Dessert with Daddy

This dessert is a favorite of Mark's.

It's a concoction of cherry ice cream, cool whip, oreos, and hard shell chocolate. Yummy!

Mark planned the whole process out so that Oliver could help him.

He put on gloves under his rubber gloves so that he could really get into mixing the ice cream and cool whip.

Then Oliver got to beat the oreos to a pulp with a toy hammer.

When they realized the hammer wouldn't quite cut it they resorted to more primitive methods.

Then he got to reap the rewards of hard work.

Oliver is blessed with a very fun, very considerate daddy.

No Parents!

I titled this post "no parents" because this was the first time we cousins (as adults) had gotten together without parents.

My cousins, Amanda and Natalie, and Steve and Chris came up from IL to visit. They brought up dinner and dessert and good company.

Bryana and Nick also joined us (always a treat!)

Oliver clung to Amanda while she was here and then asked about her when she left.

As you can see Finley got plenty of attention.

Amanda and Steve in the "thinkin' chair".

Nan and Nick

Bryana and Nick were also celebrating their 4 month anniversary. We love Nick! He's so perfect for Bryana, and he puts up with the rest of the family:)

My gorgeous Husband

Chris and Oliver bonding. This was some sort of high five or handshake(?)

Chris took it upon himself to dish up and feed Oliver.

I'm still trying to figure out how much he charges to babysit:)

Natalie is an amazing Pastry Chef and she brought incredible Chocolate cookies with a secret recipe that she wouldn't give up if her life depended on it (I'm still craving them)

I missed the initial picture with Mark's arms around the guys

Amanda and Steve are teachers, and great with kids. Oliver relished the attention and of course brought them to his room to read

After dinner and Dancing with the stars we got into a game of Apples to Apples

Beautiful ladies!

Mark and I had a wonderful time, and can't wait to do it again. Thanks again you guys! Love you!!

Roast Beast

This was a beautiful 8 lb. Roast Mark smoked for us .....

we thought Finley bore a striking resemblance, minus the BBQ sauce :)

Finn's First Blowout - The Aftermath

Tiny Finn

VERY Proud Big Brother

From the very first moments, Oliver has been amazing with Finn.

Mommy with her little men

A kiss for baby "Winn"

On the rare occasion that they are in separate rooms, Oliver walks around shrugging is shoulders asking "Where Winn? Where Winn?"

He's so gentle, despite the occasional curious poke in the eye or finger in the ear.

Finally Finley!

Finley Devon Melby

Born: April 10th at 9:56 am

Weighing 8lbs 13oz

21.5 inches long