Zoo Hangover

On Sunday the boys had a zoo hangover I think. They were just tired and out of sorts all day. No one wanted to share and they all had their share of meltdowns. Uncle Todd and the gang came back over for the afternoon so Tyler was a little overwhelmed I think. They didn't take very good naps and then we also had to say goodbye Daddy. Uncle Todd's family was leaving right before I had to take Justin back to the airport. Tyler started crying saying he didn't want to leave, which just made it that much harder when they had to say good bye to daddy. Oma says once we left the house they were just fine. They then took a couple hours before they finally went to bed. I guess I should have expected one day of them out of sorts.

On Monday Uncle BJ and his gang left home in the morning. This made the house much more quiet as it was only the three of us, Oma, Opa, and Great Grandma. We had an easy day, as I was trying to get them back on schedule. We went to the mall, rode the carousel, got some new clothes, and then came home for a relaxing afternoon. The boys also behaved very well at Great Grandma's favorite restaurant. Overall a much better day.

Cousins and the Zoo

On Thursday everyone spent the night, so it was once a again a fun, full house when we woke up Friday morning. All the kids played and then Tyler and Carter took great naps. Justin went with Todd, BJ, and my dad to the Pentagon to see Todd's new office and the new memorials. They had a nice time and got home just as the naps were ending. After a nice pizza dinner Uncle Todd, Aunt Jessie, and their gang left, so Justin and I got some time to go out and see a movie by ourselves. My mom had to sit in our bedroom for an hour before the boys feel asleep, but she says she doesn't mind.

On Saturday Oma, Opa, Toby, and our family went to the National Zoo. They all had a great time and behaved so well! When we got there we got to see an elephant get a bath and watch the hippos play. Then we got to watch the Orangutans climb on the O ring around the zoo. After a lunch were all the kids ate very well, we saw the sea lions play King of the Rock (Tyler will tell you at the sea lion says "NO! not on the rock!"), the lions, and a bunch of other animals. The three boys then got to pick out on gift from the gift shop thanks to Oma and Opa. Carter picked an elephant and Tyler a hippo - they no longer can sleep without their animals. All three boys were fast asleep by the time we got home.

Christmas

The boys did very well on the four hour plane trip to Maryland. All thru the airport, security, getting to our gate they were pretty much perfect. On the place they also did well. They happily looked out the window, ate some snacks, and watched Finding Nemo. The only downside was no naps, but can't have everything. They were most excited when they saw Oma and Opa and waited again patiently for our bags.

We got to Oma and Opa's house and the boys found Toby and took off off like they had never been apart. They also got to see Great grandma, Uncle BJ, Aunt Abbi, and Norah again. We had a nice little dinner, watched Polar Express, talked a little about Santa and went to bed. When the boys woke up we read the Christmas story from their Bible and then went upstairs to check on the stockings. The boys were very excited to see new cars and books. After Uncle Todd, Aunt Jessie, Acacia, Shiloh, and Josiah came over and had a nice brunch, we set off to open the rest of the gifts.

Usually when we all get together with my side of the family, we take turns watching everyone open the gifts. We all thought this is how we would do it again this year - not a chance with 7 kids under 6. Tyler was so overwhelmed he actually left the room we were in and played by himself (which is quite the improvement from last year when he just cried the entire time). Carter wanted to open every single gift and is still working on the whole patience thing. The boys love their big Mack trucks and all the rest of their gifts. It was very noisy and chaotic at times, but a lot of fun. Having everyone there and watching all the cousins interact was very fun to watch. We then had a nice Christmas dinner, which all the kids behaved well for and then they played hard the rest of the day.

Leaving On a Jet Plane

Tomorrow morning we wake up very early and head to the airport. We are so excited to see everyone, but we still haven't even packed yet! I will try to blog from Maryland and update on all the fun times we are having. I hope everyone has a Wonderful Christmas and remember the blessings and hope the Lord gives us every day. I leave you with a picture of my boys - best friends like always - sharing lunch (I know the picture isn't that great, but it was very cute them feeding each other back and forth).

Christmas at Home

Last night our family of four opened up our Christmas gifts from each other. We went a lot less on the gifts this year, as we are trying to stress the importance of Christmas and also they really don't need anything. The boys didn't seem to notice at all. They were very excited and seemed to enjoy all their gifts. Tyler's favorite is - surprise,surprise, a match box fire station, and Carter seems to be his Elmo that you put together with Legos. Although he seems to enjoy just going from one thing to the next. The boys also got a big box of Lincoln Logs that I think Justin had more fun with than the boys. They made me read every book they and play with everything at least once before going to bed. The only thing boys want to do today is play with their toys. Tonight and tomorrow consist of cleaning and packing and then we our off!

