Super Hero Night

The boys had a fun day at school, as usual.  Beau told me he did art, sang songs, read books, and played with Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Sonya.  Lincoln told me that during recess he was running backwards from the basketball court to the playground, and he fell and skinned his face a little.  It was a minor concrete scrape on his temple, and Ms. Shaye gave him lots of love.  Still, we needed to fix it up when we got home this afternoon.  I cleaned his face and applied Neosporin and a super cool Cookie Monster band-aid.  When I was finished Linc got to check himself out in the mirror.  He said, "Mommy, you are like a doctor!"  Of course, Beau had to have a face band-aid too!  They were happy to show off their Batman shirts and band-aids when we were all cleaned up.

In keeping with the superhero theme, Nana left a surprise dress up package for the boys.  They both got Green Lantern super hero costumes, and they loved them!  They pretended to fly around the living room! 

The masks were a little bothersome after a bit, but they loved their capes and muscle shirts.  These two little super heroes jumped on the trampoline, played golf, read books, played marching band, and snacked on granola bars.  It's hard work being so super! 

I reminded them to check themselves out in the mirror a few times, and they would get so excited.  I love an evening of happy boys.  

Birthday Party for Tomas

Our little friend, Tomas, turned two and had a super fun birthday party.  The theme was dinosaurs, which Lincoln and Beau loved.  I heard lots of roars throughout the day!  We met everyone at a cool park near their house.  I think Daddy was the most excited about the giant wooden playground, which is odd because Daddy usually sees playgrounds as germland!  (Apparently he used to play one very similar in his youth!)  He and the boys did some running around, and we all agreed the playground was extra cool.  It was like a giant maze of ups and downs and twists and turns, and Beau was right on Linc's heels the whole time!

Of course Lincoln loved being the leader.  He was pretty patient to wait on Beau all the time.   There were only a few other kids at the park, so our little group had lots of space to play.

In between all of the playground fun, we had a yummy snack with Tomas.  There was an artist there doing caricatures, and I was dying for Linc and Beau to sit for one.  After Tomas took a turn, we climbed up on the bench and cheesed out!  The boys were so smiley and fairly still . . . they were mostly looking at pictures on my iPhone and looked up to say cheese whenever the man told them to.  Such good boys! 

OH.MY.GOODNESS.  The picture makes me laugh like crazy!  It is so exactly like them, right?  The hair on both is totally perfect.  Beau's sweeps to the side naturally and softly, and Lincoln's is kind of blunt. The face on both is totally spot on.  Beau's face is super round with chubby cheeks, and Lincoln's face is much slimmer with no chubby anything.    Lincoln loves to see himself in the drawing and wants to hang it in his room, but Beau's not too concerned about it.  Perhaps he thought the artist was a little too generous with the chub!  I am definitely framing this one for all to see!

Happy Birthday, Tomas!  Thanks for inviting us to a super fun party!  The park was great, the snacks were yummy, and the picture was definitely the highlight.  We may have to get serious about planning our next playdate in your neighborhood!

Getting Ready for Bed

Lincoln and Beau play so hard each day, and they play even harder each evening.  Their little boy energy amazes me!  At every moment they are acting out crazy pretend stories, making giant messes, wrestling and chasing each other, building wild block houses, and playing to the extreme.  They are both super great sleepers (knock on wood, plastic, glass, and any other surface imaginable) and are quiet when it is time for bed.  Beau told me before his bath tonight that he was tired and ready to get in bed . . . I think he tricked me and just wanted to be silly for a few minutes.  He giggled in his fake sleep too much!

He couldn't stay still for long and was giving me his best smiles.  He talked to me about all of his bed friends.  That bed is FULL!  We never let Lincoln have so many things at this age (actually he didn't get anything in his bed), but perhaps we are older/wiser/etc.  Beau showed me his bear, Elmo, Ernie, Grover, Melman, Charlie Brown, and Bobster.  I don't know how they all have room to sleep in there, but I'm glad he and his buddies enjoy quiet rest! 

It's hard to get the boys to sit still together for a short lesson during the day.  While they are corralled in a small space during their baths, I've been reading a story each night from their Toddler Bible.  They anticipate the story each evening, and I'm so happy they enjoy this special time.  After I read the lesson, they always want me to go back to the older ones and show the pictures.  Linc got dressed first and loved looking back at the stories from previous nights.   

He made sure to tell me about each story.  His favorites are Daniel in the Lions' Den, Jonah and the Whale, and David and Goliath.  (They both love that Goliath is a giant and David is so little.  They don't understand the sling-shot yet, but it sounds super cool!)  Lincoln told me that old kings were really mean, and that we should all ask Jesus to help us because it works for these guys.  I totally agree!!! 

After Beau got all cleaned up and dressed for bed, Lincoln gave him a few too many hugs and kisses.  Lincoln is soooooo loving, and Beau can only take the love in short spurts.  He played along as long as he could! 

