I can't believe how much older Adam has seemed the past few weeks.
He has come out of his room fully dressed, including buttoning his shirt and snapping and zipping his pants!
He hops on one foot and climbs stairs alternating his legs like an adult.
He loves to spend time outside and can keep himself occupied, especially if it involves scrap boards and bungee cords.
Apparently he is going thru a stage where he is sweating profusely because he keeps telling me things like "I'm so sweaty and stinky from helping with the mulch. I need some man deoderant."
I'm guessing it's because I call him "Mr. Adam" from time to time but apparently my new name is Mrs. Mama.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Hiking
At the end of last week, the weather was perfect to pack a picnic lunch and go for our first-ever hike! The kids were super excited when I woke them that morning and told them what I had planned for the day.
I love it when I see sweet moments of the kids loving on each other without prompting. I can't imagine how much fun it must be to have a twin to share life with each and every day.
I thought Forest Park Nature Center would be perfect for our first hike. Short trails in case the kids got tired. It started out easy and we were able to talk about staying on the paths and not touching things around them to be respectful.
Gradually it started to get a little more difficult. They thought it was a neat little adventure.
After a long climb we had to stop for a snack and a drink of water.
We found this neat tree that had been uprooted but Adam was a little scared to go any closer to it.
Because of the record-setting rain there were areas that were treacherous. One of the bridges in the park had been washed away and some of the steps had a lot of erosion around them, making them very steep. Sara especially wanted me to hold her hand during this part of the hike.
After our hike we found a great picnic table nestled in the trees and enjoyed our lunch. They kept saying "I had a great time, mom! Did you have a great time?"
It's been a long time but years ago it was one of my favorite things to steal away and go for hikes by myself. For some reason, spending time in nature always helped me process things and feel more alive. I am excited that we can start sharing that together as a family!
I love it when I see sweet moments of the kids loving on each other without prompting. I can't imagine how much fun it must be to have a twin to share life with each and every day.
I thought Forest Park Nature Center would be perfect for our first hike. Short trails in case the kids got tired. It started out easy and we were able to talk about staying on the paths and not touching things around them to be respectful.
Gradually it started to get a little more difficult. They thought it was a neat little adventure.
After a long climb we had to stop for a snack and a drink of water.
We found this neat tree that had been uprooted but Adam was a little scared to go any closer to it.
Because of the record-setting rain there were areas that were treacherous. One of the bridges in the park had been washed away and some of the steps had a lot of erosion around them, making them very steep. Sara especially wanted me to hold her hand during this part of the hike.
After our hike we found a great picnic table nestled in the trees and enjoyed our lunch. They kept saying "I had a great time, mom! Did you have a great time?"
It's been a long time but years ago it was one of my favorite things to steal away and go for hikes by myself. For some reason, spending time in nature always helped me process things and feel more alive. I am excited that we can start sharing that together as a family!
Friday, June 7, 2013
Washington Cherry Festival
Last weekend was the Washington Cherry Festival in town. We were excited that the kids were finally old enough to really appreciate it. I stopped by the Chamber of Commerce and bought discounted all you can ride carnival bracelets. Then we prayed for the next 2 days that the rain would stay away. And about every hour for those two days the kids asked if it was time to leave yet.
It was a cooler morning and because of the record-setting rain we had in the month of May, no parking on any grass was allowed. We found a spot right near where the pedal tractor pulls were being held. How convenient that we could sign up on our way in to the carnival. And...they asked if Shannon wanted to sign up for the adult division. Hmmm...this should be interesting!
While waiting for the event to start, we snuck in a few carnival rides.
Sara picked the ever-appropriate horse to ride on the merry-go-round.
Adam, of course, chose...a pig?!
Adam loved this little fun house thing. He tried it last fall at the Morton Pumpkin Festival and it did not go well. There were way too many kids playing rough and he just wanted out. But this time, it was just him. He went thru there 3 times and thought it was awesome he was by himself.
Adam thought the jet skis were pretty cool.
Sara, not so much. I think it about gave her whiplash when it started and was jerky the entire time.
Time to head to the tractor pulls, come on Dad!
Adam was first up in the 4-5 year old division. He was the only one to do a 3-point turn and back his tractor into the sled! That's my boy!
