The Mamas here for a visit

As the family's time in Ithaca is winding down, Mama Mama and Mami Mami came to help pack up the house for the big move. Nana Donna also got in on the action taking the boys for a weekend and letting them run around in the mud, which they love!

Water + dirt + boys = Pure Love. It's an equation for little people love.

Happy Birthday, C

Mr. C, or should we say Captain Buggy 'Merica, turned 4. It was a fun filled day of Power Rangers, Avengers and Cars 3.

He is a happy, fun loving little guy who loves to be the center of attention.

Living the Lake Life

It's summer, and you know what that means....Lake time! Yes, it's the time when the boys go to the water and jump off the dock, flounder in the water, run along the beach, crash the kayaks and cruise on the tubes.

There's nothing better for them than playing in the sun all day long and crashing afterwards.

Family outing

The boys took advantage of the warm weather to go for a river walk with Mama, Dada and Neha. The sun was shining, the weather was warm, the water was cold and the fish weren't biting. They waded into the water and found a sandbank from where they could play and throw stones in the water.

Dada tried to teach them how to catch crayfish, but there were no crayfish to be found. He then tried to catch a fish, but the only thing he caught were weeds (which is typical of Dada's fishing skill).

But, there was still fun to be had, stones to find and names to write. The boys wanted to let everyone know they were there, so they scratched their names into some flat stones.

Dinner out

The boys had an impromptu dinner with their great-Grandpa, Grandpa Rocco, and Mimi Traudel. JT gets to see them fairly frequently when he goes with Dada over to the house, but Mr. C isn't so lucky.

They feel pretty lucky to have a relationship with their great Grandpa and like to shake his hands and give him hugs. Mr. C even gets his looks from that side of the family!

Last day of school

It has finally arrived, JT's last day of Pre-K. It is hard to believe that he finished his year of 'school' and that he is ready to move up to Kindergarten.

Over the year he made a lot of friends and will hopefully continue to see them over the summer before the big move.

He passed on some words of wisdom for the younger kids letting them know that Kindergartners were really strong and that they would love 'choice time' where they get to pick what activities they do.

Oh, JT, always concerned about playtime and what toys he gets to use.

Pre-K Graduation

JT has officially finished his year of Pre-K at Immaculate Conception. He had a great year learning, growing, making friends and understanding about education and God.

He made a lot of new friends, learned that he can handle a school setting, looked cute in his uniform, gained some confidence and worked on his handwriting (we're still working on that one).

He loved his teacher and the way that she understood him and his individual needs. Next year, he will be starting Kindergarten in a new school with new teachers and new friends to make. Something tells me he'll be ok.

Climbing to success

The playground continues to be the boys' favorite sport. No matter where we go, they make friends and rock out their playground skills. Mr. C had a blast climbing up the apparatus, a little less fun trying to get back down. The words HELP may have been heard as he was clinging to the top rung.

Lake Life

Oh, Summer, how we love, thee! Summer means heat, which means water, which means lake, which means FUN! The boys LOVE spending time at the Lake playing with their friends and cousins, running around, swinging, playing, fishing and...driving the boat? Apparently, so! They have a long way to go before they can be safely behind the wheel, going in circles and not a straight line is generally not recommended, but they're trying!

Lost Tooth

JT lost his first tooth, at school no less!! Then, he couldn't find it! Luckily, the Tooth Fairy is a very understanding Fairy Tale Creature and she took his word for it, but the hole in his mouth might have given it away!
The market price for teeth has definitely increased. At this rate, JT will have a down payment on a nice, little tree house in no time!

Happy Easter

The Easter Bunny came over night and left some Power Rangers for the boys. After partying with the new toys it was off for a sunny day filled with Easter Egg hunts, running around outside with friends and lots of treats. Then, home again to get some rest from all the fun. 

Construction crew

There has been a lot of building at the Koba house and the boys have been chipping in. They helped to build a deck, clean up the yard, do some excavating and demolition. Dada is happy to see how much they like to use tools and work and is looking forward to many years of projects together. 

First Ski Day

Dada was itching to go skiing, so Mama suggested that he take JT to make some turns. JT was very excited to go to the slopes and wear his 'new shoes'. The weather did not cooperate for his first day, it was 14 degrees and windy, so after a few runs on the Magic Carpet it was too cold to continue. 

Even with that, he had a fun time and wants to continue. The gymnastics has been paying off; he had pretty good balance and could shuffle his skis to move forward. He may become Dada's number 1 ski buddy. 

Happy Valentines Day

The boys want to wish everyone a happy Valentine's Day to all. They are getting into the spirit and sharing the love. 

Hiking in the snow

The boys love to go outside. It doesn't matter about the weather as long as they get to play. They take their Dada and favorite hiking companion, Neha, outside whenever they can. Their skills outside have been continuing to grow and they get more and more comfortable running, jumping, slipping and sliding every chance they get. 

Dinosaur dental

Mr. C went to his first dentist appointment, and he rocked it! His big brother was there to help him through it. He got his teeth x-rayed, cleaned and inspected! His chompers are in good shape and he can continue gnashing them. 

Castle construction

JT continues to show an affinity for building, especially castles. They can get pretty elaborate and the best part after showing them off is knocking them down!

Mami Mami

Mami Mami snuggle hug. Lets cuddle with the bug. 

Gammy and Duce come for a visit

Gammy and Duce made the trek from MN to some and spend time with the boys. During the course of their visit they laughed, cried, built things, broke things and spent time working on outdoor skills. 

When the weather was good they got out hiking in the woods and even got to make bacon sandwiches over an open fire pit!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to one and to all. The boys had a wonderful Christmas and a great surprise, their Gammy and Duce came to spend Christmas with the boys. 

Duce and Dada made verenyke for everyone on Christmas, which the boys loved! 

They had so much fun opening presents and playing with everyone in the morning. Dada, Duce and C went for a walk and made camp cocoa and marshmallows on a camp stove.