Monday, January 23, 2012
Ben loves to leave me "mail" outside his door each night. It's usually scribbles and drawings or his name. Tonight's edition was a keeper for sure. I'll be ending this day with a big smile thanks to my sweet boy!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Look, Mom!
No training wheels!!
Ben has been doing great on his glide bike (with no pedals, so he uses his feet and balance to go along) so we decided to take off his training wheels on his real bike. Didn't make a big deal about it or give him a chance to object, then before we knew it he was gone down the street. Matt and I were so proud of our big boy!! He has never reached a milestone like that so easily or before his peers. He's the first kindergartner on the street cruising on two wheels. We still have a little work to do on stopping and starting, but the hard part has been accomplished. Way to go, Ben!
That doesn't mean other modes of transportation have been forgotten, though. Every afternoon our cul-de-sac is full of kids on bikes, motorized cars, scooters, and trikes. We're loving this street more and more every day. We've officially entered the age where the doorbell rings after school and the little gang is gathering outside to play. Doesn't hurt that the weather has been perfect lately, with unseasonably warm temperatures just right for playing outdoors.
This week's main attraction is the big pile of dirt in our neighbor's driveway. It's slowly working its way back to their new garden but doubles as a huge playground for the kids.
All this outdoor play has been lots of fun for everyone, but also means I'm outside watching the boys a lot and neglecting the things that need to get done indoors. I did get a chance to thoroughly clean out the inside of my car and even had a little helper.
Let's hope this "winter" weather sticks around! It's hard to beat shorts and popsicles in January.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Children's Museum
Alex and I decided to check out the Houston Children's Museum and he even picked out his own outfit for the day. He's very into doubling the shirts these days and doesn't seem to mind how they match up. I know there is no use arguing with a 3-year old fashionista so we just go with it.
A lot of it was aimed towards older kids (and I know Ben would have loved it...shhhh...) but Alex found lots of fun things to explore.
The kiddy restaurant was pretty cool. It even had tables and chairs for the kids to serve their parents.
The grocery store was lots of fun. We got a list, did our shopping, then this helpful young man rang up my purchases.
We didn't discover the water area outside until well past lunchtime, so Alex didn't get nearly as much time as he would have liked. Next time we'll bring Ben and start here! And probably bring swimsuits as well.
A lot of it was aimed towards older kids (and I know Ben would have loved it...shhhh...) but Alex found lots of fun things to explore.
The kiddy restaurant was pretty cool. It even had tables and chairs for the kids to serve their parents.
The grocery store was lots of fun. We got a list, did our shopping, then this helpful young man rang up my purchases.
We didn't discover the water area outside until well past lunchtime, so Alex didn't get nearly as much time as he would have liked. Next time we'll bring Ben and start here! And probably bring swimsuits as well.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
A New Year
We have enjoyed a great start to 2012. New Year's day was busy with cleaning and playing (who doesn't like to start the year with a nice, clean house?) and the next day we took advantage of Matt's holiday to swing by Texas Children's at the medical center and see Ben's primary nurse from his days there. She couldn't believe how much Ben had grown!
A lot has changed since these days...I can't believe it was almost 6 years ago. Linda was our lifesaver and our rock. She would call and check in on Ben during her off days just to make sure the nurse on shift was taking proper care of him. We can never thank her enough for all she did for our little Ben. It was so special watching Ben walk up to her and say thank you.
And back home we have been JUMPING!
Check out that crazy hair!
The kids are out there a lot and I've had a ton of fun jumping, too. Alex loves playing crack the egg.
Ben wanted his own video. Alex had trouble waiting for his turn, naturally...
So Ben had to make sure he was heard on Alex's video...
They love when Daddy gets in on the action and he even taught them how to build up the static and shock one another. Awesome.
We have five other kindergartners on our street so Ben has lots of little buddies and when the kids aren't out front playing, our doorbell has started ringing because the other kids want to join in the backyard fun. I think we're really going to enjoy santa's gift this year!
And of course real life set in and school sneaked back into our lives. Two little boys have had some trouble getting going early in the mornings again!
The break was much-needed for all of us but I'm happy to see the kids excited to go back to school and see their friends and teachers.
A lot has changed since these days...I can't believe it was almost 6 years ago. Linda was our lifesaver and our rock. She would call and check in on Ben during her off days just to make sure the nurse on shift was taking proper care of him. We can never thank her enough for all she did for our little Ben. It was so special watching Ben walk up to her and say thank you.
And back home we have been JUMPING!
Check out that crazy hair!
The kids are out there a lot and I've had a ton of fun jumping, too. Alex loves playing crack the egg.