I'm not sure what was with the tongue but apparently it helped him pedal harder!
Sara's turn and she was really working hard. Actually, I was quite impressed with her effort.
They got a nice ribbon for their effort, as well as a free ice cream cone and free pizza at Monicals. Next year when they aren't the smallest kids in their age group, we'll see what happens!
Back to more rides while we waited for the adult portion of the contest. The motorcycles were a big hit.
I think the Wiggly Worm was my favorite. Not only was the name fun but the ride seemed to have just the right level of excitement. Plus when I look at these pictures and a giant bird is photo bombing every one of them, it cracks me up! Sara kept lifting her hand as quick as she could to wave.
Finally, it was time for Shannon's pedal tractor pull. Check out this homemade masterpiece!
The first heat had 120 pounds on the sled. If he made it the full 40', he would advance to the next heat and 40 more pounds would be added to the sled each heat.
A handful of guys made it to the third heat, with 200 pounds on the sled! It was no easy task and Shannon came in 3rd place out of about 10 guys that started.
Adam really wanted to get his hands on this tractor instead of the little green one! It was really awesome - the steering wheel turned both the front and back tires at the same time.
The last ride of the day before it rained was the antique cars.
Corn dogs, hot dogs, tenderloin, hamburger, pulled pork on a baked potato, chocolate cherry cupcake, cherry pie, cherry cheesecake, and funnel cake. We had an awesome time--see you next year!
It was a cooler morning and because of the record-setting rain we had in the month of May, no parking on any grass was allowed. We found a spot right near where the pedal tractor pulls were being held. How convenient that we could sign up on our way in to the carnival. And...they asked if Shannon wanted to sign up for the adult division. Hmmm...this should be interesting!
While waiting for the event to start, we snuck in a few carnival rides.
Sara picked the ever-appropriate horse to ride on the merry-go-round.
Adam, of course, chose...a pig?!
Adam loved this little fun house thing. He tried it last fall at the Morton Pumpkin Festival and it did not go well. There were way too many kids playing rough and he just wanted out. But this time, it was just him. He went thru there 3 times and thought it was awesome he was by himself.
Adam thought the jet skis were pretty cool.
Sara, not so much. I think it about gave her whiplash when it started and was jerky the entire time.
Time to head to the tractor pulls, come on Dad!
Adam was first up in the 4-5 year old division. He was the only one to do a 3-point turn and back his tractor into the sled! That's my boy!
I'm not sure what was with the tongue but apparently it helped him pedal harder!
Sara's turn and she was really working hard. Actually, I was quite impressed with her effort.
Back to more rides while we waited for the adult portion of the contest. The motorcycles were a big hit.
I think the Wiggly Worm was my favorite. Not only was the name fun but the ride seemed to have just the right level of excitement. Plus when I look at these pictures and a giant bird is photo bombing every one of them, it cracks me up! Sara kept lifting her hand as quick as she could to wave.
Finally, it was time for Shannon's pedal tractor pull. Check out this homemade masterpiece!
The first heat had 120 pounds on the sled. If he made it the full 40', he would advance to the next heat and 40 more pounds would be added to the sled each heat.
A handful of guys made it to the third heat, with 200 pounds on the sled! It was no easy task and Shannon came in 3rd place out of about 10 guys that started.
Adam really wanted to get his hands on this tractor instead of the little green one! It was really awesome - the steering wheel turned both the front and back tires at the same time.
The last ride of the day before it rained was the antique cars.
Corn dogs, hot dogs, tenderloin, hamburger, pulled pork on a baked potato, chocolate cherry cupcake, cherry pie, cherry cheesecake, and funnel cake. We had an awesome time--see you next year!
What not to wear
I have tried being more loose with letting the kids pick clothes lately. And being less stringent on having them coordinate, especially if they are just going to be playing around the house, unless we are going somewhere nice.
And then there is this day. Extreme. I still look at the photo and shake my head. It made it easier to deal with because I left for the day to go to work!
