Growing up Too Quickly

It's been almost two months since my last post. Things have been crazy. Matt is back to work, the boys are in day care (ugh) and it seems like they have been sick off and on since. But they both love the time with other kids, the art projects, songs and play time.

They are 20 months old now and it seems like time is passing by way too fast.

Here's a couple of videos of our very busy boys:

"We love mama's shoes"

"I want to do what my brother is doing."

Part One:

Part Two:

Vacations!

We've been able to spend some fun in the sun over the last couple weeks. First, we enjoyed some time up in Northern Michigan by Lake Michigan.

Then we spent a week in Jamaica. The boys loved the beach and the pool.

No Words to Say

I am not sure how to introduce this video that Matt took of the boys one day this week when I was at work.

Firsts....Haircut, Thunderstorm, Train Ride....

We've been very busy throughout the month of June...exploring, working, playing. And Joseph and Jacob has experienced many "firsts" this month.


1. Hair Cut


Even though they still don't have a lot of hair, it was getting very long on top (starting to look like a comb over).

Jacob Before

Joseph Before

Jacob During

Joseph During

Jacob After

Joseph After

2. Thunderstorm

The boys have always loved water and they couldn't wait to go outside during a big Thunderstorm when it was just pouring rain!

3. Train Ride

We decided to go to Crossroads Village for the afternoon last weekend and they have this old train that I rode on when I was a kid - The Huckleberry Railroad.

Matt with Jacob (2 of 2) and Joseph (1 of 2)

Jacob (almost asleep during the train ride)

Joseph

Joseph and me

4. Carousel

They also had a 1912 Carousel at Crossroads Village, so we had to take a ride.

5. And what every American kid has to try...Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich.

The boys usually eat whatever we eat. They'll eat any fruit or vegetable, pasta, meat, etc. We just had never given them PB&J.

Do you think they liked it? Let's see...

Playing Outside

Joseph and Jacob really love to play outside. All we have to say is "go get your shoes" or "where's your coat?" and they are ready to go!

Of course, our backyard and deck is now as full of toys as our living room has been for the last year. Here's the latest editions...

As you can see, "safety first"! No riding the plastic four wheelers without a helmet!

And the big favorite lately...the sand box! Which means a lot of dirty clothes and lots of baths!

And sometimes we just lounge around the backyard...usually for a very, very short moment.

Battle over the Leggo Tub

Some video captured by Matt after the boys had been fighting over "riding" the leggo tub. Grandma was trying to get Joseph and Jacob to share....

Joseph was on first, but Jacob wants to get on the tub too.

Now Jacob is on the tub. Will he let Joseph get on with him?

What's Been Happening

We have been enjoying lots of company lately and it's been a joy. Grandma Joan (my Aunt from Seattle) was able to visit for about a month. We all really loved her company, especially the boys. Then Grandpa and Grandma Strom (Matt's parents) from Minnesota has been with us for a couple of weeks. I haven't been able to spend much time with them, but the boys have already grown attached.

Here's a quick rundown of all the activities from the last month or so...

With some beautiful warm weather, the boys LOVE going outside to play on the deck or in the yard. Sometimes dressed....and sometimes not...

Our Magnolia tree bloomed...isn't it beautiful?

Lots of boxes around the house....the "hot" toy at the moment. Here's Jacob in a Huggies box.

Not to be outdone, here's Joseph in the Huggies box.

The big La-z-boy chair box is a big favorite. And look, Joseph is eating an apple (not pealed or cut up). The boys discovered the bag of apples and decided to go for it.

Jacob with his apple.

And because I am a dorky mom, I took a picture of their first whole apples that they ate.

There have been some fights and good old wrestling.

And a little bit of fever. Don't worry, Grandma was there to comfort Joseph.

And the ever-helpful child, Jacob wanting to feed Grandpa.

Lots of love....Jacob tackling Grandpa with a hug.

And not to be outdone, Joseph came over to give Grandpa a hug.

The most recent favorite (today). Headlamps from Grandma.

Our First "Push-up"

I can't tell by Joseph's face if he likes the taste or not....what do you think?

Dear Grandpa & Grandma Strom...

We can't wait until you come to visit. We're keeping your places warm until you arrive.

Here is Joseph sitting in your chair, Granpda.

And Jacob is keeping the chaise lounge ready for you, Grandma.

Weekend Away

Last weekend, we went to a popular waterpark resort in Ohio to meet some friends who recently had their 3rd child. Unfortunately, their oldest child got a bit of the flu and they were unable to join us.



The boys still enjoyed the water (as always). Here we are at the toddler's pool...



Looking up at a big "jungle" of bridges and slides...

Matt with the boys is the "big" pool...

Joseph - trying to dry off and warm up.....

Jacob drying off with Dad...

A look at the kiddie pool...

Even though the boys love the water, they enjoyed the hotel room just as much - especially the balcony.