Ben wanted his own video. Alex had trouble waiting for his turn, naturally...
So Ben had to make sure he was heard on Alex's video...
They love when Daddy gets in on the action and he even taught them how to build up the static and shock one another. Awesome.
And of course real life set in and school sneaked back into our lives. Two little boys have had some trouble getting going early in the mornings again!
The break was much-needed for all of us but I'm happy to see the kids excited to go back to school and see their friends and teachers.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Winter Break
Ben is officially a huge fan of the break from school (no longer Christmas holidays, now just a winter break). He's loved sleeping in, spending the night with the grandparents, and NOT going to school! And since Aunt Stacey was enjoying her break too, we headed north to spend a few days with her and her family. With three little boys in the house playground trips were a must every day.
This was a terrific playground in Frisco. Reid loved the slides!
Ben climbed in, out, and over everything. The boo boo on his face that required a bandaid was immediately forgotten until some kid asked about it and Ben pointed to Alex and said "That kid hurt me".
Alex was really intrigued by the tightrope and did it over and over.
This balance beam was a hit, too. Despite being so top-heavy, this kid has a great sense of balance!
Naturally, they found the sand. Wouldn't be a real trip to the park without sand in the laundry.
This cracked me up - a bunch of other boys gathered around and they all started filling the slide with sand. Ben and Alex were right in the thick of things.
This little girl showed up and started yelling at all the boys for getting the slide dirty! This mother of boys got a good laugh out of that.
Back home we said goodbye to 2011 with some sparklers outside with the neighbor boys.
Nothing says a good time like matches and fire!
We have had a wonderful 2011 and look forward to 2012. We wish all our family and friends and healthy, happy and joyous year ahead!
This was a terrific playground in Frisco. Reid loved the slides!
Ben climbed in, out, and over everything. The boo boo on his face that required a bandaid was immediately forgotten until some kid asked about it and Ben pointed to Alex and said "That kid hurt me".
Alex was really intrigued by the tightrope and did it over and over.
This balance beam was a hit, too. Despite being so top-heavy, this kid has a great sense of balance!
Naturally, they found the sand. Wouldn't be a real trip to the park without sand in the laundry.
This cracked me up - a bunch of other boys gathered around and they all started filling the slide with sand. Ben and Alex were right in the thick of things.
This little girl showed up and started yelling at all the boys for getting the slide dirty! This mother of boys got a good laugh out of that.
Back home we said goodbye to 2011 with some sparklers outside with the neighbor boys.
Nothing says a good time like matches and fire!
We have had a wonderful 2011 and look forward to 2012. We wish all our family and friends and healthy, happy and joyous year ahead!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Merry Christmas!
We had such a wonderful Christmas! It was magical for the kids and filled with family time and laughter, so we couldn't ask for anything more. We spent a few days with my folks before just to play and enjoy some time together. The weather was cold and rainy and made for perfect days to play games and open presents.
We let the kids open one a day to keep them busy and interested in new toys.
The mini foosball table was a hit with kids AND adults. I see some good times happening on this whether the kids are around or not :)
On Christmas Eve, we stopped for a beautiful candlelight service at church to celebrate Jesus then came home to get ready for Santa. Ben had to inspect the fireplace to make sure it was sound and not too dirty.
Goodies by the fireplace, reindeer food and carrots out on the lawn (which I realized was poor planning because I had to hose it down later to make sure it looked "eaten"...I had no trouble helping Santa with his cookies!)
So excited!!
As soon as the kids finally passed out, Matt and I had to get to work. Santa was delivering a 14-foot trampoline only his magic doesn't get it assembled when it's 40F and raining outside. A couple of hours later, we had one huge gift and icy hands and feet.
But it was all worth it to see their faces Christmas morning. Ben kept pointing to things and saying "Alex, look, you got what you wanted!" Very sweet! And lucky for me, Alex didn't notice that Santa had to make a few small substitutions. Rockstar Mickey for $45? I don't think so. Let's go with the $10 dancing Mickey from Walgreens. Just as happy :)
We had to get pretty specific for Mr. Details. He noticed pretty quickly that one of the items on his list was missing, but we assured him he had many other presents under the tree. Mom and Dad had to get credit for at least a couple!
He was thrilled to get a little microwave. I'm not sure where he got the idea for it but he's been talking about it for weeks and has actually played with it. I thought sure he'd get it and never touch it again.
Alex was so happy to get a trike. He's not crazy about a bike with training wheels yet so this should be fun until he's a little bigger.
It was still cold and rainy outside so he got to ride it inside for a couple of days.
