Becky's Boys

Best Friends

2012-02-15T17:31:00.001-08:00

We are so thankful for the relationship that Benjamin and Paul share as brothers. They are self-declared best friends. A few weeks ago, I overheard this conversation, as they were sitting on the floor, with their arms around one another.

"Paul, we're best friends."

"Yeah, we best friends."

"Paul, you are my first best friend, and blankie is my second best friend. And I am your first best friend and doggie is your second best friend."

"Yeah, dat's right, Benny. We best friends."

(Blankie and doggie are their "can't go to bed without them" objects.)

I just love how well they play together, and how much they really do like to play with each other.

Painting

2012-02-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

No new pictures to share--I haven't taken any lately. Last week, the boys were sick with a nasty cough/fever bug that's been going around. By the end of the week being cooped up in the house, I thought we were all going to lose it! This week, though, has been much better. We've had some warm weather, and even went to the park one day. Everyone is happier when we can play outside! I do have another video to share, though.

Jonathan and I don't get it, but we're glad they can make each other laugh!

Wii might be addicted!

2012-01-31T16:26:00.000-08:00

Benjamin and Paul sword-fighting.

Only one of them is actually playing--can you guess who?

Hammer Time

2012-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

Four-year-old simile

2012-01-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

While combing Benjamin's hair: "Mom, I'm holding as still as a dead animal."

Multiple uses for a shot glass

2012-01-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

Paul was having problems drinking his hot chocolate from a mug yesterday. So, Jonathan found a "baby cup" for Paul. He loved it!

Cars, cars everywhere

2012-01-10T07:20:00.001-08:00

The other day, as the boys were bathing (with their cars, of course), I realized there were car line-ups in every room of the house. They love their cars!

Our Christmas

2012-01-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Ryan, Rachel, Bella, and Bo

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids

Holding Baby Bo

A trip to the zoo

Watching Grandpa play Angry Birds

Water fun at the Science Center

We had a great visit with everyone, even if we were a bit tired by the end of the week!

New Year's Resolution:

2012-01-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

Exercise more.

Christmas cookies

2011-12-22T10:21:00.000-08:00

The ball of dough by the train cookie was Paul's doing. He kept trying to put random dough pieces on the cookie sheet. He understands it's not the shape of the cookie--it's the taste that matters!

It's just as much fun under the table!

Playing outside

2011-12-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

2011-12-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, not really, but Jonathan's dad did decorate our bushes and trees with lights while he was here. It's a little hard to make out, but those who have visited us will get the general idea.

Our Christmas tree

2011-12-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa came for a quick visit last weekend. They were able to see Benjamin in the children's Christmas program at church. We also exchanged gifts, and chose and decorated our Christmas tree.

Paul doing his part at the tree farm.

Helping Daddy cut down the tree.

Paul found a little corner, just his size. The boys really got into decorating the tree this year. Needless to say, we had several ornament-heavy branches.

Thanksgiving in New Jersey

2011-11-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

We spent our Thanksgiving with Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken. We celebrated a little of Christmas, too, and exchanged gifts. The boys kept busy playing with their new toys, going to the park, and playing outside--it was so nice and warm for the end of November! The older boys kept busy by doing "projects in the basement," as Benjamin likes to call it. Aunt Mary kept busy keeping out stomachs continually full! I enjoyed a break from cooking!

Our dessert after the Thanksgiving meal

Decorating a gingerbread house

Finished product

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

Our Monday

2011-11-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

This is our garden flag hanging outside right now. So true.

We spent about 4 hours raking the front yard yesterday. This is the leaf pile we hauled into the woods. It looks much more impressive in person. You could seriously lose a group of small children in the pile. The boys got a great work out climbing in and out repeatedly.

Where's Benjamin? He really is in the leaf pile somewhere.

Indian Summer

2011-11-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

We've had two days near 70 degrees. Needless to say, we've spent as much time as we can outside!

Note Paul using the cover as a trampoline!

No time for photos--gotta ride!

Paul can ride this scooter ridiculously well for a 2-year-old! Still trying to capture it on video.

Jumping in the leaf pile

Halloween

2011-11-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Scary faces!

Checking out the loot

Our little fireman and pizza!

Carving the pumpkin

2011-11-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

Trick or treat?

2011-10-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

No trick, this picture was taken yesterday.

Treat? Depends on your point of view...

This picture was taken Tuesday...today we were also clearing the driveway--of several inches of snow this time!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

We visited the pumpkin patch this weekend to pick out a pumpkin. They had mini-golf, so we had to play that first.

Paul likes to put his ball right next to the hole. This evens the playing field a bit.

Next, we had to try out the corn maze. They woman working said, "Good luck making it out by sunset! And keep the kids very close to you." Always encouraging words to hear!

We did not stop at all of the 15 mailboxes, so we made it out in plenty of time! At the end of the maze we found a raspberry patch with a few raspberries left on it--definitely my favorite part!

One of those times you want to laugh, but can't because you're the Mom...

