2nd Annual Titus Olympics

All us Titus siblings and our spouses got together last Saturday for the 2nd Annual Titus Olympics.  I must say this year was just as fun, if not better than last year...maybe, just maybe, because Nicholas was there this year!

Team Minion

Team Blue Steel

Team Equipo del mundo

Team Lucky Fins

We all met at the OLMC field in front of the church after lunch.  We played soccer, knock-out, ultimate Frisbee, then went across the street for a friendly game of kickball.

Street soccer

Knock-out

It was hot, hot, hot outside that day.  We drank TONS of water and definitely took some breaks in the shade.  Only a few of us didn't get burnt that day...maybe next year they'll remember that sore muscles and sore skin are not a good mix.

Shade and water break

Our awesome parents (and Paul's parents) watched our kiddos all day, so we could have a day of adult fun!  We really couldn't have done it without them.  The only babe allowed to come with us was 3 and a half week old, Angelo.  And he was truly a little angel.

Cutest Mascot ever...baby Jello (Anthony)

Lucky fins team names were names Dory called Nemo throughout the movie

Team Equipo del mundo's team names

Alex went all out on the orange theme

Creative shade for the baby

Kickball...nice form, Sam

....and he's safe!

Teams yellow and blue up to bat (kick)

We had just finished our kickball game when Fr. Richard pulled up and kicked us off the field and a storm started rolling in.  Couldn't have had better timing.

Paul and I rode to the games in style :)

We went back to my parents' house and ate dinner during the storm.  Just as we finished, the skies cleared up and we played volleyball....for 3 hours straight!!!

Volleyball

I took one for the team and held Baby
Anthony for one of the games ;)

My view while holding the babe...I was not complaining!

I want one

10 minute break before the next volleyball game

How we felt after Titus Olympics

How our bodies felt after Titus Olympics

I already can't wait for next year!  Titus' rule!

(Oh, and I should probably announce that Team Equipo del mundo-green was the winning team!  Nice work, guys!)

Friday Funnies

Rose:
Rose made her first music video.

Ava:
"I want this to be a peace room and you are NOT peace and quiet!"

Madeline:
"When I grow into a Dad, I will like beer."

Madeline was sitting on a box of beer in the little car,
so she didn't fit right...her head stuck out the window

Ella:

Ella walking around in Paul's flip-flops.

HAPPY Friday!

She Must Be #4

This afternoon,  I was trying to keep Ella awake so I could put her down for a late nap.  She went upstairs to play, but had been quiet for quite some time, so I went up to check on her.  This is what I found:

Ella had put herself down for a nap in Madeline's bed.  I even found a book by her, so she must have read to herself before she fell asleep.  Even as an almost 2 year old, she knows what she needs.  She was tired, so she just went to bed.   

She must be child #4.

Super Dad

Although I have the worst memory known to mankind, I still remember many good times with my dad when I was growing up (Mom, thanks for all those pictures that help spark those memories!).

So...just in case my girls inherit my bad memory, here are a few things I want them to remember about their time with their dad when they were young...

A banner I made for Father's Day (idea from Pinterest, of course!)

1. Your Daddy schedules his days so that he can maximize his time with you.  If he has to run an errand, he often takes one (or more) of you with him.  You all love riding in his car, so it is a big treat to get to tag along.

Miller Lite Cake...another Pinterest idea

2. He taught you to wash the car at a very young age.  I remember Rose helping him when she was not even 2 yet.  Every time he washes the cars, you jump at the chance to help.  If you keep a clean car when you are older, you will definitely make your father proud.

3. He takes you camping.  Mostly outdoors, but a few times indoors when the weather was bad.  Those of you who are old enough to go along, love that I don't go with you and it is your special time with dad.  

4. In the summers, he takes you to the pool almost every day.  He gets in with you, jumps off the board with you, throws you in the air, and gives you rides around the pool.  Going to the pool is definitely your favorite summer activity.

