Logan's 3 Year Stats

We finally saw Dr. Gilmartin for Logan's 3 year check up.  He is still in the 98th percentile for both height and weight at 40 lbs and over 40 inches!  Logan is so healthy and is developing so perfectly - we are thankful for that every day.  His imagination is on fire these days, telling stories, playing pretend, and loving books more than ever.  One of our friends, Nic, said Logan is "3 going on 15" because of his speech patterns...he loves to use idomatic expressions that he has picked up and is great at joking around with just about anyone.  It amazing how quickly children develop so many skills.  Logan is becoming great at picking up his toys, doing the potty all by himself, helping Bennett with his shoes, hat, and jacket, cutting his food, and recognizing his name and other letters/numbers.  I can't wait to see what this year brings!

The boys having a little tv time right before Logan's appointment.

Being 3 is so awesome!

First Club of the Year!

We were lucky tonight and we got to visit the first Young Life Club of the year!  We've been anticipating the start of YL this year - with lots of new things in store.  After being at camp this summer, the boys sure do love Club (Yl weekly meetings full of games, songs, fun, and craziness - oh yeah, the gospel, too!).  So, I jammied the boys and headed out to a high school senior's home!

The leaders came to our house for pizza before they left to set up for Club.  John and Nic just had to try out their funny teeth.

The host family had these cute little folding chairs, so when I arrived with the boys, she got them out!  Bennett didn't want to sit forward....

Logan was sooo excited to be there with all the "big kids"!

About half-way through, the kids got antsy.  There was a giant stash of Goldfish on the counter, so I let the kids dig in.  Mmmmmm.....  It bought us another 20 minutes!

We wanted to make it long enough to see Daddy and Nic in their silly costumes.

Did you ever see "Minute To Win It" last summer?  Its SO Young Life.  Tonight they did the streamer game: reeling off two whole rolls of streamers (one with each arm) without letting go of the end.  Amazingly hilarious!

What fun!  Another great, crazy year ahead!

All About Bennett

We have another bookworm at this house.  Bennett's favorite thing is to read!  Logan loved books as a tiny baby, but Bennett has recently become more of a bookworm.  He often sits and looks quietly through books - especially in the mornings and before afternoon naptime.  Remember this post of Logan as a baby?

Bennett is 15 months and he has changed so much!  He really is now a little boy, not a baby.  Its hard for me to even remember that last year at this time, he was only 4 months old.

Bennett has many words!  He says
"nigh-nigh" - he waves his hand and says "nigh-nigh"!
"up"
"mommy"
"daddy"
"water" - he's still not a big fan of milk, but likes to take big drinks of water!
"this" - he loves to point and say "this" when he wants something!
"a-done" - means "all done" at meal time
"ma" - means "more" and is usually accompanied by sign language

Bennett also like to shake and nod his head to answer "no" and "yes".

Bennett eats and drink like a big kid.  He is one hungry, thirsty kid.  He eats more than Logan and always takes such big drinks that he's out of breath when he is finished.  While Logan was a pretty clean eater, Bennett is a mess.  Food is always all over him, the floor, his chair, and everywhere else.

Bennett is super stubborn and opinionated.  He knows what he wants and will not give up!  We realize we could be in for some crazy times with Bennett!  I think he will challenge us more than Logan has....but I could soon eat my words, right?

Bennett does his best to keep up with Logan at all costs.  This has resulted in lots of bumps and bruises!  For the most part, the two play well together and love being together!

Bennett runs everywhere - or at least walks as fast as his little legs will take him!  When he runs, he moves his arms so funny...its worth a video, if I can ever get one!

Bennett takes after Logan (or maybe Mom and Dad?) and love to dance!  He has some moves that I surely can't take credit for!  This is also worth a video...and I have one, but I can't ever get it to load on the blog.

Bennett is the sweetest little boy (when he wants to be) and he is just to irresistable with his long curly locks (need to be trimmed again soon!) and his big blue eyes.  He loves to give hugs and kisses on command.  He runs to John as soon as he gets home from work.  He loves to rock in the rocking chair and snuggle into our shoulders.  He is super cuddly when he wants to be (just like his older brother!).

Bennett sure is one cute kid.  We love Bennett...what a special boy!

Back to Castaway

Boy are we lucky!  We got to go back to Castaway this weekend!  We had about 15 Young Life leaders with us and it was great!  We enjoyed the most beautiful fall weather at camp.  The boys were so excited to be back and clearly remembered lots about our time at camp this summer.

We woke up to a chilly, but beautiful morning on Saturday.  The sun was out and by afternoon, we didn't need our sweatshirts!  It was perfect!  The boys got to run around and Logan even got to skip his nap to enjoy some extra time outside.

Bennett, on the other hand, slept in the stroller (just like this summer!).

John gave Logan a ride...

The boys playing trucks on the sidewalk.

Bennett loved it!  Last time we were at camp, he was not quite walking.  He had a great time keeping up with Logan!

While John had a meeting, we spent a little time in our tiny room.  The boys were being such hams!

This is Bennett's "Cheese!" face!

Yay for another trip to camp!  Lucky boys!

So much happening...

