Hail to the Chief!

The tradition of Chief Illiniwek is, sadly, now officially gone....but for the Merritt household, it will continue! Maybe not forever.....but at least for as long as these shirts continue to fit the boys!

Now, lest you think that I ran out and bought them each new shirts, I must tell you--these shirts have all been Colin's at one time. We LOVE the Fighting Illini, and I have bought Colin a Chief shirt in almost every size. Ethan is wearing a 12 month; Cameron a 2T, and Colin a 4T. There are also 6 month, 18 month, and 3T sizes in the house--in rubbermaid tubs, packed away until they are needed (which, will be soon for Cameron--he is starting to have to be packed into the 2T.) I am debating going on a search for a few of these same shirts in bigger sizes, so they can all three have them for a little bit longer! The shirts are becoming harder to find, now that the Chief has been retired....so it may be quite the quest to locate a few more. I am weighing whether or not it is worth it. Most of me says it is.

I just can't help myself....I know the boys are not triplets (although believe it or not, I am asked constantly if Colin and Cameron are twins); I know they are three years apart; I know they are not girls; but I love dressing them alike like this. I did it all the time with Colin and Cameron, but once Ethan came along--it got expensive! It isn't easy to buy three of the same thing, especially for a bargain shopper like myself. So, this year, I have resorted to not having very many items that match, and I am forcing myself to be okay with it. However, that being said, when I do have something alike like this, I just eat it up! Here are a few shots from yester-night (as Colin would say) of the three of them:

First shot--not too much into the picture taking idea yet.

Second shot--tons better than the first, but not looking at the camera! They were looking at Shane, who was next to me trying to get them to laugh!

Third shot: Cameron goofing around and doing something that the other two apparently found hilarious!

Fourth shot: I must say thank you to Shane, for REALLY making them laugh and look at the camera at the same time--and giving me a great new picture!