Baking Away

Yesterday we kept up our tradition of baking goodies and bringing them to the firehouse. Since its only 3 days til we leave and we have a lot to do, Justin and I cheated and baked the cookies and fudge while the boys took their naps. When they woke up the helped us decorate the cookies.

The boys had a ball decorating their cookies. Carter thought it would be fun to dump out the whole container of sprinkles on one small cookie (you couldn't even see the cookie under the pile) and neither of the boys could resist taking bites. Once we were done we headed to the fire station. Like always the fireman were very generous and gave us a tour and let the boys climb on the trucks. They had a ball and the fireman told us we should keep bringing them back so they can watch the boys grow up. He also told us that the goodies they get from the community has dropped a lot this year, in fact we were the first to bring them something on their shift. I am glad that we kept this tradition and I hope the fire fighters know how much we appreciate what they do for our community - and for Tyler's imagination!

Soccer and Santa

Today the boys had their last soccer class of the semester. They had a blast so we signed them up for next semester. Tyler will be in an individual class, which right now he isn't so sure about. However since the majority of the class we stay off his field anyway I am sure he will do fine. Carter seems to like class more and more each time. He will stay in the same one as he is one of the youngest. Plus they do the parachute in his class - his favorite part!

After class we headed to Babies R Us to look at car seat bags before out big plane trip and we were surprised to see that Santa was there. I was relieved we wouldn't have to go to the mall to get the boys picture! Tyler once again said he wanted socks and Carter kept saying "Merry Christmas". The boys are getting more and more excited for Christmas. The next few days will be busy and then we are off!

Gift of Giving

Today the boys and I went out to get their presents for their Angel Tree kids. This is something we do every year since Tyler was born. The boys each pick a child from the Salvation Army tree (I try to help them pick a little boy about their age) and then we go pick out gifts for them. I am really trying to emphasis to Tyler and Carter why we give gifts and I think at least Tyler is starting to get the concept.



While we were at Toys R Us, he was more interested in playing with the Thomas the Train than helping me pick a Thomas toy out for Franky (his little boy). However Carter helped me pick something and we were off to find something for Timmy (Carter's child). Tyler was then more into it. As we were waiting in line I tried to explain one more time that the reason we give gifts is because we want to show others the love God showed us when we gave us the gift of Jesus. As we were leaving the store Tyler, in an excited little voice says "lets go give the kids their gifts!". I was happy to see he was excited to do it and not disappointed that he wasn't going to get to keep the gifts. We went to the mall dropped them off and had some lunch. As I was sitting there watching them eat and share food nicely, I was taken aback at what good boys I have. That we made it through another year with all the commercialism around us and they were more excited to give their gifts than to even ask for anything. Maybe they don't know yet they can ask for gifts, but I hope that's not the case. They have also had a blast making gifts for people and keep talking about wanting to give their gifts to everyone. Of course they ask to open their gifts up as well. I know it will get harder every year, but I pray that the boys will always have a heart of giving, like they do now.

Man I Miss This....

Today during nap, Carter woke up crying. I think he fell out of Tyler's bed. Thinking he was up for the rest of the day I brought him downstairs with me. He happily cuddled with me and then fell asleep on me for well over an hour (this was after an hour already in Tyler's bed). I don't think one of the boys have fallen asleep on me since they were newborns. I so enjoyed it!

It seems every other day Carter ends up in Tyler's bed with him. He used to move him back to his own bed, but decided we would just let them stay together. Why fight something that is so cute. And yes they are in matching pajamas. It's the only time Justin is ok with them matching.

It's Here!

I have decided to make this blog into a baby book of sorts for the boys. I never want to forget this time in their lives and I hope they will want to look back on this time as well and see what adventures they got into and what they were like at this age. So I published the blog into a hardcover book, complete with pictures, and it arrived today! The boys love looking at it and remembering all the things they did last year. A few favorites are Sesame Place, Easter, swimming, and going to the baseball games. I am very happy how it turned out and am so glad to have these books forever.

We have been very busy, with all the things that seem to happen this time of year. The boys enjoyed making some presents for their aunts and uncles and they love getting to do the Advent calendar we have everyday. At least once a day Carter breaks out into sing singing "Happy Birthday" to sing to Jesus, and Tyler can tell you most of the story of His birth. I also got to see a friend, Luke, from high school yesterday, and the boys behaved relatively well at the restaurant considering it was right during nap time (you know a kid is tired when they say "I want to go home" - Tyler, and "take a nap now" - Carter). I can't believe its only a couple weeks til we are on a plane to Maryland - we can't wait!