With preschool starting, the UWEC students back in town, and YL gearing up, this has been a busy couple weeks for us!  September is both exciting and sad: we're are sad to see summer go, but always excited with the start of our routine and YL.  Preschool is amazing (I'll post more about it later), we've had a wonderful start to Young Life with several events already, and we've been spending lots of time with friends now that we're back in town.  Here's a collection of photos from the last two weeks:

Logan exploring is new play-doh set from Amy and Andrew.

Bennett loves to say "shoes" and wants to wear them around all the time!

Our friend, Brighton, has been in town for a month now and we've enjoyed lots of play time with him!  We'll be sad to see them go home to Chicago when Joey's rotation is complete at one of the hospitals, but  we're already looking forward to welcoming them back next June!

Cuddling with Daddy during some rare downtime.

I came home from running errands on Labor Day weekend and found the boys in their very own airplane!  Impressive!  I told John, "Only an Eagle Scout could do this...".

Painting the airplane.

My friend, Carrie, had her baby shower last week and I got to attend!  She looks amazing and is going to be a super mom!  Kim's daughter, Avery, was there with her Nana and it was so fun to see how much of a little girl she has become!

Bath and books with Daddy - the boys' favorite.

Stay tuned for more updates!  I'll do my best!

First Day

Today was Logan's first official day of preschool!  I can't believe it!  Last year, Logan was in Camp Come & Play from Jan-May, but that was only one day a week for two hours.  This year, he is THREE, so he gets to be in the big preschool classroom twice a week for 2.5 hours.  Today was a big deal at our house!

Last night, Logan had a super good scrub to get ready for his big day today.  We drive past the church where Logan's school is almost everyday and every time he announces "There's my school!".

When I told Logan we had to get dressed in comfy school clothes (easy for potty, able to get dirty clothes) today he rushed right up to his room and got dressed.  Then he got his backpack on and wanted his shoes on right away.  I had to tell him that it was still over 4 hours until we needed to leave.  By the time we had to leave, Logan was not as enthusiastic.  Luckily today was a short day and the parents got to come and stay.  After a little time getting used to things, Logan was so excited to be at school!  

We found Logan's hooks for his coat and backpack.  We also found his little mailbox where we get notes from his teachers.

Logan really liked the blue mailbox outside the classroom door.  He was being so goofy here...I can't even show the other photos - he had such strange poses!

Calling Daddy in the car before we started to head home.

A special treat at Starbucks with Mom after a fun afternoon exploring preschool!

We ended the day with a dinner out with Papa and Nana who were in town for the day to stay home with Bennett while Logan and Mommy went to school.  Thanks for the yummy dinner and for being here today!

Way to go, Logan!  Its going to be a great year!

More Brookside

A few more great photos from our week at Brookside:

Logan (lookin' slick) with Auntie Jessica.

Bingo night is a big deal at Brookside!  Soctt was the only winner of our group for the night, but we had lots of fun.

Logan took his first game of Bingo very seriously.

John, Bob (Bopbop) and the boys.

Nurse Baggie taking care of Logan's scraped knee.  She's the best.

Bennett getting some quality time with Uncle Scott.

Brothers with brothers.

Logan enjoying a dirt sundae - complete with gummy worms (which Logan did NOT like, btw)!  That's what vacation is all about!

Brookside 2010 - Jill's Birthday

We weren't actually at Brookside for my birthday, but close enough.  I have never been too excited about getting "old" and Scott is well-aware of that.  He has made it one of his missions to make sure I never forget that I'm aging.  However, he made a few comments this spring that really made me believe I would get away with turning 30 without a big to-do from him.

I was wrong.

We started the day with a lovely spa treatment - a special little bridal pampering in anticipation of Jenny's wedding next summer.  Jess, the matron of honor planned a day at the spa, lunch, and gifts for Jenny.  It was a great day!  John watched the boys while we were out all day long!

Off to be pampered in Park Rapids!

Let's just say that after this lovely day, knowing we were heading out to Campaneros (a Mexican restaurant in Dorset) for dinner, I certainly did not suspect anything.  I was just happy that we weren't having to cook dinner that evening.  Then Scott and Jess emerged from their room announcing "We have one more birthday to celebrate".  

Oh boy.  This can't be good!

Luckily, Scott was so kind and tasteful.  He and Jess brought out shirts for everyone with my photo, so we all obliged.  It was actually pretty fun (and embarrassing, but it was Dorset...).

Here's Logan sporting his "My Mommy's 30!" t-shirt.

Bennett and John

Me.  The quote was actually a legit quote from Robert Frost and it was kind.  :)  Thanks, Scott!

There's always a lot of time to wait around when you go to Dorset because its always busy.  So, Logan had time for a few races.  And, we had time for some photos and window shopping at the trinket stores.

My boys.

Us!

The whole group!  Ten of us wandering around in these shirts made it a spectacle.  On our way through the restaurant to our table I heard, "There SHE is!".

Logan wore my birthday sombrero at dinner.

What kind of mom makes their kids wear a shirt with her face on it?!  One who is 30, I guess!

Thanks for all the fun Scott and Jess - those shirts were masterpieces!  :)