Under the sofa

I noticed the boys playing in the living room, and they had taken off one of the sofa's cushion. When I asked what was going on, Ryland told me that Reed was looking for his toy. I walked over to find Reed halfway under the sofa. I grabbed the camera as fast as I could, only to catch him coming out.

When he stood up, I asked him what he was doing, and he just started chatting. He was very matter of fact, but I couldn't understand a word of it. I am guessing he was trying to tell me he found his toy.

Dentist

Ryland is such a big boy!  He saw the dentist for the first time today, and I could not believe how wonderful he did.  John Chris and I started playing dentist at home, and Ryland came with both of us to watch our visits.  We made sure that he would enjoy the dentist instead of being fearful.  He had 20 teeth and no cavities, and the x-rays showed his big teeth lined up waiting for their turn to shine.  The hygienist gave him a cool Cars toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a few toys, because he did so well.

Moss

I have asked numerous times for the boys NOT to play in the moss.  They seem to be drawn to it, and they always get it everywhere.  Today I caught their snake digging a hole, so he could hide from the monster truck.  That is the story, at least.  Needless to say moss was all over the floor and stuck to the boys clothes.  I decided to clean up the mess and eliminate the temptation.  No more moss!

Golf Clubs

The boys head off to play a little golf in the yard.

Reed was thrilled to play with Ryland, even if most of the time he was just the caddie. 

Ryland threw the clubs on his trike and took off.

I never knew golfing was such a tiring sport, but they both enjoyed playing with the clubs for hours.

Pool fun

We had planned on hanging out by the pool with family and friends after a fun filled morning.  Baby Benton got a cool new police car float to relax in.  It was barely blown up before Ryland jumped in to take it for a spin, with his Blastball trophy.

After swimming I got a lot of love from my favorite little guys.  We can't wait to see them grown and laugh together.  Ryland, Reed, and Benton - the three amigos.

We thought the water fun was finished for the day, but the boys had other plans.  Slip'n slide time in their pajamas.

Benton enjoyed the pool time and watching the bigger boys act like nuts.  I just love this picture of him.  He is so sweet!

It was time to call it a night for the boys.  I just had to ask Reed one time to come inside for bed, and he headed inside out of the playhouse.  He was soaked!

Trying to stall before bed, Ryland was quick to start snapping party pics.  He is such a procrastinator! He does get some funny shots.

Blastball party

We officially wrapped up Ryland's Blastball season today with a party and a trophy.  He was so excited and thrilled to get a star trophy.  Coach Dan was awesome, and Ryland had a blast.  He insisted that he wear the complete uniform to the party. 

 After receiving their trophies, Ryland, Keegan, and Charlie thought it would be most fun to bury them in the nearby dirt.



The snacks were yummy!  Baseball shaped PB&J sandwiches, cupcakes, and cheese puffs.  Awesome!



Us parents saw this coming.  When you put a bunch of boys near a ditch, they will play in it.  The boys all took the opportunity to roll down the hill into the ditch.  Good times!

Hot tub fun

Lizzie and Pops came to visit for the long holiday weekend.  We relaxed and played in the pool for hours.  Ryland and Reed both love the hot tub.  Even though the heat isn't on and the water is the same temperature at the pool, the bubbles make it so much fun!

Haircut

Ryland's hair had once again gotten really long and shaggy.  He had to constantly brush his bangs out of his eyes.  We told him he needed a haircut, but he said he wanted Mommy to cut it at home.  After fighting with him for about an hour last time, I had decided not to continue cutting his hair at home, but he talked me into cutting it one more time.  Only 2 minutes in, I was begging him to sit still and look straight ahead.  That is when I made my mind up to take him somewhere.  The next day we headed out for a real haircut.  The stylist took about an inch off all over, and it looks much more manageable.  I am a little iffy about his side burn area, but they tuck cutely behind his ears.  He cooperated like a champ, and he got a sucker.  There will be no discussion next time.  Salon here we come!

It's a hard life

Ryland and I made a deal.  If he took a quick bath and didn't whine, he could watch one show on TV.  He chose to watch Doc McStuffins.and he quickly fell into a trance.  When I looked over and saw this, I just had to snap a picture.  He sure has it hard.

Rock climbing

 It was beautiful this morning, so we headed to the community playground.  Since I have the crappiest camera phone ever, these pictures look hazy, but it was clear, sunny, and mild.  Perfect weather for a little rock climbing.  Ryland mastered the small wall quickly, but he couldn't quite get to the top of the big wall.  Reed wasn't that interested in the small wall.  He refused to play near it.  He wanted a piece of the big one.  As soon as he figured out he wasn't going to be able to climb it, he settled for a little bark chewing.  Seriously?

We all had a good time and wished we had more mild weather like this.  It will soon be way too hot to enjoy this playground.

Celebrating

A wonderful evening of chatting and eating on the patio.  The food was great and the company was even better.  After celebrating a friend's birthday, I came home and found Ryland waiting on me to tuck him in.  So sweet!

Bumbo

The Bumbo came out of the cabinet today, and it was THE thing to play with.  Both boys climbed in and out of it.  It got stuck to their bottoms, which was hilarious to them.  It was thrown and rolled.  The Bumbo rocks!

Fountain Fun

Our play group met at Barnes & Noble for story time. After attempting to contain the energy of our three year olds and a few younger ones, we headed out to the fountain area for snacks. The kids loved the fountain. It started off with them sitting on the edge and quickly turned into all the moms trying to keep them out of the fountain. They had a great time sticking their heads in the spraying water and getting wet.

