The Moores Six

Playing with THE super heroes...

2011-04-04T21:53:00.011-04:00

Oliver loves playing super heroes. Loves it. He will dress up in one of his many costumes or cape and mask sets and run through the house (with or without his brothers) on super hero missions.

Yesterday, after church, was no exception, however he had a new set of super heroes with whom he was running his missions. Here are some of the things we overhead Oliver saying on these missions (while running throughout the house):

"Jesus, you with me? It's over here!"

"Come with me Jesus, we gotta keep moving!"

And things like that (those are the two I remember clearly).

He would also stop and talk to God periodically.

"God, are you up there?"

"What are you doing God?"

Again, these are the two I remember the best.

We thought it was cute and funny at the same time, and a little heart warming too. You also have to wonder what exactly it was that they spoke about during Sunday school yesterday (I am so going to ask next week... and maybe sit in... clearly it was some good stuff!). Whatever it was, it's clear that it was very compelling to Oliver as he has a new set of heroes... THE ultimate super heroes actually.

Cookies and Crafts... with EIGHT boys...

2011-03-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

The week of Christmas, I had all the six year old neighbor boys come over to decorate cookies and make some gifts for their parents. I figured keeping it to just the six year olds (and the twins of course), would be easy peasy. Um... well... what a nice illusion that was. It's not that it was hard, as much as it was loud and messy and a little chaotic at times. Sometimes I still forget that boys are very different than girls and don't sit still and quietly and neatly decorate cookies and do crafts. Boys and the words: sit, quiet and neat don't even belong in the same sentence.

The first thing they did was decorate gingerbread men and Christmas tree cookies. I have to tell you, I felt like the candy Grinch in his moment of epiphany. As I lined the table with bowls of chocolate chips - regular size AND mini, cinnamon candies, gum drops, M & Ms - regular size AND mini, snowcaps and green frosting, my anti-candy heart grew three sizes that day. Okay, really it raced and wondered what exactly I was thinking sitting large amounts of candies in front of eight young boys... and wondering just how many green smoothies I would need to feed my kids to flush it out of their systems.

In all the chaos that is boys, they all had a lot of fun decorating, comparing and most importantly eating the cookies. I made hot chocolate with marshmallows (the all natural, almost-not-even-worthy-of-the-marshmallow-name kind... hey, I had to draw the line somewhere, right?) for when they ate their cookies, which they loved.

Oliver decorating his gingerbread boy.

Collin doing the ONLY thing he wanted to do the entire time... eat the cookies.

Oliver's first finished cookie masterpiece.

Ethan's cookie... a robot. Another thing I forget, gingerbread men can't just be gingerbread men. Silly mommy.

Jayden's gingerbread man.

Andy's gingerbread man.

Jonathan's gingerbread man and Christmas tree.

Christopher's gingerbread man.

Aiden's gingerbread men.

After the cookies, I broke out a super cool fingerprint art book (Ed Emberley's Fingerprint Drawing Book) that I had found. They made their dads a fingerprint lion and their moms a notepad with different fingerprint art at the top of each page. It was fun to see the creativity and care that some of them used when making these. Well, not Ethan, he was done. He wanted to play (in all fairness, he also had his six year appt that morning and two shots, one being tetanus which I personally think hurts a lot and feels like you have a baseball in your arm... it was taking its toll). But the other kids... it was cute.

I think the afternoon was a success and everyone agreed that we needed to do it again next year. I think by then I will be ready to do that again... and we will have finally found (and cleaned up) all the candy that was somehow tossed about the first floor of the house during those few hours (seriously, how do boys manage that?!).

Remember us?

2011-03-16T21:43:00.004-04:00

Hello family, friends,... blog world. Remember us? Themooressix?

We are still here, but one of us... me... is utterly and completely overwhelmed with increased work priorities and traveling, homework, housework, other commitments and this and that... basically just life but in overdrive. BUT, I am going to find a way to start posting again, after all I haven't even made it to Christmas 2010 yet in our family blog world/my only scrapbook of the kids {GUILT}.

And I miss it. I miss sharing the stories (and I have a lot!). I miss connecting with other mommy bloggers (I also haven't had time to read as many as I had). I am also concerned that the kids will look at the printed book of the blog (another dream of mine I have yet to do {more guilt}) someday, and will wonder what happened to entire months of 2010 and 2011 where I blipped off the face of the earth in blogging terms. Okay, I'm sure they will be fine... but still... where did those months go?! Can I have them back? *sigh*

Here's my random, almost-spring, day-before-St. Patrick's Day resolution (you know, since I clearly missed the New Year's resolution time frame)... I am going to blog at least once a week for the rest of the year... on this blog... about themooressix and their goings on... however exciting or boring it is (I really hope I find my groove again, even I can't stand to read my seriously boring posts!).

Okay. There is it. In writing. Documented.

Next up... Christmas holiday action 2010. :)

Ethan's Celebrate Me Day

2011-01-27T20:00:00.001-05:00

At Ethan's kindergarten, the month of December is filled with "Celebrate Me" days where one child a day gets to talk all about themselves... basically.

On Ethan's Celebrate Me day, Steve, Grandma Kathy and I attended. Ethan had to fill a shoebox with things that represented his likes, hobbies, favorite things, etc. He also drew a life size image of himself (with daddy's help).

In Ethan's box were... take a wild guess... Star Wars figures and Star Wars Legos... of course. He also brought with him a photo album that I made of family members for him when he was a baby, some other photos, a trophy from soccer, a plastic pizza piece (to say he loves pizza), shells from FL and the map of the Magic Kingdom. After he went through all that, the class got to ask him questions. It's pretty funny to hear the questions (and repeats) that kindergartners ask!

Here are some photos of his moment in the spotlight...

Grammy Kathy, Steve and Ethan right before the spotlight on Ethan.

After he was done, Ethan along with the kids that sit at his table went out to the hall and cut out the life size drawing of him.

And here is the little ham in front of himself... wearing his goofy smile.

Ethan did a great job, especially since he is so shy. What made me laugh was at one point he was asked a question which he needed to ponder apparently. He crossed his legs, put his finger on his chin, rolled his eyes up a little (to ponder), repeated the question and then said "...hmmmmm, let me think about that..." then answered. Maybe you had to see it, but it was so funny/cute/grown up all at the same time.

Ethan's Sixth Birthday - The Family Party

2011-01-26T20:40:00.003-05:00

We had Ethan's family birthday party in mid December; it was, as you might guess, Star Wars themed.

I made a light saber cake for the occasion. Despite my thoughts on just how easy it would be, after all it's just a long thing simple looking thing, it was not easy. I forgot about how cake edges that have been cut do not like icing... or like it so much that it takes huge chunks of cake with it every time you drag the knife of icing across. The remedy? Sending Steve to the store for three more containers of icing *and pronto!*... yep, this baby is one giant slab of green icing, on one little cake. So, yes, it goes against everything I normally stand against with the kids: tons of sugar and food coloring. *Sigh* But you only turn six once.

It's not my best work, as I did not have time for details since I had the icing crisis of 2010, but the birthday boy loved it and that's all that matters.

Here are some photo highlights of the party...

Ethan with his cousin Isaac, whom he adores.

Check out the smile on his face...

Grandma Dee's birthday is right before Ethan's so we always have a dual party. Here is a photo that everyone (who is doing it) hates to have posted... blowing out the candles. Sorry, I love the faces, and have to post those photos!

The birthday people:

Happy boy opening gifts...

Oliver getting some love from Papa, with Aunt Amanda looking on.

Collin helping cousin Samantha rock. He really likes her; it's pretty cute.

The boys putting together a Lego Star Wars ship, with the help of Uncle Kurt.

The cousins, and grandma, playing Star Wars Trouble.

The best photo of all the attempts at a group shot at the very, very end of the night... you know, the best time to try to take a photo, when the kids are tired and coming off a huge sugar high... NOT. If only I would remember such things BEFORE the end of the night (and when the entire family was there). BTW Steve... nice...

The party was a lot of fun and Ethan was very happy to share this day with his family. To our family far away, we wish you could have come too... actually, we just wish you lived closer.

Happy birthday Ethan and Grandma Dee!

Ethan's Sixth Birthday - The Kid Party

2011-01-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

As you know, Ethan turned six years old in November (yes, I am still blogging in the past... I may even get to Christmas by February!!). This year we had his birthday on location. Ideally, boy parties should be outside where they can run and jump and be boys, but it's typically either snowing or super cold (or both) on Ethan's birthday, so we just decided to find a big place inside where they could do that (as our house is not really a great an option for that... so we have found). After much debate and consideration, we ended up at a bounce/rock climbing/game place.

Here are the highlights...

Super cute R2D2 cake made by a friend of a friend (thanks Michele!).

The first part of the party was in a game room which had shuffleboard, air hockey, some video games (Wii type really), an air nerf gun (for shooting small balls at a target) and a small rock climbing wall.

Then we moved into the party room where they had cake and ice cream and opened gifts.

I could not get Ethan to just look at me while they were singing happy birthday, he was too intent on the juice.

A happy cake eating birthday boy.

After that, the last half of the party was in the big inflatable room with the giant rock wall. I'll be honest, it was hard to get good photos as there were kids running all over the place at lightening speed. I have a ton of photos from this portion of the party showing blurs of children, literally, blurs. I was really disappointed when I got home and looked at the photos and saw this, especially since I found I had hardly any good ones of the birthday boy himself. Steve reminded me though, that just because there aren't photos, it doesn't mean he didn't have a good time. And he's right, they all had a great time, especially Ethan.

The giant rock wall. The kids had to have harness and an employee supervised. This was a big hit with the kids, however Ethan had no interest.

Oliver and Collin on the slide - notice Oliver going head first (a no no by the way).

My attempt to get a photo of the room. The rock wall was to my left side. There were four inflatables, you can't see them all.

Ethan and Andy coming down the giant slide. One of the few photos of I have of Ethan, as he didn't stand still for one second. I love this photo though, it is of pure joy.

Steve and Collin on the slide at the end of the obstacle course (Steve had to help Collin through it).

Oliver getting some help from David in the obstacle course. Oliver did really well, as you know he thinks he is six years old, but towards the end he was getting really tired.

Andy, Ethan and Jayden... I begged him to sit for one moment so I could get a photo! LOL

The whole happy group.

The party was a success based on the smiles and laughter, as well as some tears when it was time to go.

I asked Ethan on the way home if he had a good time. He said, "I had the best time ever and it was all because of you. Thank you mommy, you are the bestest mommy ever. I love you."

Uh, wow... *warm fuzzy*... I think I got the best gift of all.

The case of the missing muffins...

2011-01-17T20:01:00.002-05:00

The scene of the crime:

Two missing applesauce multigrain muffins (okay, you'll notice another half missing from an earlier crime).

Facts:

Mother reports she heard suspicious, but strangely quiet, clinking and then the thunder of small feet.
One known felon resides in home, along with known accomplice.
Trail of crumbs leading to family room.

Case solved:

Accomplice:

Mastermind (hiding behind ottoman):

My future's so bright...

2011-01-16T16:23:00.002-05:00

I've got to wear shades...

"Oh no they didn't!"

2011-01-12T21:34:00.007-05:00

I almost forgot to share a story from our trip home from vacation. Which, now, makes me laugh... but not so much at the time.

We were at the airport for about two and half hours waiting for our flight. Some of that was just trying to get there early, some of that was a flight delay. The boys did well during this time but started to get really antsy towards the end of this wait. I don't think I need to tell anyone who has small children what happens when you put antsy children in very small quarters where they can't move much and there are a lot of people surrounding them. And so my story begins...

We got on the plane... a very, very hot plane. Found our seats at the back of the plane (Southwest seats families after handicapped and Group A, so to find five seats in a row you are in the back of the plane at that point). Immediately the twins, start asking for the DVD player, as they now knew (going home) that we had one. I start searching for it, knowing that they couldn't even watch it until we took off. The sweat began... I couldn't find it anywhere. I started to panic that I left it at Grandpa and Grandma's house... I started sweating even more as the twins started upping the volume of their inquiry to an angry demand. Finally I found it. Whew!

The next issue, the twins wanted to watch it then and there. Steve thought, incorrectly, that showing them all the movies we had so that they could pick on and thus waste some time would be a good idea. Not so much. Turns out Collin was insistent on Thomas and Oliver wanted Rescue Heroes. At this point it became a tired, wound-up, pinned-in debate between them:

Collin: "Homas! We watch Homas!"
Oliver: "No! I want Rescue Heroes!"
Collin: "Homas!"
Oliver "Rescue Heroes!"
Repeat another 20 times.

We tried to intervene and suggest others and at some point, I am not sure when or how, they both calmed down for a mere millisecond to ask for Scooby Doo. There was no Scooby Doo option. That lead to both scream crying for Scooby Doo.

Collin: "Hooby Doo!"
Oliver: "We want Scooby Doo!"
Repeat 50 times

Yes, it was that bad. I was a pool of sweat at this point. No snacks, drinks, toys or anything could stop it.

So the not-so-helpful male flight attendant goes over to them and says, to two clearly tired, spent, too far gone twin three years olds, "Boys... what seems to be the problem here?" Seriously? Then "Will you please stop crying?" Seriously boy wonder... do you have children? Then, "Lookie, I brought you these coloring books and a colored pencil! Yipee!" People, it was a sheet of paper folded in half with Shamu on it and a colored pencil the same size as the ones by the computers at the library. No, didn't work. Shocker. Ticked them off more actually. Screaming continued.

At this point I heard a passenger mutter "Do you have a Scooby Doo DVD you could give them for the love of ..."

Gulp. Sweat. Sink in seat.

Thankfully, about five minutes after that, the plane took off. At that point we had something real and exciting to show them that actually interested them. They slowly stopped crying as soon as we started moving and altogether stopped when we took off as they were mesmerized looking out the window. At that point, when they became silent for the first time since we sat down five hours... er, I mean, 20 minutes earlier, the ENTIRE back half of the plane broke into loud applause and cheers... including the male fight attendant.

After the thought, "Oh no they didn't", came a lot more sweat. Red face. Sink in seat. Start praying it lasts the entire trip, and that if it doesn't that they don't ban together as a group, open up an emergency exit and throw the twins out.

And luckily the view from the window of the plane and everything getting smaller below excited them. They actually were cute little three year olds again, talking about the sky, sun, clouds and small houses and cars. When they were just starting to loose interest, Steve quickly popped in a DVD (that he picked) and turned it on. They happily affixed their attention to the screen and didn't say another word the rest of the flight. I have never been so grateful... or sweaty.

Lunch with heroes...

2011-01-11T20:00:00.005-05:00

Super Heroes that is.

We took the boys to have lunch with Batman and friends the Saturday before Halloween. This event was at the zoo. It was lunch and also a little skit put on by Batman, Robin and the Joker. It was a little, well, cheesy. But the kids seemed to enjoy it.

After the skit, we were able to get photos with Batman and Robin, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman. They had a blast! And I got a little treat too... read on...

