Playing Opposum

Lincoln and Beau spent some time reading quietly together on the couch before bed (in their Komen shirts AGAIN), and then things turned silly!  They pretended they were all cuddled up sleeping, but their giggles gave them away.  When the camera came out, they couldn't contain the smiles.  But as a kiddo, eyes shut means parents should believe that they are sleeping (or sometimes invisible!) despite the crazy smiles and giggles.

They couldn't keep their eyes closed for too long! 

Finally they gave in and "woke up" to smile for the camera.  They really thought they were so sneaky and had tricked us! 

I used to play opossum with my Poppa each Friday night on the way to our sleepover, and it's really the most simple and fun game ever for a kid.  By the way, I just asked Kevin how to spell opossum, and we had to Google it . . . crazy that it begins with an "o".  Or maybe it's crazy that I'm so far removed from my 7th grade Jackson County Spelling Bee tournament and can't even remember how to spell opossum!  What would we have done in 1992 to find out the spelling of a weird word . . . thanks Internet!  Two silly boys had a lot of fun playing together this evening, and I love to capture the moments that they love each other.  There might have been a few moments of not exactly getting along that I overheard. 

Beau:  "I'm not your friend right now, Lincoln!" 

Lincoln:  "Well, I'm a better brother than you, Beau!" 

Beau:  "No, I'm a better person, Lincoln!" 

Lincoln:   "Well, you can't play with my Legos then!" 

Beau: "You can't tell me what to do!"

Lincoln:  "I don't even like you!"

Mommy:  "Hey!  We don't talk like that to our brother.  We always have to love our brother!"

Daddy:  "Did you guys hear what Mommy said?  We don't talk like that to our brother."

17 minutes later . . .

Beau:  "I need a hug, Lincoln!"

Lincoln:  "I won't squeeze too hard, Beau.  Can I give you a kiss too?"

Beau:  "Yes, but not a big one."

I've always heard that boys don't hold a grudge and get over things super fast, and that seems to be the case with my boys.  I'm glad they always work things out, and we will always remind them that after each fight/disagreement they have to hug it out and remember that being brothers is the most important thing.  They really are super close and love each other very much.  Watching their bond grow as best friends and brothers is an amazing thing!

Crazy Glasses and Puzzles

Swimming lessons have been a little challenging lately, but we are working through some strange and sudden unhappiness.  Beau ran into class with so much excitement and had tons of fun with his friends and teacher.  He did a lot of really great swimming!  He has strong kicks and can go really far with his 10 second breath control.  When asked to add his arm pulls, it distracted from his strong kicks so that's something to work on.  He's a rock star in Aquatots, and he got the glasses to prove it from Ms. Kerin.  He demanded that the paparazzi snap his picture at least 10 times after he got changed!   

Lincoln is a super swimmer who works on different stroke technique and swims the length of the pool in a variety of ways.  He loves it!  When they had Water Safety Week, everyone had to do a swim without goggles to imitate if they fell in . . . he didn't like swimming without goggles at all!  He gets a little extra attention for the first few minutes of class to practice swimming without goggles, and he is doing so great and not freaking out!  So thankful that the staff is dedicated to helping him overcome this little issue.  He was awarded rock star glasses after mastering the underwater push off from the wall swim (like real competitive swimmers do!) in just a week.  We love Emler!  He demanded less pictures than Beau and ran off to change clothes. 

The boys worked on new puzzles before dinner, and they were really proud.  Lincoln was always crazy into puzzles at the earliest age, but Beau hasn't shown much interest.  He will complete them fairly easily, but he just hasn't cared much about them.  So different from Lincoln's puzzle obsession!  But Beau dove right into his animal farm puzzle 4 pack and required little help but lots of praise while he completed them! 

Puzzle Master Lincoln had a new large floor puzzle of the Solar System to work on, and he finished it super quickly.  He is truly a "Master Puzzler" (as they would say in Lego-speak)!  When he finished his puzzle, he ran back to his Lego table to get back to work on his project.  He is so amazing with his focus and determination . . . and his joy when a project is complete! (Yes, Lincoln has bandaids on his knees because he got few scrapes during a basketball game at school - he was hustling!!!  His teacher doctored them up then he chose more exciting bandaids at home.)