Reed wanted in on the fun, but I refused to let him sit on the edge. Instead we played chase for a little while and then I held him while he touched the water. Fun times at Town Square fountain!

Eli's party

 

Ryland's buddie, Eli, hosted his third birthday party at Jump for Fun.  It was the perfect place to completely wear out a bunch of hyper kids.  They had an awesome time jumping and chasing each other around.

More blastball

This is the last Saturday of Blastball games.  It is pretty sad, because Ryland absolutely loves it.  I am amazed at how much he changed in just the 8 weeks.  At the first team meeting, he wouldn't even participate.  He cried and threw a fit, and John Chris and I wondered if he was ready for team sports.  Here we are at the last game, and he is having a blast and being his silly self!

End of the day

What better way to end the day?  Ride off naked into the sunset.  I am not sure why every day ends the same way, which is both boys naked and happy, but it's not bad.

Sitting together

We are still working with Reed on his biting problem.  When Ryland tried to take away a toy Reed was playing with, the teeth came out, and Ryland's arm paid the price.  Reed was put in time out, and I fixed Ryland a vanilla compress.  Ryland was also put in time out for taking away toys.  He sat down beside his buddy Reed.  There they both sat looking like little angels.

Picnic in the truck

I broke my own rule. 

I have been very strick about eating and drinking in my new truck.  Nothing but water is allowed.  Until today, we were all hungry for lunch, so I whipped into Sonic.  I had every intention of sitting at one of the tables outside, but quickly found out that I couldn't open either of my front doors.  My truck was too big. I circled the building to find a parking spot, and every single one was taken.  With both boys quickly loosing their cool and starting to yell, I caved.  I pulled my big tank, I mean truck, back into a spot and ordered lunch.  We enjoyed a picnic in the truck, but the rule is back in action.  Only water!  I mean it!

Creative Canvas

What an awesome night!  I had a blast hanging out with my MOPS chicks.  We enjoyed a painting class at Creative Canvas followed by drinks and live music.  I had to laugh when I saw the picture of our group and our peacock paintings.  Every one's painting had their own interpretation and style, but Leah's is the best.  The Yo Gabba Gabba is sure to be a hit with her kiddos.  When I showed the picture to Ryland, he immediately spotted it and started screaming.

Somebody is going to be upset

We started making pallets on the weekends a few weeks back, and the boys absolutely love it.  We laid out all the blankets and stacked all the pillows.  Reed was the first one to get comfortable and look what he grabbed.  He was quick to snatch Ryland's Itsy.  It cracked me up that he knew this was a no no and the smile and glimmer in his eyes were priceless.  Somebody is going to be upset....

Mother's Day

After a day of playing outside, my sweet boys took me to a delicious sushi dinner.  It was the perfect way to end the day, and the boys behaved so well.  As I sat there enjoying their delightful presence, I am constantly amazed.  I could never have imagined how much I would love being a mom.  I adore my energetic, sweet, and silly little boys, and I have the best husband to share it all with.  I am blessed.  I look forward to every moment with them.

Tape measure

While John Chris and I worked on the pergola, Ryland entertained himself with a tape measure.  He snacked on popcorn and played in the yard, but kept returning to the tape measure.

The tape measure made the perfect fishing pole.  Ryland caught lots of big catfish with no problem.  I just love his imagination!

Playhouse fun

Reed is determined to climb up to the playhouse.  He doesn't want any help, and he is very insistent that he do it himself.  He starts screaming if you even come near him.  He probably has caught on that if Mommy or Daddy is there they will put him on the slide or on the ground.  He is getting pretty close, and it won't be long before he is successful.

Ryland is pretty bossy.  He screams at Reed to "GET DOWN". "YOU ARE JUST A BABY!"

The boys love to slide.  They go down on their booties, tummies, or backs.  Their favorite way to slide is together.  Ryland lets Reed sit in his lap and off they go.  Pile up at the bottom with lots of laughs!

Ryland enjoys pulling up grass.  He tugged on a St. Augustine runner, and it popped right up and hit him in the face. 

The sandbox has become a favorite place to play.  It is shaded, dirty, and fun!  The boys dig and play together while laughing and chatting.   We have already added two bags of sand, and it is quickly disappearing.

The sadness of having to get out of the sandbox to eat.  Absolutely terrible!

MOPS & DOPS

I was so excited to attend the second MOPS & DOPS night out.  John Chris and I had a wonderful time visiting with friends and enjoying Cinco de Mayo.  We had a wonderful dinner at a local authentic Mexican restaurant and then enjoyed a Carlos Santana cover band around the corner.  Fun times!



Reed's poor face

Reed took a tumble that gave him a pretty yucky scrape on his face and nose.  It scared me when him and John Chris came in the house, and I could only see blood and hear the screaming.  He was playing in his wagon and fell, and our mean old driveway hurt him.  After we cleaned it up, it didn't look so bad, but I know it had to hurt.  We will keep some ointment on it to avoid a scar and hopefully it will heal quickly.

Birthday cake

Happy Birthday to John Chris and myself!

We started the celebration with cake.  The ugliest, brightest cake we had ever seen, but it was delicious.  Thanks Mom!

Hanging out with Benton

The Brashears stopped by to hang out and eat dinner.  Before they left, I snapped a few shots of Benton and Ryland.  (Reed was already in bed.)  They smiled and looked so handsome, then I said to be silly.

Ryland was quick to snap into silly mode.  I had to giggle when I looked at the pictures later, I noticed Benton stuck his thumb in his mouth.  He is so silly too!  I can't wait to see all the fun things these boys do in the future.