Batman and Robin:

It cracks me up because we have a couple photos of this and in all Ethan's head is held high... like he is among those of his own stature.

Face caricatures were included and super cute:

Wonder Woman:

I think I have six photos of them with Wonder Women (bless the patient people waiting) because I could not get Collin to stop looking at her lasso... I'm pretty sure that's what he was looking at...

Green Lantern:

Funny story on Green Lantern: Backing up to coming to the lunch - it was kind of a hectic morning and I might have forgot a couple things... little things... you know, like the tickets and um, my zoo pass. No big deal. AUGH! Though time was tight given the extra steps to get in, we still made it in time. As we approached the entrance of the lunch, I was a little panicked about not having the tickets and told the lady that when it was our turn. She told me not to worry, that they had a list, we were on it and to "Enjoy! Green Lantern is for you." I didn't think anything of what she said as my sole mission was getting us in and getting decent seats. However, once Green Lantern came out, after the show... her words repeated in my head. "Uh wow... ohhhh, now I get it... and... W.O.W."

I'm sorry boys, it is clear mommy's head was other places... Oliver's mask is all askew in all the photos (in this one his left eye is completely under the mask and the bottom of the mask is midway through his right eye) and Ethan's bow is in his face... both are things I would always fix before photos... um, when there isn't a ... well just look at him!

And this one was clearly not taken of the kids at all... and I didn't realize I had even done that... consciously at least... honest...

Well... the lady at the entrance did say "Enjoy! Green Lantern is for you".

Trick or Treat

2011-01-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

The boys were super heroes again this year. They also all picked their costumes this year, which I thought was pretty cute.

Oliver was Wolverine. I am not sure why he picked this, but he loves his Superhero Squad guys and he's a part of the squad.

Collin was Spiderman. It's the only Super Hero he has really taken to and I think it's because his outfit is red (Collin's favorite color).

Ethan picked Hawkeye. Now, you super hero fans might know who he is, but us novices would not. He's one of the Avengers from the Marvel series (all three boys were actually Avengers - see Steve, I did learn something). As you might guess, there are no costumes for him out there. Enter: Daddy. Daddy found all the pieces, modified them or made them and created Hawkeye. I was a little nervous (okay, a lot) especially when I saw the purple outfit, but it turned out okay. And Ethan was proud. We are certain his reasoning for wanting to be him was the bow and arrows he would get to have. (the arrows were without points)

We went with the neighborhood kids again this year, which was fun. Oliver was able to keep with the big kids most of the time, as you know, he thinks he is six years old. Collin hung back with us (or, really, we hung back with him). He was all for the candy though, completely understood it. Just went at his normal "Collin pace."

Here are some of the neighborhood kids, before heading out for Trick or Treating...

Overall, a good night!

Vacation - Part Two

2011-01-09T21:32:00.006-05:00

Part two of our vacation to the sunny Orlando area to see Grandpa Ron and Grandma Lorrie and the local sights.

On our third day we ventured to Downtown Disney, basically shops and restaurants. The two main attractions, as far as the kids were concerned, were the Lego store and the HUGE Disney store.

Ethan standing with one of the Lego statues. When he saw this photo he said he thought he looked like he was a wearing a "Mexican hat" (sombrero) because of the round sign behind his head.

In front of the giant Lego sea serpent in the river... pretty cool.

I've been to Disney several times in my life, but never during the fall season. The decorations were great! Here are the boys in front of a giant Mickey pumpkin.

Just a fun photo opportunity...

Ethan with his R2 D2 Mickey ears. He said to me as we were walking through Downtown Disney, "mom, I saw someone with a Mickey Mouse hat but it looked like R2 D2... it was cool." And he was right, it was.

Collin with the Lego statue.

Oliver was occupied for a very long time just building with Grandma Lorrie.

Ethan playing Lego games, Oliver building.

Day four was Sea World... a birthday/Christmas gift to us from Grandpa and Grandma - Thank you!!! Sea World was a lot of fun, very, very crowded, but fun. We used to have a Sea World in northeast Ohio which I loved going to and was sad when it shut down, so I was pretty excited to go to Sea World Orlando. Photos here were few and far between as we rushed to each show and tried to occupy the tired, very stimulated boys while waiting for the shows to start. They really did enjoy the shows, which was great. I think the Clyde and Seamore show was the favorite for all of them, though they enjoyed Shamu and also the Blue Horizons shows. At the beginning of the Clyde and Seamore show there is a mime that comes out to entertain you while you wait for the show to start. He interacts with the people coming in, it's quite humorous. At our show, he had been having a lot of "fun" with people and they were clearly newbies and didn't realize it. At one point though, a lady coming for the show who he was "having fun with" goosed him (as if to put him in his place). It was clearly not planned and very much a surprise and oh so funny... especially to little kids. Ethan STILL (like just this week even) talks about how funny that was and how much he wants to go again. The only disappointment was, since it was VERY crowded, we weren't able to feed the dolphins... really I am the only one (in relation to the kids) who knew just how cool that was, so it wasn't a major issue.

Oliver with Shamu. He was a fun Shamu who hugged, then tickled the kids. They LOVED that.

Ethan with Shamu (getting tickled).

One of the few photos I have with Collin, Mr. Grumpy pants. We were looking at the stingrays.

Day five we took "off", which was good because I woke up with bad vertigo for some reason (and visited an urgent care - thank you Grandma Lorrie!). We took the boys to Lake Jesup, which is where all the alligators they find, in places they shouldn't be, are taken. Unfortunately we did not see any alligators.

On a little pier at Lake Jesup.

After that, we headed over to park just up the road from Grandpa and Grandma's house where the boys expended a lot of energy.

There was a small group of women and their children there and one of the women was dressed up as a witch. She had a big cauldron and told all the kids (theirs and others in the park) to find her all kinds of stuff to put in the cauldron for their magic potion. Our kids happily joined in, grabbing twigs, grass, leaves, rocks and dirt... as you can see by Collin's dirt covered face above. After the gathered everything, she distracted the kids off somewhere and then another lady emptied it and filled it with candy... which again they shared with everyone. The kids, all of them, thought this was very cool.

Day six was... drum roll please... Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. We chose a Monday and it was October, both usually spell low attendance days... not so on this particular day... it was a zoo. Just as crowded as any peak season I had been in. Regardless of the crowd, it was still a lot of fun and we had Grandpa and Grandma, seasoned Disney vets, to guide us through the crowds. This was another gift from Grandpa and Grandma, who had held onto some old press passes from Grandpa's radio days for us. AWESOME!!!

Tell me, in all those commercials for Disney and the ads in magazines... how exactly do they get that great photo of their family in front of the castle? How? This was shot six and the best of all of them... sadly.

Ethan and Steve shooting some aliens in the Buzz Lightyear ride. This was definitely one of Ethan's favorite things at Disney.

The twins with sitting with me, so it was hard to photograph them, but I did...

In jail with Zurg.

Ethan and Steve driving the cars... that is Ethan at the wheel... he thought that was so cool.

Ethan peeking through the back window of his car as we were waiting to get out of the cars, I was with the twins behind them.

Mickey's Garden was full of Mickey shaped pumpkins... so fun!

Some of you may know this and some don't. Collin loves Mickey. I mean he LOVES him. Therefore we were really excited to have him meet Mickey in person. I have to tell you, I was a little nervous about it... with his sensory issues and also just seeing a bigger than you Mickey can be scary. When we entered the room with Mickey and Minnie, behind another family and were waiting our turn, Collin was ALL smiles and kind of antsy (excited like). He patiently waited though and when it was his turn, he ran up and hugged Mickey. Now, it was really hard to take that all in and also photograph it... so I missed "the moment" but did get some good ones of the kids with Mickey and Minnie. Collin couldn't have been more excited or happy, and Ethan and Oliver enjoyed it too. There is a cute photo of all seven of us with M & M, but you know I have the "no photos of Wendy" rule for the blog... I may add it later... I don't know... maybe after I figure out a way to photoshop a younger, hipper, better looking me. After we left Mickey, Grandpa Ron said "I think we just made Collin's three year old life." To this day if I ask him who we met at Disney he gets a big smile on his face and says "Mickey!!"

Ethan had spotted some people with Mickey ice cream treats as we walked through he park and kept asking if he could have one. When we got in place for the parade, I decided to get him some to pass the time while we waited for the parade (great advice from a fellow mom of twins, Carrie - thank you!).

Ethan with his Mickey treat.

Collin with his Mickey treat... it was hot out and as you might imagine... there was melted chocolate and ice cream EVERYWHERE, but he thoroughly enjoyed it. (notice the Mickey shirt, the little stuffed Mickey - which is in every photo, the Mickey funtainer, the Mickey sticker on his shirt and the Mickey ice cream was the sprinkles of the day - meeting Mickey was the icing... and maybe the cake too... for this Mickey LOVING child)

Oliver was content just holding his. I think there was so much going on around him and to that point that he was still processing (I've noticed a lot of sensory processing issues with him in the last couple months, and so has his OT person, more on that in another post). He did eventually start eating it, but it was so melted that it took a dive on the concrete before he had more than a few bites.

Mickey and friends show at the castle.

Collin and Oliver seemed to really enjoy everything we did, as did Ethan. When Ethan had his "Celebrate Me" day at school in December and got to bring in a box of his favorite stuff, amoung the many different items he brought was vacation memorbilia - shells, the Sea Word brochure and the Disney brochure - and he talked about his vacation. When he was asked what was his favorite he said he liked all of it, though he does bring up the Haunted Mansion and the Buzz Lightyear rides a lot to this day (along with the mime at Sea World, the beach and the 'really cool giant Lego store').

One other kind of fun or maybe funny part of vacation... while we were driving around I kept seeing billboards for IHOP, which we do not have in our area of the country. When we lived in Maine (when I was Ethan's age and up), we used to frequent the IHOP on the weekends and seriously, what is cooler than pancakes with a ton of different sryups on a turntable on your table when you are a young kid? Feeling nostalgic, I asked if there was one close so we could go for dinner one night and sure enough there was. We didn't tell the kids where we were going because again, I was feeling all nostalgic and knew that they would get a kick out of a pancake restaruant and just wanted to build the surprise. As we drove up, Ethan spotted the big sign in the window which was a huge stack of pancakes with the word "Boo!" at the top (some Halloween special) and he knew instantly. To say he was excited by the fact that we were eating at a pancake restaurant for dinner would be an understatement... actually all three were very excited. Now the ambiance was not quite as I remember... but the pancakes were still good and the boys were oh so very happy. That in and of itself was worth it.

Though we had some bumps along the week with tired kids in a new place, different beds and with no routines, it was a really fun time with Grandpa and Grandma. We are very glad we were able to make it down there before they moved (though Fort Myers will be nice to visit too) and got to share all the 'kid fun' of the parks and beach with them. It's certainly a vacation that we will all remember for a long time. Thank you!!!!

Vacation: Part One

2011-01-06T22:00:00.003-05:00

We had a GREAT opportunity present itself this fall to take a vacation in October (yes, I am THAT far behind on this blog!). We went to visit Grandpa Ron and Grandma Lorrie in the sunny warm Orlando area. Since they were getting ready to move, we seized the moment and got a double bonus of getting to see them and also having free board conveniently located to all things fun! Actually, there were many more perks, but some I'll save for Part two of the vacation post. One I will share is one that we are eternally grateful for: Grandpa and Grandma surprised us with plane tickets!!!! Can you say WOO HOO?! Sure, Steve and I were ready to make the two day trip (twice) with three young kids knowing that we would hear a lot of whining, some crying (them and us) and "are we there yet" a few hundred...thousand times... but we thought it was worth it (okay, okay, we were scared to death of how that drive would go, but given the small window of opportunity we had given that they had just found out they were moving, driving was our only economical way to go). However, a direct flight TWO HOUR (not day) flight to Orlando was like the angels with the sun glowing behind their wings flew down and sang a chorus of "Hallelujah" to us. I am not sure we could thank them enough for that one gift.

So, we packed up the kids, three car seats, four suitcases, one double stroller and one carry-on and two portable DVD players (we aren't crazy, two hours in a cramped area with there little kids is still TWO HOURS in a cramped area with THREE little kids) and off we went. Other than the stress of getting to the airport on time and doing airport security by myself with the three kids (one of which kept hiding under things, causing the line to go from no wait for the other passengers to a very long line of frustrated, getting upset passengers... fortunately there were a few very nice people who were parents that understood) was a wee bit stressful, the plane ride itself went really well. All of the kids loved taking off and watching everything get smaller. Then we surprised them with the DVD players (they didn't know we brought them) and they happily sat and watched a movie the entire time. Unfortunately the DVD player that Ethan and I had died half way there, but he did great regardless of the fact that we were pinned into our row.

The plane ride (shortly after we got on the plane):

The first thing we did in sunny Florida was visit the beach (the day after we arrived). Ethan was asking to go because he wanted to collect shells. I'll be honest, I was a little nervous about the beach wondering just how long the kids would stay interested... it's just sand and water after all. I also worried about Collin's sensory issues. As it turns out, those were silly worries; the boys loved the beach. I mean LOVED the beach. I am pretty sure we could spend a few days there without them tiring of it actually.

Here are some photos of them... a lot of photos actually. I wanted to edit them and make them all perfect, but I am so far behind I just want to get them up and share them with everyone instead. I have to tell you I get warm fuzzies looking at these photos. They had such a good time. It was also just the perfect day, the sun was out, few clouds, nice breeze, it was not too hot and not too cold, the water was warm, the beach wasn't crowded... it was perfect.

The beach!!!!

Very happy boys...

Hand's full of shells, scoping the beach.

This photo cracks me up... Collin in all his glory.

Oliver, we found out quickly, is a water loving kid. It was hard to keep him out of the water and he had little fear of it. For him, it was love at the first wave hitting him.

Oliver looking at the water and getting in stance to have the wave hit him...

"Here it comes... I'm so excited!!"

"I can't wait!!!"

"Ahhhhhh, I LOVE this." He would spread eagle and let the waves rush over him. Saying that he loved it really doesn't even give it justice...

Collin splashing in the water. He did not like the waves hitting him. He was content in the controlled water where he dictated what touched him. Nevertheless, he loved the beach.

Ethan also loved the waves hitting him. He thought it was great! Here is him giving us an "oh yeah!" or something as a large wave hits him.

Oliver and Grandpa playing in the waves. Really, there needed to be an adult behind Oliver at all times, because again he loved the water and was really fearless. Plus it was extra fun to have someone pick you up and swing you through the waves.

Ethan liked to smack the waves as they hit.

Grandma building sand castles with the boys.

Collin walking on the beach. He actually walked quite a distance (with me) collecting shells.

Ethan dug a trench from their sand castles to the water... it was a really long trench... in hopes that the water from the ocean would go up to the moats around his castle (by way of the trench). Pretty cool idea.

Ethan and Oliver playing in the water.

Collin playing in the sand (no this was not his castle... he moved in when the other family left).

