Fun Afternoon

Technology is a part of our everyday lives . . . iPhones, iPads, and Nooks are just a few of the devices Lincoln and Beau know how to operate.  It is completely amazing how quickly they learned the finger swipe!  They love to look at the pictures on our phones and play games, and Lincoln thinks it is really special if he gets to do an interactive Charlie Brown book on my Nook.  Not to be outdone, the boys busted out their laptops for a little learning!  Lincoln was doing spelling games on his Cars computer, and Beau was learning about letters and numbers (or mostly pushing buttons) on his little computer.  Of course, they had to be as close as possible!

After our study session, the boys headed outside to play in the warm sunshine.  It was an afternoon of bubbles, and everyone was having so much fun . . . until Lincoln dumped bubble solution all over Beau.  Not so fun!  Beau chased him around for so long trying to get him back, but Lincoln was too fast.  Beau finally got over it and got back to having fun.  

A little learning and a little backyard fun makes for a great afternoon!

Jumping Birthday Party for James!

It wouldn't be Saturday if we didn't have a birthday party to go to, and the boys were super excited to help James celebrate his fourth birthday at the jump place.  We've been to a few parties there, but it's been a year at least.  Lincoln was a little timid on his earlier visits, but that wasn't the case today.  He ran straight for the biggest and tallest slide and squealed with glee all the way down!  He loved the obstacle courses and climbed, bounced, jumped and slid with endless energy. 

The joy was easy to see, but it was hard to capture a picture.  He was moving so fast, and most of my pictures were blurry.  When you are having this much fun, there's no way to slow down! 

Beau had not accompanied us to any of our previous jump place parties because he was so little, but he was definitely ready to party today!  He was determined to try everything.  He was so excited to do the big boy activities.  Since he couldn't actually climb by himself, Mommy was his helper.  It was a crazy hard workout to keep up with him, lift him, squeeze through the obstacles, and push him up the ramps.    

Beau loved to slide down after all of the climbing, but only if he was sitting on Mommy's lap.  We did a lot of sliding together!!  Occasionally Linc would join us so we could all slide together, and that made for even more squeals!!! 

Some of those slides were REALLY tall, and Mommy wasn't as fearless as the boys.  While they were squealing with delight, Mommy was shrieking with terror!  At the top of the highest slide, I had a conversation with another dad.  He told me that his kid was a little scared to go up alone.  After seeing me come down with Beau, he thought he should take his kid up and go down with him.  That dad told me he was terrified at the thought of going down.  I told him to bite the bullet, and off we went with lots of parent screams.  Oh, the things we do for our kids!! 

After so much jumping and sliding, it was time for snacks and cake.  Lincoln wanted to tell his buddy happy birthday, and he and James posed for a quick pic.  The boys had so much fun at the party, and Linc told me that he wants to have a party at the jump place next year.  (He tells me that after every party that we go to - the gymnastics place, the farm, etc.)  Even though they loved every minute of the party, we are all feeling the effects of missing our afternoon nap.  All will be better after a good night of rest.  Thanks so much to James (and his Mommy and Daddy) for a fun Saturday afternoon!  Happy Birthday, James!

The Adventures of Baby Bear

Lincoln and Beau have been really interested in Curious George lately.  We read lots of books about George, and Nana even found a movie of George's silly stories.  After reading Lincoln's current favorite story one night (Curious George Goes to the Library), he told me that he wished his Baby Bear could have adventures like George.  The next day we started photographing Baby Bear as he had his own fun adventures.  Lincoln loves to choose what Baby Bear should do, and I follow with the camera.  He anxiously waits for the pictures to be printed then instructs me just what to write.  He is so proud of each page!

Sometimes Baby Bear is solo, and sometimes his friends Franklin and (our stuffed version of) George participate.  Lincoln really loves when he can be part of the action too!  He helped Baby Bear jump on the trampoline, and Beau followed close behind to help Franklin jump too. 

