Brotherly Love!

Mr. Smarty Pants

Yesterday, I took Tommy to the elementary school for screening as we're considering sending the boys to pre-school in the fall.  Seeing that they won't be turning three until October, the school system wanted to conduct some testing on the boys.  We've had a series of tests so far, but our big test yesterday was all about speech and cognitive development.

Tommy blew my socks off.  He was testing in most areas at cognitive level of a 4 1/2 year old...and in some areas at a 5-year old level!  After asking him one question and having him answer it correctly, the woman conducting the test looked at me and said, "I have never had a child this age answer this question correctly before.  He is a smart little boy!"

He aced everything and understood ideas/concepts that were advanced for his age.  We're actually going back next week so she can work with him some more.  I'm not saying his is a genius...but it was so reassuring as a parent to see him excel in his testing.  He is our little smarty pants!!

Cole's test is next week.  I'm curious to see if the results are similar.

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

We had a very busy Memorial Day weekend here.  So busy that we didn't even get to take many pictures!  Our annual BBQ was on Sunday and we hosted about 40 adults and 36 kids -- most under the age of 3.  It was a great day and the boys had a blast.  So much fun, that they keep asking everyday if we are going to have a party.  This morning while getting Cole dressed:

Mom:  "We are going to have a GREAT day today!"
Cole:  "We having a party mommy?"
Mom:  "No, honey.  Not a party.  We're just going to have fun today."
Cole:  "No, have a party!  Um...friends come over.  Gavin, Ryan, Aidan, Brendan, Ella, Sophie..."

He continued to list off friends until we were dressed for the day.  :)  My little social butterfly.   Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!

Let the potty training begin!!!

I took this picture of Cole this morning, hanging out on in the bathroom.  Typical guy stance.  He sat there for about 20 minutes just kicking his feet and reading.  :)  I am impressed!  Of the two, he showed the most resistance to the idea.  Then yesterday, I offered them one Skittle for every time they did #1...and a Starburst for everytime they did #2.  They went crazy!  We spent ALL morning on the toilet and soon they were fighting over who's turn it was.  I had to bust out the little potty chairs, so they could be on it at the same time.

Here is where the potty's now reside in the kitchen.  In front of the TV and beside the bathroom.  They can choose the big toilet or the little one.  I figure its good to get them used to both, as I can take the little ones in the car with us on road trips.  We still have a LONG way to go.  But the potty training has officially kicked off!  I can't WAIT to get rid of diapers!!!  Can you imagine how much money we'll save?!?

The Start of SUMMER!

The pool is open, the sun is shining and the easels are back for the season - the boys couldn't be happier!  Yesterday, we washed all of our paint pots and re-filled them, then made our way into "Kid Town" for a little creative painting.  It was cute watching them standing there, quietly selecting their colors and swirling it onto the paper.  

As I watched them, I was remembering last summer, when I had to stand beside them while they painted.  It was all I could do to prevent them from smearing paint on their faces, or running off with the brush and painting graffiti on the side of the house.  :)  Last year, our painting activities lasted 15 minutes at the max.  I can see how much they've grown.  

Yesterday, they spent a good chunk of time painting.  Sometimes, stopping to take a quick run down the slide before returning to their picture.  Calling out to me as I worked in the garden, "Mom!  Come look at what I did!"  My sweet little artists.  Summer is here at last!!!