Playing in the sand

Our play group met at Bicentennial Park to have some fun in the sunny, warmer weather. Ryland was most concerned about the park having a sand box, so he could play with his tractors. When we arrived at the park, we found a huge sand box. It even had a digger. Ryland and Harker took turns digging and scooping the sand. One of them would push sand in the bucket, and the other one would dump it out with the handles. Their friend, Natalie, got in on the fun for a second, but decided it wasn't that great. I was amazed that even though there was a huge wooden play castle with slides, Ryland wasn't interested. He was very much into sand, dirt, and his tractors.

Playing together

Ryland climbed in the toy cabinet to play with some of Reed's toys. This cracked Reed up to no end. He totally burst out in laughter with a huge grin. Ryland and I thought Reed's reaction was hilarious. Before I knew it, we all were laughing like crazy.

New seat at the table

Reed is thrilled to be out of his highchair and at the table. His highchair seemed to always be covered in food, and it is one of the most difficult things to clean. So, I picked up a booster seat with a removable tray. From the second I buckled him in, he was happy as could be. We also liked him sitting at the table with us. I immediately realized how big he is getting and how big it made him feel.

No more paci

Well, it happened today. In all our craziness this morning, I somehow left the house without Reed's pacifier. I didn't realize it was missing until I dropped him off at school. Ooops! I talked to his teacher, and we decided to see how it goes. I waited for a call, but it never came.

Since he did well without it at school, I decided today was the day it would go away for good. We went to the gym and spent the evening without the paci, so we were ready to try bedtime. After dinner and a bath, we put Reed down for bed. He knew immediately that he didn't have it, and he started to cry.

It broke my heart to hear him cry it out, but I kept telling myself it was for his own good. I also reminded myself that our pediatrician says that pacifiers are fine until one year old. I thought back to when we took Ryland's paci away, and how silly we felt for putting up with the paci drama for so long.

Reed fought it for a while and let us know that he was upset, but then he laid down and got quiet. He was asleep after 28 minutes of crying. I just hope he sleeps tonight!

Another finished project

We have been in complete project mode for the past month. While John Chris worked on the electrical and plumbing in the bathroom, I started working on the sideboard. It was in desperate need of caulk and paint, but we decided to dress it up a little. We added upper and lower lighting, granite slab, and a tiled back. I even upgraded the wood shelves to glass, so the light could shine through. It is now the perfect piece for my crystal! I love it! For a small project, it made a hug impact in the room.

Before. Just plain, white, and boring.

Organizing

I love to organize, and I have been on a total rampage of getting my house together this month. The previous owner of our house left tons of Elfa shelves, tracks, and all the installation pieces. I was shocked that she left these behind, but pleasantly surprised. I pulled all the pieces out of the attic to make an inventory list.

Both the boys were immediately more interested in what I was doing than any of their toys. They quickly made their way over to my piles of Elfa. Ryland had lots of questions, and he helped me count all the pieces. Reed crawled back and forth over the stacks of shelves.

It took a couple hours to complete the list, and I realized just how much Elfa I have. I can just about complete our walk-in pantry. It was ironic because in my quest to organize, I made a total mess, and my boys were more excited about the mess than anything else in the playroom.

New bathtub

The bathroom project is practically finished with only the minor touch ups and caulking still remaining. We were able to get the tub installed, and the boys took a bath in it tonight for the first time.
They had a blast splashing and playing. The surrounding area was drenched, and we had to refill the tub a few times due to a sensitive tub plug. We all agree the new bathroom is awesome.

Daddy's tools

I realize my boys are way more interested in Daddy's tools than Mommy's craft supplies, but come on. Reed is totally blown away by the air compressor. I am really surprised, because it is loud, but he loves it. Even when it is off, Reed is drawn to it like a magnet.

I guess I could always contract them out. Hey, I might have the supplies to make a great sign.

Trying out Ryland's car seat

I took Reed with me to pick up a few minor things at Lowes. I decided to take John Chris' truck since it was parked behind mine in the driveway. I was going to grab Reed's carrier, but I thought I would give him an opportunity to try Ryland's car seat. He normally screams bloody murder when I buckle him in, but he smiled with enthusiasm today. He was so happy to face forward. He smiled and laughed the whole way.

Determined to ride

It was getting dark outside, but Ryland was determined to take a few loops around the pool before going inside. He is constantly aggravated that his 4-wheeler runs out of "gas". AKA battery charge. We pulled it off the charger, and he took off. He has mastered the steering mechanism finally, but he makes me really nervous around the pool. He is a daredevil.

Have a New Kid by Friday

I started a parenting class at church tonight that is based on Dr. Lehman's book, Have a New Kid by Friday. I was pleasantly pleased at how funny and upbeat the class was and how many people were in the class. It is one class a week for six weeks, so I really won't have a new kid by this Friday. I guess I can look forward to the end of February!

It's time to party

Ryland's buddy, Colton, had his 3rd birthday party at the Cube. There were lots of kids, and they had a blast. They had pizza, cake, and candy!
The kids were very interested in the cake.

The party had a Star Wars theme, so all the kids got an inflatable light saber. Of course when I tried to snap a picture of all the kids playing, Ryland hid.

There he is. I gotcha, Ryland.

