So Much Fun!

We were so lucky today to have very special visitors!  Sarah and her kids Will & Grace came from Minneapolis; and Kim came with adorable little Avery from River Falls.  We've all been friends since high school, but have grown closer over the years.  Now that we all have kids, a lot of our time spent together is focused on wrangling the little ones, but we enjoy the bits and pieces of conversation we're able to fit in.  Logan was especially challenging today...not wanting to share and being very sensitive about everything.  I felt like I was disciplining him the whole time.  Bennett had an uncharacteristically sad morning before our friends arrived, but he cheered up after a little nap.

Bennett wanted to play with adorable little Avery...except he really just wanted to climb on her and that wasn't a very good idea...

This was one of many moments where Logan needed to be separated from our friends so that he could just calm down.  He was playing his harmonica on the couch for a bit and it was the most peaceful few minutes of the morning.  Of course, he insisted on wearing his hockey jersey today, but then pretty much refused to share his hockey toys with Will, so they didn't get to play much together.  Logan is usually such a compliant, good kid, but I'm having the hardest time with him when we have guests, lately.  Any suggestions?

Bennett spends most of his time on his tummy, doing the army crawl these days.  Yes!  He is very mobile!  Ahhh!  Life has gotten a little more complicated now that he moves around so well.  He's not up on his hands and knees yet, but he finds plenty of ways to get around when he wants.

After lunch, the boys made a fort and we got out the little tent.  That was a hit for a while.

Logan and William did a good job playing together and being buddies in the tent.  I should mention that William did a great job playing and even giving up toys when Logan wouldn't share.  I felt so bad!  Will is so cute, with the biggest grin - pretty irresistible!

Here the boys used their matching Little Giraffe blankets for a pretend nap.  So cute!

Bennett and Grace just watched their big brothers be silly!  Grace just turned one two weeks ago and she is so sweet.  Bennett is about the same size as her despite the 3+ month age difference.  Soon Bennett and Grace will be able to play more together (and Avery, too!).

The last activity that the boys came up with was the "band".  They came up with it on their own, so it was pretty cute.  Logan got out his instruments from MusikGarten: jingle bells, sticks, and finger cymbals.  The boys marched around playing some lovely (ahem!) music!  It was great!

Special thanks to our visitors for making the drive to Eau Claire.  We always have a lovely time - even when we have some behavior challenges.  Hopefully we can do this more often!

Bennett's Room

Since Bennett was born, I've been wanting to take some photos of his room.  Way back, one year ago, Logan moved out of the nursery and into his big boy room.  The transition was so smooth and we've never looked back.  So, for about one year, the nursery has been the "baby's room".  We didn't know if Bennett was going to be a boy or girl, so the gender neutral theme we had with Logan was just perfect.  I wanted some photos for his baby book, so I guess its better late than never.

Not much has changed since this was Logan's room as a baby.  My mom and her good friend, Vicki custom made the adorable bedding and curtain before Logan was born.  I love it so I'm glad we're putting it to use again!

Bennett and I spend a lot of time in the rocker, still.  I'm not quite ready for that to end.  We sit, read books, cuddle, and feed...I love it (except for the 2am wake up call that still somtimes happens!).

Out little toy chest is full of fun stuff...the boys like to sit and play in Bennett's room when I'm putting clothes away, cleaning, or cooking.

Playtime

So far this week has gone by so quickly!  We've been busy hosting friends and YL events.  Mostly, we've been playing like crazy!  Both of the boys are at such fun ages, always ready to try something new!  Here are a few quick photos from this week so far...

Bennett discovered the joy of puzzles!  Can't get enough!

No surprise here: Logan playing hockey in the lower level of the house.  Every morning, this is the dialogue:

Logan: "Mama, please can I wake up now?"

Me: "Sure, buddy, did you have a good sleep?"

Logan: "Yes, it was a BIG one! Where is Benny?"

Me: "He is awake downstairs and waiting to see you!"

Logan: "Oh yeah!  I wanna see my brother!  Mom, I wanna play hockey.  I'll get my stick.  You can be Saxton, the goalie, ok?"

Me: (in my head) "Gosh, its only 7 am and I already have to play goalie?!"

Superheroes

This was the scene around our house while John and I took turns getting ready for church this morning.  Did you know we have superheroes living in our house?!

These adorable capes came from my mom's sewing table - they are held together with magnets.

Super Logan!

Super Bennett!

Super Cuties!

Something Fun

My mom made this cool board for me.  I don't even really know what to call it.  Magnetic board, maybe?  She bought a pre-cut piece of sheet metal from Lowe's and a frame that happens to be the same size on sale at Michael's.  Its awesome and I love it because we can switch current photos of the boys, announcements, cards, etc easily.  What a great gift!  I just might have to make a few to give away...Thanks, Mom!

Puddles!

Thursday while Bennett napped late in the afternoon (usually the boys sleep at the same time, but for some reason Bennett held out for a late nap yesterday), Logan and I suited up and went out for some puddle jumping!  It was a fun change from romping around in the snow...but we did a little of that, too!

I had to get a photo of Logan...doesn't he look sooo OLD?!  He's growing up!

It didn't take us long to get sopping wet!

So much fun!  I was smart this time and put his rain boots on, instead of his snow boots.  It took his snow boots a week to dry out after the last puddle episode!  It was chilly, but with the sun out full force, it felt great!  Logan was so cute because he really knew he wasn't supposed to be in the street.  He kept asking if it was okay to be at the end of our driveway and then kept saying, "Mom, get out of the street! Cars are coming!"  Thanks for protecting me, buddy!