A rare time Oliver was A) not in the water with his back to me and B) standing still.

Chilling at the end of the long fun day.

Here was my attempt at a group photo of the boys on the beach. Look in the background, do you see Grandma Lorrie? She's chasing Collin, trying to get him to come for the photo (me calling him did nothing).

She's got him I think...

Nope... he's getting away...

Delivered to daddy... who is trying to get him to stand and stay put.

And this people is my best shot of all three boys on the beach. Not quite the framed dream I hoped for...

Part two... coming soon...

Apple picking and the making of a man...

2010-12-21T19:00:00.003-05:00

In mid October I took the boys apple picking by myself. Steve was trying to knock out some projects and I needed to get our annual fill of Fuji apples (which last forever!) and also some organic apples for applesauce.

At the organic orchard (love this place!). Collin decided it was too hot and therefore he need the bag on his head.

After this, we went to the orchard with Fuji apples. All the trees were about bare in the part of the orchard we first directed us to, and only the tops had apples. Well, without Steve, that was an issue. I couldn't be up in a tree and leave Collin "the runner/escapee" alone... yes, that is the only reason as I am sure I can climb a tree (stop laughing). As I was thinking out loud on what to do, Ethan said "I can climb the tree mom!" At first I was thinking... hmmmm not sure about this. Ethan has become more fearless lately, but coordinated is not necessarily one of his many strong things. However he said it again confidently, as he started to climb a tree... and up he went... much to my surprise... and a little fear.

The funniest/cutest thing about this was he was so proud of himself. When he got to the top of the first tree, and started "handing" me down apples, he let out a few laughs and whoops in pride. He even said "we got the best apples because some woman's son was brave enough to climb the tree." (I'm still laughing about that one... "some woman's son..." only Ethan...)

My attempt at getting a cute photo in the huge chair at orchard... didn't work so well (in any of the twenty shots I tried...).

That day, as he climbed at least a dozen trees to ensure his family had the food they were seeking, it was clear a little part of Ethan started to find his inner "man" and I couldn't have been more proud (and humored).

Annual Neighborhood Pumpkin Patch Trip

2010-12-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

We are so lucky to live in a great neighborhood with many kids and fun neighbors. I think three or four years ago, we started going to a pumpkin patch together with all the kids. Though, as the kids get older, it is getting increasingly harder to arrange a day we can all make it we still manage to do it for the most part and have a blast.

We went to a new place this year, actually the same place as Ethan's class trip. It has a few "draws" for kids: hay maze in the barn, the giant fast "slide" and the huge mound of dirt (ahhh, so simple and inexpensive, yet so fun - not to mention freaking messy). Here are some highlights:

Collin and Oliver were a little intimidated with the giant "slide", so our neighbor was sweet enough to go down with them, which was all it took for them to get the bug. This slide went very fast and you landed with a hard thud at the bottom... the kids loved it.

In the pumpkin patch...

In the hay maze barn...

Big ol' box of corn...

Pneumatic corn cob gun...

The giant mound of dirt...

After that, we all came back to our house for some fall fun. One of our neighbors brought a craft for the kids to do, we also had them paint pumpkins and bob for apples.

Collin and Cameron bobbing. Collin's version was reaching in and getting an apple. Cameron actually stuck her mouth in...

Oliver decided to join Cameron...

Ethan bobbing for apples...

His apple...

This isn't a great angle but one of kids, David, went full gusto and didn't use the assistance of his hand (like the others resorted to after many attempts). David stuck his entire head in the bucket and went to the bottom, actually getting his apple with his teeth only. Wow.

Paining pumpkins. I actually envisioned them painting faces on the pumpkins, but instead they painted them... entirely.

Collin painting his red, of course...

After all that, we had a big pot luck. It was a great day!

Here is a photo of Oliver from a trip we made to the pumpkin patch a couple weeks before this. None of the photos of that trip turned out great, except this one. I love this one. So, I must share it and this seems like a good place to do so.

Oliver, loving on his pumpkin (really, he was telling it he loved it and this was his love nuzzle with it)...

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

2010-12-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

I volunteered to go with Ethan's class to the pumpkin patch. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a blast. Here are some photos:

Follow up...

2010-12-19T17:33:00.003-05:00

I meant to post this earlier but didn't get to it. As you recall I mentioned that we suspected Collin for a misdemeanor offense of "screwing with us" - taking Ethan's puzzle pieces, hiding them and then telling us he couldn't be bothered with where they were as he was eating.

He, in fact, would not tell us where they were at all. We checked all the normal hiding places, but found nothing. However the next morning Steve told Erin to ask him. When she did, a sheepish grin appeared on Collin's face as he lead her to his highchair.

This is the same highchair he sat in while basically telling us, "not now, I'm eating" the night before.

See... screwing with us. We are in trouble...

Dentist

2010-12-19T15:58:00.004-05:00

(back to time traveling)

At the beginning of October, the boys had a dentist appointment. This is notable because it was the twin's first appointment (and because I think it all firsts... okay sometimes seconds and thirds and, and, and... are notable).

For Ethan is was not his first time. He did great, as he has done before. However, we did discover in the x-rays that his front top teeth are HUGE (I'm serious) and that his lateral incisors were in fact going to come in behind his central incisors. I don't mean behind as in after, I mean behind as in literally behind them. As it turns out, his palette is not very big and most of his current baby teeth are right on top of each other now. Though his palette will expand some, like everyone's does, they feel he is going to need some assistance in this area... "but we will deal with it when they come in". Yippee!

As for the twins, Oliver did great as we knew he would. That child would basically let you poke or prod anything while he laid there with a smile on his face. It's amazing.

Collin, on the other hand, well... not so much. He fought it. If I was the dental hygienist, I would have needed a drink after dealing with him. In fact I did need a drink after the appointment!

The favorite part? The "prizes" of course. Each picked one Silly bandz, a bug and a sticky hand things (which were conveniently *cough* "lost").

I have to say, our dentist office, everyone in it, is just amazing. Amazing. They are an office for children only and though many have been there a long time, they have patience like no one I have ever met. They show the kids everything they are going to do, let them "play" with the tools, go slowly, talk gently and never ever lose their cool. I do not know how they do it. They are amazing.

Not now...

2010-12-15T21:18:00.004-05:00

Collin, by far our orneriest child, likes to take things and hide them. In his defense, sometimes he puts the items away where they belong and sometimes he puts them in what he deems to be a "safe place"... sometimes though, we truly believe he is just screwing with us. Normally, when asked, he will show you where he put them. Tonight about eight pieces of Ethan's Star Wars puzzle, that was put together on the kitchen table, were mysteriously missing. All indications pointed to Collin (again, refer to first sentence).

As we were eating dinner, I said "Collin where did you put Ethan's puzzle pieces?"

Collin responded simply, "I don't know. I eating right now."

I asked again and he responded once more, "I eating right now."

I'm going with 'screwing with us' on this one...

Bears do what in the winter?!

2010-12-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight one of the books we read to the twins (and Ethan) was Bear Stays Up For Christmas. Naturally the bear's friends had to wake him up so he didn't miss Christmas and then he fell asleep right after the celebration. So, I asked Ethan why the bear was so sleepy. He said that bears sleep through the winter. Then...

M: What's that called... when animals sleep through the winter?

E: Um... I know... um... (obviously trying hard to remember the word)

M: Hi... (giving him a hint of the first sound)

E: Hibrocobia! (shouting it out confidently and knowingly)

HUH??! I think I need to contact Webster's... it could be a new word! Seriously, we (and he) don't know where that came from, but we ALL couldn't stop laughing the rest of the night.

Fat lip, Santa and Suckers...

2010-12-04T21:08:00.002-05:00

What do all three have in common? They happened today.

On our way to see Santa, Collin fell in the parking lot and got his first fat lip. A big first fat lip as a matter of fact. It was a rough 10 minutes or so, but after that it didn't bother him. Instead we diverted his attention by visiting the Disney Store, as you know one of his few favorite things is Mickey!

This is much later and after his Santa treat.

After that, we headed to Santa.

What did they ask for?

Ethan: Star Wars stuff, a rock set, science kits, books and world peace. okay, I made the last one up, but he did say if he got something he already had he wanted to give it to a boy who didn't have any presents... that's a start...

Oliver: Super Hero Squad (as in anything Super Hero Squad... period.)

Collin: Mickey Mouse and a big kitchen (as in the play variety, however maybe Santa will misunderstand and bring all of us a bigger kitchen... that would be good too!)

Santa gave them each a sucker after he spoke to them, which thrilled me more than I can say (yes, you know the tone). Since it was too late, it was in their hands, and Collin was staring at me with his giant fat lip... I just opened the packages and let them go. Yes, I am saying... this was Collin and Oliver's first time eating a sucker. What? Is that child abuse? Collin didn't even know what to do with it... I had to tell him to lick it. Before we could even tell Oliver, he had taken a huge bite of it (it was one of those semi hard ones)... he was like the tootsie pop turtle... three licks and eat it... it was gone that fast. Collin's on the other hand lasted over an hour... as he savored every lick of his red delight. Ethan was somewhere in the middle.

Fall Soccer

2010-12-03T21:03:00.006-05:00

Ethan was in fall soccer this year and the added excitement was Steve was his assistant coach*. Steve was a little hesitant at first, but the head coach was amazing! She, Coach Dee, was a college professor and coach of soccer, and a player herself. And Steve was a great student and in the end a really good coach. The kids loved him.

Ethan really improved this year, being more aggressive and in the game. There was a lot less picking picking blades grass and holding hands and a lot more interest in soccer. Don't get me wrong, there was still some of the other stuff, but just not as much as past years. Though I can't say he is a die hard soccer player, he definitely is identifying himself with this sport more than others. Most importantly, I think he had fun.

Here are some action shots of Ethan:

All in all, I am very proud of both of my men.

*yea, it is still a little hazy on how Steve volunteered to be coach, but I think it involved me answering the mandatory question "which of these would you be willing to do" with a check next to Assistant Coach and then typing in Steve's name... rather than the check in the Team Mom box... or something like that... maybe... hey, it was mandatory and I had to travel out of town a few weeks during the season... I couldn't be team mom.... and it's not like it's the first time I checked the box with Steve's info... it's just the first in the the last three seasons that they actually took me... er... him up on it. Yea, that's probably how that all happened... Further in my defense, Steve was always walking around smiles and singing after the games... he liked being coach more than he knew he would... and I knew that all along... yea, that's it... maybe...

Happy Sixth Birthday Ethan!

2010-11-30T20:37:00.016-05:00

We interrupt the backlog to bring you photos of Ethan's birthday (a day late).

Yesterday was Ethan's sixth birthday. I have no idea how six years have passed, but clearly they have and I am so proud of my son.

I took the day off to spend with Ethan, which started with being the mom class volunteer for his room (which he has been asking me to be for a while). Though I was kept very busy by his teacher, it was fun to spend the day with him. He got to wear a crown during school and we brought in smiley face cookies (which went over big).

Hard to see the crown... especially with my camera phone.

After school, I took Ethan and two of his neighborhood buddies out for lunch and whatever Ethan wanted to do. So, you ask, what did Ethan want to do? I'll tell you...

First we went to Noodles for lunch (one of his favorite places of course).

Two words: Stinking cute. Two more: Stinking happy.

Then we went to the park.

We tried several times for me to time it right to get them mid jump off this wall, but my phone camera was too slow... they gave up on me.

After that we went for ice cream... actually sundaes!

Then we went to the library (this one threw me, but so fitting for him actually).

They really made me laugh here. They were all so excited to get books, instructing me on what to look up and when I couldn't find it, off they went to ask a library employee. They then plopped down on the floor, each of them with their own book pile and looked through them (I am really upset I didn't get a photo of this!). I think it was a largest (by far) check out from the library EVER.

Next, we went to the playground behind the library, where they played Star Wars with the two sets being ships. I was Princess Leia. (no comments)

After that, we came home only because we were taking Ethan out to dinner (otherwise he would have kept picking new things to do).

At the restaurant, they brought his dessert (an apple crostata - his choice) with a candle in it and sang Happy Birthday to him (even though they apparently stopped doing that kind of thing a year ago, they made an exception for us). He was very happy.

Then came presents.

The mother of all presents (for a Star Wars fan): the Millennium Falcon. (this is where it REALLY helps to have a dad that A) really enjoyed action figures as a kid... and still does and B) knows his way around ebay quite well (to get great deals)).

All and all, Ethan said he had a great day.

Happy birthday my sweet little one. I love you whole, whole bunches!

Butterflies

2010-11-27T20:00:00.001-05:00

You might remember the boys got a Butterfly Habitat from the Easter Bunny this year and I just got around to ordering the caterpillars for it in September. (I told you, it's just warp speed crazy here.)

I love the whole concept of this - teaching them the life cycle live and in person. It was fun to watch them crawl around, make their chrysalis and come out butterflies.

I somehow forgot to take photos of the caterpillars going into their new habitat, but here is their chrysalis transfer to the habitat. Yes, we had some masked men show up for the occasion.

And just as exciting to let them free.

Ethan: "Fly little guys... I know you can do it!"

Oliver: "They're so cute. Fly little cutie...fly!"

Collin: "Fy witle uys... fy! Bye, bye!"

And then for weeks, whenever we saw a butterfly they would talk to it as if it was one of their friends, still hanging out in our yard.

I can't wait to do it again in the spring.

Shutterfly – making us amateurs look professional

2010-11-26T19:35:00.005-05:00

I love Shutterfly. Why? Because it helps bring to vision the cards I think (keyword: think) I can design based images in my head. Before Shutterfly, those projects really didn’t look like the “images”… not even remotely. After discovering Shutterfly a few years ago, I am happy to say my cards now fit the vision.

Shutterfly isn’t just holiday cards though; I’ve also created calendars, thank you cards and photo books on Shutterfly (and there’s much, much more). Probably my favorite things are their photo books. I love to look through ours over and over and just reflect.

I was amazed at just how easy it is to create these beautiful professional looking products. You simply load your photos and then drag and drop into the template you pick. Every year Shutterfly adds more designs to their vast inventory of holiday card templates, and this year is no different. Their holiday card templates range from photo cards, to one sided stationary photo cards, to folded photo cards. And there are so many different designs, it doesn't matter what your preferred style (look) is, they have it.

I am also amazed at the quality of these products. When I ordered my first photo book, I was very impressed by how nice it was – with a hard cover and perfect bound. It looks just like a book and holds up nicely.

If you haven’t yet looked at Shutterfly for your holiday cards, stationary (for any occasion), gifts, calendars, photo books (and much more), then you really should. You won’t be disappointed.

All that said, you can imagine my excitement when I found out that Shutterfly is offering 50 free holiday cards to bloggers: http://bit.ly/sfly2010 Thank you Shutterfly.

Nature friends

2010-11-24T20:28:00.001-05:00

The boys and I went hunting for "nature" items in our backyard (in September). Our goal was to find items so we could make some nature friends, as I had seen in a Family Fun magazine issue.

