Max is 6 months old today!

I can't get over how much Noah and Max look alike.

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Picture from Max at 6 months old today.

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Video clip of Max in action from this morning.

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At Max's 6 month check-up, he weighed 16 pounds 8 ounces (23rd percentile). He was 26.18 inches (30th percentile). His head 44 cm (66th percentile).

Mt. Etna's erupts.

A view of Mt. Etna from our house this afternoon about 4pm. Another eruption!

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Last night Mt. Etna had a pretty spectacular eruption.

Unfortunately we had no clue and we were inside putting the kids to bed.

This morning our cars, outside toys and furniture were covered in ash.

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Some of the ash on our outside chairs.

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DJ sweeping up the ash. It was an exciting day for this nine year old.

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Two bags of ash!

Max is on the move!

Happy birthday Tom!

Dear Tom,

How did I get so lucky? You are the most amazing man I've ever known. Thank you for being a great husband and friend. You have taught me so much. Our boys are blessed beyond words to have a dad like you. You are INCREDIBLE. I love you! Happy birthday!

Love,

Carey

One of Tom's big gifts was the weekend to himself. I watched the kids all weekend and let him sneak off and relax, read books on his new Kindle, etc. He said it was one of the best birthdays ever. I guess when you have four kids, being able to relax at home is a rare gift.

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Noah picked this present out just for dad.

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DJ saw this jar of pickles and knew his dad had to have them.

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We ordered a big black cake. Can you tell?

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After everyone had a piece, I said I wanted the cake to be thrown away. I don't need any temptations around while I'm still trying to get off this baby weight, and while Tom is trying to eat healthy. We let the boys have fun and dig in before it got thrown in the dumpster. DJ said we should make that a tradition. He also said he had a stomach ache.

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