African Safari

We just returned from a safari where we ran into Terri Irwin and her friend Boa. The boys were thrilled to meet her and hold the snake. Plus, the lions, tigers and bears...OH MY;)

Couch Time

Or should I say chair time. They will squeeze in with Daddy no matter where he's at..."scoot over!"

Serious Conversation!

Some serious conversation going on between David and Nathan. If my memory serves me well, something about the theme for his next birthday party, how he made a goal at soccer, or something about bears and the next scheduled camping trip. That's what couch time is good for!

Very Familiar

Now that Brandon can climb out of the crib, he can be found sleeping with Nathan these days. Even if it's his train bed (a twin) he climbs aboard. The guest room is usually where they're found.

I remember climbing in with my big sister when I was this little... and beyond. In fact we used to have our own rooms and then chose to share when we moved into a bigger house.

1st Day of School

Nathan started a Pre-K summer program to get him acquainted with the school for fall enrollment. He'll attend a couple of half days a week. He was so excited until it was time for David and I to leave, then he started crying. My stomach was in knots! But now he looks forward to it and knows exactly when his "school days" are.

Playtime

We took Brandon for some quick playtime on the school playground...I'm sure Nathan would've been thrilled (he tried try to negotiate us leaving Brandon with him).

My Future's so Bright, I've got to Wear Shades!

Here he is after the first day. He loved it...as you can tell by the pose. He's really into striking a pose these days.

Other Summer Activities

We put both boys into private swim lessons for the summer. Nathan was so close to swimming on his own I thought this would make the difference-and it did! He can swim across the pool without floaties etc. (although I'm sure they'll be 25 if I ever consider them water safe). He still regresses to doggie paddle when he gets tired, so we are constantly working on "big arms."

Brandon likes it although there was a period of a week when he cried as he realized these were real lessons and not just Mommy-and-Me playtime lessons. He's better now, and is doing well at some of the safety basics (getting out of the pool by himself, etc.) but definitely needs the floaties!

Soccer Camp

Nathan is also doing a soccer camp. He loves that as well, although I think it's the cletes and shin guards that really do it for him:) The method to my madness is to expose him to everything now so that when he's in school and there is limited time for extracurricular activities, he'll have a good idea of what he likes best. Plus, it tires my energetic boys out and then they'll...sleep!!

The Arrival

We were so lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa here for Nathan's first soccer practice! Brandon does his job as the welcome wagon very well!

Lots of Drills

Atta boy!

What about me?

Poor B. Boy! He isn't allowed on the field during practice and just can't understand why. So a Daddy hug cured a few tears and they had a practice of their own. Just one more year sweetie pie and you'll have practices of your own:)

Soccer Stud

Grammy, Poppy and the soccer stud!

My Granola Boy

Here is the biggest eater in the household. He literally eats everything on his plate and usually finishes his brother's left-overs too. I caught him and Nathan conspiring one day when I insisted Nathan eat his "trees" (broccoli), and walked back into the kitchen to find Nathan feeding them to Brandon...who was inhaling them. David jokes about how he'll need a second job when these boys (especially Brandon) hit the pre-teen/teenage years.

Believe it or not, Brandon is only in the 24 percentile...for the weight category! I almost burst into tears when the pediatrician told me this at his 2 year check up. I said, "But he eats so much!" He replied, "What do want me to do? Look at you, look at David... you can't beat genetics! Be happy, it could be worse." So, it seems he's taking after Daddy-long and lean!

Prefers Ice Cream

Here is my finicky one. They've grown up in the same home, same food offered, but Nathan prefers ice cream, candy, juice or anything sweet to any sort of real sustenance. Actually, as the first one, sweets didn't make into his mouth until much later. But he will eat granola bars and fortunately protein and carbs aren't too difficult. The greens however...oy vey!

Funny B. Boy

My beautiful boy thinks it's funny not to come out of the field and get back onto the path. Which means I'm going to do some quick hiking, retrieval and still have to catch up to big brother who just squealed off on his bike. Now if I had 3, I would...??????????

We're taking suggestions:-)

Dancing with the Shadows

Nathan strikes a pose and dances around with his shadow after he realizes he can see the baby in my shadow...one of the may things a big buddha belly can be a catalyst for! Hmm, let's see...conversations erupt with total strangers (usually very pleasant, sometimes TMI), doors flown open for me from both men and women (very nice), 3 doting men in my house (my favorite) and now shadow dancing-who knew!