Here is what we made:

My person:

Ethan's boat and person:

Oliver's person:

Collin's person, who he named "Nit Nots" and carried around for weeks (even to school):

Some kids have imaginary friends... Collin has an acorn... named "Nit Nots". Hmmmm...

Just a couple weeks in Kindergarten...

2010-11-23T20:20:00.003-05:00

Ethan had a homework assignment at the beginning of the school year (mid September) that was to make a book box. Over the course of the year, they create many little paper books in an effort to learn to read. This box is the place where they can keep all their books, which they can read at home throughout the year.

I gathered a lot of our art supplies for this project, as well as plain red wrapping paper (left over from the valentines box). Ethan decided to wrap only the sides of the box we found, because he liked the "swoosh." (his project...) He decorated the box with stickers, googly eyes, puff paint dots, foam letters and marker stampers. Then, he discovered some of the Halloween items in the art supplies. The foam bats on a stick that he had to have. And then...

E: "Oooo mom! I have to use that spider!"

M: "Why?"

E: "Because it will FREAK the girls out!"

M: "'Freak the girls out'?? Ethan, where did you hear that?"

E: "Come on mom, it will scare them, you know - freak them out. I have to use it."

M: "Why do you want to scare them?"

E: "Because they will scream and be freaked out."

M: "And that's a good thing?"

E: "Yes mom..." (in the tone of "don't you know anything?!")

M: "Okay (knowing it was really harmless). How about some of these cool glitter shapes?"

E: "Dude, ARE you serious? I can't use that... only GIRLS use that stuff."

M: "First, 'dude are you serious?' Where did you hear that and do you think it's appropriate to say to me. "

E: "Sorry mom. That's what they say at school."

M: "We've been using those glitter shapes for art project for years and you've never had a problem with it."

E: "Come on mom, glitter is for girls. Just like pink. I can't use anything pink, it's for girls."

M: "Really?"

E: (sensing a "lesson" coming on...) "I know, colors are just colors and we like them all. But really mom, pink is a girl's color. I think Oliver is a girl, he likes pink." (giggle, giggle)

M: "Oliver's not a girl, he just likes all colors."

E: "I don't know mom, he really likes pink..." (giggle, giggle)

M: *** big sigh ***

So, to sum it up... a few weeks into Kindergarten and my once naive little boy now wants to "freak out the girls," is calling me "dude", is already talking like a teenager and I am clueless as to the "in" things, and he is stereotyping. Wow. It's like a "life comes at you fast" commercial. What the heck?! By the end of the year will be asking for tattoos, body piecing, wanting to grow his hair into a shag (are those even still in?) and asking to drive the car...

(In case you are wondering, I wrote this conversation down... there is no way I could remember it all two months later! Glad I did, it still makes me laugh.)

Apple picking!

2010-11-22T20:18:00.003-05:00

Okay, yes, this is old. How old? Um... Labor Day weekend. I know... seriously, life is crazy right now, but I am determined to catch up with photos and stories soon! So, you'll be seeing some old and new news coming soon.

Over Labor Day weekend we took the boys apple picking. Honestly, I love fall. I love, love, love, love fall. September through December is my favorite time of the year actually, between the cooler temps, the fall activities and then of course the spill over into all the holidays. It's just a fun time of the year and so many fun things to do. Apple picking is definitely a favorite of ours - we go at least four or five times in the fall.

For this venture we tried out a new (to us) orchard that was all organic. It was beautiful! We felt like we were picking apples in someone's backyard, and in fact we were, the owner's. It was a decent sized orchard but so peaceful and non commercial in every aspect. There were only a few other families there with us, but it seemed like we were all alone. There was also a little pond to add to the overall ambiance. The apples, since they were organic, were definitely were not pretty, but instead had many blemishes. However they tasted great and we loved it! I ran home and made some organic pink applesauce (from the bright red apples).

Not far from this orchard was a local ice cream factory that we decided to visit. The factory, naturally, was not running, but we could see the work area. They had some great play sets, we ate lunch, had ice cream (of course) and fed the ducks.

It was a fun fall day!

Ethan is reading...

2010-11-21T14:42:00.008-05:00

Ethan has just started "bag books" at school. These are little early reading books that come home in a ziploc bag (I am sure you figured that out, huh?) that the kids are to read it until they've mastered, then bring it back to read the teacher and get a new book. Ethan has always loved books and still does. He has been on the verge of reading for a while. So when he brought home his first book, he couldn't have been more excited to read it.

He actually did great right out of the gate with his first book, which I forgot to video before he turned in (no mommy guilt there... okay massive amounts...) for his new book. The video below if him reading his second book. We are not sure why the video camera made him read it "choppy" but he still did great!

He is super proud of himself. We are talking not the least bit of humility, he out right boasts about the fact that he is a "super reader". Because it's all about confidence in this stage of the game, and he's going to clearly move up to the next level (C - a harder level) very soon, we are just letting him boast. We love his excitement about reading and that he is so proud. Okay... that and the fact we hope that he can read his own Star Wars and Super Hero reference books (yes - reference books, not just stories) soon... they are so boring... but he has to know every little detail about everyone.

Seven years ago...

2010-11-01T20:36:00.004-04:00

I've been MIA for so long due mostly to work priorities keeping me at work late and business trips, both of which are not letting up. I am so far behind on this blog, not to mention every other aspect of my life. Hopefully, soon, I will have time to update you on some fun happenings in the last two months... I have a camera full of events small and large.

However, today is a very special day that deserves a few moments of my time to share.

Seven years ago today, we said we did...

Happy anniversary Steve. I love you!

And thank you for this beautiful surprise today...

What happens in preschool...

2010-09-30T21:46:00.004-04:00

Apparently the boys were quite the hit at preschool today. Their teacher emailed me to tell me that they had walked the boys around the school just to show everyone the shirts... and they all want one. I rarely impulse buy things like this, especially if they're not on sale, but when these caught my eye as I walked by them at Meijer (on my way to get diapers), I laughed out loud and then grabbed them. Glad to know I wasn't the only one that this amused. And the twins loved all the attention.

Hmmm...

2010-09-26T20:17:00.000-04:00

After apple picking (post coming soon), I made a big batch of applesauce. Collin decided to help me. I cut the apples and he stood on a chair beside me, happily putting them into the pot. What teamwork!

Later, as I stirred the pot, something caught my eye...

Yes, that's a big ol' bite out of that apple slice. I actually found several like that as I stirred the pot of apples over the course of an hour. Hmmm... maybe I need to discuss with him his role in this venture again...

The tooth fairy flies again...

2010-09-25T21:20:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's true, she visited again. The evening of the first day of school (September 1st)... Ethan's teeth seem to fall out around his big school events. Honestly though, for this one, I suspect it had some help. My clues: It was loose, but not loose enough to come out yet. And the fact that Ethan came downstairs after being in bed for 15 minutes and said "Look mom, I lost another tooth! It only hurt a little when I pulled it out." (yes, I am a regular Sherlock Holmes.)

Big gap where bottom middle baby teeth were.

The silver tooth holder tucked safely between his beloved Floppy Bunny's arm and ear.

A very excited boy, getting ready to dream about the tooth fairy.

So, I am thinking I really need to get working on that chore chart and allowance system (I know, I know... I've meant to do it for a long time... I've just been at warp speed all year with too much going on...) so he doesn't resort to pulling out all his teeth just to get some cash.

Channeling my inner...

2010-09-17T23:42:00.002-04:00

high school and marketing geek self.

I just spent the last four days in Indianapolis attending a conference for work. There were a few highlights of the conference.

1) One of the conference vendors sponsored a private concert for us (um, can you say super cool?!!)... which probably only 1500 (at the very most) of the 2000 attending this conference showed up to this event (what the heck people, FREE concert). The band was Train.

My inner high schooler (what I felt like at the concert):
Like OMG! I am standing on the floor a few rows from the stage of Train! "Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star..." Like OMG!!! I can't believe it. Patrick is soooo dreamy! *Sigh* His voice is like totally awesome! "Meet Virginia...." I can't believe we have this private show! He is so funny too! "Calling all angels..." This is just, like, so much fun I can't stop taking a bunch of photos and video of it! Like OMG, what is wrong with me?! "Hey soul sister..."

Honestly, it was just that pathetic. I have countless photos and videos... I have no idea what came over me. I'm sharing some photos because well, I don't know what else I am going to do with them!

2) I heard some marketing gurus speak... which was quite frankly exciting for this marketing geek... er... person. Sir Richard Branson was the keynote speaker and also did Q&A. In case you don't know, he founded the Virgin brand. As in Virgin Records, Virgin Radio, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin (fill in the blank they have a company)... He's true entrepreneur and I am in love with his "Screw it, Let's do it" mentality/tag! Certainly has worked for them diversifying successfully into so many products. His latest... Virgin Galactic... yep, just what you think. Along with him, Jeffrey Hayzlett, the former Kodak CMO (and many time guest appearance person on Celebrity Apprentice), Dick Costolo, Twitter's COO and countless others.

3) Awesome breakout sessions on social media in business to business companies, to drive sales and awareness (among many other things)! Fun, fun, fun!

I totally had all my inner geeks on this week. Pathetically so. As proven by this post, which I did because again, what else will I do with all these photos of Train in concert... but to share with all of you?!

The day of firsts...

2010-09-14T20:18:00.001-04:00

Wednesday September 1st was the boys day of big firsts. First day for all of them to ride a bus (to school). Ethan's first day of kindergarten and Collin and Oliver's first day of preschool. Wow. All the boys were very excited about this day, Ethan probably the most because he really understood it.

The only group shot that was somewhat successful before school.

I took the day off and Steve stayed home in the morning for the bus. The morning went well except for a small accident in the morning that caused some tears and hurt feelings. There was much excitement at the bus stop that morning and a couple neighbors (whose kids weren't in school and not in our school) came out to cheer the kids for their first day. So sweet!

At the bus stop. The only shot with Collin.

Christopher hugging Ethan... both very excited about school. Where's Collin?

There he is..

Ethan and his friend Christopher were pumped to get on the bus. Oliver was too. Collin, on the other hand, was not.

We did get him in, but he was the one that cried when they pulled away (he had the window seat - his preference always). It was hard to see. It was hard too because the other two were very excited. So, I did what any other (crazy) mom would do, I got in my car and followed the bus. Oh yes, I did. Traffic got in the way (it was not pretty... meaning my stress and mouth) and I lost them. However when I got to Ethan's school I was at least able to see him and Christopher lined up outside waiting to go in. Both wearing HUGE smiles.

Ethan is on the end, Christopher is in front of him. Ethan's teacher is next to him.

I then rushed over to the twins' school, which is not close, and hit TONS of traffic. Tons. By the time I got to the parking lot, I could see the bus pulling away. Oliver was standing there holding someone's hand while she spoke to another person. I couldn't see Collin anywhere at first, then there he was darting into my view (I was too out of range for him to see me). And then there behind him a lady chasing him. Collin... He went limp on her. Collin... She ended up getting a big male to help her. Collin... And that was all I saw.

Here comes Collin, on the run. I had to duck down just in case, since he came into open space view.

When I got home, worried about how the twins were doing, my cell phone rang. It was Ms. Cathy, their bus driver. W.O.W. Seriously, wow. Apparently she asked for my phone number so she could tell me how they did. W.O.W. As it turns out, Collin stopped crying before they got out of the neighborhood (which wasn't very long). He fussed a few times before they got to Ethan's school. When Ethan got off the bus, in big brother fashion, he reassured them they would be okay and he would see them on the bus later (*sniff* what a big boy thing to do). She said Oliver's face completely seized up into full heartbreak and Collin started whine crying. Ms. Cathy said she started reassuring them and the other kids left on the bus all moved up to the seats by them and started talking to them and making them laugh. When she dropped them off at school, she asked if she could get them out (something they don't like bus drivers to do because they have so much to keep track of and time lines, but she really felt they would react better on their first day if she did it. Again, W.O.W.). She said they both let her get them out and carry them down, but that Collin went limp on the ground when she tried to put him down. Collin... And then started whine crying. She felt bad, but the aide took over from there. I can't tell you how much better I felt knowing all that detail about their trip. And maybe more so, that she cared about them that much to call me. W.O.W.

The afternoon trip wasn't quite the same, I don't really know what happened other than they had a last minute sub and ended up being 35 minutes late home (I won't go into the confusing fuzzy story). They were all smiles when they got off the bus though. Of course that might have just been relief to be home after spending that much time on the bus.

After getting of the bus. Super cute!

To celebrate the big day, I let the boys pick a place to go to lunch. They unanimously picked Noodles. These kids are all about the chop sticks I tell you.

All in all, it was a good day of big firsts. Everyone was tired but happy and talking about day two... granted Oliver and Ethan were excited about it and Collin was telling me "heck no, I won't go"... but... two out of three ain't bad, as Meatloaf once said. (and I am sure he will love it soon enough)

Here are some cute shots of the boys on their first day...

Special Needs Preschool

2010-09-13T19:46:00.003-04:00

I've been meaning to write about this for a long time now. Months. I have thought of what to write in my head, but just never got it out in writing. Of course, I haven't been a good blogger/documentor (I like to make up words) this summer at all. Life.

The twins started preschool - special needs preschool.

I had mixed feelings about this. Back when they were babies and delayed, Help Me Grow was going through their services and mentioned at three years of age you get passed on to your school district in the form of special needs preschool. I remember vividly being very adamant that wasn't going to happen, more out of fear that my babies would still have delays or worse things which would merit that. At the time, they were only three months old after all. As time went on and they got caught up on some gross motor delays and even progressed through some sensory issues (we used to have to feed Oliver in a dark quiet room and Collin couldn't stand sensation on his palms or feet), we started to notice other delays, like speech. Actually their physical therapist, Ms. Beth (I LOVED her!!!), called that one early on (17 months) even when my doctor wrote it off as nothing. As it turns out she was right. More right than she thought actually.

Six months after starting speech therapy, in addition to the occupational therapy and physical therapy, we discovered Collin had the tell tale signs of Apraxia, which is a neurological motor planning disorder. From that point on, we switched gears on speech therapy and started some intensive therapy more geared to Apraxic kids. Their speech therapist, Ms. Debbie (wonderful!!!!), did wonders for Collin and us. After a few months of this, he finally started repeating some words we said (that would be at 27 months of age). We had to get in his face and exaggerate our mouths so he knew how to do it, but he was doing it or at least trying. He's made huge strides since then, though he has a long way to go. He talks up a storm now, but you cannot understand him as he drops beginning and ending sounds of words. However, if you give that kid a five action command, he can do all five things without having it repeated (go get the ball, put it on the sofa, pick up the whistle, blow in it and bring it to me).