Winter Wildland

Once again I am behind on the blog. On Sunday night the four of us and Heather went to the zoo to see all the Christmas lights. Its gorgeous seeing all their lights and then the city lights from Cheyenne Mountain. The boys of course just love going to the zoo any chance they can get.

We feed the giraffes inside, which made them so close to us. Carter even got a little nervous. Then we headed out to see the other animals. When we got to the Mountain Lions, Santa Claus had just left them with a treat so they were awake, running and climbing and eating their snack. After watching the lions for a little bit (Justin and Heather would have loved to watch more) we ran to catch up with Santa. A nice surprise was that we found out Santa is a Christian! He asked the boys why he only brings three gifts (of course they don't really even get that Santa brings gifts) and then told them because it represents the Three Wise Men and the gifts they gave Jesus. Any more than three gifts and they are from someone else. It was nice to tie in this experience to why we really celebrate the holiday.

We found out that Santa would be feeding the hippos at 8:15, and we knew the boys would love that, so we decided to stay a little longer, have some hot cocoa,ride the carousel (which Carter giggles the whole way thru and waved to everyone) and then go see the hippos. We got there early, but it was great because we got to see the hippos eat a bunch of hay and then get into the water and play. They were playing with a ball and would shoot it up high in the air. Tyler got scared at this point and wanted to leave. It turns out he was nervous from everyone around yelling in excitement about the hippos. He was fine again after a few minutes. While waiting the boys also got to pet a snake and see Santa's reindeer.

Then Santa finally came. They first gave the hippos some bread that was cut into the shapes of trees and stockings. Then Santa brought out two cantaloupes. He put a whole cantaloupe into the hippos mouth and they just ate it right up - very cool! After talking to Santa some more we then took a ride up the Mountaineer ride, which is a ski lift to the top of the mountain. We saw great views and then met Mrs Claus at the top and colored some pictures for the animals. We then rode back down, got in the car and the boys were asleep within two minutes. It was a great night and the boys are still talking about it.

Say Cheese!

I have been unsuccessfully trying to get a picture of the boys together for our annual Christmas photo card. What is it about being two years old that makes kids not want to smile? And then when the two year old decides to smile the three year old either thinks its a good idea to strangle the two year old or start having a meltdown. Below are some of our attempts.

Grandpa and Grandma came for a quick visit with Aunt "Dawnie" on Saturday morning. Carter loved cuddling with Dawnie and Grandma. We eat out to breakfast to the Cracker Barrel and Tyler loved watching all the animated snowmen with Grandma and Grandpa . Both of the boys behaved very well during breakfast always love seeing them.

Lindsay and Randy were in town Saturday night and the boys once again did very well when we went out for dinner. They had a blast watching Randy draw them pictures and have Lindsay eat them up. The boys always seem to do their best when company is around and today was no different. I am glad other people think my kids are as well behaved as my bias eyes are. Life is good.

Gingerbread House

I can't believe there is only 3 weeks left til Christmas! The boys are getting so excited about everything. They love putting a new part of our Advent Calendar nativity scene on each day and seeing all the Christmas decorations around town. At church they have many trees, and a couple of them have presents under them. Today Tyler and Carter were walking back to my class and Carter saw the presents and started singing Happy Birthday. One of the other teachers told him that it is Jesus' birthday. When Tyler got to my room the first thing he told me was that he wanted to see Jesus. I think they may be getting what this holiday is actually about.

Tonight we built and decorated a Gingerbread house. Carter found out quickly that he could eat the decorations and then Tyler followed suit. They did a pretty good job of decorating it as well. Justin and I have no idea what to do with the house now however. There is no way we are going to let them eat that much sugar. The house is already falling apart a couple hours later. Oh well the boys had an absolute blast doing it, so the ten dollars for the kit makes it worth it.

More Snow

On Sunday morning it started snowing and didn't end til late Sunday night. By 4 in the afternoon we already had a good 9 inches! The boys had a blast helping us shovel the driveway. I am hoping Carter finally learned not to take his mittens off. He kept taking them off and then start crying because his hands were cold. When we went inside we was then screaming in pain because they hurt so much thawing out. We talked about why they hurt a lot so I am hoping he made the connection. To help everyone warm up they boys all got some hot cocoa - always a special treat.

Because of all the snow both Justin and I stayed home today. We took the opportunity to take the boys to the doctor. I wanted to make sure Tyler's strep was clearing up and they both have had some bad coughs for a few days. They only have colds, as their lungs and ears all sound good. Hopefully in a few days they will start feeling better. We are also going to put Carter on soy milk for a couple weeks to help his tummy feel better. We then went grocery shopping, took some naps (very short ones) and played games. All in all a very nice family day!