Christmas AM

Christmas morning was so fun this year.  Every year gets better and better.  Zackary was very into Santa this year, he loved hearing stories of him coming and leaving presents, leaving cookies and carrots out for him, and all the 'whys' about how he would get in the house, where he will land, etc.  It was so fun to hear all his stories about what the thought.  They both woke up around 7:45, nice for us, and peaked down the stairs to find the Santa gifts left out by the tree, and were amazed that he really did come.  We opened presents slowly and 1 at a time so we could see the reaction and they could see what everyone got.  It is nice to have some new toys to play with that are a little more age appropriate. 

Tree Decorating

I love Christmas even more with children.  Everything is so much more fun.  It all reminds me of being a kid again and all the fun things we used to do.  This year the boys loved everything about Christmas.  We ended up decorating the tree over two days.  I love how all the ornaments are all about 3 feet high and that there is about 5 on the same branch.  Every time I walk by it, it brings me a smile and a little giggle.  Several of the ornaments ended up as toys and a few broken, but with a little glue they all survived another year of 2 little boys.  I tried to get a picture of how many ornaments ended up on the same branch, the picture really doesn't capture what it really looked like.  Oh the memories!

Meet Barnaby

This is our sweet little Barnaby. Our Elf on the Shelf. This little elf watched over the boys during the day and reported back to Santa each night. The boys looked forward to finding his new spot each morning. This was such a fun new tradition we started this year. The boys are already asking when Barnaby gets to come back.

Just the tip

Wow! This is one of our favorites every year. The cactus with just the tips covered with styrofoam cups. Yes, you read it right. I guess they just want to save the tips.

Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Zackary's birthday again, but on his birthday as a family.  We had brinner (breakfast for dinner), his favorite pancakes and eggs.  Then we decorated cookies.  We had cupcakes about 5 times in the last month so we tried something different for his birthday.  We had a great time rolling and cutting out the cookies, making frosting, then decorating.  As you can see, Zackary loved the decorating process.  

Happy Birthday again Zackary.  

4

Zackary turned 4.  This is something I probably say way too often.  But really, where has the last 4 years gone.  He is so big!  I don't even know where to begin.  He might be the sweetest little boy around.  He is so thoughtful, caring, tender, and well sometimes, a little wild.  But what little boy isn't right?   

He has the most beautiful blue eyes and a great head of blond hair.  He is still really into tractors, airplanes, and animals, especially horses.  He even does one serious impression of a horse.  This is what we call horse man, and usually when horse man comes out we know he has officially hit the wall and is heading right to bed.  You see horse man is nice but he tends to get a little crazy, wild, and loud.  I know someday we will look back and laugh at horse man but in the moment it is a little frustrating.

At his 4 year appointment he weighed in at 42 pounds which keeps him trucking right along in the 95th percentile.  Along with his height too.  I have one solid little boy.  What a rough appointment, I usually enjoy well checks, but man, the 4 year was horrible.  Like I have heard many say, it's true.  For some reason this one they just know shots are coming and what they feel like, then they like to talk about how bad it was for days.  I felt so bad, but no more for quite some time.  

Birthday Bash

This year we had a combo party for the boys since their birthdays are so close. We celebrated at the park and ramada in our neighborhood with an airplane theme.

We played pin the pilot in the cockpit, which was a hit with all the kids. I had them color a pilot, we blind folded them, gave them 1 spin and had them tape it on the picture. Some of them decided to participate several times. We also rented some games from Nana and Papa's Hardware store, plinko and cornhole.

Thanks to everyone for helping us celebrate. We had a great time!

Hiding Boys

Again, look how I found my boys playing the other day. Both hiding in the TV console. I think it is so funny that they both fit in the one side. I was going to put DVDs or books in it but I might have to hold off, I'm guessing that they would just end up on the floor and the boys would be in their spots. Boys will be boys.

2

This is a little late, I know, but I just got our pictures back, uploaded, and had Lane's 2 year appointment.  He is such a handsome little guy, I just can't stand it.  Lane weighed in at 29.5 lbs and was 36 inches tall.  We only had to get 1 shot, which was a relief, I was expecting several.  He is growing great and doing everything and more than expected at 2.  We are still impressed by his scooter riding skills.  He even coasts with one leg up without any problems. 

My sweet baby is getting so big so fast.

Ghost Bushes

This is another pet peeves of ours...ghost bushes in the winter...I don't want to offend like I have said before.

We think...survival of the fittest!

New Seat Walls

Here is another project I've been working on.  Recovering our seat walls, or as others like to call them, our caged rocks.  Here are the before and afters.  I think the new fabric turned out great.  This time I used outdoor fabric so I hope it holds up a little better during the summer.  This is the 3rd time I have covered them.  I guess that is pretty good considering we have lived here for 4 years.
I just hope it doesn't fade too fast.

We have this storage (toy) box on the patio now.  So I decided to make it a little cuter to sit on.  I think it turned out pretty good.  It is much nicer to sit on now and doesn't look so bad.  

Now we just need to get the pavers and the backyard might actually look complete.

Our Baby Girl!

Well, you have it right.  It's a GIRL!  I know we have all heard that one before, but this time I really feel it is true.  That is what I have thought all along and the gal that did the ultrasound said she would write it in stone.  She was really knowledgeable and I trust that she is right.  I am THRILLED!  I really didn't care whether it was a boy or girl, I just wanted a healthy baby.  But what great fun to have a baby girl and get to raise both boys and girls.  Everything in the ultrasound looks great and she is measuring perfect.  Now I just need to keep her nice and warm until April.  I feel great and am enjoying being pregnant.  I love having a big pregnant belly.  I am really feeling her move a lot now, she still is a roller instead of a kicker, which is very different from my boys.  We have a list of names we like but just haven't decided on the perfect one yet.  

We just call her baby sissy now.  Now for some bow shopping!

Happy 2nd Birthday

Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet Baby Lane!  I really don't understand how my baby turned 2 already.  I know I say that a lot, but seriously, time is flying right by.  Some days I wish I could freeze time to soak them up, but other days I love to soak in the growth.  Lane is talking so much more and says the cutest things.  Although sometimes you can barely understand him, he usually finds a way to get his point across.  If not he takes you to what he wants.  I really can't get enough.  I love that he wants us to show him everything, especially in the kitchen.  He will always find a chair to stand on to see what is going on... or just climb on the counter.  He loves riding his scooter, and is dang good at it, any thing outdoors, pretend food, and bombing things off our loft balcony.  

We love you Lane!  Happy Birthday!

Here is our attempt at getting a family birthday picture after blowing out the candles.  This is not an easy task.

Glue

Let me tell you about Lane's new favorite thing to do. Glue! He loves it. Today we spent some one on one time gluing things (feathers, beads, paper, foam) to construction paper, well, and the table, chair, PJ's, and his hands also. Thank goodness it is washable. Just look at he grin on his face. Ya we wasted a lot of glue and there are puddles of it that still haven't dried 12 hours later. But man did he have a good time and it is worth it just to see that little smile.

This is almost the final masterpiece. Check out those puddles!