5. You love to play horsey with your Dad.  You especially love to play right at bedtime.  You all hop on his back and try not to fall off.  It is the best when all four of you try to get on at once.  You give Dad and I a good laugh every time.

6. He takes you on dates so he can spend time with each of you one-on-one.  Usually he takes you to get ice cream, but sometimes to do other activities.  Every weekend at least one of you usually asks if you can have a special day with dad.

Some love for the real life superhero

7. He takes you on runs with him.  He puts two of you in the jogging stroller and some of you ride bikes alongside him.  He gets a REALLY good workout on those days :)

Daddy and his baby girls

8. He gave you your love for the outdoors.  On any remotely nice day, he takes you outside to play or on a bike ride or for a walk.

Cheesy Smiles

9. Daddy can actually do your hair...a great feat for a guy!  You girls love when Dad does your hair because he lets you stand on the table while he does it (so he can reach your head :).

Little Miss Salty hiding on the stairs

10. He gives you candy if you get hurt. Why?  Because you stop crying the instance he gives it to you.  Nothing can soothe a child faster than candy.

Homemade cards from the girls

I hope you girls realize all the little things Daddy does for you and how much he loves you.  You are very blessed to have such a wonderful man as your father! 

To My Father on Father's Day

The older I get and the more people I meet, the more I realize what a gem my dad is.  There are many things that I love about my dad, but one of the things I love most about him is that he is crazy about his faith.  Growing up, we would often have mini catechesis lessons at the dinner table where Dad would share his love and knowledge of the faith with us.  He has always wanted us to love the faith as much as he did.  I used to watch him in Mass...so reverent and so fully engaged...nothing seemed to make him turn his head.  Just by watching him, I knew that the Lord was truly present.  Now I see the same reverence in my brothers and I can't help but beam with pride.

Dad with his 2 half brothers and his sisters

And talk about being pro-life...what a witness?!  It takes a lot of faith to say yes to the Lord every time he calls you to parenthood.  It is not always easy to think about handling another child physically, emotionally, and financially, especially if your quiver already seems to be overflowing, but he trusted in God and said yes every time....13 times!  I thank him from the bottom of my heart for always saying yes.  My siblings are my best friends.

The Titus family in July 2010

Another thing I love about my dad is his beautiful example of generosity.  He gives so much of himself to others, especially his family.  He has always made a point to be at every one of his kid's events; he was home every night for family dinner, and he chauffeured us around to our activities every evening.  I am so thankful to have a dad who was a part my childhood because I know that is not always the case these days.  Now, as a parent, I know how many sacrifices he made for us kids every single day.  

Dad with Madeline (6 1/2) at his 25th Wedding Anniversary Party

My dad has always made family a priority.  By reserving Sundays as family days, having nightly family dinners, bringing us to our siblings events, etc...he helped us become each other's best friends.  He always enjoys having everyone around...even if we aren't doing a specific activity together, he likes us all to be together.  His influence has definitely rubbed off on all of us, as we take each and every opportunity we can to get together.  I thank him for his example...for his influence...for all he has done to keep our family together.  Men like my dad are few and far between.  He's a real-life super hero...at least in my eyes.

I Love you, Dad!  You mean the world to me!

Happy Father's Day!

Friday Funnies

Rose:
She told me she was going up in my sister Madeline's room to make her bed.  I went up after a while to check on her and this is what I found:

Madeline's bed

Olivia's bed

Ava:
"Why are there so many police cars at the library?  Maybe they want to get police books."

Madeline:
"I wish there was rubber band school so I could learn how to do my hair by myself."

Two different sleeping positions we found Madeline in...in 2 different rooms!

Ella:
I love to hear little ones laugh.

Rose, Ava, and Madeline's conversation yesterday:
In the car Rose was complaining that her tummy hurt.  Ava told her that maybe her tummy hurt because she was car sick.  Madeline said, "No, bike sick."  Then Ava replied, "Sometimes I get bike sick."  Rose said, "Sometimes I get bike tired."

We told them to pose

HAPPY Friday!