2011-10-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

We were playing outside the other day. The boys were in the backyard; Paul was chasing Benjamin with a pine needle branch. They were both laughing and giggling when I went down to get the mail. As I came back around the house, Benjamin had turned the hose on and was squirting Paul. Paul stood there in shock for a minute, and then started crying. I immediately shout for Benjamin to stop--"What are you doing?!" Poor Paul was drenched from head to toe, and it was probably only about 60 degrees out! So, Paul was crying, Benjamin was crying because he was afraid he was going to be in trouble, and I was feeling bad for Paul and wondering what to say to Benjamin. Turns out, my reaction put enough fear into Benjamin I'm pretty sure he got the message--no squirting hoses at people when it's cold out. And Paul was fine once he got dry clothes on. It was then that I began to see the humor in the whole situation. After all, I did teach the boys both of those things--squirting people with hoses (typically when it's about 90 degrees) and tag with the pine needle branches.

Overhead from the play room...

2011-10-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Paul: "Who you talking to, Benny?"

Benjamin: (on cell phone) "Peter, one of Jesus' disciples. Yes, uh-uh...Jesus is in the tomb."

Benjamin was pretending to be a soldier, guarding Jesus' tomb. First thought--how sweet, he's acting out Bible stories. Second thought--nope, it's really just an excuse to use a sword and shield on his brother.

Nine states in nine days

2011-10-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

We recently took a cross-country trip to St. Louis. Jonathan was in a wedding there, but plane tickets for four were too expensive. So, we drove 2600 miles, round trip. I thought we were crazy, but 4 long days in the van wasn't really too bad. Our first stop was in Ohio at Jonathan's aunt's house, where we got to celebrate Jonathan's grandma's 94th birthday. We, along with Jonathan's parents and brother, surprised her for her birthday. (Unfortunately, our camera battery ran out that day, so those were the only pictures we got of our trip.)

We spent a day in Ohio, and then drove on to St. Louis. While there, we got to see a lot of old friends, as well as hang out with Jonathan's parents and brother. We made a trip to the zoo, also. (That won out over the Arch, which Benjamin decided he was not ready for.) Jonathan also participated in the large wedding--there were 22 attendants in all. The reception was at the planetarium at the science center--very cool! After the wedding, it was on to see my aunt, uncle and cousin in southern Illinois. After a day there, we spend two days driving home. We managed to stop in New Jersey at Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken's house on our way home. We spent two nights in hotels with swimming pools--the boys loved that, of course!

The whole crew for Grandma's birthday

The birthday girl and two of her grandsons

Four generations

Wrestling with Grandpa

Opening presents

Birthday dinner

Bunk beds

2011-10-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

A couple from our congregation is moving, and gave us their bunk beds. We'll miss the couple--we lived with them for several weeks when we first moved here and couldn't get into our house yet. (No, we did not have to sleep in these beds while we were at their house!) The beds and mattresses are practically new. Benjamin loves his new bed, and of course, is sleeping on the top bunk. Paul has tried to climb to the top several times, but I think we've got it in his head that he can only do it with Mommy or Daddy. When we're ready to move Paul out of his crib, he'll get the bottom bunk.

Before moving Benjamin's old bed out, I found his "rock collection" under his bed.

Apple picking

2011-09-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Paul insisted on picking the apples up off the ground, and putting them in our bag. I think I was able to weed out all of the rotting apples!

Benjamin has been eating at least two apples a day, since we picked them on Sunday.

Now it's time to make applesauce and apple pie!

The lawn was mowed in record time!

2011-09-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Evening at the beach

2011-09-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

A couple of Fridays ago, we took a spur of the moment trip to the beach in Rhode Island. Jonathan came home a little before 4:00, I packed a quick supper, and we were off. Jonathan really wanted to see the waves, since a tropical storm was off-shore. We were not disappointed; the waves were big! So big, that Jonathan, along with my help =) decided against body-surfing.

Paul wanted nothing to do with the water. The waves were too intimidating. And Paul is usually ready to tackle anything!

More Birthday

2011-09-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

We went to New Jersey after church Labor Day weekend, and stayed until Monday evening. Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken had some birthday presents for Paul and a cake. We had a good time there. Jonathan helped Uncle Ken with a project or two. We helped them do some more down-sizing for their permanent move to Florida. (Read: we came back with the van loaded down, including the Hoosier cabinet from Jonathan's great-grandmother.) We got to pick raspberries while we were there. And the boys got to play with the neighborhood kids--in the street, no less. Paul really wasn't too sure about the whole playing in the street thing, which was actually quite reassuring to me. Benjamin learned how to ride a two-wheeled scooter, which was very exciting for him.

Swinging

2011-09-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

This summer, Benjamin went from being nervous about sitting on a swing (because he felt unsteady) to pumping himself! Now he loves the swing set.

From the mouth of babes...

2011-09-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Benjamin: "You know, teachers are like moms."

Me: "That's true. They take care of you while you're at school, and can help you if you get hurt or need something."

Benjamin: "Yeah, except teachers work a lot harder than moms."

