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.

It's Spring - outdoor fun!

It finally feels like spring and the boys are really enjoying playing outside and on the deck. But they always seemt to find the area and things NOT to play with.

Every Day Events

Thanks for all the great feedback on "Wheel" - I'm glad my boys are not the only ones out there that love it!

Wonder what Daddy and boys do all day????

Working with Dad finishing the basement...and if you know Matt - "Safety First" even for the babies...

Moving furniture around - "High Chair Derby"...

Lots and lots of running....

And when things are going well, they take turns...

And sometimes they "share"...

Wheel of Fortune!!!

For some reason, the boys already have a favorite show. We don't have the tv on much during the day but we tend to have the evening news on at 6:30 pm (just before the boys go to bed). And guess what comes on after the news?

Wheel.....Of......Fortune - and the boys come running. This is what our living looks like right at 7:00pm....

They can't tear themselves away from it. They clap during the show also! It's a funny sight!

Happy Boys! (Matt, Joseph & Jacob)

Matt and the boys have been having lots of fun with the new sled and playing outside in the snow. Here's a little video he took of the boys this past week....

Our New Sled

The last few times we went sledding, the boys were not too enthusiastic. They had a tendancy to fall off of the sled or onto each other. So I found this gem of a sled at "One Step Ahead" (love this catalog).


So after the morning nap, we took the boys out on the new sled. Much more comfortable - but it was a little bright outside (great seeing the sun).


So I ran inside and got their sunglasses and we were good to go. Here's Joseph....

And Jacob.....

Don't they look happy??

We went down the hill by the house, walked through the woods and even went around the block. No crying at all. Joseph was so comfortable that he took a quick snooze at the end.

Here's Jacob with Daddy after our long walk.

And some video of our beautiful morning...

10 Reasons why I love this age - 1 YEAR OLD!

1. They can walk, climb stairs and slide down the stairs. I don't have to carry both of them up or down the stairs or around when we are out and about. (I only have to try to steer both of them in the same direction...not always easy but better than carrying 50 lbs around all the time).
2. They actually understand you. "Where are your socks?" (A few looks around and then running around looking for the socks). "Go get your pajamas." (One opens the drawer and ALL of the pajamas come out). "Give me a hug/kiss." (I love this one!!!)
3. They love each other....Joseph fell asleep in the car, so I laid him down on the floor to get Jacob....

Jacob comes in and there is no one to play with - can't figure out why Joseph is laying on the floor... 4. Anything amuses them (like the couch), now it's laundry baskets!

5. They are both pretty patient with each other (even when "brother" is pulling, poking, grabbing....)

6. They eat anything.

7. They love outside. (Sled is coming out this afternoon).

8. They love Mommy and Daddy.

9. They genuinely are happy boys!

10. They still take 2 naps a day and sleep 11-12 hours!!!!

Dressed and Ready to Go