Springtime Firsts

We didn't catch your first steps, 

but we're enjoying all the firsts you're experiencing now.

 Like finding a good stick.

 Throwing pine needles.

 Trying to keep up with your brothers.

 Playing with the birdseed in your grandparents' driveway.

 Taking a break on their back porch.

 Stealing Grandma's bleeding hearts.

 Enjoying your first Popsicle of the season.

You make life sweet!

Butterfly Thoughts

Charlie, you read the sign, right?

 "Just wait until I see your brother in my yard next week."

Growing Up

 Charlie, Age 3

Charlie, Age 6

Thoughts on a Profession

Rob, have you given any thought to what you want to do when you're older?

 Are you setting your hopes on the Oval Office?

 Tour guide?

 Sculptor?

 Construction worker?

 Architect?

 Legislator? (That's Jack's head behind the podium.)

 Engineer?

 Truck driver?

 Veterinarian?

 Army corps of engineers?

 Zookeeper?

Whatever you choose, you'll be great at it!

For sure!

Spring Break

Captain Awesome had an appointment at the children's hospital, today.

This gave us an excuse to do a little vacationing during spring break

 Lots of good food.

 Fun times.

 And picture opportunities for Will's remaining China paperwork.

Just a little curious as to what thoughts 

were running through the littlest Gentle mens' heads 

when I asked them to smile for a China pose.

Not exactly the looks I had hoped for.

We still have some time, thank goodness!

Tuckered Out

A little family, cake, and baseball can really wear the little guys out.

Happy birthday, Grandma G.!

Park Play

Getting to the slide can take lots of courage and determination when you're three.

That was Jack, just last year.  Not this year.  He's fearless.

Charlie Cotton Tail

Costume proudly crafted by Charlie.

Brothers

Jack said Will was his best friend, today.

 Everyday, Will asks when Jack's coming home,
from the time we drop Jack off at school.

 One from southern China.

 One from northern China.

 And God brought them together, in central Illinois.

Brothers.

Things I Don't Want to Forget

Usually, the 4pm hour around our house is like a ZOO.

The energy that was contained all day at school is unleashed and it is 

LOUD and BUSTLING at the Gentle house.

This afternoon, they all came home and sat down TOGETHER 

with two boxes of markers, some fresh paper, 

and sat in SILENCE.

I had to document it.

 Ahhh, just look at them!

 While Charlie was taking a shower, the other evening, he chose to use his dad's soap and said, "I'm pretty much a man, already."

 Last night, Mike was at board so Rob took it upon himself to bath the little two.

 Will's giggle is the best giggle I have ever heard.  Yesterday, it was from behind a sticker he put over his mouth.  What fun you add!

Jack's been really big into writing letters.  Nothing sweeter than when it is, " M O M."