31 Mar

Happy Baby

Ben is a really happy baby. Most of the time he even avoids the evening fussy time. There are of course exceptions but usually just holding him (or really feeding him) will make everything right again. Ben is the first baby I tried wearing in a ring sling and I wish I had used one with my other babies. It’s been a lot of fun and I hate that Ben is starting to get a little big for it. (Some people use it on bigger babies but he is starting to hurt my back.) Tonight he wanted to be held and I wanted to do a few things while the big kids watched a movie in my room. The sling seemed like a good compromise all the way around.


30 Mar

Easter Egg Time

Today seemed like a great day to dye some Easter Eggs. We even tried a new method – shaving cream.

29 Mar

March 29, 2019

It was amazing how long this activity kept both boys entertained.

29 Mar

A Day At The Park

We bundled the kids up and forced them to play at the park (in the rain). We all needed some time together and out of the house.

28 Mar

March 28, 2019

I did a double take when I saw these two sitting together. I’m not sure why Ben wanted to sit with Alex, but I’m even more impressed that Alex allowed it.

27 Mar

March 27, 2019

Yearly checkups for the big boys.
(Ben got to tag-along for fun.)

27 Mar

Yearly Checkups

I have almost always documented the kids’ yearly checkups. As babies it was fun to compare their growth from year to year, or how they reacted to the doctor or shots. Last year was the first year that I realized it was getting a little awkward to take a picture of the boys in the exam room (they were ages 9 and 7) and probably I should have felt that way previously. I remember being rather pleased with myself when I took the picture below.


Somehow it didn’t occur to me that I would have to continue being creative or just stop taking pictures at the checkups. Don’t worry I figured out something for this year too!

For those curious about the boys growth:
Alex grew 3 inches and 8 lbs.
Teague grew 2 inches and 4 lbs.

26 Mar

Favorite Bonding Activity

I hope one day my children remember the hours we spent baking together. It is definitely one of my favorite things to do with my children – especially when it can be done one-on-one.

26 Mar

March 26, 2019

Another unexpected nap in an unexpected place.

26 Mar

March 26, 2019

He loves his food. He definitely has no texture issues.
(Today we had Pho)

25 Mar

Kind Thoughts

Teague had an author visit his school and the kids were given the opportunity to purchase some of his books. Teague was really excited when he saw that some of the books were more appropriate for Kaitlyn and Ben. He wanted to buy a book for each of them. The books were sent home a few days ago and today he read the book to Kaitlyn he bought for her. It’s the cutest book called the Unruly Queen.

25 Mar

March 25, 2019

Parent pickup at school (a rare treat for the big boys).

25 Mar

March 25, 2019

I answered the phone and realized Ben tried to steal my lunch.

24 Mar

Twinning

I kind of like tiwnning with my girl.

24 Mar

March 24, 2019

It’s amazing how a change in location changes how much a toy is played with.

23 Mar

March 23, 2019

Alex decided to take his book outside and enjoy the sun. I loved his unique choice of places to read.

23 Mar

March 23, 2019

I love when the kids bring artwork home. It gets less and less as they get older.

23 Mar

March 23, 2019

Wade’s got more help than he knows what to do with when it comes to fixing the dishwasher.
(This dishwasher has been nothing but trouble since we moved in. I’m pretty sure Wade has replaced almost every part in it – and it still doesn’t work quite right.)

23 Mar

March 23, 2019

He knows the oven mitts are needed to get things out of the oven. He just hasn’t figured out that the amount of time in the oven is predetermined.

23 Mar

An Old Dog With A New Bone

We have been giving Pepper dog bones to try and keep her entertained (and reduce the chewing of our items). The problem is Madison will occasionally get the bone and guard it. Pepper will not dare take it back from Madison. Madison is too old to chew the bone. She just won’t let Pepper have it. Wade and I find the entire situation pretty funny.

Tonight we thought we had a solution. We gave each dog a bone. It went basically like it does with two toddlers. Pepper couldn’t stand it that Madison had a bone. She abandoned her bone and kept trying to figure out how to get Madison’s bone. She kept edging closer and closer to Madison. Madison never once chewed the bone but kept it in her sight or under her head the entire time. Wade and I were dying laughing.

For those curious – Madison eventually fell asleep. Pepper stole the bone. Madison never even remembered there was a bone.

22 Mar

March 22, 2019

Now the question is which one of them started this?!

22 Mar

March 22, 2019

It only seems appropriate to read Dr. Seuss in a box – if only the story was about a fox.

22 Mar

March 22, 2019

You know it’s serious when he gets two cups.
(Or you know Mom has given up fighting the strong willed child.)

22 Mar

The Expressions Of Alex

Alex was quite tolerant of me as I took pictures today. He even got excited and told me all about his two Lego guys and their adventures. (It’s very rare I get so much out of him these days.)

21 Mar

March 21, 2019

The carpet in the Master Bedroom is perfect for drawing – or a game of tic-tac-toe.

21 Mar

March 21, 2019

Teague loves Dr. Hunter and doesn’t mind going to visit once a year.
(The ice cream afterwards doesn’t hurt either.)

21 Mar

March 21, 2019

The last swim lesson of the session always has a little extra fun!

21 Mar

Surfing. Surfing USA

These guys thoroughly enjoyed their last swim lesson of the session. They lucked out and were the only two to show up so they got Joey (and the surfboard) all to themselves.

20 Mar

March 20, 2019

Alex occasionally gets on kicks of wanting to play games. Lately, he and Wade have been playing Chess in the evenings.

20 Mar

March 20, 2019

Some chores are a battle with Teague. Other chores he is my “yes” man. Dog walking he excels.

20 Mar

March 20, 2019

Some days quiet time looks more like Kaitlyn getting a show and Mom taking a nap.

20 Mar

Special Days

Today was all about Kaitlyn. She wanted to try out the new game she found in her activity book. Then we stopped for a special treat while we were out running errands. She’s always been my errand buddy.