Of course, there was lots of running.  We run everywhere.  All the time.

Happy Love Day 2010

What a day!  We had a wonderful Valentine's Day, celebrating all the LOVE at this house!  We all woke up early and had a special yummy breakfast.  Both John and Logan were greeted with Valentine's cards that started them out on a fun scavenger hunt to find their small (but thoughtful) gifts.  Every year, my mom used to set up a similar scavenger hunt for us to find our Valentine's gifts.  I thought it would be a fun tradition to start, now that Logan is old enough...

I brewed some coffee and knew it would be the first place John was hobble to in the morning...he followed his clues and found his gift in the garage (yep - a new car...you know: just something small.  Just kidding!).

And when Logan went to sit up for his special breakfast, he found this card that sent him on a scavenger hunt around the house.  He did great and had such a fun time finding the next card!  When it was over and he had opened his gift, he said, "Mama, I wanna do it again!"  It was a hit!

Then we enjoyed a lazy day all together.  While John and Logan played, Bennett napped and I made these special cupcakes.  I'm nothing of a cook or baker, so I was pleased they turned out as well as they did.  So simple and pretty cute.

I made these with my mammoth muffin pan, so they are BIG.

Kid-sized (sort-of)

My parents offered to come over and watch the kids for a few hours so John and I could get out.  We had a great time!  The best part: our date was totally free because we used a gift card for our fancy dinner and then scored coffee from our friends at Starbucks before heading home.  We enjoyed the time to sit and talk without interruption!  And, of course, the boys enjoyed their special time with Papa and Nana.  After my parents left, Logan was still in the mood to play and be rowdy (maybe because of the cupcake?!).  He made this little "fort" out of his two hockey nets and wanted Benny in there with him.  Logan was convinced that we couldn't see him in his fort and kept saying "Shhhh...Benny...we're hiding!".  Such fun!

Bennett: "Lemme outta here!"

Logan: "You can't find me!!!"

Playing nice

Hope you all had a lovely day filled with laughter, family and friends!

This is my life...

Need I say more?  Bennett is the KING of blowouts these days.  We're talking sometimes five (oh yes - sometimes more) big blowouts in one day.  The cleaning, wiping, soaking, stain-fighting, stinking, changing, bathing, washing - its all getting so exhausting!  This blowout was worth documenting so I could show John what he missed out on during the day!  Gross!  Yep, this is my life.  And I love it.  Funny how that works.

Jump Your Socks Off!

Bennett is wild.  I mean he is so sweet and so cute, but he is a spitfire.  Frankly, I am a little afraid for him to get super mobile and verbal because between he and Logan it's going to be a madhouse!  Bennett loves his jumperoo and just goes crazy in there...had to document this one:

Yeehaw!

Yep, he actually jumped his socks right off!  Look out, world, Bennett is WILD.

Hockeymania!

Tonight we all went to the BIG hockey game!  Eau Claire Memorial High School vs. Eau Claire North High School.  The two biggest high schools in town (both have YL) played tonight so we went to see kids, leaders, families, and friends!  John is taking a day of vacation tomorrow, so we let the boys stay up extra late to see the end of the game - knowing we'd all be able to sleep in tomorrow.  Yay!

We love family outings!  Bennett has been to a handful of athletic events this year.  Logan is the lucky one who gets to tag along with dad to most events.  They have frequented most hockey games (Memorial and North) this season.  

Here's Logan hammin' it up!  He LOVES to watch the boys play.  I couldn't believe how much he knew.  Scary...I don't think there is any turning back...Logan will surely be a hockey player!

Logan said, "Mommy, that goalie is Saxton.  He is number one."  Seriously?  Can two year olds usually say/retain/understand all this stuff?  Logan surprises me everyday!

When we got home, the real trouble began.  Bennett is becoming a hockey player, too!  Before changing from bunting to bedtime clothing, he found Logan's stick and starting playing.  Oh my gosh - I am far too outnumbered to have any say in "no hockey at this house" anymore.  My cause is lost.  Oh well...who can resist such cuties when they love something so much!

Hmmm...

"I've seen Logan do this..."

"Haha Mom!  Just wait!"

Getting ready...

We've been trying to get our house ready for Valentine's Day this weekend.  I thought we should have some decorations around, so I got an idea from my friends' website, Mommyapolis.  We tried to make the sun catcher hearts, but mostly, I ended up doing the work.  That was okay because Logan was thrilled with the finished product.  We have some on the windows and a big one on the back of the front door.  Other than this, our Valentine's projects have not gotten too far...better get to work!

Being crafty...love that sticky contact paper...just so fun! 

Bennett was having plenty of fun, too!

Finished product...well, one of many.  Cute, right?

Typical Wednesday

A typical Wednesday for us is playing in pjs for the morning, having an early lunch, then taking Logan to preschool.  Sometimes John stays home with the boys in the morning so I can go to SAMmy's (a special treat for me to be out without the boys!).  This week, I was lucky to go to SAMmy's and enjoy brunch with old and new friends.  John stayed home and played in pjs with the boys.  Then we have lunch all together and get off to school.  Logan can hardly wait to get there to see "Mrs. Knickerbocker and Mrs. Kasmarack - they are my teachers".

Playing in pjs...

Logan is at school for two hours...just enough time for B and I to run a few errands, or to head home for naps, cleaning or other chores (or maybe an online episode of LOST?!).  This week, B didn't even make it out of his carseat, he was sleeping so soundly, I just left him alone.  So sweet...

While Logan is at school: peace and quiet!