Lord(s) of the Ring

They're baaack. Charlie, Sam and Scott returned today from their trip to Memphis. These two really are excellent travelers. Last summer, they went to Memphis two weekends in a row, to pick up a car for the-company-which-shall-not-be-named. That means they got up on a Saturday morning, sat in the car for 8 hours, ate some ribs/listened to some blues, went to bed, got up the next day and sat in the car for 8 hours. And they did it all over again the next weekend. They really do love Memphis!

All four of us went to Memphis this time last year. We actually told the boys about the baby while sitting in our favorite restaurant on Beale Street.

Last week Scott figured they could use some relief from cabin fever. So, they headed down and caught the 2nd Annual Civil Rights Game. We saw it last year, as well. Patti LaBell sang the national anthem and we saw Spike Lee, too! This year it was the White Sox vs. the Mets. I didn't get a report of who performed, but I did get a phone call in the middle of the game because of this -

That's the White Sox World Series ring they're wearing, folks. How cool is that? Charlie also had his mitt signed by Alexei Ramirez!I'm glad they had fun. But I'm even more glad they're home. We missed them!

Wannabe

Charlie and Sam have been entertaining us tonight with their rendition of that old Spice Girls song. I'm just glad to see they're getting some more use out of the break-dancing costume Charlie commissioned for Halloween two years ago.

Happy Easter!

Who is that big girl with those two handsome boys?

Catch Up

We have had a busy week here at Casa Reczek. Last Saturday Charlie had a stellar performance as Julien, head of the French guard in the play, "Twice Freed". This production is part of The Greenhouse. The headmaster writes a play every year based on the time period they're studying. It's truly an amazing undertaking, with beautiful costumes and sets. Charlie was very nervous the morning of, but of course he impressed us all.

On St. Patrick's Day, we celebrated with Grandpa - enjoying delicious corned beef and cabbage (and potatoes and carrots). I made a loaf of traditional Irish soda bread, but forgot to take a picture. It was really easy, and everyone loved it.

Scott and the boys attended our church's Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services.

During the day on Good Friday, however, we had our annual egg decorating with our old (only Janelle is actually old!) friends, The Eders. We have been dying eggs together since Charlie and Olivia were 1! We don't see them as often as we'd like, but we haven't missed a year yet.

Olivia didn't make the above picture, but here's a blast from the past, circa 2001-

Hoop Dreams

Charlie had his last basketball game on Saturday. As usual, he played great. We made cupcakes for his team.

It was a short season - only 8 games. But spring is on it's way and with it comes Charlie's true passion - baseball!

Here's a parting shot - Charlie at the free throw line.

Cyanosis is Hereditary

But not something to joke about. Sam is bluer here than Mary ever is...

Grateful

These are two small tokens of appreciation for Mary's cardiologist and his nurse.

I filled them with "Wild Oats" cookies and included a heartfelt note.