Lincoln loves to play the Cars Playstation game, and he was kind enough to invite Baby Bear to play too.  It was a wild ride because Lincoln is a very active gamer.  He jumps out his chair when the car jumps, and he leans from side to side as he steers the car in either direction.  Baby Bear needed some Dramamine! 

Lincoln is so proud of book and loves to be in charge of this project.  He sleeps with it under his pillow and won't let Beau near it!  I hope Baby Bear knows how lucky he is that Lincoln is taking care of him. 

Klyde Warren Park

Our Sunday afternoon brought a fun and unexpected surprise . . . we ended up in downtown at the Klyde Warren Park.  The boys were having fun in the car going on the tall overpasses and riding through the tunnel, but then we emerged at the park on top of the freeway.  They were amazed at the cool park between the tall buildings.  Lincoln asked me if we were still in Texas!  Of course my guys trampled the flowers to stand by the sign.  Luckily they were dressed in their Rangers gear!

There were lots of birds to chase, and they both ran screaming at any pigeon they spotted.  Poor birds!  The doggies they saw were super interesting too, and I'm glad they were on leashes (the dogs, not my kids) because we probably scared the poor puppies! 

We watched the fountains in awe, and Daddy even teased Beau a bit by threatening to toss him in.  So funny! 

It is a really cool park filled with lots of people, animals, games, food trucks, and cool things to see.  We stopped for a picture with Mommy! 

Dallas has this thing going on around town with a B and a G, and you are supposed to stand in the middle to be the I.  Lincoln was in letter heaven, and he was so excited to be the I.  He stretched so tall! 

He got a little help from Mommy to be so tall, and he told me sitting on my shoulders made him the dot on  my I.  Whatever!  Beau was milling around but wouldn't participate in our game.  He just climbed around a little. 

We stopped for a drink on the patio at the restaurant across the street, Lark on the Park. Daddy knows the guy that owns it, and it was really cool.  The boys got a fancy lemonade that made them pucker and shiver!  I think they wanted to like it, but all they have know about lemonade is the Crystal Light sugar free version.  Surely it is way more watered-down than the fresh stuff at Lark.  Lincoln kept wanting to like it . . .  

Beau was feeling like such a big boy sitting on the patio in a regular chair (no high chair or booster seat), and he kept slurping up his lemonade.  A guy asked us to watch his dog for a minute, and the boys went crazy about that.  The dog sat tied up to a tree while the boys tried to guess his name.  The poor white Lab had to endure many shouts from Lincoln and Beau as they guessed his name.  Beau insisted it was Duke because the Robison's lab is named Duke.  Lincoln got really creative and shouted lots of weird names.  When the owner came back, the boys finally learned that his name was Cyrus.  They thought that was hilarious!!! 

We all had so much fun exploring a new part of our city, and we can't wait to check it out again.  Being outside of our neighborhood can be really exciting!  Visiting the Klyde Warren Park (and the overpasses and tunnels to get there) was a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon. 

Avery's Birthday Party - Fun!!!

Another Saturday - Another Birthday Party!  The boys were so excited when Marte invited us to Avery's 3rd birthday party, and they couldn't wait to play in the bounce house and have cake!  Sweet Avery wore her best princess costume, and everyone had fun bouncing in the princess bounce house.

Beau took a break from bouncing, and he and Daddy decided to play peek-a-boo with Lincoln.  So many fun squeals!!  These guys were loving it! 

Lincoln and Beau tested out the reclining lounge chair, and Lincoln had some serious secrets to tell Beau.  They were probably plotting something super fun, and they were definitely super cute. 

Avery found her camera and chose Beau as her subject.  He was happy to comply to her demands of "cheese".  I know Beau has lots of practice smiling for Mommy's camera, but he was especially happy to pose for Avery.  So sweet!  (They did this forever, and I can't imagine what pictures she took!) 

