The boys' BIG surprise!!!

When the boys woke up from their nap, the swing set was ready and waiting. I was more excited than they were I think!!! We made our way into the yard...they both caught sight of it and slowly walked over....then walked faster...then ran! It was so cute.

We played on the set ALL afternoon - only coming in for dinner - then back outside again! I have so many pictures and videos that I could overload this system. I'll try to post some video later today when I have time to wait for the upload, but in the interim....here is a quick progression of shots that showcases their pure joy in discovering the fun surprise. :)

Before and After!

Ready, set.....swingset!!!!!

The proud new owners discuss their swingset over a twizzler.

The countdown has begun!!! Tomorrow our swingset is being delivered and installed in the newly renovated lower backyard. We're calling the entire play area "Kid Town" as it resides behind the infamous Man Town. I'm fashioning the whole structure to look like a pirate ship with a Jolly Roger Pirate flag, a telescope, steering wheel and cool handpainted signs. I'll post pictures when its complete.

Finding the right swingset was no easy feat... Do you know HOW expensive swingsets are??? Holy crap! Who knew? And there are so many different brands, etc. I wanted something that would last...and something that the boys could really grow into. But most importantly...I wanted someone ELSE to put it together.

Anyway, the big day is almost upon us at last...and we can't wait!!! These guys are at the back door everyday at 7AM ready to head out. :)

The great photo experiment...

Our friend Kimmie is taking all the kids photos (from our twins group) and superimposing them all together onto the same background to make a fun group shot. Its a big surprise project, so I'm not sure what the final product will look like yet...but we followed our directions and snapped photos of the boys beside a tape measure today.

Cole has officially surpassed Tommy in terms of height! At his 18 month appointment today, he measured 34 1/2 inches tall and Tommy is 34 inches tall. Pretty impressive stuff considering he has been the "little" one since the beginning.

Anyway, taking these photos was hard as the kids couldn't stand still. We needed props. Cole held still for his fingerpaint and Tommy would only stop for his pirate hat. :)

Red Sox Nation

Representing their favorite team, the boys thought they looked so funny wearing daddy's baseball hats. You should have heard the giggles. Top picture is Cole on the left and Tommy on the right. Photo below is Tommy.

Go Sox!!!!!!!!

Easter Sunday

Tommy


Tommy and Grandpa

Tommy, Nana and Cole

Sunday morning, the boys woke up EARLY. We peeled ourselves out of bed and came downstairs just in time for daddy and the boys to spot a bunny hopping away in the back yard!! Could it have been...the Easter Bunny?!?

Soon they discovered their Easter basket filled with balls, bubbles, race cars and Thomas the train coloring books. It was so funny...Cole's new favorite word is "WOW!!" So there were lots of "wows!" and "woahs!" Once Tommy realized that the colored eggs had M&M's inside...the hunt was on!

We went to Nana and Grandpa's for Easter Sunday and the boys looked so cute in their little sweater vests. :) Still recovering from being sick, we kept things fairly low key. They played with their matchbox cars and showed Uncle Michael all their trucks. They watched Thomas and Friends and blew bubbles on the deck. We really had a nice afternoon and both boys seemed back to themselves after their nap. I was so happy to see my best pals feeling better.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday!

Sick little bunnies...

We've had a rough couple of days here with a stomach virus. Cole had it first and we were holding out hope that Tommy wouldn't get it. But today he woke up sick. Poor baby!

We had planned to spend the day at the Red Sox game, but we're going to watch it at home instead. Gorgeous day here in Boston!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Click to enlarge. Too funny...

Hanging out in "MAN TOWN"

It may look like a pool house...but it is actually a man cave!! Today the Riordan boys were hanging out in "Man Town", enjoying some golf on TV and a little Hershey's chocolate. (We were celebrating their "18-month" birthday.) It was the perfect place to unwind after a day playing ball in the yard with dad. Mom was allowed in for the special occasion. ;)

It is so rare to get a shot of these two lately. They are so fast that I barely have time to click! The fact that they are both looking at the camera here - and sitting still - is a miracle. :)

Favorite foods...

Tommy is fearless when it comes to trying new foods. Cole will watch Tommy intently. If Tommy likes it...Cole will give it a try. Otherwise, his lips are sealed. Luckily, Tommy pretty much likes everything, so therefore the kids have a pretty varied diet. Here are some of their favorites:

Mango, Blueberries, Strawberries (chocolate covered ones too), Bananas, grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon, oranges, apples, pears, lemons, raspberries -- Broccoli, asparagus, spinach, green beans, carrots, red peppers, celery, tomatoes (tomato sauce), olives, beans (black beans, baked beans) -- Mashed potatoes, french fries, sweet potatoes, potato chips -- Chicken, fish, hamburgers, hot dogs, meatballs, American chop suey, turkey burger, cheese -- Pasta, rice, couscous, mac & cheese -- toast (whole wheat and raisin toast), pancakes, waffles (plain, blueberry and strawberry) -- Ice cream, yogurt, apple sauce -- Peanut butter, jelly (new) -- Babyccinos (steamed milk), milk, chocolate milk, juice (orange, cranberry, bluberry, pomegranate, apple) -- Crackers

This is getting too hard! When they were little it was so easy to list things out. Now they are just growing up so fast and learning and trying new things everyday. My sweet, curious little boys.