The day before Adam and I had some conversations because he wanted to wear an orange shirt and orange shorts. Actually, first it was a red shirt and orange shorts. I told him no and explained that it didn't match. Either pick the red shirt and different shorts or pick the orange shorts and a different shirt. He was adamant about the shorts. And then picked an orange shirt and insisted it matched. I told him that would make him look like a pumpkin. I tried to coach him about coordinating. For example, I had on plaid shorts that had white, red, orange, and yellow in them and then wore an orange shirt. See how the orange shirt just matches a stripe in the shorts and doesn't have to be exactly the same color? Apparently after I left he came out of his room with the matching orange shirt and orange shorts and declared he liked looking like a pumpkin.
Roll forward one day. I asked Adam if he was going to dress like a blueberry. Or maybe a pickle. He chose all red and said he was a tomato.
And then, there is my dear Sara. She insisted on wearing 2 shirts. A tank top with a shirt over it. I'm guessing it might be because I wear a tank top so often to be modest and not have my belly show if I bend over with a shirt that is too short. I would be absolutely fine with her wearing 2 shirts if they actually matched. But somehow a black and white, big-patterned tank top under a blue/green shirt with lemons all over it doesn't say fashion diva to me. I couldn't get her to budge and conceded hesitantly. However, I told her neither were long enough to qualify as a dress and she needed a pair of shorts. She promptly left the room and returned with...plaid. Orange, yellow, pink, and blue plaid. Really? I give up. And then when I came home for dinner she had a floofy toulle skirt over it. My. word.
And then there is this day. Extreme. I still look at the photo and shake my head. It made it easier to deal with because I left for the day to go to work!
The day before Adam and I had some conversations because he wanted to wear an orange shirt and orange shorts. Actually, first it was a red shirt and orange shorts. I told him no and explained that it didn't match. Either pick the red shirt and different shorts or pick the orange shorts and a different shirt. He was adamant about the shorts. And then picked an orange shirt and insisted it matched. I told him that would make him look like a pumpkin. I tried to coach him about coordinating. For example, I had on plaid shorts that had white, red, orange, and yellow in them and then wore an orange shirt. See how the orange shirt just matches a stripe in the shorts and doesn't have to be exactly the same color? Apparently after I left he came out of his room with the matching orange shirt and orange shorts and declared he liked looking like a pumpkin.
Roll forward one day. I asked Adam if he was going to dress like a blueberry. Or maybe a pickle. He chose all red and said he was a tomato.
And then, there is my dear Sara. She insisted on wearing 2 shirts. A tank top with a shirt over it. I'm guessing it might be because I wear a tank top so often to be modest and not have my belly show if I bend over with a shirt that is too short. I would be absolutely fine with her wearing 2 shirts if they actually matched. But somehow a black and white, big-patterned tank top under a blue/green shirt with lemons all over it doesn't say fashion diva to me. I couldn't get her to budge and conceded hesitantly. However, I told her neither were long enough to qualify as a dress and she needed a pair of shorts. She promptly left the room and returned with...plaid. Orange, yellow, pink, and blue plaid. Really? I give up. And then when I came home for dinner she had a floofy toulle skirt over it. My. word.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Maple Leaf Lake
I got home from work tonight to find the kids playing in the giant puddles in the front yard. Adam was on his way running to the ditch to clean up some garbage and found quite the surprise! I was pretty shocked my mom let loose and allowed it, especially in a brand new polo shirt and jeans! Sara thought it was stinky and smelly, which I would agree. After a while Adam thought it would be better to take his shirt off. It was fun to feel their joy and wild abandon! Here are a few of my favorites...
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Mom what's a bouffant?
You just never know what is going to come out of the kids' mouths lately! Sara was sitting on my lap and she said "Mom, what's a bouffant?" I have no idea how she even heard of the word. So we googled it on my computer and clicked on Images so I could scroll thru and show her what a bouffant was.
I told her Grandma Marilynn used to have a bouffant and asked if she wanted to call Grandma and tell her to bring a picture. Of course she was excited to do that!
"Grandma, why did you used to have your hair in a bouffant?"
I could hear my mom laughing thru the phone.
"Can you bring a picture of when you used to have a bouffant? A really really old picture?"
Mom asked her a question and Sara said "No, I don't want great big poofy boufant on top of my head! I just want a little curl. Some of these pictures we are looking at don't even qualify as a bouffant!"
Mom and I were laughing so hard we were crying. Sara couldn't figure out what was so funny.
