up those puffy cheeks...nice. Well, this is as close as the Hess' are getting to an inground pool this year. (I miss your pool Tricia!)

It is a step up from last year, I am just hoping it will entertain a 2 year old longer than a smaller one. And I do have to admit that mommies fit better in this pool this size! If it is already 90 at the beginning of June we are in for a hot summer. If any moms are ready for a playdate, you are invited! Oh wait...the deck is being torn apart tomorrow for a rehaul...maybe we can celebrate with a deck party in July.

Surprise Shower

Well, last night was girls night out and we had a surprise shower for Miss Emily who is due July 1st. We told her we were celebrating Julie's birthday and SURPRISE...the party was really for her.

Three and 1/2 weeks to go and she looks FABULOUS! (i hate her)

And Julie turned the big 30 so we had to celebrate that too of course!
Heres a pic of the whole crew. We all use to work together back in the day.
I think girls nights are a must when you are a stay at home mom...there is nothing better than a group of girls who you can talk with about anything and everything with (and we do). Lucky for me I have two groups of girls I get to go out with and I love each and every one of them!

Morning Smiles

Messy morning cereal face

When I was taking a picture of Lilly, Lucas says "Me Too! Me too!"

(His pj's say Handsome just like daddy! ahhh!)

Gotta love mornings when there are smiles instead of whining. Lilly is doing well with cereal and baby food. I have too admit I have not been looking forward to the mess or time, (you tend to get use to your child being able to feed themselves) but it has been fun. Lucas loves breakfast, usually when you get him out of bed the first thing out of his mouth is "Oatmeal mama?"
And if you look closely you can see the new kitchen color! Not 100% done yet, but will blog the "new look" soon!

Happy 1st Birthday Evan!

Lilly hanging out with the birthday boy. They were too little for...

A Blow-up bouncer in the backyard?! What fun!!

Uh Tim...the bouncy thingy is suppose to be for the kids!
It was so hot Kelley broke out the pool. Notice Neil trying not to get too wet...

Oops! So much for that!

Good times with good friends. At the rate we are popping out these babies we are going to be attending birthday parties every other week!