These are the sweetest brothers ever!  They completely love each other and completely drive each other mad.  They are totally opposite (body type-wise) and totally identical (playing style-wise) at the same time. They wouldn't know what to do without the other! 

I love these two little guys more than words can say.  I love Beau's squishy hugs and Linc's boney hugs.  I pray a million thanks of how smart and sweet and independent and loving and energetic and inquisitive and special that they are each day.  I can't imagine what they will come up with tomorrow, but I'm excited to go along for the ride!

Valentine's Day

The boys were super excited that Valentine's Day was almost here!  They made Valentine's crafts with Nana last week, and Minnie sent them a Valentine's puppet craft to do this week.  So much fun!

After their school Valentine's Day parties, Daddy picked them up and headed to get Mommy a special Valentine flower.  I understand there was quite a bit of debate over which flower Mommy would like.  Lincoln and Beau just couldn't agree!  Daddy stepped in and all were happy with the chosen gift!  Of course, the boys fought about who would carry it to pay and to the car, but they were happy to take turns in the end. 

Mommy brought home their favorite pizza from Carmine's and their favorite cupcakes from Stein's.  Super yummy Valentine's Dinner at our house!!  I love my flowers and will do my best to keep them alive, although I definitely don't have a green thumb!  After dinner, we had a few fun presents to open.  Among the gifts were new Crocs from Nana and Pops, fun treats from Minnie and Bubbles, and Batman and Curious George Tshirts from Mom and Dad.  The boys loved all of their Valentine treats, but I think the most favorite gift of all was from Aunt Patsy.  She sent them (money for) new flashlights, which is their most favorite thing right now!   

They had so much fun examining Daddy's throat with their new flashlights!  Oh my goodness, the giggles were too much! 

Beau had to go back for more fun . . . he couldn't stop shining his light at Daddy and erupting in massive laughter!  If anyone ever needs to give a gift to Lincoln and Beau, a set of flashlights and batteries is a sure winner! 

Mommy sneaked in an extra fun gift of new sunglasses, and the boys are crazy obsessed with them now.  I wouldn't dare get in the car without making sure their sunglasses weren't securely placed on their heads.  They love looking super cool with their shades! 

A fun Valentine's Day was had by all..  It was laid back but loving.  Linc and Beau had so much fun making Valentine's crafts, and they really had fun eating yummy pizza and cupcakes with presents to boot!  These little guys keep everything fun for us.  I couldn't ask for a better Valentine's Day.  

Mardi Gras Celebration

Since we couldn't make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, we decided to have our own party on Fat Tuesday.  We loaded up with festive party supplies and had tons of fun!  The boys loved the necklaces and chocolate coins, and they took turns picking different colored chips.  

The King Cake turned out to be quite an effort.  I saw them already prepared at the grocery store, but I thought this mix would surely be as easy as any cake mix . . . boy was I wrong!  I decided to bake it Monday night, so it would be ready for our party on Tuesday evening.  First,I mixed the cake mix and yeast in a big ziploc bag.  Next I added a cup of hot water and a cold stick of butter to the bag and mushed it together until the butter was melted and added an egg and kneaded for 15 minutes.  The dough needed to rise for almost two hours, then I was able to roll it out to a long narrow rectangle.  The praline mixture went on top and it was all rolled up and formed into an oval.  Finally I got to bake it, and it smelled delish!  On Tuesday afternoon, the boys got to help me drizzle the icing and do the sprinkles.  They loved getting to help with their favorite part!  After a (non-Cajun) dinner of pork tenderloin and green beans, it was time to eat the King Cake! 

Lincoln and Beau were only interested in the icing and sprinkles - typical.  I tried a small slice of the cake and wasn't impressed.  It wasn't bad, but it was more bread/pastry than cake.  I took the rest to the boys' teachers and my friends at work.  Surprisingly, I got rave reviews that it was the best King Cake ever.  Who knew?!?!  We had fun at our Mardi Gras party, even though Lincoln kept singing about our Morning Ground party. Whatever the occasion, we just like a good party.  Valentine's Day is next, and we've been preparing for days.  Stay tuned!

Lincoln's First Ice Cream Cone

Lincoln had his first ice cream cone on this warm Sunday afternoon, and he loved it!!!  I don't know how he has lived for almost 4 years without experiencing the joy of a simple ice cream cone.  Don't get me wrong, we love ice cream and eat it often.  Apparently, we only eat it out of a bowl at home or at the local ice cream or yogurt shop.  Linc was done with his "rest time" before Beau was finished with his nap, so I asked him if he wanted to sneak out to get an ice cream cone.  Of course, the answer was a loud YES!!  It was really a magical experience, and I loved watching him discover something so sweet and fun.  He actually didn't like the cone part, but he was in heaven with soft serve in a convenient little package!  Linc also loved that we had a secret adventure to share.  He kept telling me that Beau just wasn't ready, so we shouldn't tell him about cones yet. I agree based on the mess factor alone!  On the way home he said, "I like going to get ice cream with just me and you, Mommy."  My heart melted!  What a sweet treat with my sweet Lincoln!