Me: "I don't know about that. I've been a teacher and a mom, and I think it's harder work being a mom. It's more fun, but harder."

Benjamin: "No, it's harder work being a teacher."

Me: "Why do you think that?"

Benjamin: "Teachers have a lot more kids to take care of."

Once again, lesson learned--don't argue with the logic of a 4-year-old.

Paul has also been entertaining us with some of his sayings.

"I do it by self!" Spoken like a true toddler.

"We will, we will, rocking chair!" His own version of Queen.

"That make noisy!" When something is noisy.

"That car has a spoiler." Yes, he really knows what a spoiler is.

First day of school

2011-09-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Benjamin was excited for school to start this year. He's going 3 mornings a week, and he's the in same classroom with one of the same teachers. A few of his classmates are the same, too. So far, I've gotten much more out of him when he comes home and I ask about his day. Maybe because he's just that much older.

Paul just lays around the house in a depressed state while Benjamin is at school. Okay, not really, but he definitely misses his brother, and is very excited to pick him up from school!

On Dad's watch

2011-09-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

"Honey, I'm going to hang the clothes on the line. I'll be right back."

Ten minutes later...

It could probably be left unsaid, but there was nothing on the floor when I went outside. And not that the same thing has never happened on Mom's watch, but there you have it...

ABCs

2011-09-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

Paul shocked me by singing the ABCs--more or less--the other day. This was my attempt to get it on video.

Our first hurricane

2011-08-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Irene swept through our state Saturday night and Sunday. We didn't have church Sunday, since the governor wanted only emergency vehicles on the road. (Apparently, that includes the news media!) It was very rainy and windy--it came in bands. It would settle down for a bit, and then pick up. The wind wasn't unlike a thunderstorm wind, only it lasted for 24 hours. We were very fortunate that only branches from the trees fell--nothing large and nothing on the house. We also thought we were going to make it through the storm with our power. However, it went out 10 p.m. on Sunday night, after the hurricane was basically past, but some wind still lingered. We were some of the fortunate ones, because our power came back on last night. So, we were only without power for 24 hours. So many are still without power, and they've been told it could be a week before their power is restored. One day was enough of an experience for me, especially since we have no water without power!

The clean-up crew

We spent Monday morning picking up the many sticks that fell from the trees. The boys thought it was a great game.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Paul!

2011-08-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Eating "red" cake.

"I blow it, Daddy!"

Paul turned two years old on Sunday. Hard to believe it's already been two years since we brought him home! But, he also seems so big lately. He's been talking up a storm. The other day while lying in the grass, he said, "I lay down. I see clouds in the sky." He can count to ten, and he can actually identify a few letters. He's started "reading" stories--helping us finish the endings of sentences in familiar books. (The ones he makes us read over and over.) Paul loves playing with cars and trucks, and playing outside. Really, he loves anything Benjamin is doing. He takes his cue from his big brother on most things--what to say, how to act, what to play. He most certainly has own opinion on how some things should be, though.

We had a fun day celebrating Paul's birthday. We went to church in the morning, of course, then came home for lunch and naps. (Really, Paul was the only one who slept.) Then we went to the beach, and out to a seafood place for supper. Paul loved his birthday cake, but wasn't much into his presents. Benjamin brought enough excitement for both of them, and "helped" with the gifts and cards. The last year he'll be able to do that, I'm sure.

I will never get it...

2011-08-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Day in and day out, it is "Play baseball!" It's the first thing we have to do at the park. If we happen to forget the bat and ball, it's still pretend baseball at the park. If it's a rainy day, "pretend baseball" in the house. Really? You never get bored with this game? Oh, well, I may not get it, but I really don't mind my gig as pitcher for now. (Jonathan, however, most definitely, gets it. I'm pretty sure he could also play baseball all day long.)

Playground Fun

2011-08-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

This summer Benjamin has become daring at the playground and on our swing set at home. He is constantly asking me, "Do you think this is dangerous, Mom? Does this make you nervous?" I think he is secretly delighted when I say, "yes." It makes me think of books I've read about men and boys--"Wild at Heart" and "Raising Boys." It's how God made boys--to be daring and take chances. Fortunately, right now, it's nothing more daring than climbing a little high at the playground!

Ears

2011-08-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Paul has this thing with ears. Whenever he has his pacifier in, he wants to hold onto someone's ear, whether it's his own or another person's ear nearby. We all think it's funny and a little strange, until you delve into his history...his dad, grandma, and two uncles all had an ear thing too. Maybe it's genetic?

Destination #1--Iowa

2011-08-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

The boys and I began our 2 1/2 week summer travels in Iowa at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We had a great time hanging out, playing with the numerous toys in the basement, swimming several different places, visiting parks, playing baseball, going shopping, and hearing Midwest thunderstorms nearly every night! We got to visit with Jessica and Andy (sorry, no pictures!) before they moved to Indiana, and see Aunt Marilyn and Jacob, who drove from Illinois to play baseball--I mean, see us.