While Lincoln was getting his bath, Beau wanted a picture with all four little puzzles that he completed.  He (and we) were so proud that loved the puzzles.  He undid them and tucked them back into their box so he can do them again tomorrow!   

These two can find the most fun in everyday life, and it is a joy to just be a part of it!  Crazy glasses and puzzles are what make a night special!

Busy Weekend

Busy weekend!!!!  We started out early on Saturday morning with a T-Ball game at 8:15 . . . who plays T-Ball at 8:15?  Apparently, we do but only twice this season!  The White Sox team did really well, and the boys really are getting better at the basics.  Lincoln's cheering section was the biggest this week.  Of course, Nana and Pops were there, and they brought Aunt Carolyn too.  Minnie and Bubbles had driven in late the night before and met us at the ball field.  So exciting!!  Everyone was proud of our team for playing so hard.

We did lots of playing with Minnie and Bubbles after the game.  Legos, books, board games, and so much more.  After lunch and a rest, we made up or own baseball game in the backyard.  Lincoln didn't exactly go by standard rules, and he had everyone running like crazy.  Beau played his best baseball ever! 

They decided this really full leafy branch was the trophy, and Beau was super happy to win it a few times.  It also became several more things after being a trophy - a real multi-tasking branch! 

We went to dinner at Mena's for delicious Mexican food and played a few more games at home.  The boys got all cleaned up and ready for bed, but Lincoln got to stay up a little later.  He had fun in Daddy's office while watching the Rangers game.  I'm not sure how much watching he did, but we all enjoyed a little time with silly Linc.   

There was a severe weather alert for Sunday in Texas and Arkansas, so Minnie and Bubbles got up early on Sunday to beat the storms home.  We didn't really get much here, but there were some sever storms and a giant tornado not too far from them in Arkansas.  Glad they made it home safely!  Linc's T-Ball team had practice on Sunday afternoon, and it was a warm and windy one.  They did some hitting drills and worked on game scenarios and took a few water breaks!  So much fun!  Little brothers have fun too, and Beau was looking cute with his wind-swept hair.  He had the most fun with his cookie snack and occasionally cheered on his big brother. 

Daddy and Pop Pop were playing golf in the afternoon, and we decided to stop by Nana and Pop Pops house after practice.  We had a little snack on the patio and watched the golfers pass by.  The boys were so excited when Daddy and Pop Pop arrived in the fairway!   

After they hit their shots, they came over to say hello.  One day, Lincoln and Beau will be golfing along with them, but for now they are just fans.  Golf lessons, here we come! 

The boys made a garden in the backyard on Friday, so they needed to water their carrots, tomatoes, radishes, and strawberries.  They loved having a special project at Nana and Pops house. 

We had the yummiest dinner of baked salmon fillets and roasted veggies . . . and we all loved it!  We have been working on Lincoln and Beau liking baked salmon for lately, and it was great that we all enjoyed the same grown-up dinner!  After dinner, the boys wanted to dip pretzels and strawberries in white chocolate for dessert.  Super yummy! 

Fun weekend . . . busy weekend! 

Fun Thursday Night

Daddy picked the boys up a little early from school on Thursday, and they had lots of fun at home.  Mommy came home a little early too and caught them having some art homework time and being quiet in Lincoln's room.  They have enjoyed their invisible ink marker books a lot! 

Lincoln finished his latest Lego project, the double decker tow truck, and he was so proud to pose with some of his latest creations.  Legos are serious business, and he loves to complete a project. 

After dinner we headed outside to play.  First up was bubble guns then a little imaginary pirate ship.  Lincoln is always Captain, and Beau is always First First Mate (I think he was bestowed with First twice to make it seem more important - whatever works!)  They escaped lots of bad guys and navigated some crazy waters in their pretend ship.  So funny to see them in action!  Daddy gave Lincoln a little golf lesson, and it was crazy!  It was sweet to see them working together though. 

A shady evening in the backyard with temps in the low 80s and no mosquitos yet . . . it's like Heaven!  It won't be long before we are in hiding from West Nile Virus, so we will take full advantage of playing outside while we can.  The backyard has never been as full of happiness as it was on this evening, and that is a night to remember!

Stars and Flowers!

This post isn't at all as girly as the title alludes!  On Monday night, Daddy and Eric went to the Dallas Stars playoff game.  It has been a very long playoff drought for the Stars, and they were so excited to go.  Their tickets were just 6 rows off the glass, and they got to see so much action! 