Oliver had other issues, which were actually kind of masked. Though, again, Ms. Debbie saw through them after some time. Oliver has a difficult time understanding. He talks beautifully. He was babbling as a baby doing conversational babble, as they call it, early on. You knew he was asking a question or stating a fact, just by the fluctuation in his voice, even though it was all babble. He would talk and talk. Though he was delayed in speech, he was talking well quickly after starting therapy. That is why it was kind of masked. He was able to repeat back to you what you said to him but in a way in which you thought he understood and was answering you. For example: "Oliver did you read that book?" Oliver's response: "Yes, I read that book." Wow, right? Wrong. As we grew to find out, he didn't have a clue what we were saying. He just knew language really well. I could give Oliver an action item "go get the ball" and he would understand he was to do something (because I also have a visual cue of pointing my finger), turn and move then get side tracked or wonder around the room. He just didn't get it. He also often didn't look when he was called. We had his hearing tested and he did great, but I have to tell you I still wonder about that. With therapy, he's doing much better. Though as of late, I have noticed moments of what I would call "looping" for lack of a better word to define it, where he will go around and around. He is agreeing to things but not understanding. M: "Oliver you can't wear those socks, we can't find the other one." (after searching the entire room) O: "here it is" (pointing to the one sock) M: "we need a second one, we only have one" (counting) O: "Oh.... here it is!" (again, pointing out the one sock, which he has now put on his foot). M: "That's only one sock, how about the froggy socks instead?" O: "no thanks mom, here is is (pulling the one lone sock off his foot and putting it on the other. we actually went around and around on this pulling it off one foot and putting on the other as if it is the found missing sock and I explain in fifty different ways - verbally and visually - it is not it). M: "Let's put on the froggy socks, look how cute!" O: "Okay. They're so cute." M: starting to put the socks on his feet O: "NO (crying), I want these socks." M: "Oliver we only have one." O: "oh, here it is!" (repeat above sequence again from the beginning). To be honest, when this happens, I get very scared. Figuring out how he will get over this and how we can help him is not as easy for me to wrap my mind around as it is with Collin learning how to enunciate, even if his disorder is neurological (and therefore much harder than a normal speech enunciation issue). It just really worries me for Oliver. Don't get me wrong, I have seen improvement over the last year, but just when I think he's really getting better, he seems to regress. Or, maybe it is that some situations just display the issues more obviously than others. I don't know.

Needless to say, due to these issues, along with some sensory and social emotional issues, the twins made it into special needs preschool. And, to be honest, I couldn't be happier.

Special needs preschool has half "typical" kids (developmentally on target or above), also called 'peer models' and half special needs children (which could be of any degree from severe to mild and include developmental delays, disorders, syndromes and those children with life threatening diseases - which cause them to be delayed). Special needs children, if qualify, can start when they turn three years old regardless of the point in which it is in the school year. They do not need to be potty trained (thank goodness because try as we might, these boys have NO interest whatsoever, period.). They all get a variety of therapies, from occupational, sensory, speech, physical and so on due to the needs of the children with those issues. They focus on normal preschool things, but incorporate things that help the SN kids. I have heard nothing but fabulous things about SN preschool, and what it has down for their kids, from everyone that I have asked.

Getting into SN preschool is a series of evaluations with the twins (for them, it was three to be exact), a few tests (scoring tests that I had to fill out, times two), and two meetings. It's a few month process. A long few month process. I remember worrying that Oliver's issues would not present themselves during the time of his evals. I worried that Collin would get in (he was a given) and Oliver would not. I knew Oliver needed to be in. I also didn't want to separate (never mind that Oliver was the one begging to go to school - when they dropped off Ethan each day). I worried for months (even though Ms. Debbie said I had nothing to worry about). My stomach turned. I remember a day after one of their evals that a work colleague and friend called and sensed I was preoccupied, and asked if I was okay. I told her that the twins had an eval today and Oliver aced it (I thought at the time) and I was really worried he wouldn't get in special needs preschool. She laughed saying "really is that a bad thing?" That was the moment I realized that I had completely moved past the long ago stereotype and fear in my mind I had when it was first mentioned to me over two and a half years ago. I saw past the name and connotation. My babies are special needs children and this is what is best for them. I desperately wanted them in special needs preschool, as strange as that sounds on the surface.

Of course my fears were for nothing as obviously the various therapists and teachers who evaluated him saw things that even I didn't see, even though Oliver was performing stellar from what we typically see. Oliver, in the end, much to our surprise, actually scored worse on sensory and social emotional than Collin (who still has in-your-face sensory issues).

After months of waiting, they leaked the news to me that the twins were "in" just days before our evaluation review meeting. This review meeting also was the IEP meeting. Strangely enough, I didn't cry about their IEP items, instead I cried when I found out they would go to a different school than Ethan and therefore would have to take school transportation. At the time, I was told it was a contracted car service (I had crazy images and thoughts about what might happen, drivers, how the twins would feel and so on... but I won't share them now). So, in typical Wendy fashion, after the relief of them getting in, I switched gears to the worry about the ride to school. That one took a "fun" turn right before school started, but I will save that for another post.

So, that's the story explaining the course of events leading up to and the reasons why the twins are in special needs preschool. And why we couldn't be happier about it.

Kindergarten soft start

2010-09-12T19:45:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned, Friday August 27th was a day of double excitement for Ethan - the tooth fairy paid her first visit and kindergarten soft start. Soft start, in case you are wondering, is just like it sounds, a way to work kids into school easily rather than throw them in. Four days before school started they had only five kids go to class each day, Ethan's day was Friday. It also started 10 minutes later and we were to drive them (no bus rides). The parents got to go through their morning routines with them, which consisted of checking their mail, putting their backpack in their lockers, getting their water bottle and going to their desks (I think that is all... I lost track, there was a lot!). We also helped them make name tags, checked names, found his desk, got familiar with the room and located the bathroom (in the classroom - excellent). Then the parents left and they learned a little of what they would do every day.

We started the day with a special mommy and Ethan breakfast, which we don't get to do often, at Ethan's favorite morning spot - Panera. He also picked out a pastry for his teacher, all by himself and after some consideration (read: going up and down the case surveying and seemingly mentally mulling it over), an apple danish. Now that's a one up on the age old apple gift!

Ethan was super excited to be there and unlike preschool, when it was time for me to go, he gave me the "see ya later mom" quick brush off (ouch!). For that matter, so did his teacher who was dropping soft hints like "such a big day, can't wait to get started" and "wow, look at the time." Since I was in my own little world, taking in this big moment, it took some stronger ones to get me to even notice I was the LAST parent left in the room. I think they need a soft start day for parents too.

When I picked him up, he was all smiles. He told me they read, visited each of their classroom centers (drama, science, art, etc.), helped a little girl who was really shy, colored and generally had a great time. "I can't wait to start next week!"

My baby looking all grown up.

At the school, outside the doors, with his water bottle, apple danish and smile all ready to start!

At his desk coloring when I picked him up.

The first tooth fairy visit...

2010-09-11T19:55:00.000-04:00

Ethan lost his first tooth (bottom right) on Thursday August 26th, the night before his kindergarten soft start (it was a night of much excitement). He actually lost it at soccer practice while running on the field, and playing with it with his tongue. When he got home he had to call a bunch of family to announce the major event. (so cute!)

Though it's been loose a while, so it was not a complete shocker, both the tooth fairy and I were not at all prepared. I didn't have a special container or tradition figured out, or anything. Luckily I remembered a special gift that Ethan had gotten when he was born, from the hospital, that contained a silver velvet lined tooth holder (along with holders for birth certificate and hair from his first haircut). He loved it and was very excited to put his tooth in and tuck it under his pillow.

Fortunately, I was home in the morning since I was taking him to his soft start so I got to be there when he woke up. Yea!!!! (Another first that I was very excited to be there for... so glad I didn't miss it. I rushed in his room with camera and video in hand when I heard him up and moving.)

There was cash and a book, along with a glittery letter from the tooth fairy.

The glitter didn't look as bad as it does here... um... sort of. It was late and what the tooth fairy envisioned it to look like and what it looked like were two different things... er... so she told me.

The minor leagues...

2010-09-10T19:45:00.004-04:00

My workplace had a family fun day at our local minor league baseball game (read: free tickets!). Steve and I didn't think the twins would make it long at one of these, and it started close to bedtime, so I signed up for Ethan and I to go. However we got lucky and not as many people signed up to go as they anticipated so I was able to bring along two of Ethan's neighbor friends with us. This was Ethan's first time going to a baseball game and he was really excited. I'll be honest, I was really excited as well. "Firsts" for each of my kids are a thrill for me still... always will be. And many times so are seconds and thirds and fourths and...and... and...

When we got there, since it was dinnertime, the first thing on their minds (and some of the funny conversation on the way down) was food. They wanted hot dogs... okay, a must have for baseball games I understand.

Then they wanted ice cream... in a baseball hat. Seriously, how could I resist these faces... I caved easily.

Andy, Ethan and Aiden

I can't say we saw much of the game, or even sat at our seats for any significant amount of time, but I think I can say they all had fun. And so did I.

Bouncer at the game.

Climbing statue.

Just plain cheesy.

The three year stats

2010-09-09T20:00:00.000-04:00

This year's appointment went WAY better than last year's appointment... thankfully. It helped that it was first thing in the morning, before anyone was there. Both Collin and Oliver did fine on their walk to the scale. They also did pretty well in the appointment, with the exception of the shots.

Here's where they come in at three years, two days:

Oliver:
Weight: 30 lbs (35%)
Height: 38 in. (75%)

Collin:
Weight: 34 lbs. (75%)
Height: 39 in. (90%)

Oliver is catching up to Collin height wise, but I doubt he will ever catch up to Collin weight wise. Oliver actually didn't make the charts until he was six months and has remained steadily at the bottom, with a little bump up this year. And now looking at it three years later, I totally believe that Collin was not stealing supplies from Oliver in the womb... they are just built completely different. Collin was measuring two days bigger than Oliver at six weeks, after all.

I was trying to get them both to look AND smile at the same time (after shots). I think I told them to say "hi" here... so Oliver did... with a wave.

A progressive birthday celebration

2010-09-08T22:15:00.003-04:00

Collin and Oliver turned three on Saturday August 14th. I can't even believe it's been three years. I am sure I just blinked my eyes and three years passed. I need it to slow down... S.L.O.W. way down.

We couldn't seem to get everyone together at once to come celebrate, even as pea sized as our family is, so we did mini-celebrations, starting with Aunt Krissy at the end of July. On their birthday, we celebrated with them in the morning with their favorite breakfast: whole wheat blueberry oatmeal flax seed pancakes. They LOVE these, really Steve can attest, and there is no way I would make them otherwise because they take forever to make. Then we opened gifts. Here are some highlights:

Presents:

Binoculars, lanterns, wedgits (love these things), talking trains and of course, silly bandz.

And, the time had come for them to have their own capes and masks, just like the one we got Ethan two years ago:

The superhero stance.

Look at Oliver's face!

Collin wasn't so sure about his cape... the tag bothered him.

Getting down with their build your own saxophone (another blowing toy good for Apraxic kids).

Collin doing what Collin loves to do, stand on his head.

It's on!

After icing their cake and putting the icing away, I turned to see the above pictured suspect grin... and this is what that was about...

Yep, trying to lick the cake.

Grandma Dee arrived at lunchtime and we took them out to lunch to celebrate. We actually had the wait staff sing happy birthday to them, which was so fun. Collin was really not sure about that many strangers singing to him (that's intimidating to him, not sure if it's part of the sensory issues he has), but Oliver was ALL smiles enjoying it thoroughly. Collin's fussing didn't last long when he saw the warm chocolate cookies though! They both loved them!

Bad camera photos:

Their big gift from Grandma Dee - their very first scooters! It was raining so they rode them around inside. They love them!

Grandma Dee and her grandsons.

Time for cake!

Blowing out the candles. It's funny, Oliver blows through clinched teeth and Collin sticks his lips way out and blows. They are just so cute!

Then on Sunday, Grandma Kathy, Uncle Ben and cousin Samantha came over for a little birthday celebration.

Their favorite thing was the music cards. Collin's was Spiderman and Oliver's was Batman. They are still playing them constantly!

Samantha, Uncle Ben, Ethan, Grammy Kathy, Oliver and Collin... in one of 200 shots to try to get everyone looking and smiling.

Next, that same afternoon, we had their neighbor friends over for some celebrating and neighborhood fun.

Homemade banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting (yum!), surrounded by silly bandz.

Collin was not too sure about everyone singing. Sometimes he is fine, sometimes he is not.

Enjoying their cupcakes and ice cream with friends... trauma from singing long forgotten.

"Hello doctor... I think there is something wrong with my mom. In one weekend I got cookies, cake, cupcakes and ice cream... the real kind, not that stuff with hidden vegetables and no sugar that she normally feeds us. What? Yes it was my birthday. That's it? Hmmm... how can I arrange to have this birthday thing every weekend?"

They had a wonderful birthday weekend surrounded by family and friends!

National Day Out

2010-09-03T20:53:00.002-04:00

Our local police and fire department did a GREAT job coordinating/organizing our National Day Out. We went with all our neighbor friends and the kids had a great time! There was a highway patrol helicopter which they all were able to get in.

A band that they danced to.Lots of games with cool prizes (like candy... Ethan somehow ate his before I even found out that was the prize).

Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, smoke houses (fire simulations), and much more.

There was also free food... of the cookout variety. Ethan and his friends had their food before I even got up there with the twins. Ethan's selection: hot dog, potato chips, cookie and slushy blue/red slushy thing. Hmmmm. I got the twins a hot dog, pretzels and a cookie. They ate the pretzels until they saw Ethan with chips... then it was over. They actually only ate the cookie and chips. Nutritious!

Collin hitched himself with Ms. Judy (Ms. Oody as Collin says) when she went to get food for herself. She said he begged for food saying how hungry he was, so guess what she got. When he got back to the playground he promptly and quietly started shoving them in before I saw him. He actually also invited Oliver over for some, very rare for either of them to share such delicacies.

Then Homemade brand ice cream was there, so they got ice cream too.

It was a great time!

That night, Ethan was telling us his belly hurt. He said, looking at his belly, "belly, I am so sorry... I am not going to feed you that much junk food again." (it was true, his belly is not used to that much junk) I had a mix of silent laughter and skepticism.

This just in...

2010-09-02T23:04:00.000-04:00

August 10, 2010. (yes, it's pretty obvious I am really far behind in blogging)

Breaking news from Central Ohio: This just in. We have reports that Oliver has taken a bite of a green bean, chewed and yes, it appears that he has swallowed it. Wait, there's more. They are telling me that he picked up another and ate it too. It truly is a miracle. This day needs to be noted on calendars forever as the day that Oliver actually ate a vegetable. We will continue to report any new breaking news, perhaps broccoli or asparagus, as it comes to us. We now continue your regularly scheduled program. Thank you and good night.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Seriously people, this is noteworthy. This child, since he graduated from purees, would not touch a veggies, no matter the color or consistency or flavor (sweet, savory)... the moment it hit his tongue it was back out again. No matter what. Even if it was hiding in something, he'd be chewing, make a face and out would come the lone tiny hidden chunk of veggie. That said, he still hasn't detected it in the smoothies, popsicles and ice cream. About six months ago he started eating raw baby carrots randomly. Now this? Okay, okay, we called them "green fries." What? It worked. They were fresh so I kept them long. It's not even like he gets fries often and if he does they are ones I make myself and bake. But, it seemed to work. He ate maybe ten. The next week he ate three servings of "yellow fries"... er beans. And about a week ago he insisted on eating green beans raw as I was prepping them. Of course, it's not consistent. He doesn't always eat them... but three times in a month is more than none in two years. And to that I say: woo hoo!