Cousin Jacob as pitcher

Jacob and Aunt Marilyn

Playing cars and trucks with Grandpa

Visiting Backbone State Park...wading, and surprise, surprise--throwing rocks in the water. Jessica asked how long they could keep up the rock throwing. "Longer than we could stand here," I replied.

Grandma playing Legos with Benjamin

Destination #2--North Dakota

2011-08-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

We drove from Iowa to North Dakota with Grandpa and Grandma, picking up Dad on the way--in the Minneapolis airport. We all gathered at Jonathan and Sarah's new home, so that we could be there for Jonathan's ordination and installation.

Down time on the couch

This one's for Dad! =)

Aunt Becky and James, hanging out at the park

Teaching the younger cousins all about baseball.

All the family that gathered for the Ordination

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids, minus Bo, who was too young to travel. (He stayed home with his dad.)

Form of torture?

No, just trying to get a shot with all of the cousins!

Destination #3--Colorado

2011-08-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

The third stop we made in our summer travels was Colorado. We spent the majority of the time in the mountains in Brekenridge. We stayed in a "cabin" that had 5 bedrooms, all with private baths. We figured the house slept close to 30 people. More than enough room for our two families to spread out.

Baby Bo, 5 weeks old--all smiles!

Being silly with bowls, er...hats?

Paul was so sweet with Bo! He gave him lots of kisses, but was very gentle with him. The best was when he would try and feel Bo's ear. (His ear fetish coming out again!)

I loved all of the beautiful wildflowers! Rachel and I also managed to find some raspberries. Most of them weren't ripe yet, however.

This lake was only a short hike up the mountains from our cabin.

I couldn't get over the lingering snow piles--in August!

Gondola ride up the mountian

This is how we roll

2011-08-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

One of the all-time favorite outside activities for the summer.

Fourth of July

2011-07-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

We found a parade to go to on Monday. I was excited, because they actually threw out candy! The Memorial Day parades around here don't throw out candy anymore, because it's "dangerous." This is a picture of the loot. I told Jonathan that growing up, we--each of us, individually--always got twice as much candy at the Steeleville Fourth of July parade. Anyway, I was excited, and Benjamin quickly became excited once he realized they were throwing candy, and he would get to keep it and eat it! The parade itself was mainly a bunch of tractors and a few fire trucks--Paul was excited about that. After the parade, we went to the beach, along with half of the state, I'm sure! We came home and Jonathan grilled us fish for supper. It was a very nice family day. =)

Cardinals game at Camden Yards

2011-07-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

Thursday we made the drive down to Baltimore to see the Cardinals play. It was Paul's first game, Benjamin's second.

At the game with Katie and Mr. A, friends from church. Katie is moving to St. Louis now, though, where she'll be teaching. This was our last get-together before her move.

Go Cardinals!

It was a late night, but the boys did pretty good, all things considered. (Benjamin did not really fall asleep, by the way.)

Cardinals won!

Fort McHenry

2011-07-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

Friday, we visited Fort McHenry in Baltimore. We got to help out with the flag changing.

Beach shots

2011-07-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the beach we went to on the Chesapeake Bay.

Welcome Baby Bo!

2011-06-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

My sister, Rachel, had her baby! We are very excited to welcome our new nephew/cousin into the family. Bo Austin was born on Monday at 12:17 a.m. He was 9 lb, 13 oz, and 21 inches long. Can you imagine how big he might have been, had she not been induced?! We are excited to meet and hold Bo in a few weeks!

School's out

2011-06-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

School is finally out here in New England. Benjamin's last day was Thursday, a week ago. He started out his summer vacation with a sore throat/high fever virus that Paul had passed on to him. Paul had it the middle of the week, and Benjamin came down with it on Friday. Benjamin slept for 17 hours in a 24-hour period! Paul, however, decided to continue his routine of getting up at 5:30, and also thought one 45-minute nap would suffice. Consequently, Benjamin got better much faster than Paul!

Thankfully, both boys are better this week. We've enjoyed a trip to the beach, the park, and the bike trail, between the rainy weather. We also made the decision to finally re-do the kitchen. I say finally, because we've been talking about it since we moved in five years ago. So, we've made the first of many trips (I'm sure) to Home Depot. We got a great deal on kitchen cabinets and a new fridge. There are several people from church who are going to help us out with the project. Thank goodness for their generosity!

Benjamin with his preschool teachers on graduation day. He's not going to kindergarten next year, (I am so not ready! I'm glad he's only four!) but his class sang at graduation.

Father's Day gift to Dad and Grandpas. Paul colored the paper that went around the pencil holder. Benjamin put the letters on--they spell out "Pencils." And I put together a notepad with different pictures for each Dad.

Guess what Paul's favorite song is?

2011-06-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

I wonder why!

I hear myself...

2011-06-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

I can hear myself in my little boy...

When Benjamin didn't want to go somewhere: "I wish my appointment was yesterday. Then it would already be done."

When I tried to do something out of the routine: "Why do things have to be different? I just like them to stay the same!"