The game didn't start until 8:30, so the boys missed out on most of it.  It was a very intense game with so many shots on goal, and I was biting my nails just watching from home.  Playoff hockey is the best!!!  I gave Kevin orders to either take a "selfie" with Eric or bother another fan to take their picture.  Neither of them were remotely interested in my request! After the Stars were up 3-0 in the 3rd period, they let down their guard for a pic!!!  Someone isn't exactly happy about it, but thanks anyway!!!! 

The official picture of "STARS WIN" is very important.  It's been a long time! 

The boys were at swimming lessons while Daddy was cheering on the Stars, but they were happy to check out the game for a minute before bed.  After school and dinner on Tuesday, we had some flower planting to do.  The party favors from the Whitener's Shower on Saturday evening were the cutest yellow flowers, and we needed to get them into pots with new soil and water.  Lincoln and Beau couldn't wait, and they were so mad that it took from Saturday until Tuesday for me to get it together!!!  Look guys, Easter and T-Ball practice and school and work . . . give me a break!  So happy to begin our potting! 

They took turns putting the potting soil in each pot and pressing it down gently.  (Is that what you're supposed to do?  I have the non-greenest thumb ever!) 

They took turns with the watering can and declared that the plants were all set to grow!  Oh my goodness, I hope they grow!!!   

Lincoln brought home a bean stalk plant in a plastic cup a few months ago that was just a little sprig, and it's taken over our kitchen window sill . . . is that a sign that we are pros at growing things now?   I think not!!!!   But we will try our best to pay attention to our new potted flowers and not over/under water them. 

Easter Sunday

We have had lots of egg hunts, crafts, and treats to get ready for Easter, and it finally arrived!  We got up a little early on Sunday morning so we wouldn't have to rush around.  The boys were happy with their new monogrammed shirts and new shoes, but Lincoln found his not so happy face when I asked for a picture. 

I had planned on long-sleeved blue gingham button up shirts for them this year, but these green and white checked shirts really screamed at us at NorthPark one day.  I hesitated because I vividly remember dressing the boys in green and white check for their first ever matching Easter outfit in 2011.  The pictures were less than spectacular but very memorable.  Crazy crying Beau and not smiling Lincoln . . .  

Lincoln's frown faded quickly this year!  Comparing these pictures makes me want to freeze time RIGHT NOW!!!  How can they be so big?  When did this happen?  I love the sweet and sassy little guys they are today, but I can't believe they are so much bigger than those two dressed in similar outfits just a few short years ago.  Happy for the smiles! 

They discovered that the Easter Bunny had left them a few goodies, and they got busy checking out their gifts.  A couple of little candies, a few coins, a few activity pads, new flip flops, and Spiderman stuff (Lego for Linc and race car for Beau).  They were thrilled! 

Lincoln had lots of fun in Sunday School.  Each boy was so excited to show off their new Easter shoes!  They really paid attention to the story of Jesus and the Resurrection.  Thankful for sweet little boys. 

Beau and Daddy enjoyed the service and Children's Time, and it was a packed house!  While Daddy went to get the car, we ran into Lincoln's sweet friends, Lindsey and Erin.  They are in different classes at school this year, but we still love them so much!  And they still love Lincoln so much . . . they smother him with hugs in the hallway when we are leaving school.  It was fun to run into them and their parents.  Beau was super proud to be in a "big kid" picture! 

We always have a special brunch with Nana and Pops on Easter Sunday, and I decided to continue comparing this year with our 2011 matching year. We went to the Hyatt Richardson, and Linc's plate was full of turkey, green beans, fruit, and a waffle.  He ate like a king that day, and Beau was stuck with breast milk.   

Oh, how times have changed!!!  We had to remind Linc that he attended his first Easter brunch at this very spot at just 3 weeks old in 2009.  Pops brought photographic evidence, as seen on the table in the picture.  The boys were very specific about what they wanted from the many delicious choices at the Park Cities Hilton.  Lincoln chose eggs, bacon, fruit, and French toast.  Beau chose bacon, roasted potatoes, fruit, and French toast.  And since he needs ketchup for bacon dipping, Mommy had a secret ketchup packet in her purse!  The dessert table was the next highlight, and Beau really enjoyed the icing on his giant piece of chocolate cake!!!!  Lincoln was a little neater with his small chocolate brownie.  The best way to end an Easter brunch is with chocolate according to my guys!!! 