Warm February Days

The weather has been so incredibly nice for early February.  We've had mid-70s this week!  The boys were so excited to play outside.  Beau loves to swing!  He's definitely outgrown the baby tree swing, but he's not so trustworthy on a regular swing seat.  I can't count on him to hold on!  He found the perfect swinging apparatus one day this week, and that's pretty much all he wants to do.  He also likes to slide, but he can't climb up there by himself yet.  He has to wait until I come help him up the ladder and hold his hand going down.  This swing gives him he perfect amount of independence . . . I can push him a few times then he's all on his own like a big boy!  

Lincoln is still a master at climbing up the rock wall, and he's decided he needs a few trucks to go with him.  He loves to send them flying down the slide then race down after them.  Linc also offered to push Beau a few times, which made them both giggle like crazy. 

We can't wait for spring!  We have a few plans for the backyard in the next month or so, and it will be the best place for them to play.  We have an amazing tree that shades the entire yard, but we are definitely grass-challenged.  Once we get the grass situation figured out, it will be paradise!  (Not that they mind getting dirty by playing in the mud and dirt, but Mommy thinks it might make things a little less messy!)  Lots of warm weather fun will be here before we know it!  

A Happy and "All Clean" Beau!

Beau was especially happy and looking super cute in the tub, so I had to snap his picture.  He loves to play and get "all clean" as he says.  He and Lincoln make up seriously funny stories with their bath toys!  (Linc was not in the mood to be photographed on this occasion . . .)  I love this sweet smile!

After a nice warm bath and shampoo, Beau loves to be wrapped up in his Mickey towel.  Thanks, Minnie and Bubbles, for the best bath towel ever!

Beau was a little teary when it was time to unwrap and get his pjs on.  Luckily, Lincoln was standing by with a good night hug to make him feel better.  Bath time is our way of washing off the day and getting ready for bed.  Beau is always ready for Mommy to read two books and sing Amazing Grace.   What a sweet routine!

Birthday Party for Will!

We headed to Fort Worth on Saturday morning to celebrate a special birthday . . . Linc's buddy Will turned 4!  They were super special friends since they were little tots at school until Will's family moved to Fort Worth in the fall.  These guys were so happy to be reunited!  They had fun in the bounce house, they plotted a secret mission away from the party upstairs, and they bonded over their mutual love of rock collections. We really need to get together more often.  Lincoln was excited about everything he saw in Fort Worth, and he thought all of those things belong to Will.  (The trains, the tall buildings, the bridge, etc.)  A few times I caught them just smiling at each other with no words needed!  Such sweet friends!

After a yummy lunch and lots of playing, the kiddos gathered to sing Happy Birthday.  Linc and Beau were front and center.  The cake was super yummy, and they were both so excited to get ice cream too! 

Beau was a little wary of the bounce house at first.  There were a few big kids inside when he tried it out, and he didn't like the bouncing right away.  He got to try it out alone for a few minutes and loved it!  Once the big kids got back in, he didn't mind a bit!  He thought being bounced around like a rag doll was great!  Every time he slammed to the ground, he shouted with glee!  Linc loved to bounce, of course. 

One still moment when these brothers got to share a sweet hug.  They can definitely melt my heart! 

We had so much fun at Will's birthday party.  The trip to Fort Worth was fun.  We are glad that Will's grandmother lives just a mile away from us, and we can see them when they come to our part of Dallas.  Thanks for a fun party, Will!

Happy Birthday, Nana!

A fun addition to our regular Friday night Mi Cocina dinner was a birthday party for Nana!!!  The boys were so excited to help get everything ready for Nana's party.  We spent FOREVER at Target picking out just the right plates, napkins and party hats.  They really debated over whether Nana liked Cars, Thomas the Train or silly monkey party wear.  In the end, the monkeys won!  We brought lots of goodies to share after a yummy dinner.  I think Nana was surprised when we opened our party bag!  Linc was so proud of Nana's "birthday girl" ribbon that he picked out for her.  

Beau was a little hesitant about the hat at first.  He was mostly focusing on the napkin because on the way to Target the other day, Lincoln assigned Beau the responsibility of carrying the napkins.  Beau remembered his important job keeping the napkins, and he held on to his tightly for a few minutes!  I did get him to wear his hat for a bit. 

The boys got to carry the balloons in (sort of) by themselves.  They each got a birthday balloon and mylar balloon clipped on their shirts so they wouldn't blow away.  They loved the balloons!!  Marte and Scooter were hidden behind the balloons for my party pics! 

I picked up the most fabulous cake balls from Toni Rivard's (Preston/Royal) store.  They were super yummy, and I'm glad I got a few extra to take home! 

We all sang Happy Birthday to Nana and enjoyed our special treat, and Linc and Nana (and Mommy) were still in our party hats.   

It was a fun Friday night birthday party for Nana!  Fabulous friends and family, super yummy cake balls, special balloons and party plates/napkins.  We should celebrate birthdays at Mi Cocina more often!!!