Grandma visits

2011-06-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Grandma came up from Florida for a week-long visit. We kept busy taking a trip to Rhode Island, a children's museum, the beach, the Memorial Day parade. We had fun playing outside, playing games, and just hanging out. (Paul must have been worn out--he took two long naps today!)

Reading bedtime stories.

Digging a hole...

...for Paul.

New Jersey visit

2011-06-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

Last week, Jonathan had a conference in NYC, so we all packed up and headed to Aunt Mary and Uncle Ken's house for a few days. It was the longest visit we've had with them in awhile, so it was nice to spend some time with them. One of the days, Aunt Mary brought the boys and me to a little zoo and park. Here are some pictures:

Paul looking at the bison from the train.

Paul and Aunt Mary looking at a porcupine.

Paul and Benjamin loved the train. Paul kept saying, "Ride choo-choo train!" the whole ride.

Playing at the park

And, of course, we had to end our visit with a carousel ride.

More water fun

2011-06-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

We had weather warm enough the other day to try out our new sprinkler. Paul wasn't too sure about the whole thing. (The water is freezing, since we have well water.)

After I got out the buckets and toys, though, Paul got into it!

Paul loves to wear this hat, even though it's too little. He puts it on backwards by himself.

Warm weather is here!

2011-05-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day

2011-05-18T17:59:00.001-07:00

After church and lunch on Mother's Day, we drove down to a state park at the beach to enjoy being outdoors. It was pouring when we left home, but thankfully stopped by the time we reached the park.

"These daffodils are nice, but let's go find the beach!"

We'll take a little bit of rain to see this!

Searching for rocks to throw in the water.

"C'mon, Mommy, the water looks great!"

Stripes!

2011-05-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Just for you, Rachel and Jonny!

Benjamin James

2011-05-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

Someone who was cleaning out closets gave us this 50 states puzzle. Benjamin loves to do it, and right now will usually put it together about 3 times a day. He more or less knows all of the states by name and shape. Hopefully he'll remember this geography when he needs to know it for school! The other day he was pretending to be Tiger Woods, and he had to go pick up a bike in Texas. He said it wouldn't take too long to get there, because he just had to drive through Alabama and Louisiana (from Florida, of course). I was amazed--he only left out Mississippi!

Benjamin continues to love cars. Car races are also an everyday occurrence. Paul joins him, of course. They sometimes can work out their squabbles without my intervention, which is nice. (Paul usually gives in to Benjamin. I guess he is the boss, as the big brother!)

Benjamin had his 4-year-old check-up this week. He's in the 50% for height and weight. He weighs about 35 lbs, and is 41" tall. He had to get several shots, but was pretty brave about it. It went much better than his 3-year-old check-up, when he cried the entire time!

Drink Break

2011-05-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Paul just got down pushing his tractor around in a circle in the driveway, while Benjamin rode his bike. They would crash into each other, and think it was hilarious. I tried to get a video of that, but, of course, they decided to stop as soon as I got the camera out.

New Hampshire

2011-05-06T14:12:00.001-07:00

The boys and I attended the pastor's conference with Jonathan this past week. It was nice to get away. We went to New Hampshire--the same place we've gone two other times. The boys had fun playing with two girls their age. Benjamin was very sad to leave Ashley. We had fun swimming, playing at some parks, and seeing a puppet show while Dad was in meetings. The afternoon Jonathan had off, we drove up into the mountains. We did a little hiking and saw some waterfalls (and snow!).

The lake our hotel was on.

Here's the hotel where we stayed.

Throwing rocks in the lake. It really doesn't get any better! I told Jonathan it's nice that the boys are at an age where this kind of simple (and cheap) activity makes them so happy! Another highlight was finding a kid-sized "real" football under one of our beds in the hotel. Benjamin thought he hit the jackpot with that one!

North Dakota

2011-05-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

"See here's North Dakota. That where Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Sarah, and James will be living now." My brother just received his first call from the seminary on Call Day this past Wednesday. They're excited to finally know where they'll be living and working. We're excited to visit them this summer in their new home and see the church and attend the ordination.

Happy Easter! He is risen!

2011-04-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Dying Easter eggs

2011-04-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

Before dying Easter eggs, James was stripped down to his diaper. We got a kick out of him admiring his belly. He would pat his belly, and laugh; he was very proud of it! James has a good 5 lbs on Paul, despite being 5 months younger. We love the chubbiness!

Easter egg hunt

2011-04-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we had our annual Easter egg hunt at church. Unfortunately, it was raining. Fortunately, the 0-4 age group was inside! We still had a good turn-out, despite the rain.

Our youth group's idea of humor. This is Jonathan trying to get an egg down from the top of this painting.

Benjamin made a haul, and then starting helping others fill up their baskets.

"See my egg?" Paul caught on pretty quickly, and got about 10 or 12 eggs for his bucket.

James exceeded Sarah's expectations, and collected more than one egg for his bucket!

Pre-hunt photo

Children's museum

2011-04-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

We went to a children's museum one of the days that our company was here. The kids loved it, of course!