For the last comparison to Easter 2011, let's look at our family photo from that year.  We look so young . . . and a little tired with a newborn!

Our family this year looks different but the same.  Lincoln and Beau are much longer for starters!!!  Daddy is pretty similar, and thankfully Mommy has on a longer dress.  (What was up with that in 2011?!?!)  I still think we are a pretty cute group! 

The last two Sundays have been super rainy, and Lincoln's T-Ball practices have been cancelled.  We met up with Coach Wes for a voluntary (anyone who is in town and not busy with afternoon Easter activities) practice.  The boys that were able to come really got to work on their skills, and Coach Wes really got them to show some improvement.  The best part was that the Dads really got involved in playing too.  How much fun did Lincoln have making it to first base SAFE when Daddy couldn't get him out! 

The Dads had so much fun in the field then batting for fielding practice.  They helped the boys understand several in game scenarios about how to get runners out, and it was super fun for all!

After ball practice, we went to Nana and Pops house for our last egg hunt.  The boys loved to run around the backyard to find eggs.  They got a little (A LOT) loud a few times, and we got a few looks from the golfers.  What can I say . . . there was money in the eggs and serious business to find as many as possible!!! 

What a blessed Easter Sunday we had!  Not only did we celebrate that Jesus has risen and gave us everlasting life, but we had a wonderful day just enjoying our family.  It was fun to look back at Easter 2011, and not only because the boys had on similar shirts this year.  It was the year that Beau joined our family, and we have really grown into a family of four since then.  Perhaps they need matching green and white checked shirts every few years . . . I better hurry because they won't let me choose their clothes for much longer!!!  Happy Easter!

School Easter Egg Hunt and Bishop Arts District Fun

Lincoln's preschool class had a fun Easter Egg hunt on Thursday, and he invited his Mommy to help out.  It was so much fun to watch him play with his friends and hunt for eggs.  Such a great hour away from the office!  He and his sweet friend Ellie were ready for action.  Ellie always gives Linc the most good-bye hugs at the end of each day.  Lincoln raced around the playground to gather so many eggs, he grabbed a few from the top of the playhouse and zoomed down the slide to find more.  He and his buddies were happy to show off their loot. 

After the Easter Egg hunt, his teacher asked me to read the Easter story to the kids.  I read a lot to Lincoln and Beau, but it was a little more heavy to read to a room of 16 preschoolers.  They rewarded me with quiet listening ears and applause at the end of the story . . . so glad to make Lincoln proud!!  He presented me with a plant that we could take home and watch it grow together.   

Friday morning was gymnastics of course!  The boys ran around like crazy and had tons of fun.  We had a fun picnic in the backyard and loved the nice weather.  We took a break to rest and settle down for a bit.  We did manage to do some shopping and playing after our rest and took several silly pictures.   

Lincoln's T-Ball team didn't have a game scheduled on Saturday, so we slept in then got some new spring church shoes.  We all headed down to the Bishop Arts District for a baby shower for Kevin and Veronica.  Their new house is super cool, and the boys loved to play with Tomas.  Their backyard was super fun, and they loved the train set in his room.   

Snack break!!!  Lincoln worked on his bean bag tossing skills for a long time, and Beau visited the chip bowl for a long time . . . typical!   

We went to Eno's for pizza, and it was delish!  We are never in the Bishop Arts District, but it's really cool.  We took some time after dinner to walk around and see the boutiques, neat shops, and live music.  So much fun stuff to see! 

One of Daddy's accounts is in the area so we strolled over to hang out on their patio and let the kids meet Ms. Mary (the owner).  It's kind of weird that there are lots of cats that hang out on the patio of Ten Bells, but the boys loved it.  We spent the rest of the evening building Legos and reading books at home.  Everyone was getting ready for Easter Sunday . . . crafts for our Sunday School lesson, new monogrammed shirts, new shoes, found our brown leather belts from last year, and Mommy even ironed!!!  Lots of Easter fun on Sunday!

