Happy St Patricks Day!

Remember this?

Tommy (left), Cole (right)

My poor buddies. I tortured them with crazy photo shoots. ha ha! Today is sunny and GORGEOUS so the boys spent a good part of the day outside in their "park". That is what Cole calls the back yard. "Mommy? We go to the park?" I had bubbles and a cool bubble machine stowed away for Easter, but decided to pull them out early for some fun. They had a blast! They are about to go down for naps, but only with my assurances that they can play bubbles when they wake up.


Cole (left), Tommy (right)


Cole (left), Tommy (right) -- Notice the white sprinkles on the deck? That would be baby powder. I went inside to get a sweatshirt and during that 2 minute window they managed to get the powder from their changing table by the door and have a field day with it in the backyard. My little leprechauns!





Sadly we don't have ANY green shirts! I just assumed we had some, but this morning realized there would be no representing St. Patty's Day today. Oh well. Next year we'll be better prepared. Enjoy this beautiful day everyone!!

My two hams...

Tommy posing with his new obsession - dill pickles!


Cole making his "scary monster" face.

The boys are always "hamming it up" lately for the camera. Tommy will actually strike a pose, whereas his brother loves to yell "CHEESE!" This is all good except the boys are so busy, it's hard to actually find time to grab the camera. At nearly two and a half, the boys are wearing sizes 3T/4T, have a size 9 shoe and weigh 34 pounds. My boys are getting so big! They are saying new things everyday and will repeat EVERYTHING you say. This means that Kevin and I now have a special jar where we drop money every time we let something slip we shouldn't have...we should have enough for Disney soon enough. ;)

Their favorite toys are LEGOS, trucks, play-doh, crayons, LEGOS...oh....and did I mention LEGOS? Basically anything that they can use to build and/or create makes them happy. We've also gotten more into home made games. We've had more fun playing with dry oatmeal in a bin, or one filled with water...or one with dried noodles. I just toss in some measuring cups, spoons and a couple of random items and they are in heaven.


Tommy contemplating which block to place next. This was a pretty cool "house boat" he built.

A friend gave us these cool wooden beads that come with strings for making necklaces and Tommy immediately took to it. He makes some pretty interesting creations that he then parades around the house wearing. This one was from the other day. It used every bead in the box and he was SO proud of it.



Tommy and his necklace. These pictures actually made us realize how badly they needed haircuts! So the following morning, off we went to get them 'spiffed up'.

Overall, the weather has been so crummy that we've been stuck inside and getting creative. Luckily, today the sun finally peeked through the clouds and we have a beautiful weekend ahead of us. We can't wait!! It's time for bubbles, swings and sunshine! Spring starts on Saturday...and we couldn't be more ready!

We've made the move....

It's official! I've got two big boys. :) We made the move into their new room this weekend and everything went smoothly. No tears...no waking at night...it was like they've always been in twin beds. :) It's funny...it seems like the things I am the most worried about are a peace of cake and vice versa. Ah well...I am just glad to see them both so happy.

Cole kisses the "fans" good night on the mural and Tommy loves to point to all his favorite candy logos. Although I think their favorite part of the new room is the book rack. Every night they select the books they want to read and then it's off to bed for "reading time". Tommy's favorite books right now are "Digger Man" and "Snip Snap Croc". Cole loves anything by Richard Scarry and at the moment is also loving this great book "Cool Cars" that is part of the wonderful series by Tony Mitten and Ant Parker.

After they're done, it's lights out. I love hearing their giggles and the pitter patter of their little feet as they sneak into each other's beds. By 8:30? Silence.

I'll post some pictures of their new room soon. I am going to put together a little montage as there are just so many little parts that make it special.

My big boys...

Recently, we surprised the boys with bean bag chairs. Needless to say, they LOVE them. They are crashing into them, climbing them, driving their trucks in and out of all the grooves and of course - chilling out in them. Yesterday, they were both tired...so I popped on a movie and they snuggled in their new favorite hang-outs. Here are some photos...





We're almost done with their new "big boy" room. I scored an amazing 8x10 Pottery Barn rug on Craigslist (the thing is practically brand new) for only $50. Love a great deal! It needed a rug pad, so today the boys and I hit Target. On our way home, we drove by a construction site. Tommy shouted, "Mom! Look! An ENORMOUS DIGGER!" Huh? Where on earth did this child learn the word enormous? The random things they are saying lately totally cracks me up. Not to mention how MUCH they are saying! As we were getting dressed this morning, Cole called out to his brother, "Tommy, I be right there. Getting dressed!"

This stage of development is pretty incredible to witness. Everyday, they wake up saying and understanding more. But all of a sudden...I want it to come to a screeching halt. Yesterday, while I was cuddling with Cole it just hit me. Soon their toddler babble will be replaced with real conversations. I won't always be able to kiss their faces 100 times a day like I do now. Someday, my afternoon full of cuddles and hugs will be limited and I'll think back on these days with yearning.

So, instead of focusing on the terrible part of the twos, I am going to try and refocus on the magical parts. The big hug and kiss Tommy gives me every night once he gets into his PJ's. Cole asking me to sit beside him and "snuggle." Their constant need for "Mommy" to be right beside them playing and listening. These moments are fleeting and I'm beginning to realize that. My little peanuts are growing up.

Friends List

My mom came over today to watch the boys. I was cleaning the kitchen and overheard her talking with Cole about a book. My mom pointed out how two of the main characters were friends, then asked Cole if HE had any friends. He thought about it for a second then replied, "Yes, Tommy." How cute is that?

After talking about how Tommy was a great friend she asked, "Who else is your friend?" Next on his list? "Mom." It melted my heart! Little did I know so many years ago, that one of my greatest accomplishments in life would be making my two-year old son's "Top Friends" list. :)

It was an all around GREAT day.