The fish market room--always a favorite. Not sure how Jonathan squeezed in here!

Dinosaur table!

Our Easter Visitors

2011-04-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

My brother, Jonathan, his wife, Sarah, and their son, James came to our house for Easter. We had a great time together. The cousins got along pretty well--mainly because James is so easy-going. Paul would grab a toy from him, and James would just move onto the next one. We kept busy between church services, naps, and playing. Jonathan preached Good Friday. This will be their last time traveling for Easter for some time. He gets his call next Wednesday.

Playing in the empty trunk.

James loved all of the new toys!

A visit to Harry's--waiting for our food to come.

Playing baseball!

2011-04-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

"It's so much easier to run with this thing on my head!"

"Cheese!"

"Is it time to go outside yet?"

"New" Bike

2011-04-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Indoor baseball

2011-04-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

Everything I know I learned from my brother

2011-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

How to line up cars

How to "hoard" cars, so that no one else can get them

How to say, "Mine!"

Conversations

2011-04-12T08:46:00.001-07:00

Benjamin is at that age where every day he says something amusing or interesting or insightful...

Said to Grandma while we were in Colorado, and Grandma was chasing him: "Grandma, you're pretty fast for an old person!"

While talking about sharing cars with Paul: "I like to share the weird cars with Paul." Spoken like a true older brother!

Conversation while putting together a Noah's Ark puzzle:

"Mommy, let's pretend we're in heaven."

"Okay."

"Hmmm...I wonder where Jesus it?"

"I don't know. He must be doing something else."

"I know! How about you pretend to be Jesus."

"Um, all right."

"Jesus, you sent this flood didn't you? No, actually it was God."

"That's right."

"And all of the people in the ark died."

"No, all of the people that weren't in the ark died."

"Oh, yeah. They died because their houses got flooded."

And another heaven conversation:

"Mommy, I'd like to go to heaven soon. When do you think we should go?"

"Well, remember you have to die first."

"Oh, yeah, so maybe when I'm really old then I'll die and go to heaven."

"Are you excited to go to heaven?"

"Yeah! Because you get to see Jesus there!"

That conversation really got me thinking. How many of us are actually excited to go to heaven and see Jesus?

Check out this invention

2011-04-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

This definitely helped improve Paul's score, since he wasn't all that interested in rolling the ball down the alley. He's much more into throwing balls.

Bowling

2011-04-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Monday was rainy and cold, so we decided to take the boys bowling. Paul had never been inside a bowling alley before, and Benjamin hadn't been bowling since he was about Paul's age. They had a great time. Paul was more interested in just exploring the place, but Benjamin really got into it. Thank goodness for bumpers, though!

Out to eat

2011-04-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

Benjamin enjoying his ice cream! About a month ago, we met Jonathan at Friendly's after work. Jonathan and I both couldn't get over how grown-up Benjamin seemed--patiently waiting for our food, ordering himself, having a nice dinner conversation. "So, let's talk!" It was just so pleasant. It seems like Benjamin has matured so much since he's turned four.

Hiding

2011-04-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Paul enjoys emptying this cupboard and hiding in it. It's adorable to watch his "counting" when we play hide-and-seek. He covers his eyes and "counts." And then he says "Where are you?" (It sound more like "are ooo?") He'll look around and say, "Nope!"

State Champs!

2011-03-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

Just before we left for Colorado, Ryan's high school basketball team won the state championship. Here the boys are watching the game via internet. Paul cried because he had to go to bed and couldn't finish watching it! It was an especially poignant win because the school will be closing this year. We also found out that Ryan is Colorado's basketball coach of the year. Can't wait to read the article on him, and see the photo shoot. Congratulations!

Colorado trip

2011-03-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

We (the boys and I) just returned from a week in Colorado, visiting Aunt Rachel, Uncle Ryan, and Bella. Grandma and Grandpa were there part of the time, too. We had gorgeous weather, so we did a lot of playing outside! Several of the days, it was warm enough to wear shorts, much to Benjamin's delight. I think we went to a different park every day. The cousins had so much fun together! (When Paul and Bella weren't fighting over toys.)

Two boys swinging golf clubs with a baby sitting in the middle watching. As someone put it, this is the kind of thing you see on America's Funniest Home Videos right before someone gets hurt, and ask, "What were the parents thinking?!"

At the zoo with an elephant

Comparing arms to a chimpanzee--Bella has more important things to do!

Paul loved Bella's new water table

Paul also loved being with Bella. This was taken just after nap time, and if you look closely, you can see Paul putting his arm around Bella. The first thing he would say upon waking every morning was "Beh," his version of Bella.

Fun at one of the parks we visited

Indoor Entertainment

2011-03-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

Making peanut butter playdough--delicious!

2 wooden boards + lots of cars and trucks = half an hour of self-entertainment

Priceless!

Birthday Boy

2011-03-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

Benjamin requested a green race car birthday cake.