When it was time for cake, we were up front.  The boys sang the birthday song and were happily awarded with cake.  They are mostly used to boyish cakes, but this princess cake was yummy.  They cleaned their plates! 

After tons of pretzels and chips (Beau spent a lot of time at the chips and dips table with Scooter!), the cotton candy machine provided their next treat.  Neither of them like it too much, but they both wanted to give it a try.   

We all had so much fun at Avery's birthday party.  Beau was so busy keeping up with Marte, and he repeatedly went looking for her.  She always was ready to get him water or hold him up to splash in the elephant fountain.  My boys are lucky that they have an extra set of "grandparents" to love them.  A few hours of bouncing and fun treats makes two happy and tired little boys.  A fun Saturday was had by all.  Thanks to the Hogg's for having us!

Triplets . . . and a Drumstick

Ok, I've definitely been guilty of dressing Lincoln and Beau alike lately.  So what?!?! They look super cute in their matching Easter outfits, Superhero shirts, and Rangers gear.  I didn't plan on the boys and Kevin to  wear matching outfits on this evening, but I had to snap a picture of them looking like triplets.  Daddy and Lincoln were definitely happy to pose, but Beau was distraught that he had to wait to eat his Drumstick ice cream cone.  Oh.my.goodness.  Beau was having crazy tears and holding on to that cone for dear life. 

After a few pictures, we realized that Beau wasn't going to calm down until he got his dessert.  Those tears and sobs died instantly when he sat down at the table with his treat.  Yes, the tears haven't even dried up yet, and he's enjoying his treat.   

Dessert usually is a banana or strawberries (occasionally with chocolate syrup) so when a Drumstick is on the line, Beau takes it extremely seriously.  At least we had a happy ending!

Birthday Party at the Farm

Lincoln's sweet friend, Andersyn, turned four and invited us to her birthday party at the Owens Farm.  The boys were sooooo excited about going to the farm.  They have been singing, "Happy Birthday to Andersyn" for at least a week.  As we walked in the party, Beau said, "Andersyn's birthday party, here we come!"  So funny!  They loved the animals and thought everything about seeing them was so fun.  Saying Hi to the goats made Beau giggle so much.  The goats were super happy to come close and the giggles just increased.  

We didn't only see goats because the Owens Farm has many more animals for the kids to enjoy.  The horse sniffing the boys' feet was hilarious, and they loved watching the turkeys and roosters.   

We took a break for a snack under the pavilion, and everyone was having so much fun.  Andersyn's Mommy made everything so cute.  She had "Wanted" posters with pictures of the kids, fun painting activities and tattoos. 

Of course the kids needed their own cowboy hats and bandanas, and Lincoln was definitely ready to put on his western wear.  Such a cute little cowboy!  He refused to take it off until we left and made sure that he could wear it again. 

Beau wasn't as eager as Linc about his accessories at first, but he quickly warmed up to the idea.  He asked me a million times to check his hat and 'dana to make sure it was on right!  Another cute little cowboy! 

Lincoln was one of the first to hop in a burlap sack for a race, and he recruited his buddy James to join him.  They have been friends since they were just babies.  They mostly laughed their way through the race. 

When it was time for the hay ride, Lincoln and Beau were excited but didn't have a clue as to what to expect.  We all piled on the trailer and took our seats.  The first thing Lincoln did was grab two giant handfuls of hay and toss them in the air . . . right in Mommy's face!  I had hay in my face and hair and all down my shirt, but they had a few giggles about that!!!  Once the ride began, they enjoyed watching the horses and ponds as we rode by.   

These two little cowboys headed back for cake in the sweetest way!  I will never get tired of them being best friends! 

Somehow I didn't get a picture of Andersyn, but she had so much fun and looked super cute.  Her Mommy made her a cute skirt out of western ribbon!  It was such a fun party, and we are so glad we could help celebrate her birthday.  Lincoln told me a million times that Andersyn would love the gift he brought (board games - CandyLand and Chutes and Ladders) because he loves them too.  These little guys love to party, and it was a great afternoon.  

