Happy Spring

We had a family friend take some pictures of the kids over the weekend- I am in love with these pictures!

Random Moments Monday- Sam Centric

For some reason Sam seems to be the focus of this post- not sure why.

Where's the love? Look at the picture below. This is what I found written inside my minivan right by Sam's seat. I vaguely remember that he was mad at me while we were driving last week- I can't remember over what- but apparently he took out his anger with his crayons. Upon this discovery (and after his punishment) I asked him why my name was crossed out while his dad's name had a heart over it. He said it was because he didn't love me. I guess he got over his anger because at some point he drew a heart over my name (in pink). Glad to see he loves me once again.


My "Adventure Bag" makes a resurgence. A couple of weeks ago I got out my sling diaper bag so that we could go to the nature center. As soon as Sam saw it on the table he exclaimed, "Yes! You got out your adventure bag!" I had to laugh because he was right- I really only use this diaper bag when we are going on a hike or downtown. I guess it really is "our adventure bag".


Does the picture below make you laugh? For some unknown reason Sam thinks that it is HILARIOUS. And no, it's not because Andrew looks INSANELY creepy in it (in fact, I almost didn't have permission to post this picture). The reason is that Sam thinks Afton looks hysterical. He goes onto the computer at least once a day, opens up this picture, and cracks up over it. I guess this isn't the first time that I have been completely and utterly confused by my firstborn.

*For those wondering, Andrew is actually wearing a bow from one of Afton's birthday presents

Home Makeover challenge- it's game time. A couple weeks ago I decided to finally take on my living room. As you can see from the picture below it was previously decorated in the "bla" style. For the past 8 months I've had no idea what I wanted to do to this room, so I've tried to ignore it. I guess the winter got to me, because as of last week I couldn't handle this bare room any longer. I convinced Andrew to let me paint, and I'm slowly easing him up to get some decor. So far so good, but due to my complete lack of decorating confidence (I have no clue what happened to me), updates on this room may take a little while longer. We're also tackling the back yard, but that is REALLY going to take some time.

before...

and a little preview of how the room is shaping up...

We started reading chapter books to the boys. My neighbor recommended this series and now I am recommending it to all of my friends. It is simple, fun, and manages to keep the interest of both my 4 year old and six year old. We have found a winner!

Playing Hookie

Ok Ashley (sometimes known as "anonymous") this is for you-

I love the National Zoo. It has a huge assortment of animals and best of all it's free. You can have an amazing experience there, but the trick is to go when its not crowded and when the weather is just right. This basically leaves you with two options- you can either go on a school day during the fall, or on a school day during the spring. If you choose otherwise (like in the summer) you will likely die of heat exhaustion (this zoo is really hilly- not fun to push a stroller) and the only animals you will see are humans, humans and more humans. Trust me, I know this from years of experience.

Sam's been asking to go to the zoo all winter, so I promised him that when the weather warmed up he could miss a half day of school and we would go. I decided to make good on that promise last Thursday- which was a perfectly beautiful 70 degree day. Aghh, springtime.

Luke's 4th Birthday

When the weather is nice we walk Sammy to school. The arrangement is that Sam walks, while I push Luke and Afton in a jogging stroller. During these short walks, Luke loves to twist around so he can talk to me. A few months ago he even took to calling himself my "co-pilot". Then about a month ago he asked, "Mommy, are you glad I'm your co-pilot?"

I can't begin to express how glad I am to have Luke as my co-pilot. From 6:30 am to 7:30 pm I have that little boy yapping my ear off. He says things that melt my heart, that make me laugh, and sometimes things that make me want to ring his neck. His is an imagination so vivid that I almost think he feels as much joy pretending to eat a lollipop as he would feel actually eating a real one. Of our 3 kids, he is easily the most affectionate. I'm slowly realizing that it won't be too long before he doesn't fit into my arms anymore. He's also my child that can fall asleep anywhere- like in a shopping cart at a store. He continually thinks he can do things beyond his years- which he occasionally can. But when he can't, he is seldom discouraged from trying again. The phrase "one of a kind" seems to fit Luke just right, and boy are we crazy about this little guy.

So, happy birthday Luke-- to the best co-pilot in the world.