Benjamin had a great time opening presents, of course! As Jonathan said, you kind of forget the excitement of presents once you've "grown up." Our favorite comment was, "Just what I've always wanted! What is it?"

The birthday hat from school. He brought donut-holes as treats to class that day.

We can yoga, too!

2011-02-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

Our cousin, James, posted some yoga positions on his blog. We couldn't resist trying them out!

How'd we do, James?

Paul

2011-02-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

Used to be, the most frequent comment was about his big, beautiful, blue eyes.

Now I usually hear something about his hair.

I'm more partial to the eyes, myself. Either way, though, he sure is a cutie!

Shake your groove thang!

2011-02-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

Bowling

2011-02-19T05:51:00.000-08:00

2011-02-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything in awhile. I still don't really have anything to post, but thought I'd ramble a little bit, anyway. We've been pleasantly busy since we've come back from Florida. We've finally had a break from all of the snow and ice! And we've had melting days, too. Can't see the ground yet, but at least it looks like a reasonable amount of snow on the ground--until you look at the snow piles! Two Mondays ago it was supposed to be fairly warm and sunny. I said we need to get outside and do something. So, we drove down to the beach and went for a walk along the beach. Not exactly Florida weather, but it felt wonderful to just be outside in the sun! Paul wanted to go in the water, of course, and immediately started digging in the sand. I found a nice big shell; guess not many people go looking for shells here in February.

Benjamin is back into the routine of preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Paul and I are taking a swimming class on Thursday mornings. He loves it! I was surprised that they're actually teaching them swimming techniques. I thought it was just going to be, "Let's have fun in the water with our babies." We recently bought a children's museum pass, so we've been making use of that once a week or so. We've got 4 museums within a 30-minute drive of our house. The boys love doing that.

Benjamin will be 4 in a week and a half. I can't believe I will have a 4-year-old already! He's really become interested in writing his letters lately. But, heaven forbid, if I try and help him! Hopefully he's more cooperative with his teachers at school. (They usually seem to be.) He wanted to write a number on his paper airplane the other day, but was so frustrated because he couldn't get it right. I tried suggested writing 11 or 100 or some easy number, but he wanted 96 or 63 or 82. Finally, I just started flying my plane, and that got him out of his funk.

Funny Benjamin story from Monday: We just had a quiet day at home, trying to clean and straighten up. When Benjamin asked me to play, I told him I couldn't because I was cleaning. I said he could either help, or play by himself. He started tearing up, and said, "That's not what Valentine's Day is all about!" I asked him what it was about, but he didn't really answer.

Paul is almost 18 months now. He continues to be a little sponge about everything. He is constantly watching and copying everything anyone, especially Benjamin, does. He still enjoys climbing on everything, and is now trying to jump over the arm of the couch. Thanks for that one, big brother! He also pushes the chair over to the kitchen counter to help me bake and cook. Whenever we try to get on the computer, he pushes the chair over, and starts saying, "Hi!" thinking we're going to Skype with someone. Paul is saying things like, "I see you!" and "Upside down!" when his book is upside down. (As a teacher, I'm impressed he recognizes this. It's a reading readiness skill I tested for in preschool.) He covers his eyes and "counts" when we play hide-and-seek. He says, "Go, go!" whenever he sees Cat in the Hat on TV or in a book. (You PBS watchers will recognize the song.) He also says, "No, no, no!" quite often; something else he hears frequently from Benjamin.

A few parting shots:

Florida Fun

2011-01-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

We had a great week in Florida with Jonathan's parents, and other assorted relatives we got a chance to see! It was so nice to get out of the cold and snow.

These pictures are actually in the van, after we got home from our trip. Grandma let Benjamin take this truck home with him. He clutched it and blankie the entire trip home--both airplane rides, through the airports, and the van ride home. Very adorable!

Grandpa learned of Paul's love for the remote control. He also got to play Daddy's favorite game, "Where's the remote?" Nothing seems to strike fear in the heart of men like a missing TV remote!

Riding the duck--"Look no hands!"

Going on safari--at a children's museum

Spelunking

Digging for fossils

Bubble time!

Dad wonders, "How much time before one of my sons decides to 'help' with the castle?"

Happy Birthday to Great-Grandma

2011-01-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Jonathan's grandma's 96th birthday while down in Florida.

All the siblings were in attendance.

Somebody has to help blow out the candles!

Why did we leave Florida?!

2011-01-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

Here's what two feet of snow looks like:

2011-01-12T17:18:00.001-08:00

Jonathan realizes our snowblower is really not that big.

Where are the front steps? And our bushes?

Here they are.

The boys shoveled snow chest deep at the end of the driveway.

Snow chair

We made a tunnel in the snow. It brought me back to the times we made snow tunnels in Minnesota with Uncle Mark. (Rachel may or may not remember this.)

Song time

2011-01-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Grandma L. will know this song. For everyone else, here are the words, since it's a bit hard to make out:

Tuna fish, tuna fish, splashing in the water

Octopus, octopus, wriggling in the water

Great white shark, great white shark, lurking in the water

Humongous whale, humongous whale, spouting in the water

Presents

2010-12-28T11:29:00.000-08:00

Here is THE garbage truck--all Benjamin asked for for Christmas this year.