Noodles

2010-09-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

Ethan and I had a little "date" night at the beginning of August. It was actually just dinner and back to school shopping, but since we get out so rarely by ourselves... I'm calling it date night. And really, what a handsome man to spend a Saturday night with!

We went to Noodles which is currently the boys favorite place for dinner (Panera is a close second - first if it is breakfast time). Other than who doesn't like anything made with noodles, the big draw is the chopsticks. Ethan is all about the chopsticks. It's pretty darn cute, I must say.

After dinner we went shopping for his school supplies and some clothes. I have to take him with me now because he is slim and even some of the ones with adjustable elastic bands they make now don't work... unless the MC Hammer look is still in that is. So, he must try on all the pants to see if they are the right cut. Funny... shopping with a five year old boy is not quite as much fun as I imagined. He doesn't have the same excitement as I do for such things... sigh...

Still, it was a fun night with my little big man.

The Fair

2010-09-01T22:30:00.002-04:00

We decided to take the boys to the fair at the beginning of August, as it had been four years since Ethan had been and the twins have never been... so what the heck, let's go to the State Fair. We met Aunt Tricia and Aunt Marnie there, along with Hannah, Jonah and Ainslee.

It was lunchtime by the time we all managed to get there. I'm not proud of this... but we were at the fair... and everything comes on a stick... so I had to teach the boys to eat food off a stick. I know! But... it was the fair. When in Rome... They started with a corn dog. I KNOW! But... again, it was the fair and I just want everyone to know that I am not a stick in the mud (get it... stick in the..., anyhow...). After that, they had an elephant ear. I KNOW! Um... they loved both. They washed it down with lots and lots of water.

"What is this thing mom? Ohhh, fried dough with cinnamon sugar... yum!"

"I'm still tackling this thing on a stick... now you are giving me fried dough... are you messing with me mom?"

We went through a few of the animal places. In the bunny area, one of the owners got a bunny out for the boys to pet. They thought that was great. The bunny on the other hand was not as sure about this whole deal.

After that, we decided to ride a couple of the rides that looked the most safe, for a fair ride. The boys LOVED them. LOVED them. As a matter of fact, when the ride was over and everyone got off, Oliver just moved over in his seat and settled back in. Did not want off. Thought he could keep riding it over and over. He was NOT happy when we got him off.

I wasn't able to get it on film, but at one point Oliver put both his elbows up on the back of the seat, leaning back just enjoying the ride like he owned it. It was so cute!

Ethan, Oliver and Jonah.

Collin decided that he wanted to ride in the front car of the train and not with the rest of the boys. He wasn't the least bit intimidated (as he normally is) that there was a girl in there already. Based on how well they hit it off (they laughed and talked the entire time!), I am not so sure his motive wasn't the girl in the first place. Hmmmmm.....

"That's my mom over there. She'll need to meet, interview and approve you before we can take this to the next level."

We also went to the petting area. We got them the shredded carrots they offer for sale to feed the animals. Collin ate some himself... before we could stop it... um... we hope it was just plain old carrots. We haven't noticed any odd behaviors, but it is ornery Collin, so one would never know.

All in all, it was a fun day at the fair.

Words from the monitor

2010-08-09T21:44:00.005-04:00

We hear some pretty funny things from the boys on the monitors. I've decided to start documenting them because though I think I'll remember... well... we all know better.

5 a.m. (ish) Saturday morning: sound of light switch flipping on, then Collin's voice talking to a sleeping Oliver: "Olber, yu see my bink? Olber, wher my bink? Oh... der it is." I walk in: "Hi mom, I foun my bink, see?"

6:30 a.m. (ish) Sunday morning two weeks ago: Oliver voice: "Collin, you awake? Collin, you awake? Collin, you awake?........" I walk in to find Oliver sitting on his knees in Collin's bed, with his face in Collin's sleeping face, repeating "Collin, you awake" over and over. Then, to me, "Good morning mommy. He's not awake yet."

Any random night: loud background noise of the monitor being picked up, then the boom of Ethan's voice, his mouth right on the microphone area: "Mommy, I need to order a drink of water please." And if I don't bring it within a minute: "Mom... mom, I said I need a drink. Mom?"

Yes, Ethan still has a monitor. Until college I think, maybe longer...

Na, na, na, na, na, na.... na, na... BATMAN!

2010-08-07T20:55:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday night was Ethan's long awaited first drive in the Batmobile.

Oliver's thinking, "when he grows out of it, it's mine... all mine..."

Burning rubber...

Oliver ran after him the entire time, smiling and laughing, enjoying it as much as Ethan.

Someone was giving this away years ago and we snagged it. All it needed was some parts and know how... enter daddy. It was worth the wait, Ethan absolutely loved it.

Candles and applesauce cupcakes

2010-08-05T21:44:00.008-04:00

Since Krissy was starting clerkship (med. school rotations), and therefore life (Mon-Sat) as she knew it would be over starting this last Monday, when she was down last Saturday she decided she wanted to have a little celebration for the twins birthday which is coming up.

She got them party hats and noise makers and made them applesauce raisin cupcakes. They loved it. They loved the hats and noise makers. They loved the singing of happy birthday. They loved blowing out the candles. They loved eating the yummy (and healthy) birthday treats. They loved their presents. And they love, love, love their Aunt Krissy.

Blowing out the candles... took a while but they actually did it.

Thank you Aunt Krissy! We haven't yet accepted that we might not see you until December (oh, you are so coming here then, so just plan on it), so don't be surprised if we call begging you to come down before. Really, you don't need to sleep on Sundays... a five hour round trip visit to us would be more fun... right?

Aunt Krissy Palooza

2010-08-05T21:41:00.000-04:00

We have been lucky enough to see Aunt Krissy at least one time on four of the five weekends in July. Krissy and I were discussing it and we think we saw her more in July than we did the entire year to that point. The boys are LOVING it. We don't get many family visitors unfortunately (read: family, please come visit!), so when we do they go crazy. Plus, Aunt Krissy likes to get on the floor and build, play action figures, do pretend play and just about anything else they want to do... so she's tops in their books.

I also love having her, not only to see her and catch up, which we rarely get to do since she started medical school two years ago and two hours from here, but also because that means I can get something done. Like I said, we get very few family visitors, so when we do, I take advantage of it. Steve and I either try to get some much needed deep cleaning done in warp speed when we actually have someone to watch the boys, or Krissy and I take them on "field trips" to places I am not brave enough to do on my own yet (while daddy is trying to knock out some "house to do" items that have mounded into triple digit numbers since the twins were born and we have no time to get anything done) or I take her along to knock out some errands that again, I am not brave enough to do alone (while Steve, again, tries to make a dent in the list).

This last weekend I chose errands. Specifically getting shoes for the boys - which was both much over due. Now, all of you that are parents (especially those of multiples) will appreciate how grateful Steve was that it was Krissy going with me and not him. Add the fact that it was the first weekend of the buy one, get on 1/2 off sale at Stride Rite and that gratefulness quadruples. There is nothing fun about shoe shopping with twin two years old... though fortunately Ethan has gotten easier.

It actually didn't go too badly. We did several pass-bys of the store, waiting for the crowd to leave, and managed to hit it on our fourth time (I think) around. Ethan had picked out his shoes on-line already, so he was easy. He got in the store, found his shoes, got fitted and was done. I have to tell you, I thought it was so cute that he wanted so much say in his shoes this time. Normally he is fine with just about anything. This time he wanted the slingshots with silver on them. Collin was the only one that gave us any issues at the store. Oliver was pretty easy... well, until he decided he wanted to try on more shoes (once we were done with him). Both Oliver and Ethan wanted to wear their new shoes, whereas Collin was insistent on his "bown hoes"... which are hideous.... but that's another blog post.

We were able to do a little clearance back to school shopping, while waiting for the shoe store to get less busy, also much needed (still need to do more if anyone is up for it...). Our other accomplishment was we were able to narrow the backpack selection down. They all want the new Pottery Barn Kid backpacks. Yes, they are superheros. Ethan and Oliver want Batman and Collin wants "hiderman." I am still debating over the size to get Ethan and whether to get their names embroidered on them when I order them, but at least we have a decision.

Oliver did have one melt down in which he put himself in time out in the mall walkway. I don't think he was feeling well, because he wasn't doing anything that called for a time out. But nonetheless it was kind of funny when he said "Oliver's in time out" kind of crying and whiny.

All in all, it was a pretty good mall trip. Maybe we are getting over the hump... maybe...

Having a blast in the play area (the camera on my phone is really slow to focus... and they are really fast to run... which equates to blurry photos of quickly moving bodies):

Stitches before three, a new family record

2010-08-04T22:00:00.007-04:00

I knew it wasn't a good sign when Ms. Erin called me at 4:25 pm (shortly before I normally get home). I just had this bad feeling. She stuttered a little and then said quickly that Oliver had fallen, she was sure he needed stitches, and though he complained about his head hurting he was running around having a good ol' time. Whoa, back up to the "need stitches" part!

Ethan and Oliver were playing, as they do, and Oliver fell into an end table at just the right angle, in just the right way... apparently... and gashed his eyelid open (right side, right under his eyebrow). And in typical Oliver fashion, recovered quickly and went on playing only complaining about his head hurting every five minutes or so in a matter of fact way.

When I picked him up, leaving the other two with Ms. Erin until Steve got home, he was all happy and excited to go. When we got to the Children's Close to Home urgent care he was perfect. Smiling and happy waiting in the waiting room FULL of people. When they called us, he got on the scale without issue, let them take his blood pressure and temperature and then play with his eye... all the time smiling (this is the complete opposite of Collin). Quickly they determined he did indeed need stitches, so they put the numbing gel on (and gave him some ibuprofen too) and off we went to the waiting room while the gel did it's work.

This was actually in the room right before they put in his stitches... I couldn't get him to stand still in the waiting room so the photos are really fuzzy (my camera phone is slow). That's how they put the numbing gel on.

After about 25 minutes they called us back. They put Oliver on the table, framed his head in "super clean" papers, and started stitching. The child smiled the entire time and did not even flinch one bit. Not at all. Just laid there. I, on the other hand, was ready to pass out. He was such a little trouper. Never one phased by the sensation of them stitching or the closeness of the man's hands to his eye. Wow. The doctor and two suture techs that were there during it were even amazed.

My little baby laying on the table as they get ready to prep him.

Right after the stitches.

As you know, Oliver is Ethan's mini me. He wants to do everything that Ethan does. Today though, it seems he wanted to take it one step farther and beat a record Ethan previously held - stitches at 3 1/2 years. As a matter of fact, Ethan got his stitches two years ago this month. They were on his forehead. Oliver lost the gore factor though, Ethan's was spewing blood (I am not kidding - it was unbelievable) like some low budget horror movie.

At home afterwards, eating a very late dinner.

At this point, considering some of our other trips there over the years, I am thinking about just buying a couple chairs in the waiting room to have reserved for us. I kind of envision a gold plaque on them that reads "Moore Boys." And maybe also seeing if they will institute a fast pass for us. That way, I could just scan it at the door and walk back to our chairs, which I am certain we will occupy frequently. Sigh...

The line...

2010-08-02T20:30:00.001-04:00

As I was making the boys some homemade ice cream (frozen yogurt), I wondered to myself: "Self, have you crossed the line?" You see, I had decided to make them strawberry, kiwi and spinach ice cream. Yes, spinach as the green leafy vegetable. Yes, in ice cream. Yes, I have graduated to green ice cream, from mere smoothies and popsicles. What? Something wrong with that?

I blame Oliver. If he would eat a green veggie, or anything other than a raw carrot here and there, I wouldn't have to sneak spinach and kale in their treats. That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

Regardless, as I blended the strawberries, kiwi, yogurt, milk... and spinach together, then poured into the ice cream maker and later when watched them lovingly eat the ice cream, professing their love and drinking the last drops from their bowls... I had to wonder to myself... One day, when they find out... will it affect the care I get as on old woman? Will I get the crappy nursing home in the middle of no where? Will they sneak prunes into all my food? Will they get me the cheap diapers? Will they only leave me big polka dotted moo moos to wear? Will I pay for this somehow?

With this in mind, I scurried for my camera. In a defensive move for the future, I decided to photograph them enjoying the last bites of their strawberry kiwi (*cough* spinach) ice cream. Surely when they see how happy they were and how much they loved it, they will forgive me. Right?

Shirtless because he got some on his shirt, and if you know Ethan, he hates to have wet clothes.

Enough said, one happy boy.

Has to do whatever Ethan does... thus shirtless.

His "I love this so much" head throw back.

And yes, it is light brown and chocolate looking... that's the color it makes when you mix these red and green items... kind of messed up, huh?

The case of the blueberry snatchers

2010-08-01T21:16:00.008-04:00

Okay, there really isn't a mystery here... it was actually an open and shut case.

After our big fruit trip, like I said, I was busy freezing oodles of blueberries for smoothies, "ice cream," popsicles, pancakes, muffins and just plain eating. The boys LOVE frozen blueberries. While I was getting another set of pans (from the garage freezer) full of frozen blueberries to transfer to bags, I walked back in to boys giggling and absconding (or trying to) with handfuls of blueberries.

(these photos are from after I discovered them, which still didn't stop them)

Ask me how many from those freeze batches actually made it into the bags... not many... but there were happy bluish purple faces and hands abound.

The annual family and fruit pilgrimage

2010-07-31T22:44:00.002-04:00

We went on our third annual family and fruit pilgrimage north. It actually started in 2006, but we skipped 2007, which was the summer (August) the twins were born. I call it the family and fruit pilgrimage because we meet Grandma Dee and Aunt Krissy in Mansfield to pick blueberries and apples or peaches (depending on the month). Since it is about midway between the the three of us, we meet there to spend some time together and the bonus is it has a ton of great orchards.

The day's pickings... the next day, I made a big batch of applesauce and blueberry ice cream (frozen yogurt) and froze tons on blueberries and peaches. And, of course, enjoyed peach bellinis with a couple neighbor moms.