The boys were happy to see the trampoline and were so excited to get a big one. We did promise them that if we sold their little one in Australia they could get a new one in our bigger yard.
I didn't last long out there but after putting in all the work the night before, I wanted to share in the fun :) The boys made several trips outside during the day and didn't seem to notice the cold.
Later on, we had all the family from both sides over to the house for lunch. What fun! All four grandparents, Aunt Amanda, Aunt Stacey, Uncle Jason, and Reid all came to celebrate together and we had a wonderful afternoon eating and playing. Reid was in heaven with so many cars and diggers around. He took his time opening his presents, unlike his two cousins who blew through a load of presents like hurricanes.
Just his size!
Toys galore - Ben is outside on the walkie talkie and Alex is working the bubble machine. Reid got to watch the fun through the window. Probably a good thing because shortly after this the bubble machine went in the trampoline and the boys made a slip and slide in there.
We did get some great group shots on Stacey's camera so I'll share those once she passes them along. We still get to spend some more time together and play with Reid because one afternoon isn't enough!
Today the kids and I had a very lazy day of recovery from all the holiday excitement. They never got out of their pajamas, even to go to Target. I finally got dressed just to not be the crazy lady buying groceries in PJ pants at 4pm. Lazy didn't mean boring to these two...they discovered lots of toys that still needing exploring or assembling and enjoyed every minute.
What a blessing to spend Christmas in our own home and still be able to share it with those we love the most. Ben and Alex both agreed that it was a perfect day!
We let the kids open one a day to keep them busy and interested in new toys.
The mini foosball table was a hit with kids AND adults. I see some good times happening on this whether the kids are around or not :)
On Christmas Eve, we stopped for a beautiful candlelight service at church to celebrate Jesus then came home to get ready for Santa. Ben had to inspect the fireplace to make sure it was sound and not too dirty.
Goodies by the fireplace, reindeer food and carrots out on the lawn (which I realized was poor planning because I had to hose it down later to make sure it looked "eaten"...I had no trouble helping Santa with his cookies!)
So excited!!
As soon as the kids finally passed out, Matt and I had to get to work. Santa was delivering a 14-foot trampoline only his magic doesn't get it assembled when it's 40F and raining outside. A couple of hours later, we had one huge gift and icy hands and feet.
But it was all worth it to see their faces Christmas morning. Ben kept pointing to things and saying "Alex, look, you got what you wanted!" Very sweet! And lucky for me, Alex didn't notice that Santa had to make a few small substitutions. Rockstar Mickey for $45? I don't think so. Let's go with the $10 dancing Mickey from Walgreens. Just as happy :)
We had to get pretty specific for Mr. Details. He noticed pretty quickly that one of the items on his list was missing, but we assured him he had many other presents under the tree. Mom and Dad had to get credit for at least a couple!
He was thrilled to get a little microwave. I'm not sure where he got the idea for it but he's been talking about it for weeks and has actually played with it. I thought sure he'd get it and never touch it again.
Alex was so happy to get a trike. He's not crazy about a bike with training wheels yet so this should be fun until he's a little bigger.
It was still cold and rainy outside so he got to ride it inside for a couple of days.
The boys were happy to see the trampoline and were so excited to get a big one. We did promise them that if we sold their little one in Australia they could get a new one in our bigger yard.
I didn't last long out there but after putting in all the work the night before, I wanted to share in the fun :) The boys made several trips outside during the day and didn't seem to notice the cold.
Later on, we had all the family from both sides over to the house for lunch. What fun! All four grandparents, Aunt Amanda, Aunt Stacey, Uncle Jason, and Reid all came to celebrate together and we had a wonderful afternoon eating and playing. Reid was in heaven with so many cars and diggers around. He took his time opening his presents, unlike his two cousins who blew through a load of presents like hurricanes.
Just his size!
Toys galore - Ben is outside on the walkie talkie and Alex is working the bubble machine. Reid got to watch the fun through the window. Probably a good thing because shortly after this the bubble machine went in the trampoline and the boys made a slip and slide in there.
We did get some great group shots on Stacey's camera so I'll share those once she passes them along. We still get to spend some more time together and play with Reid because one afternoon isn't enough!
Today the kids and I had a very lazy day of recovery from all the holiday excitement. They never got out of their pajamas, even to go to Target. I finally got dressed just to not be the crazy lady buying groceries in PJ pants at 4pm. Lazy didn't mean boring to these two...they discovered lots of toys that still needing exploring or assembling and enjoyed every minute.
What a blessing to spend Christmas in our own home and still be able to share it with those we love the most. Ben and Alex both agreed that it was a perfect day!
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