New outfit, and new Rudolph

Another truck, yes, you're right--there may have been a theme!

For the first time ever, we didn't travel after Christmas and didn't have any visitors. While it was nice and relaxing, we did miss our family!

Gingerbread Lighthouse

2010-12-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

We got this gingerbread lighthouse as a gift for Christmas. It kept us occupied for awhile during the snowstorm.

Snow Fun!

2010-12-28T10:57:00.000-08:00

We didn't get a ton of snow from the blizzard, but enough to play in!

Helping Dad shovel

Paul wasn't very excited about the snow, but it was very cold and windy! Benjamin, however, loved it. We had a great time sledding!

Check out this tower!

2010-12-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

Paul is ready for Minute to Win It!

Remind me again, why did the boys just get a bunch of toys for Christmas?!

Christmas Dance

2010-12-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

"Away in the Manger" like you've never seen it.

Paul Henry

2010-12-14T17:09:00.000-08:00

Not a very clear picture, but this is Paul hugging Benjamin, and Benjamin kindly put up with it for several hugs. Paul is such a cuddly boy, always giving out hugs!

We're thinking about making Paul wear this helmet all of the time!

Paul is 15 months old now--actually he'll be 16 months next week already! He weighs in at 21 lb, 13 oz (20%) and is 31 inches long (50%). He is so full of energy! Jonathan wishes we had a padded room to keep him safe. Paul is constantly climbing things, and trying to jump off them. He's adding more words to his vocab daily. So far, he says Mama, Dada (He's been saying "Mama" for Jonathan lately, too. He loves that!) ball, bat, golf club, ni-night, cracker, drink, cup, I do (meaning, "I want"), meow, woof, neigh, up-y, shoes, cookie, car, truck, tree, bye-bye, hi, bath, book. There's more, but that's all I can think of right now. The boy knows what he wants, and throws a huge fit when he doesn't get it or doesn't get it in a timely manner. He understands so, so much. It's amazing how quickly they soak things in--little sponges! Paul is always eager to "help" with the dishes, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming. Of course, it usually results in double the work... He's at such a fun age, but, in a word--exhausting! We love our little boy!

Jonathan's new 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2010-12-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the "Red Jet." Benjamin shed a few tears when they came and towed away the "Red Rocket," but he likes dad's new car. Everything should be great as long as Jonathan remembers to put diesel fuel in it instead of gasoline. Visitors from Florida should now be less leery about visiting in the winter with the Jet's heated seats!

Christmas tree saga

2010-12-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon, we set out to find the perfect Christmas tree. Jonathan was ready to prep the living room before we left, but then we forgot we had to throw out our tree stand last year. There was a slow leak in it. And, we hadn't found a new one yet. We decided to just put the tree in a bucket of water and buy the stand the next day. So, away we went...

Found it! Let's cut it down!

The boys fell asleep on the way home, so we decided to drop off the tree and search for a tree stand. We drove to Home Depot, picked one up, and came home to set up the tree. (This is an hour drive, round trip, for those of you who don't know.) After much finagling, we finally had the tree set up, or so we thought! We could not get the tree to stand up! We realized that part of the tree stand had snapped--isn't plastic wonderful?! By this time, it was too late to try and get another tree stand, but we had already taken the netting off the tree and all of the branches were opened up. What to do?

Lean the tree against the wall, in the bucket of water, with the couch to protect it from curious on-lookers.

Smiles once again!

The next day, Jonathan went to the local hardware store and found a different tree stand. We had a fun time decorating it. Benjamin loved helping this year! Paul hasn't really messed with the tree too much, besides taking the occasional ornament off the tree. We have a beautiful tree that seems secure in a stand!

Don't worry--Baby Jesus is safe!

2010-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Shepherd Boy

2010-12-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

We had our children's Christmas program at church this morning. Here's our little shepherd boy. He did a good job, despite his wardrobe difficulties with his hood. While trying to fix his hood, his cane got stuck in it. He was very subtle about it, though, so I don't think anyone noticed.

Thanksgiving Visitors

2010-12-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

We had several visitors for Thanksgiving. Rachel and Bella came for a little over a week, and Mom and Dad came for just the Thanksgiving weekend. We all had a good time, and the boys and Bella really seemed to hit it off!

Bath time fun!

Such a cutie! Isabella turned 10 months old and got her first tooth while she was at our house. She was also encouraged to say the word "uh-oh" quite frequently.

Our little climber--Paul loves to climb on anything and everything!

...or "Little Turkey" as his shirt says.

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids

Our trolley adventure. We read about a trolley ride you could take and view Christmas decorations. A couple hours later, after being stuck on the trolley with many small children while the driver set up numerous decorations, we had an interesting story to tell. Ask us for more details sometime--we certainly had some laughs, and won't soon forget the evening!

Time for a parade!

Don't believe those innocent smiles for a minute!