The first place we went this year was Blueberry Patch (which also has raspberries, not yet in season) where the blueberries were bursting off the bushes. It was fabulous! We happened to hit two days after that section of bushes were peak. Last year, however, we were not so lucky... and two years before that, it was much of the same (though the first year we ended up more in raspberry season, which was also good, aside from the ginormous very colorful spiders hiding in all the bushes... between the thorns and the spiders and having a one year old, picking sounded a little like "ouch, AHHHHH!, mom, take Ethan out of here before something eats him!"). So, this year was awesome! We picked five buckets... in about 1 1/2 hours... with a five year old and twin two year olds... who were eating, not picking. They pretty much ate their way through the patch... which made for an interesting day after... if you know what I mean. I can't blame them though, blueberries right off the bush are so good. The boys actually did really well even though it was seriously the hottest day of the summer - really, I think that is what they actually called it on the stations. It was miserable. Collin only darted a couple of times and Ethan and Oliver pretty much stayed with us (dare I say, it just might be getting easier... uh, as long as there are three adults along too!)

Look at all the blueberries... they were like clumps of grapes.

After blueberries, we ate lunch then headed up to the peach orchard, Apple Hill (also an apple orchard obviously). I was super excited about the peaches since there have been very little in Ohio over the last three years due to spring frost. This year, however, they were bursting. We picked a 1/2 bushel in a half an hour, so much less painful than blueberry picking. The boys liked it, but really had more fun playing with sticks, dirt and a peach tree pretending to be rescue heroes... I think. I also snagged a couple bags of Pristine apples from their market store (they are not open for u-pick apples just yet).

This photo cracks me up. It's one of like 30 that I attempted to take (with Aunt Krissy and Grandma Dee behind me dancing and begging them to look and smile... good thing no one else was around), none of which turned out great. This one makes me laugh because of the stances and faces.

Rescue hero central.

We then headed over to a park down the road from the peach orchard, where the boys ran and played as if they got their second wind. On the other hand, there was not a shade tree near the playground, and I am pretty sure that the three of us adults were half melted at that point. Really... melted... I'm not joking. The boys had a blast, though. Both Ethan and Oliver were scaling everything, tall and scary (to me).

Still very much in rescue hero mode, Ethan was climbing everything.

Oliver followed Ethan up this... Oliver believes he can do anything Ethan can do... and most of the time does it. After I took this photo, I was underneath him the entire time spotting him.

Looking down at me once he got to the top. "Ha! I did it mom! What were you afraid of, that was a piece of cake!" He then did it at least a dozen more times.

Collin liked to climb the stairs and then run along the top portion of this giant play structure. He would stop in this little open area to talk to me... and then hang out forward just to mess with me.

These are from the old metal section of this playground. The paint is peeling and it looks nasty, but they have this super cool "clubhouse" like structure. It's kind of like a round short cage like thing, which you climb up into on a latter through a small hole. We are always pressed to get them out of this, once they get in because it's "their clubhouse." (or as Collin calls it "our hubhouse")

This face cracks me up.

It was a great day of spending time with family and picking oodles of fruit... even if it was a million degrees.

(however, on the way home all I could think about was how much I couldn't wait to take a shower the minute I walked in the door... actually dreaming about it excitedly...)

Visitors and the zoo

2010-07-28T22:00:00.001-04:00

Grandpa Ron, Grandma Lorrie and Aunt Krissy were up the weekend before last for a visit. We, and by we I mean Aunt Krissy, decided it would be fun to visit the zoo... on a Saturday... when it is ultra crowded... on a thousand degree day... with 1 million % humidity... We joked with her, but it was fun. Hot, very hot, very crowded, but fun.

The first thing we did was visit our Polar Bear exhibit. They were just hanging out eating ice... did I mention it was a thousand degrees when we were there? After watching them for a while and learning some interesting Polar Bear facts, we went below to the under water observation area. As it turns out, one of the Polar Bears was using the glass as a seat (oh yes Grandpa Ron, I'm going to go there...), so Grandpa Ron thought it would be funny to say to the boys "can you say Polar Bear butt?" Yes, I know. Note: I was not allowed to say butt in any context until I was grown and out of the house. Can you guess what the boys started repeating? And I am sure there were other children around doing the same thing, as I told Grandpa Ron that night, there were probably ticked off parents going home and discussing "that man who told our kids to say 'Polar Bear butt' and laughing all day." Mind you, such things are hilarious to little kids... Ethan repeated it laughing over and over... into the night. As a matter of fact, Monday night (over a week later), as we were eating dinner, out of the blue, Oliver said, "Can you say polar bear butt? Can you say polar bear butt? Can you say polar bear butt? hah, ha!" And there it started... all over again... all three boys... laughing and repeating it.

The now famed "polar bear butt."

After this we went to an indoor exhibit which the kids loved as it was more or less a nature themed play place... that was AIR CONDITIONED. We let them play a while.

Bottlenecks in the log...

Laying on the fake bed, having fun.

After petting some goats and wandering around a little more, we headed to lunch (okay it wasn't really leisurely like that, the boys were READY for lunch). This is where Grandpa Ron did it again. I caved and got the boys a hot dog to share (this after eating pizza, which Oliver wouldn't eat for some reason, thus my caving) and knew that Ethan would insist on ketchup so I got a little cup of that. Ethan tried to slurp the ketchup out of the cup, before even putting it on his piece of hot dog... not something I really wanted him doing. After I told him not to do that and then attended to another child (we had two tables), I turned to see him hunched over kind of facing the window doing something. Oh, I see... he has his tongue in the cup. Oh yes, Grandpa had given him the pointer to use his tongue instead... So he was hunched down hiding, like a junkie, while trying to lick the red treat out of the small cup. Can you say "bad influence?" (and kid's delight).

See the glassy eyes and distant stare...

We also fed the Lorikeets which Ethan and Oliver loved but Collin refused to do.

Actually, Collin was just done with the crowds and the heat at this point so he kept us moving... toward the exit. On the way out, Oliver insisted on walking (no stroller). He decided to hold Grandpa Ron's hand, it was pretty cute.

When we got home, we were all spent. Fortunately I had fresh picked peaches ready for bellinis all around, after the kids were in bed.

Coloring with Grandpa.

Failed photo attempt #128... I gave up.

Water + Bunnies + Big Hill = Good Time

2010-07-26T23:11:00.002-04:00

We took the kid's to our favorite (so far) splash park a couple of weeks ago. They had a blast and I have a ton of photos to prove it... not that you were in doubt... more that I just couldn't narrow my selections down...

Signature Oliver... no fear.

Trying to stop the water with their hands.

Oliver found a bucket...

Water smack in the face... loved it.

Ethan knowingly sitting on a water hole... before it went full force... um....

Yoda finally comes out of the dark to check it out.

Yoda Collin: "Closer will I get."

Yoda Collin: "Cool this is."

Yoda Collin: "Walk will I."

Yoda Collin: "Following me they are."

Ethan leading Oliver to a waterfall.

SPLASH!

I love this!

Collin (as himself): "I came, I saw, I conquered this joint."

Having fun...

Dancing bunny statues...

Rolling down the giant hill...

Collin trying to roll down...

Collin: "Ready, set, go Ethan and Oliver!"

The sixty fifth (I'm not kidding!) roll/run down the hill...

Moo!

2010-07-25T23:26:00.001-04:00

Over the fourth of July weekend, the boys, Aunt Krissy and I ventured down to Young's Jersey Dairy farm while daddy and Uncle Ben stained the deck and swing set. I had heard that it was a fun place, so I wanted to take the kids. Fortunately Aunt Krissy was free for the weekend and up for the road trip with us.

Our first stop was actually the farmer's market in downtown Yellow Springs, because you know I love farmer's markets. The town was a super cute and very hippy like. Patchouli could be smelled the minute you opened your car door. Aunt Krissy and I loved it. My inner hippy was being channeled as we walked by all the cool stores. However, we had little ones with us who are not quite ready to wander in and out of shops. So, after the farmer's market, we headed to the dairy farm.

They had a petting farm area, a nice "kiddie corral" area, a giant slide, old tractors and lots of really good ice cream, as well as putt putt golf, batting cages and a fun little ride. Somehow, though, we missed the cows. The kids did pet goats and sheep, and get to see chickens and roosters, all of which they loved. Their favorite area, aside from the ice cream, was the kid's play area. They had hay bales with slides, a giant corn sandbox, bikes to ride on, a huge cow bounce house and a few other things. All of it was covered, which Aunt Krissy and I loved... my camera on the other hand was another story (grrrrr).

Big tire full of corn. They loved burying things in it, including each other.

"Look mom, I'm making a corn angel!"

Corn... hours of entertainment.

The old tractors, that were used on the farm a long time ago, were an Oliver model. Naturally we had to get a photo of Oliver on the Oliver.

They also had a giant slide, which we received free tokens for at the restaurant since it was our first time there. Unfortunately no one mentioned that there was a height requirement. Oliver was NOT happy when we got there and they turned him down. Not happy at all. Ethan had fun his two trips down though. And we quickly diverted Oliver by going back to the play area. They loved it there.

I think we were at the farm for close to six hours (including lunch) and they easily could have stayed longer. It was well worth the trip. And when we got home, the deck and swing set was done. Double bonus!

It was a long, hot sweaty, very fun day... and clearly time for a haircut.

The discovery made from sweet corn...

2010-07-23T22:11:00.001-04:00

It's July in the Midwest, so we were partaking (again) in a favorite among the boys and I - sweet corn. As Ethan picked it up and took a big bite off the ear of corn, he stopped and said "I can't eat this." When asked why he said, "My tooth hurts when I bite it. I can't eat this" while he put his hand on his mouth.

Okay, Ethan does have his moments of making up great things as reasons for not wanting to eat something, albeit they are usually a little more creative like, "I can't eat that because my belly spoke to me and told me it was too full. Can I have my fruit now?" (hmmmm... but your belly just said it was...) However, Ethan loves sweet corn and repeated the tooth thing several times. So Steve decided to take a closer look.

It. Is. LOOSE! My baby has his first loose tooth!! My baby is going to get big boy teeth! Wait, he's my baby... how could this be happening already?

It's the bottom front left tooth. Yes, that's corn in his mouth... sorry... no time for such editing.

Ethan was so excited. He said he was going to tell everyone. He also went on to say, "so this means the tooth fairy will come soon too right? And she will leave me a penny!" Wow, this tooth fairy is going to get off really cheap!

I am excited for him, but I am also sad. Am I the only mom that shed a small tear over her first born's very first loose tooth?

Collin, on the other hand, has no loose teeth...

The artist and his tongue

2010-07-22T23:05:00.002-04:00

Oliver loves to color. On most days, multiple times a day, you can find him up in the chair at the kitchen table surrounded by paper and crayons just coloring away. We actually have the supplies in an area where he can easily get them because otherwise all we would hear throughout the day is "I want to color. Please can I color. Get me crayons! I want to color."

He doesn't care what he is coloring on - paper, coloring books, important papers, books... no preference (fortunately he typically does not color on non paper items). He just loves to color. He would love to use markers and paints too, however Collin sneaks them off the table then colors the walls, furniture, doors, clothes, etc. with those items so we restrict it to crayons... washable crayons. He also tends to color two ways, either filling the entire page with scribbles of different sorts or in a coloring book where he will attempt to color in the lines (he's far from it, but he is talking about it so I know he is trying). He will color for anywhere from 15 - 30 minutes at a time. Steve calls him a "coloring fiend."

Our little artist at work:

He was also observed and complimented on having a "beautiful tripod hold" on the crayon, which I am told is good for a child his age.

He tends to have his tongue sticking out when he is really concentrating on his coloring.

As I sit here typing a few blog posts, with my tongue out, I see how it does give you a creative edge. I wonder if it would help me to stick my tongue out while concentrating on some of my projects at work...

The fourth and Ethan's fashion statement

2010-07-21T20:49:00.000-04:00

Ethan and I met the neighbors for music and fireworks on the 4th of July this year. We went to a park where our local symphony had a pre-firework performance. Not only was the music nice, but the vast green space for the kids to run and play was awesome!

At one point, Ethan, Christopher and I walked up to see the symphony closer. We sat off to the side of them. The boys kept asking me questions about the instruments, their sounds, the conductor and other things... which brought me back to my own band days (elementary to high school that is, no wild bar bands in my past... sigh...). We stayed up right next to them for close to a half hour dancing, talking and just appreciating their talent... just me and the five and six year old boys. So cute, so fun!

After the concert, we turned our seat direction and watched the fireworks. Unfortunately they were slightly low for our location, but it was still fun overall. Aunt Krissy, who was down visiting, also made it there right as they started, which excited Ethan and meant Aunt Krissy got a lap full of Ethan.

A couple photos:

Christopher and Ethan talking while watching everyone run around:
Ethan... after I spayed him with bug spray. I've mentioned before he didn't like to have wet clothes and this was no exception. He's also not too proud to... well... create this beautiful fashion statement until he dried... (my neighbor Kris actually pointed out this "perfect blog moment" to me...)

Twins

2010-07-19T21:00:00.001-04:00

I didn't really have many thoughts on how the twins would interact when I was pregnant (honestly I was still in shock). I remember another mom pregnant with twins due a few months before me saying how excited she was that they would always be best friends and have their own language and special bond. She was so excited about this. I also remember after the twins were born that so many people would comment about it - the "twin connection." They would ask me if they slept curled up together, if they were only happy when they were together touching, if one cried, did the other cry because of their connection, and so on. To be honest, I never saw what many called this close bond. They didn't need to touch while sleeping and they didn't necessarily need to find each other in the middle of the night, moving closer. They didn't have to be together during the day.

Honestly, we really never saw any of the stereotypical perceptions of twins, in our twins. As a matter of fact, when they got older I remember Steve joking about how they play separately all day, then at night in their room they talk and bond in orneriness as if they are saying "hey man, how are you? I saw you in the family room today, how was your day?" They have never spoke for each other, or translated for each other. They don't have their own language.

Part of that might be because they are fraternal. Part because they have an older brother so close in age... and the fact that Oliver is obsessed with being Ethan's mini me. In fact, Oliver refuses to embrace the fact that he is not the age of Ethan and his friends and that he really can't/shouldn't do everything they do. Collin, on the other hand, is mostly the loner, doing things by himself (there is speculation from therapists that he does this due to his speech issue). Regardless, I wonder about it because they have never known life without one another right there beside them.

Lately, though, we have seen some little pockets of a special kind of bond. There's been more special hugs, some sharing and caring (not much, but some...), much more referring to each other as "brother" in a proud way, and some sweet little moments like this one...

I love to see these moments and it makes me think and reflect on the "twin connection" and all those questions people continue to ask me. I am glad, though, that their bond isn't so tight that Ethan is excluded. In fact, they seem to really enjoy each other like the three amigos... and I hope they always have that.

Boys being boys...

2010-07-18T19:53:00.005-04:00

We have a large white pine in our backyard and under that pine is a virtual play land for the kids. I remember telling Steve last year that we needed to remove a few low hanging branches and let the kids play under there. So we did. And they do. They love it. They call it the tree house. They dig and arrange. They section it off when there are lots of them. They seem to have a blast. A dirty, messy, sweaty blast.