Story Time

The best time for Mommy to get two crazy active little boys to pay attention to a Bible story is during bathtime.  They love to hear the stories and then talk all about what they learned.  After they are all cleaned up and in their pjs, the boys usually want to look at the Bible story one more time and tell their version.  Recently, they have requested that I video them so they can watch themselves later!  Lincoln's version of Zacchaeus was super cute!

Beau loves to retell the stories too, and he always has to have a video if Lincoln does!  Beau was especially excited about the story of Bartimaeus!

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These little guys amaze me with how quickly they learn and how excited they are about their Bible stories.  It is so precious that they love Jesus.  When asked what to do when they feel sad or lonely, they are quick to shout (in super southern accents), "Help me, Jesus!"  Love that!

Lincoln's 4 Year Check Up

Lincoln was so excited to visit Dr K for his 4 year check up.  He told me that he would chat with the doctor, he would get his eyes and ears checked, and they would poke a hole in him so he could get a sucker.  Luckily, that's pretty much what happened!  Everyone was so surprised at Linc's amazing language and communication skills.  Lincoln was the most excited about the new games he got to play at this visit - he loved the vision and hearing screenings, and he aced them both!  It was finally time to get the hole poked, and he actually got four pokes.  I told him it was because he was four!  The sucker and treat box definitely helped calm him down, and I'm glad he got booster shots for MMR, Polio, Chicken Pox, and DTAP.  I like immunized kids!!  His stats showed definite growth from last year.  He weighs 34 lbs (30th percentile) and is 40 inches tall (35th percentile).  I also asked him a few "favorite" questions to record on his 4th birthday.

Favorite foods:  strawberries, chicken, broccoli (I am not making this up!), ice cream cones

Favorite Book:  Curious George Goes to the Library

Favorite Movie:  Cars

Favorite Game:  Chutes and Ladders

Favorite Color:  red

Favorite Snack:  popcorn

Favorite Friend:  Beau  (soooo sweet!)

Favorite Song:  Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Favorite Holiday:  Valentines Day  (breaks my heart!)

Lincoln is the best little Lincoln I know, and he blows my mind each day by how smart he is at just four years old.  He is always ready to help take care of and teach Beau, he is constantly telling me that I'm beautiful (sweetest thing ever!), he is the most caring and sensitive and smart little guy I know.  I am so blessed to be his Mommy!

Lincoln's New Bike

Mommy and Daddy gave Lincoln a new big boy bike for his 4th birthday, and he was soooooo excited!  Daddy have him his first push.  Linc loved it instantly!  His old tricycle was just too small, and Linc was definitely ready for an upgrade.

We've been out biking almost every day since he got it, but the cold and rainy weather got in our way a few nights.  Lincoln can already go so fast, and his legs have so much room to move compared to the tricycle.  He definitely has no fear about speed . . . which worries a Mommy!  Daddy's first lesson on stopping was to just lean over to the side and fall into the grass.  (Daddy's first bike didn't have training wheels and that was his go-to move.  He became quite a skilled bike rider in his youth!)  While I understand this technique has merit, Mommy decided to explain the concept of braking.  It took a few tries (days, actually), but Lincoln figured out how to push on the pedals backwards to stop.  He wanted a high five each time he braked successfully!  We are still using the fall in the grass method as backup if his brake attempt doesn't work.  While shopping for his fancy red bike, I wasn't sure if I was going to buy a helmet.  I mean, we didn't have helmets when we were kids and apparently survived without serious injuries.  After some serious thought at the store, I couldn't not buy the helmet in good conscience.  Luckily, Linc is a big fan of the helmet!  Each time he crashes on the grass he exclaims in a silly voice, "I'm glad I got my safety helmet on!"  Me too, buddy! 

