Easter Eggs

Wednesday night the boys, Aunt Erin and myself decorated Easter eggs. It was a first for the boys. Braden enjoyed putting the eggs in the dye - but wasn't as thrilled to wait while the color set in. Logan also enjoyed dropping the eggs in the different dyes - but wanted to immediately remove them. Braden thought the wax crayon was super cool and I think he wrote on almost every egg. While the eggs dried, we headed outside to play soccer and burn some energy......

Easter Egg Hunt

The boys and I went to the VF Fire Company Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday morning. I wasn't sure how Braden was going to do being so close to the fire trucks and the Easter Bunny (he likes them from afar) - but I was plesantly surprised.

The fire trucks were parked outside to allow for sign ups and other activities in the garage area. Once we signed up Braden insisted we go outside to see the fire trucks. He even sat on the Easter Bunny's lap. (Logan did as well) After their photo it was time to search for eggs - Braden found 3 eggs......he was so excited. It was a great time for all of us.

Logan's First Birthday

We celebrated Logan's first birthday yesterday with dinner and dessert. Logan was such a good sport (unlike Braden on his first birthday) Overall he was in a good mood and enjoyed his teddy bear cake that mommy made special for him (and one for Braden too) The adults had an ice cream cake. Logan got so many wonderful gifts - thanks to all.

Toddler Bed

I always thought toddler beds were such a waste of money - why not just purchase a twin mattress - you'll get a lot more use out of it. Besides where do you store a toddler bed and a crib frame when not in use. I know I don't have the space.

So what do I find myself purchasing over the weekend??? You guessed it - a toddler bed. I still believe all of those things, I just couldn't resist the look on Braden's face when we happen to come across a HANDY MANNY toddler bed. If you know my son, then you know he LOVES anything Handy Manny. Some people may say he too young for a toddler bed (2+), some may not. Guess we'll find out...... I even called his pediatrian to check about the use of a standard adult pillow. (In case you are wondering - the answer was - not until after he turns 3)

Darren and I coached Braden about the bed. We spent two hours as a family rearranging the boys room and setting it up. Braden was so excited until.......nap time. He went down pretty easily at first. We read books, tucked him in, provided him with a sippy cup full of milk and left the room. I quickly sat down on the couch -watching the video monitor like it was my favorite television show. He laid there drinking his milk and talking to himself quietly - and once his milk was done - a lightbulb went on in his head....he could get OUT of new bed, open his door and proceed down the stairs all on his own. In all of about 10 minutes we found ourselves face to face in the living room. Darren and I both spent about an hour with him in his room - trying every trick in the book to get him to sleep. Needless to say - Braden had no nap today. It actually worked in our favor -he was completely exhausted by bedtime and didn't really care where he slept. He (and Logan) were in bed 1/2 hour early.

I will be talking the video monitor to bed with me so that I can watch for activity during the night (Darren also put up a gate in the hallway that will allow him to access our bedroom - but nothing else)

With anything new there's an adjustment period - I am sure by the end of the week Braden will be just as happy to sleep in his Manny bed. Here are some pics I took today......

What we've been up to.....

Making cookies....do you think he used enough sprinkles??

After cookies......

Look at my belly.....

Jake and Logan hanging out.....

Braden trying on mommies new "under" wear......

The boys and I have had a great time over the past couple of weeks. We are finally getting into good routine and I think that Braden and Logan really enjoy being home with me. (and Jake too)
We spend a great deal of our time outside - taking walks to the park and playing the yard. When we aren't outside - you can find us playing with legos, trains, making cookies, painting or doing some other crafty activity. Here are some recent pics!!

Jake's Baptism

We traveled to Maryland this weekend for the baptism of our nephew/cousin - Jake. It was the first time that both the boys would be staying in a hotel. Fortunetely for Darren and I, they were so tired by the time we got there - they went to sleep with no trouble (and slept through the night - which they aren't even doing at home these days) We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Jody's parents house on Saturday followed by the church service and baptism on Sunday morning. Jake was a real "sport." He slept through almost all of the service only waking for the baptism. He greeted the members of the church with a smile. Braden and Logan handled the church service pretty well and were even invited up to the front to witness the baptism first hand - which was really special. Here are a couple of pics highlighting the weekend.

Does it really happen overnight?

I took one look at Logan this morning and thought to myself - when did that happen??? When did he become so "grown up" (for lack of a better word) He is "toddling" around now instead of crawling, his eating habits have surpassed Braden's, and he takes pride in mimicking anyone and everyone. Even his face seemed older to me today.....and even though I should be excited for these milestones, it makes me very sad. Where did the time go? I can't believe that he will be a year in just one month.......

Here are some recent photos of Logan that I took.....

Car Wash

We took advantage of the warm weather this weekend and washed our cars for the first time this year - and boy they needed it. It was also a first for Braden (Logan was napping) - he had a lot of fun. I didn't get a lot of great pics because my camera card was full after the first couple of shots.

Snow Day

Here's a couple of pics from our "snow day" yesterday. Braden was the only one who wanted to play outside......big surprise. I choose to stay by the front door. I plan to take the boys out this afternoon for some much needed exercise and fun!! Too bad we don't have a sled....

Our First Week

Walking ahead - someone wants to get to the park
Chillin'

Music Time

Snuggling with the Soccer Ball

The Great Outdoors.....

I have completed my first week at home (with the kids) since I stopped working on Feb 13th. It is also the first week that my nephew spent in what you could call my version of a home daycare. (it's a work in progress) I wasn't sure how it was going to all play out - three boys ages two and under, not to mention a husband who works from home, and me all in the house together. I must say - it's been an awesome week. We don't have a routine down yet - but that will come in time. Among the highlights - Walks to the park, baking cookies with Braden, music time, and lunches with Daddy (Uncle Darren) I have enjoyed spending time with the boys - and I know that I have made the right choice....I look forward to all the great days ahead. Here are some of my favorite photos from the week.....enjoy.

Blogging in bed....

We took a trip to Best Buy last night to help my sister pick out a new laptop. I walked the store with Braden while Darren, Logan and my family shopped for a computer. What I didn't know is that Darren was planning on purchasing one for me as well - which is why I found it odd that Darren searched the store for Braden and I to ask my opinion of a mouse he had picked out.
So as I write this entry, I am enjoying the warmth of my own bed. I am sure Darren will be sorry one day!

Updated Pictures

At the park - trying out the black and white
At the Park

Again....

and again..

My Birthday Dinner at home

Sleeping on the lunch hour

Logan's first snow storm

Eagle's Spirit

It's been awhile since I have posted anything - mainly due to the location of my computer. It currently resides in the playroom, which in theory is great, but reality- not so much. If the kids and I playing - it's difficult for me to do anything on here without tiny hands all over the keyboard and multiple requests for the Handy Manny website. The time that I do have (which is after the kids are in bed) is taken up by television. It would be nice to catch up on email while watching TV, but our "main TV" is up in our living room......

Despite the fact that my computer time has been limited recently - I still manage to take LOTS of pictures......so here are just a few I took over the past month. Enjoy.