I noticed Ryland and his other buddy, Trent, playing in the baby section, so I went over to see what was so much fun. The boys had brought two firetrucks out of a class and were rolling them up the padded incline and down the slide. Silly boys!

GO MAVS!!

Awesome night to watch the Mavs. We had great tickets and fun friends to share the experience. The game quickly turned into a run away, so we headed to the Jack Daniels Club for a few drinks. It was so nice to be out of the house and with grown ups.

Mini electricians

We are reaching the end of our bathroom remodel project, and they boys are still very interested about what is going on in the room. They wonder in every chance they get. John Chris and I were hanging the new vanity light when I noticed Reed had the electrical outlet tester. (This is a tool that beeps if the wires are hot. They are great to use to make sure the power is off before you start working.)

Reed tried numerous times to stick the tester in the outlet. (Please know that the power was off, and the outlet has a built in child safety plug.) Ryland was right there to tell Reed to stop.

Ryland told Reed to "stop sticking that in there. I will take it away." Reed didn't stop, so Ryland snatched it away. This led to a little confrontation between the mini electricians.

Ryland eventually gave up or lost interest, so Reed grabbed the tester. He went right back to attempting to "test" the outlet. He is hardheaded!

Lego Mania

What child wouldn't have a blast? Thousands and thousands of Legos! The library held Lego Mania this afternoon, and we met some friends there to play for a little while. Even though there were tons of Legos to choose from, there was still a little kiddo drama over anything with wheels. Ryland and I had a blast building and knocking down the "towers" we built. Reed slept in the stroller through the entire thing. He woke up when it was time to clean up.

Night with the girls

My MOPS group had a fun night at Let's Makeup for a makeup demonstration and personal shopping. We watched a makeup application and were taught all about brushes, contouring, and colors. It was a clear reminder that me applying makeup in the truck on the way to something or somewhere needs to stop. I was inspired to pull out my makeup brushes and eyeliner.
After the makeup class, me and some of the girls went for drinks at Coal Vines. It was nice to sit and chat while enjoying a mimosa and decadent chocolate mousse. Amazing! I absolutely love this group of ladies!

Cooking class

Every Monday Ryland and I meet up with a group of other moms and kids for a play group. All of our kids are within a few months of each other, so it has been fun to watch them grow and learn together. It also has been really nice to develop friendships with the other moms.

The group has grown since we have added second babies and a few new moms. We have started spending more time together without the little ones too.

We had an awesome night together for a cooking class. A chef taught us about preparing and cooking for our families. He demonstrated a few techniques, and he gave us the opportunity to taste the creations. The food was great, but the company was better. We spent hours talking, laughing, and drinking together. It was an evening of fun.

Bathroom progress

We have walls! The plumbing, electrical, and sheetrock is complete, so we are on to the fun stuff. The vanity cabinet has been installed, and the tile will go in soon. I am thrilled with the progress and the size of the room. I can't wait to see the finished product!

The boys

One of my favorite things is watching Ryland and Reed play together. They are getting more and more interactive, and I love their little giggles. Cooper got in on the fun tonight, and he was roughed up a little by the boys.

Happy Merry Christmas

Ryland liked to tell everyone "Happy Merry Christmas" instead of the more common Merry Christmas; however, it was completely perfect tonight. We celebrated Grandpa Dave's birthday and Christmas. We sang Happy Birthday and opened gifts. The boys picked out a wonderful gift of Weber grill starters. How fitting!
Reed enjoyed some dancing and a teething ring while entertaining us all.

Ryland loved the Cars gift bag! He dug right in and pulled out tissue, clothes, and ......

a remote control truck!

While Ryland was pre-occupied with opening gifts, I noticed Reed had wondered over to his brother's track hoe. He was seizing the opportunity to explore.

Vinyasa

I thought I would try something different at the gym today, so I headed to Vinyasa. I have tried this class before, so I knew I was "asking for it". So it began....downward dog, warrior pose, chair. Not a problem until the heat kicked in. Once again I am about 20 minutes into the class, and I am sweating like a pig. I just don't get it. I take some pretty difficult weight classes and a kick my butt weekly Zumba class. I mentally think I am tough, but then I go get whipped at a Zen class? Oh well, I like it!

Three is way better than one

After dinner at Fuzzy's Tacos, Ryland had a treat. What started out as one quickly multiplied to three ...
at the same time.

Kohler crush

I am so excited! My new toilet and sink arrived today, and I could barely wait on John Chris to make it home. I wanted to go pick it up immediately. I spent some time learning about toilets and sinks, so I could make sure to purchase the ones we would enjoy and the ones that had the right "look". I special ordered both items from Kohler at Lowe's, and I couldn't be happier with my selections. They are awesome. I can't wait to get them installed in the new bathroom.

Fun in a cardboard box

Who needs toys? Our two boys definitely don't. Of all the new toys to play with, the most popular item in the house tonight was a cardboard box. It started off with a bit of curiosity and ended up being a party. We love watching them play together.

New Year

Welcome 2012! I love a new beginning and a fresh start. I always make a list of things I want to do, do better, and get done. This year is no exception. The top of my list is to have more fun with my family. I am so excited to see the boys grow and learn over the next 12 months. We have lots planned for this year - birthday parties, a trip to Anguilla, and lots of pool time. Hooray for the new year!