Beau has been loving our bike riding time, and he's been giving his new tricycle a lot of work.  He's not keen on using the pedals yet and prefers to just use his feet to scoot along.  Auntie gave Lincoln his first tricycle on his 2nd birthday too, and it took him a few months to get interested in the pedals.  Once Beau figures it out, he'll be as fast as Lincoln.  At least he's super cute on his bike and super supportive of Lincoln on his new bike too! 

I think I better keep my running shoes handy because these two are set to go . . . fast!  Spring is short in Texas, but I know we'll really take advantage of this wonderful weather.  These boys can't think of anything better than riding their bikes up and down our street.  And a word to our neighbors - please keep the sidewalks clear and enjoy our constant presence.  We are having so much fun with our new bikes!

Puppets and Ice Cream Cones

Whew!  After a super busy March filled with birthdays and capped off with Easter Sunday, we have been entertaining ourselves this first week of April.  An abundance of old baby socks provided the perfect excuse to make sock puppets.  Lincoln absolutely loved his puppets.  He was very specific about where to put the eyes, nose, lips and tongue.  We discussed their names for quite a while, and he eventually settled on "Lukey" and "Bacon".  I'm sure that sounds really random, but I have been telling the boys make believe stories about these characters "Lukey" and "Bacon" for months.  I think it was perfect that Linc named his puppets the same and continued to make up silly stories about their adventures.  He's always been suspicious that Lukey and Bacon sound kind of like Lincoln and Beau . . . now he can make up even more stories for these fun and fictional guys!

On a cold and rainy spring evening, the boys couldn't think of anything better to do than get ice cream cones!  Either I am a super cool Mom or they wore me down after an hour of ice cream cone chants . . . we headed to Braum's for a sweet treat.  They definitely loved their ice cream cones!!!  I thought we would be the only ones crazy enough to go for ice cream on a rainy and cold night, but the place was packed.  The boys had so many admirers, and they really had fun with their dessert.

We are all ready to enjoy the spring weather, and these past few cold and rainy days are getting in the way of playing outside.  At least we were able to find a few fun things to do to keep everyone happy!  

Easter 2013

After a super fun birthday party for Lincoln, the boys woke up excited to celebrate on Easter morning.  The Easter bunny had filled their baskets with crayons, books, a chocolate bunny and silly bunny sunglasses.  Of course they ate their chocolate bunnies right away, and Mommy was happy to get the chocolate out of the way for the day!  Lincoln was eager to try on his bunny sunglasses, and he laughed hysterically!

Beau had to wear his bunny sunglasses too, even though they were a little big.  (Hmmm . . . that's strange since his head was at 100% at his 2 year old visit!)  He kept trying though!  They loved their goodies and were so happy to compare and trade their stuff.  Luckily we got a few pancakes and bananas in them after the chocolate! 

My two handsome little guys were matching for church.  I don't usually match, as I prefer coordinating.  They really did look like the cutest brothers ever.  I'm sure they won't wear their matching outfits to church again for the rest of the spring/summer, but it was fun for a day.  Minnie and Bubbles joined us for a lovely Easter service, and it was a packed house.  We got there early to claim our regular pew . . . it's pretty cut-throat on Easter Sunday!!   

Minnie and Bubbles headed back to Arkansas after church, and we met up with Nana and Pops at the Hyatt for a super yummy brunch!  The boys were so excited and could barely be still for a second!  They happened to see that the Easter Bunny himself was there to greet the children.  Of course, the both scored a sucker!  Just because I'm the Mom, I completely notice the half untucked shirts and marker stains, but they were super quiet and happy through church - whatever!!

The brunch was definitely yummy!  Lincoln and Beau were thrilled with their selections:  bacon, waffles with jelly, ham, fruit, carrots, broccoli, and a special whipped cream and fruit dessert.  Our Bible story of the day told them that the stone was rolled away, and Jesus was resurrected.  I'm not sure they understood it all, but they were eager to talk about Jesus instead of chocolate.  Happy Easter!