I told her Grandma Marilynn used to have a bouffant and asked if she wanted to call Grandma and tell her to bring a picture. Of course she was excited to do that!
"Grandma, why did you used to have your hair in a bouffant?"
I could hear my mom laughing thru the phone.
"Can you bring a picture of when you used to have a bouffant? A really really old picture?"
Mom asked her a question and Sara said "No, I don't want great big poofy boufant on top of my head! I just want a little curl. Some of these pictures we are looking at don't even qualify as a bouffant!"
Mom and I were laughing so hard we were crying. Sara couldn't figure out what was so funny.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
First dentist appointment
I have been wanting to take the kids to the dentist for about a year. I know, sounds crazy that something can be put off that long. It was last August when all the medical issues started with Sara...and then Adam. Emotionally I felt like I couldn't process anything else during that time. Once we hit a few months break from that I finally made the appointment.
I really liked the office. It was super kid-friendly with things to do.
And they were very welcoming to us as new patients!
Sara, as usual, was a total rock star. She climbed right in the chair and started talking to the nurse. She asked for an Ariel toothbrush which the nurse had to search for. No problems with x-rays, no issues with getting her teeth cleaned. The dentist was able to tell already from her x-rays that she will need braces. Her mouth is very tiny and her baby teeth are close together. You can see the adult teeth waiting to come in already crowded and slightly overlapped. No cavities.
As for Adam, he tends to be a bit more nervous about new things, especially medical related. Can you tell by this picture with a forced smile?
He didn't like getting the x-rays and having to put the little square in his mouth that was the film. He absolutely hated getting his teeth cleaned. He didn't like the "whirly" toothbrush or the stuff they used to clean them with. He kept moaning and wanting her to stop. We held hands and I told him to squeeze which seemed to help. He has one questionable spot on a tooth that they are going to watch to see if it develops into a cavity.
Sara wrote her name on the chalkboard on the way out. They each left with a bag of goodies - Adam got a red car and Sara some bubbles to go along with their new toothbrushes, toothpaste, sand timer, and dinosaur floss wands. Since we have well water, she also wants us to buy some water with fluoride for the kids to drink sometimes. Toothpaste with flouride helps the teeth that are already in. But drinking fluoride helps the teeth that aren't in yet.
On our way out a woman in the waiting room asked if the kids were twins. Wearing my PMOT shirt that said "TWINS" across the front I affirmed her guess. She said "they are so adorable!" Adam replied "Thank you" and the woman said "Wow, polite too!" Adam responded "Of course I am!"
They were very excited tonight about using their new toothpaste and learning to spit!
I really liked the office. It was super kid-friendly with things to do.
And they were very welcoming to us as new patients!
Sara, as usual, was a total rock star. She climbed right in the chair and started talking to the nurse. She asked for an Ariel toothbrush which the nurse had to search for. No problems with x-rays, no issues with getting her teeth cleaned. The dentist was able to tell already from her x-rays that she will need braces. Her mouth is very tiny and her baby teeth are close together. You can see the adult teeth waiting to come in already crowded and slightly overlapped. No cavities.
As for Adam, he tends to be a bit more nervous about new things, especially medical related. Can you tell by this picture with a forced smile?
He didn't like getting the x-rays and having to put the little square in his mouth that was the film. He absolutely hated getting his teeth cleaned. He didn't like the "whirly" toothbrush or the stuff they used to clean them with. He kept moaning and wanting her to stop. We held hands and I told him to squeeze which seemed to help. He has one questionable spot on a tooth that they are going to watch to see if it develops into a cavity.
Sara wrote her name on the chalkboard on the way out. They each left with a bag of goodies - Adam got a red car and Sara some bubbles to go along with their new toothbrushes, toothpaste, sand timer, and dinosaur floss wands. Since we have well water, she also wants us to buy some water with fluoride for the kids to drink sometimes. Toothpaste with flouride helps the teeth that are already in. But drinking fluoride helps the teeth that aren't in yet.
On our way out a woman in the waiting room asked if the kids were twins. Wearing my PMOT shirt that said "TWINS" across the front I affirmed her guess. She said "they are so adorable!" Adam replied "Thank you" and the woman said "Wow, polite too!" Adam responded "Of course I am!"
They were very excited tonight about using their new toothpaste and learning to spit!
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