Busy Sports Night

Wednesday started out like any normal day . . . school fun, spaghetti dinner, and milkshakes for dessert.  After we got the regular stuff out of the way, we had a full night of cheering on our Dallas teams.  The Rangers are just beginning their season and needed to start strong (even though there are  tons of injured starters), and the pitching duel between Yu and King Felix promised to be great.  The Mavericks had the last game of the season against Memphis to determine playoff opponents, and they needed to win to avoid the Spurs.  The Stars first playoff game (in a long time) was sure to be a test against Anaheim.  So much sports!!!!!  We finished baths and the bedtime routine on time, but everyone caught the sports bug and couldn't settle down in their beds.  We all piled up in Daddy's office to cheer our teams. 

It's hard to watch so many games at once!  We had the Rangers on in the main living room, and the Mavs on in Daddy's office.  The Stars game didn't start until after 9:00, so we only checked on it a few times during the end of the other games.  We all ran to the living room to celebrate the Leonys walk off hit to win the game but ran back to check on the Mavs game.  Hooray, we're up in overtime!  Lots of cheering and yelling!!!  Lincoln and Beau tried hard to read the scores (Linc is really good at that) and cheer so hard for our teams.  So much fun!!! 

The cheering got a little out of hand and boys banged their heads together REALLY HARD!  They started developing welts right away and made me take them to the mirror in the bathroom to see if there was blood.  Luckily there wasn't any blood, but they did hit pretty hard.  All smiles after checking out their injuries! 

I'm sure this isn't the first sports-related injury they will have.  Most of them should come from actually playing sports, but occasionally they may have them from over-celebrating.  Unfortunately, the Mavs lost the game with 01.1 seconds left.  So heartbreaking!  The Stars lost as well, and also in heartbreaking fashion.  Perhaps we should work on our cheering! 

Brother Hugs

Sweet brother hugs are always a special moment . . . and that moment is even sweeter when they are all cleaned up after a bath, wearing pjs, and headed for bed.  These two love each other like nothing else!  Sure, they fight daily but always know that being brothers means that they have to hug it out!  At the end of each day, no matter how many times they have been mad at each other, they can't go to bed without spending a minute to hug.  Best brothers ever!!!

Saturday and Sunday Fun

Saturday morning began with team pictures before our game.  What a great looking White Sox team!  The boys played a great game, and everyone has improved so much from last week.  It's fun to cheer when they are having fun!

After lunch Lincoln and Daddy went to Scarborough Faire.  There was so many entertaining things that he saw . . . a fire-breathing person, a jousting competition, a petting zoo, an elephant that he didn't want to ride at all, people playing ancient instruments, and people chomping on giant turkey lets.  As if this wasn't all weird enough, Lincoln wondered why the grown ups there had on their Halloween costumes.  So real grown ups were dressed in strange Rennaissance and that was a little weird!  Daddy and Lincoln did have fun together! 

Beau and Mommy hit up Hobby Lobby in the afternoon to get ready for our next craft.  We also went on a run on the bike trail even though it was crazy windy.  The boys were super excited to have a sleepover at Nana and Pops house, and Mommy and Daddy had evening plans of their own!  I'm loving this cute family picture! 

When do Mommy and Daddy ever take a picture all dressed up . . . never!!!!

It has been several months since we have spent any time with Matt and Rachel, and we were so glad to meet them for a long dinner.  We started out at PakPao in the Design District, and it was fabulous!!!  We are so proud to be a part of the investment team behind PakPao, and the concept is working out so well.  So glad the Goodman's loved it as much as we do!  Best Thai margarita ever!!! 

These two guys had to have a picture . . . they are soul sisters . . . except that they are guys . . . what do they call that for guys . . . Anyway, it is always like they have never been apart, and their texting and phone conversations have always made up for the distance (Matt in Scranton, NYC, or Cleveland).  Love having them back together.  Oh, and Rachel and I had fun eating, talking, and making fun of them a little!

Lincoln and Beau were SUPER excited to have a sleepover with Nana and Pops.  They were planning on Spring Creek BBQ, puzzles, a Happy Feet movie viewing, and lots of fun.  Everyone was ready for a bedtime story from Pops, and it looked super serious.

The boys had a few projects to work on Sunday afternoon.  One of those was to put candy in their eggs for the school egg hunt this week.  Beau chose mini 3 Muskateers with marshmallows.  Ummm . . .  no one is happy about that but Beau.  Oh well!!! 

It was a fun weekend for sure.  We have lots of things planned for this week, and the boys love to be busy.  Easter crafts, new desserts, and much more . . . stay tuned!