Reading

Lately the boys are really into books. I think it helps that we recently got a few new ones (thank you Grammy and Aunt Rebecca) about tractors, Diggers, and Emergency vehicles) Whatever works.

We have been to the library to help encourage this reading movement, but it is not my favorite place. I don't know why, but in my experience the public library attracts some very strange characters that give me the creepies. Plus, I have found the boys play with the train set more than the books. I know many people who love the library. I hope to become that person, but I probably will need to become a reader first! My lack of a love of reading is not a trait I wish to pass on to the boys so I will probably keep trucking to the library, and try very hard to love it:)

Here are some recent reading pics:

Celebrating Easter

We celebrated Easter this weekend. We know it was two weeks later than most Americans, but we had sickness and BK and NG drill so it was our first good weekend. I am kinda a fan of delayed holidays, because the date is not critical because it is not the real day anyways, and I got a great deal on my Easter gifts:) We read the story out of our children's bible, and then had our first official Easter basket hunt! Russell found his quickly, Quint was stumped for a minute! It was fun:)

Cute Easter Pic

Russell was jazzed to find his basket.

Are you sure its in the bathroom?

I don't see it.....

Found it!

Playing with our Easter bubbles

Russell learning how bubbles work

Quint chasing the bubbles

Wordless Wednesday

31

I turned 31 this week. BK spoiled me with hot date with free babysitting. An important shout out to Jessica, Anthony who offered to watch the boys so we could go out. It was so nice to spend time together, but we celebrated as a family on the weekend. BK made me a birthday hat...in his style. The boys loved the hat, and the cake:) It was a fun celebration

Feeding and Funrea

Today the boys and I walked to the park. It was one of the first 70 degree days and we took advantage. We brought a little bread to feed the ducks. ( I was very grateful we found some!) We stopped at the play area too. It was fabulous. Thank you God for sunshine and spring!

We found the ducks

Throwing the bread

Swinging

Quint helped to push Russell in the swing

Airplane Ride!

Quint was the pilot and he was so cute encouraging Russell to get on and join him.

"Come on Russell I will give you a ride"

"Are you up yet, Russell? You need help Russell?"

Free Birthday Coldstone!

My great friend Lauren is an April 1st birthday and mine is the 13th so we took our birthday coupons with the boys to get our free ice cream together. Then we took the boys to the park to run off the sugar. We were a huge scene with our two huge double joggy strollers in the small Coldstone. I think I only got a few bites, but the boys were jazzed. It was a lot of fun, and I am so glad my birthday is not in winter so we can be outside to celebrate:) It was great to walk and play outside.

I didn't get many good park pics it was a bit hectic! This play structure is not made for 2 year olds, so we were on duty to make sure none of our dare devils jumped off the ledge:)

I did manage to get one good one of Russell!

Aunt Rebecca Visits-TWICE!!!

Rebecca was able to get a short term assignment in Green Bay, WI. It was 3 weeks and we were so jazzed that she decided to spend her two midwest weekends with us! She made the 5 hour drive down two weekends in a row to hang out with us. What a blessing:) Although the second weekend we had two very sick kids and she even was there for our first experience with public throw up! What a hands on Aunt:) It was still a fun time of bonding with our favorite NYC Auntie, and of course she could not leave without spoiling us and the boys. She treated us to dinner, and bought the boys presents. We are so lucky to have such a giving Aunt Rebecca!

Just an aside: I was so excited to eat a fun dinner out, that I forgot to order the kids meals. Our tasty food came and none for the boys....oops! Good thing it wasn't too busy so they rushed it through the kitchen.

What coloring looks like at our house

Coloring has never been a very successful activity at our house. For some reason, we still attempt to do it from time to time. It usually lasts less than 10 minutes and creates a huge mess. I always attempt to keep the markers on the paper, but sometimes I just have to let go. Thank God they are washable! Here are some pictures from our latest attempt to color.

The pictures were actually turning out well till Russell and Quint determined they were a living canvas.

Quint was so pleased with his mustache

The final work of art:)

Russell and his love for food

Russell has always been an amazing eater. It is the first thing he wants to do in the morning, and the last thing he wants before bed. Who can blame him? I love to eat too! But, Russell takes eating to a different level. He loves to bond with his food. He has always eaten leisurely, taking his time, and enjoying his time at the table. Recently, he discovered it is fun to put food everywhere. His hair, his face, the table, his legs. Yuck! I try to encourage him to be a neat eater but he seems to love it. Here is one example of lunch the other day. He ended up with pickle in his hair. So gross, but very cute.

PUDDLES!

I admit we have been hibernating. But, today it was 36 degrees! It is our first glimpse of spring. I know winter is not gone yet...but today it was warm enough to go out and play. The boys and I walked around the neighborhood and learned about puddles, mud, drains, and melting snow. It was so fun! I love how Quint and Russell are sponges for information. I was so excited about the puddles and sunshine I took so pictures!

Russell always has to touch the puddle, even with his gloves on!

Quint brought the vacuum stick on our walk.

He used it to check the snow depth, I missed a picture...bummer.

They loved running through the puddles

We talked about melting snow, drains, and where the water goes. Bye bye snow!!!

I felt like running too! It was so exciting to be outside:)

Russell's first "official" hair cut

Russell has had a few home hair cuts, but when Grammy came to town she was excited to see him and Quint to get "real" haircuts. It was Russell's first OFFICIAL hair cut! He did amazing. Russell just chilled out, no crying, just being our mellow little Russell. I didn't think it was possible, but Russell looked even more handsome with cute hair:)

Quint's Projects

Quint is our project man. Once he finds an objective he becomes very focused on seeing his plan through. He also gets very frustrated if it does not work out the way he plans. I love watching how his mind works, and seeing what he creates. Here are a few just from the last month or so.

Here Quint filled the cup with foam road pieces and then was pouring water in the cup. The funny part was when the cup became very full the foam pieces became unwedged and floated to the top of the cup. Quint was shocked and said "oh dear!!!" I tried to explain, but I am not sure he understands buoyancy yet:)

many of the projects involve making things into trains. Russell is often a passenger.

very nice double decker train bridge with blocks

Another train

It was close to bedtime and Quint enlisted Russell to help him stack as many toys in front of the bedroom door as possible.

Did he think it would delay bedtime?

It was a very nice effort.

BK and I had fun watching them build the barricade.

They still had to go to bed though:)

Russell and his Blanket

One day a while back, Russell attached himself to this blanket. I wish I had planned it out a little better because it is pretty big and cumbersome. To late now, he loves it. The funny part is I think all he really loves about it is the tag. Whenever he is resting, or going for nap or bedtime he needs his blanket and we have to find the tag side for him. It is very cute. Here are some pictures of our little Russell and his special blanket.

Russell watching veggie tales...don't tell his pediatrician!

Its funny he is all about the tag:)

BK is a little worried he is going to need a replacement because the tag is getting very worn.

If so, I will find a smaller version!

What a cutie.

Two peas in a bin?

Best thing I have ever found in a storage bin