Christian and Jace

 

Our friends Greg and Amy had this spunky little guy 3 months after we had Christian (how can you not love Jace's adorable grin!).  The 2 of them have been "best" friends ever since--- well, as much as you can be a friend at that age--- and it's not like they have much say in the matter.  They both love all things boy and have been learning to share together.  Jace came to play the other day and it was the first time that I was able to get stuff done while they played in Christian's room.  It was AMAZING!  I just kept smiling to myself.  They are growing up!

How cool are they?

 

Major milk drinkers here...

 

And of course, they loved jumping onto couch cushions. 

Great form... (look out Jace!)

For the Homemaker...

When you get a moment of quiet, this is a cute read that may make the corners of your mouth turn up...

http://kasm.blogspot.com/2010/07/few-more-obvious-tips-for-not-very-good.html

Happy Homemaking!

Grey Lake

We knew we wouldn't get a "real" vacation this summer, so my parents decided to take the whole family to a lake house where we could have some fun without having to worry too much about the kids.  It worked out so perfectly!  We were on a small lake with direct access from our back yard, a cute small town just a 5 minute drive away, and I had help with the children, and could get out into the paddle boat or kayaks a few times.  And the dudes got to enjoy the world cup every morning and every afternoon---- oh USA--- you should have won!

The weather was so perfect and we really enjoyed our time together.  What made it even better was that my grandparents were able to stop in (on their way to Alaska nonetheless) and meet the girls.  It was so nice to see them!  And even BETTER was that I took my sewing machine and got to sew a few things for the first time in 4 months.... how delightful!  I refashioned some shirts and sewed my dining room curtains.  Bliss.

The gals hanging out at the lake:

Christian was introduced to lake, sand, boat, and floatie. He loved all.

We got to get a little boating action in as well...

Christian got a toy tractor from greatgrands, Ericka and I got super similar dresses at a super awesome thrift store (which we then wore to go see a movie with our husbands: went to see Prince of Persia, but the projector was broken so we had to see Karate Kid III... yay)... and of course, some card action.

What a great trip we had. Thanks mom and dad!

Sorry Baby...

As all babies do, the girls have started scooting around while on their bellies.  The other day I needed to go pump but it wasn't quite time for the girls to nap yet, so I laid them on their bedroom floor on a blanket and went back to the living room.  They were fussy, but what could I do?  

Well, when I was done (and I could tell one was quiet, but the other was screaming), I went into the room and found Jadah crying and scooted off the blanket on her back.  I laid her in bed.  But it was Selah I had to apologize to...

Poor Baby...

She scooted off the blanket, off the first rug, off the second rug (yes, two rugs, long story), and onto the wood floor!  But she was fast asleep.  I couldn't resist a picture. 

I love you Selah.  :)

Christian is TWO!

We celebrated Christian turning two (way back on June 1st).  Simon's parents were in town the next weekend so we invited my parents and his "surrogate" grandparents, the Pattengales, over for a little party.  

He got some super toys to add to our growing collection:

I tried to be quirky and make these "cake pops"...(from the great site bakerella) lets just say they didn't turn out quite like they were supposed to, but they still tasted pretty good!  Christian loved them, and even knew to blow out the candles.  Who knew!?  :)

Then we hung out and enjoyed the new toys.  We also tried playing Kub for the first time.  Fun!

We feel so blessed to have wonderful people in our lives that love our children.  I can't believe I have a two year old--- and a smart, adorable, crazy one at that.  He's the best (most days!). 

Thanks everyone for a fun party!

South Bend Visit

Simon had a very busy work schedule and had to work evenings for a week, so I took the chance to go stay with my parents (and have some company).  They just moved into their new house in South Bend, so it was time for decorating!  It was a thrill to leave the kids with my mom and go shopping for stuff.  Ericka (my sis) was able to come for a few days too--- so made quite the time of it.  

Our activities involved going to the park for a picnic, McDonalds for ice cream, walking along the riverwalk, spray painting outdated frames, shopping of course, and not to forget, taking care of the babies.  Oh yeah, and Selah rolled over for the first time too.  The girls are down to eating 5 times a day and have been sleeping through the night for over a month now (meaning from about 9pm-7am approximately).  Let me just say, life has been SO much better in the last month than in the previous 3 before that.  That whole being hugely pregnant and newborn baby thing are enough to kill a  person.  Whew!... but hey look, here I am, and alive nonetheless!

Anyway--- here are some (tiny) pictures from our trip to South Bend.

(Speaking of South Bend: if you ever have to drive through it, you will learn at least 2 things.

1: they have a TON of "Left Turn Lights"/"No Turn on Red" stuff.  But apparently you are supposed to go through it until the absolute last minute before you get hit by traffic coming the other way.

2: Road painting is minimal... so if a road is wide enough for two lanes, even if it isn't marked as such, it IS 2 lanes.  This one took a while for me to figure out... why is this person passing me in a single lane road?!?!? ahhh!  Fun times.  :)

 

Keeping it Brief

So I guess posting once a month is the best I can do right now. 

These pictures are a few weeks old, but they're a good start!

Christian got his summer hair cut!
**Note to all moms (or wives): it is among my beliefs that an essential tool/skill you should learn is cutting your dude's hair.  There are videos on you tube to help get you started: I know it is scary chopping away at someone's hair, but with practice, you'll be a pro.  It will literally save you HUNDREDS of dollars during your life, especially if you have boys.  I primarily use clippers on Simon's, and did with Christian's this time too.  You can do it!  Just a thought! :)

And the gals are(were) 3 1/2 months old... getting so big!

 

More to come soon!