They have come up with some pretty funny things over the summer... most of which I have forgotten exactly what it was they said or asked (which I why I need to blog more...grrr!), but I do recall one that just happened. Actually it happened when Steve and Mike (Christopher's dad) were watching the boys. Apparently they asked Steve and Mike to dig them a basement. Steve and Mike both responded that it wasn't necessarily a good plan to do that. Christopher, a persistent little guy, kept on Mike saying "Yeah, but you can do it right? You can make us one. How about you just dig a small one..."

We love seeing the boys digging, exploring and having fun in the dirt while using their wild imaginations. Isn't that what being a kid is all about?

The comic

2010-07-16T22:59:00.004-04:00

I am having such a hard time slicing away time for the blog... for months now. And when I do have a moment here or there, I just can't seem to get my blog groove on. I have SO MUCH to put up here from the last couple months... great photos and stories and updates and... I'm sure I'll get to it... just don't be surprised if in December I am talking about what we did in June. The blog is also my scrapbook of the kids... therefore nothing is ever too old to talk about!

In the meantime, I will leave you with this photo of Oliver, our little comedian. After dinner many times we need to strip the twins because they are covered in one thing or another - especially on nights they have popsicles (yes, the berry/spinach ones). Typically it's just the their shirts that need to come off, but on this night Oliver decided that his shorts also needed to come off.

Yes, he thought he was hilarious by putting his shorts on his head and walking around the rest of the night like that. He said, "I funny! hah! I so silly! hah ha!"

Our nature getaway

2010-07-07T22:40:00.006-04:00

We went on a little nature getaway in late May to Salt Fork State Park. We used to go there all the time when I was a kid. Back then, I thought it was camping. Since we stayed in the lodge (hotel) and ate at the restaurant and swam in the indoor pool, you can imagine my shock later in life when I actually was sent to Girl Scout Camp... in a tent... with outhouses... which we had to clean... and no electric for hair dryers... yes, traumatic. At any rate, on our Salt Fork getaways as a kid we used to hike, fish and boat as well. We had a great time and I have a lot of fond memories surrounding these many getaways.

Because of this, I thought it would be fun to share such things with the kids. We (okay, I) decided to get a lakeside cabin for our few day stay (Steve wanted to stay in the lodge). Lakeside cabin, doesn't that sound divine? I love water and a cabin on the lake sounded awesome. In the photo there was a big "yard" and it rolled into the water. There was a fire pit and table. In my head the kids could run and play in the yard and we could have a fire every night and do fun stuff they never do like make pot pies (pizza, grilled cheese, etc), s'mores and I might even get hot dogs for the occasion. Needless to say, as I am sure you can guess, it wasn't all quite as perfect as I imagined.

The cabin was a pit. A very expensive pit. As it turns out, they were built and furnished in 1972 and that is how they remained (yes, they told me this, furniture, carpeting, curtains, stains, everything...). Really, a Super 8 would have been nicer. Which really surprised me because from Memorial Day (which was the weekend after we were there) until the day the last leaf falls off the trees in the fall, you cannot get a cabin. They are booked a year in advance. Between that fact and the mere cost of these, I really expected something much, much nicer... and cleaner. I won't go into detail, but really, they really needed an upgrade. The photo on their website was also a little misleading (yes, I know, I am in marketing...) because the actual usable flat part of the yard was tiny and it didn't roll into the lake, instead there was a 10 foot drop to the lake... the lake in which you could not see the bottom. The fire pit and table were four feet from this drop. Not exactly ideal for our young and fearless children. That said, we really did have a great time. Of course kids don't notice dirt, stains, and danger, so they had a blast

Our cabin... it doesn't look too bad from the outside... right?

Right after we got there, we decided to hike up to the lodge (partly due to seeing the inside of the cabin... and needing to air it out a bit). As Steve went to walk up the steps and get onto the path, he screamed. He had spotted a huge (*cough* small) snake next to the steps. The boys thought that was great (I was too busy laughing to notice or photograph it). In the first day alone between the hiking and at the cabin, in addition to the snake, we saw a ton of turkey vultures, a heron (who kept us company lakeside all week), a red fox, deer, numerous cool birds, and a ton of different bugs (yippee!).

The bag is for collecting kindling for the fire... which as it turns out is a very exciting mission for three little boys.

After hiking around and checking out different areas surrounding us (and Steve asking me again for the fiftieth time why we didn't stay at he lodge instead), we decided to attempt a bonfire. Between the steep slope leading up to the fire pit and the 10 foot drop four feet from the fire pit... it was a little less than relaxing for Steve and I. The boys thought it was great, between the fire, hot dogs and s'mores, they were happy little campers.

Hanging out on the porch (yes I know his blankets are on the dirty porch... if you saw the inside cabin you would have given up as well) while we cleaned up after dinner.

We got a boat the second day. We decided to get a "real" boat for this adventure, something fun and fast... like a big ol' pontoon boat. What? Pontoon boats don't spell "real," fun and fast to you? The lake was gorgeous and the kids did seem to enjoy it. Ethan and Steve attempted to fish while we were out there, but the fish just weren't biting, at least not within Ethan's (or Steve's) period of patience.

Lounging in the sun...

Fishing...

Oliver randomly screaming... I fun thing to do on the open waters... apparently.

Our cabin... Collin HAD to be behind the wheel.

We also attempted the beach, which was dubbed as 'the longest lake front beach,' with pavilions, volley ball nets and putt putt golf. I brought all our sand toys, a shade tent and a picnic lunch thinking how much fun the kids would have. I've been to a lake beach before, albeit they were three of the Great Lakes, so I thought this would be similar. It was not... not even close... it was a mud pit... (partly due to the massive amount of rain for a few days solid). I've never claimed to be the brightest person (especially after kids). But again, the kids were obviously and had fun regardless. (BTW, mom and dad... now I know why I have no memory of a beach on our vacations... only the clean indoor/outdoor pools... I am guessing you saw it - after we just moved here from the beaches of Maine - and said no fricking way!)

We also spent a little time in the indoor pool. Oliver and Ethan, both with swim vests on, loved it. Oliver was all about trying to swim. Ethan was his cautious self but really enjoyed the water. Collin on the other hand wanted nothing whatsoever to do with the water or the pool area. As a matter of fact, he walked over to the elevator (pool side), pushed the button and got on.... while I rushed across the wet floor in time to stick my hand in and stop the doors from closing. He knows what he wants and does it. Needless to say, we didn't spend as much time at the pool as we would have liked. (no photos of this... too busy chasing a very head strong two year old!)

The boy's room had two sets of bunk beds in it. They LOVED that! They bounced around from bed to bed. When we got there, Ethan put several of the outdoor toys, flashlights, games and activity books into the drawers (thanks to Grandma Dee for stocking us up on tons of very cool things for our trip!), just making himself at home. Every night they would come out after we put them to bed, requesting something. At first it was pretty cute, but it wore off after an hour and a half the first night. Regardless, to see the three of them trail out with the selected spokesperson for that trip in the lead and stating their requests for water, or missing blankets, or tucking in or more lights, or whatever, was quite funny. The first night this went on until 10:30 pm, the second until 9:30 pm and the third they were out by 8:15 pm.

Story time.

The weather was absolutely perfect. It seriously could not have been any nicer for our entire stay there. The views from our screened patio in the morning and late evening were also perfect and relaxing, for water lovers like me... at least once I got over the ginormous spiders (no drama, these suckers were as big as my thumb) crawling on the outside of the screen (*shudder, shudder*).

The boys looking out of the screened in back porch.

The view of the sunset...

Overall it was good time. And considering they offered to give us a "incredible deal" on one of the recently updated more expensive (these include a jacuzzi and fireplace - neither thing we really wanted) lakeside chalets if we decided to come back again, which includes a special deep clean just for us (they sent me a survey... I was honest...), we might try it again next year... a little wiser, a little less nostalgic and a lot more prepared.

Safety City

2010-07-06T21:52:00.001-04:00

Ethan and his friend Andy attended Safety City in June. They had a blast and we (Andy's mom Kris and I) enjoyed all their conversations and explanations about it. This program is run with the help of our police and fire departments and though I didn't see what they did during class, I know it had to be amazing and engaging. Like I said, they loved it and took in a lot.

Ethan got a "real" police badge for knowing his address. He rode on a school bus for the first time and "it was so fun and guess what mom?! three people can fit in ONE seat!" They put out a fake fire.

They even had a visit from Ronald MacDonald, but knew it wasn't him. Kris said they were talking about it in the car. Andy said that he and Ethan knew he was not real and just someone dressed up. Ethan said "he saw right through him" and that it was one of the firemen dressed up. They continued talking about it and both kept saying that they knew and "saw right through him." Too funny!

When Aunt Krissy was here this last weekend, he was sure to share some advice with her, like what to do if you find a gun. "Stop. Don't touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult." I'm not sure why he thought she needed the advice, but I sure am glad he knows it!

Here are some photos of graduation day.

Ethan walking across stage to get his certificate of completion.

Andy and Ethan with fire hydrant (okay, if this little character had a special name... I forgot it!).

Officer Jeff. He was out greeting them every morning. One morning when Kris took them to safety city they talked about him the entire ride there, but when they walked in and he said hi to them, they only looked down and didn't respond. All the sudden the shy bug bit them.

They boys with PC (Police Car)... that one I remember.

Who knew a rubber band could be so exciting?

2010-06-28T22:49:00.000-04:00

Silly Bandz have invaded our home. For those of you who don't know, though I am guessing I was really one of the last to know, these are shaped rubber band bracelets. And for whatever reason they are the rage with kids from two to who knows... teenagers even wear them. What's more surprising to me (not sure why) is that they are unisex bracelets. Meaning, doesn't matter if you are a girl or a boy, you love them the same. Now we had Jelly Bracelets when I was a kid, which were just round colored plastic bracelets, and they were the rage (thank you Madonna)... but only girls wore them. Those were big, these are even bigger. It's crazy.

When Silly Bandz entered our house, the boys converged on them excitedly. They went through them one by one, put them on, took them off, ooo'ed and ahhh'ed over them, traded them, bartered for them, fought over them, obsessed over them, slept next to them... I'm convinced they are some form of kiddie crack disguised as colored, shaped rubber bands. Really, there is no other explanation.

Yesterday, one of the boys' neighbor friends, Christopher, had a birthday party. For the first part of it, there wasn't much mention of these, instead they played with water related things. But after the presents, Silly Bandz became the buzz. Okay, yes, we got him some... Ethan insisted... I apologized to Christoper's mom already... but really... shouldn't they get to share in this crazy?

I brought the twins home after gifts, but Ethan and Steve stayed. Actually, all the kids went home, changed out of their water clothes, gathered up their bracelets and went back to Christopher's. Steve said that Silly Bandz were the main topic and focus of the remaining hour... among this group of boys. They traded them, compared them, showed them off, and just generally obsessed over them. Steve made the observation that what really was cool was when you had one no one else had... and decided to look for some of those on-line (yes, they suck in the 40 year olds too!). When he did this we found that there were all kinds of brands. Silly Bandz, Rubba Bandz (my favorite... just fun to say... Rubba), Zanybands, Memory Bands, Shaped Rubber Bands (I laughed that the unoriginality of this one, but found out they are from the original maker of the brand Silly Bandz), and the brand list goes on. They are themed, which we knew, but they can also be glow in the dark (Ethan kept telling us they existed and we needed to find them), tie dye, scented, glow and tie dye together, glitter, as well as licensed, as in movie characters, cartoon characters, sports teams, you name it. It's endless. I felt like I had just crawled out from under a rock. No comment please.

All this craze for something that cost pennies I am sure. Which begs the question, why can't we think of this stuff? Shaped, colored rubber band bracelets. Seriously?

Water fun!

2010-06-27T00:01:00.010-04:00

Some photos from the water fun filled afternoon of last Sunday...

Laying on the kid picnic table, watching us... "It's HOT out here, come get me once the canopy is up. Seriously, mom and dad, whose idea was it to get the west facing backyard without big shade trees?!"

Water trampoline (sprinkler under tramp).

Collin hung back most of the time, but when the hose was free and the sprayer was added, he wanted in on the action. There are boys behind the lids, specifically three five year olds (Christopher and Andy were here too). Poor Oliver was unprotected during this photo. They loved getting sprayed/hiding, as much as Collin loved spraying them.

Smiles and joy...

Mmmmm...

2010-06-21T22:00:00.005-04:00

Onions growing big...

Pepper turning yellow...

Baby red pepper starting to grow...

Yellow tomatoes getting ripe...

Red tomato almost ready...

Freshly pulled garlic drying in the sun...

You know what this means... Collin, Oliver and I get to eat tons of fresh salsa SOON! (we are the only ones that like it)

And thank you for not responding "you might be a redneck" to my "you know what this means..." lead in. If you noticed, those are all in pots, a lot of pots (there is also a lettuce, a broccoli and two strawberry pots)... in our backyard. I just couldn't commit to digging the ground, my thumb is not that green. Pots seemed less intimidating. The homeowners association has yet to find out... shhhh... don't tell them!

T-ball!

2010-06-18T21:38:00.001-04:00

As you know, Ethan started t-ball in May. The games have been in full swing for almost a month now. He seems to like it, though it helps that his two buddies (Andy and Christopher) are on the team.

He's also learning a lot.

Like:

When you hit the ball, you run... to first base... "that one... over there!" The "fast" part is still coming.

When you are in the outfield, there is a lot of downtime. Why not fill it up with...

hugging your friends
wearing your glove as a hat
seeing how high or how far you can throw your glove
playing the dirt
picking grass
tackling your friends (also bored and in the outfield with you)
staring into space, contemplating the meaning of life (what? it could be that... or what super power Green Lantern has... same thing).

When you have to sit out an inning, it's the perfect time for hide and seek. Or jumping off the bench and onto the fence behind the batter... then seeing how far you can climb up it.

Aside from that, when he is in a position where the ball actually comes to him, like the pitcher's mound or maybe first base, he does pay attention better and is more engaged (because there is action). Obviously, it's hard at this age with the skill level they are at. But he is picking it up in bits and pieces and doing pretty well.

My favorite is when he has a good play, he looks our direction and gives us the thumb's up. I love that!

I stayed home with the twins (Oliver was sick) a couple weeks ago and Steve took Ethan to his game. When Ethan got home he was telling me about the game. He said he got "three runs and caught the ball twice!" (btw, that means it rolled to him and he picked it up) He then said, "and guess what? One of my friend's caught the ball and got someone out ON BASE! You know who he is... his name starts with a C..." I, of course, knew. I loved the way he was proud of Christopher's success. That's all part of playing a sport and I love that he is getting that. After all, that is really what this is all about... teamwork, pride in your team and yourself and having fun.

BTW, Christopher is amazing; I'm in awe of him. Heck, he can throw and hit farther than me. Not that it's saying that much since I am completely inept at baseball/softball, but he's only five years old! (oh wait, I'm not sure that makes him look as good as it actually makes me look really pathetic... sigh)

Here's some photos of our little man:

On second base... playing in the dirt.

Covering third base

He looks like a big kid there!

Hitting the ball

Running for third

Freaking cute photo of him looking over at us during the game.