Toothless

No, I'm not talking about the new found gaps in Carson's smile. We decided to take the boys to see How to Train Your Dragon this afternoon. C and E have been wanting to see it and Al had some time off of work so off we went. The movie theater was happy because we splurged and bought both boys a movie kid pack to enjoy during the movie. The theater was pretty full for a matinee showing but we were able to score perfect seats. Heading to the movies with the boys has certainly become easier over the years and now we are actually able to enjoy the show instead of referee and tend to constant needs/wants.




The movie was fun and both boys now want a pet dragon named Toothless. They came home and immediately began telling our dog Macy all about the new friend she was going to have and how she shouldn't be afraid because dragons are really nice. I would recommend seeing this movie if you have adventurous kiddos like ours. It was not too long and the storyline kept the boys entertained. Too bad we won't be getting a pet dragon named Toothless anytime soon!

Tigger-ific!

This morning the boys and I had the pleasure of joining one of my good friends from work and her two children for a play date. Amanda and I choose to take the four rascals to a local "bounce house" since it was a rainy, grey day. We are two smart mommies! Whoever came up with the idea of an indoor gym filled with bouncy houses and mazes was a genius. It was only a total of $10 for the kids to bounce and run all of their energy out for the entire morning. I can't think of another way to spend ten dollars that would have been more beneficial to my afternoon studying and mental health. Oh, and the kids had a blast too!





After all of the bouncing had finished and the kids started complaining about their legs being tired, we headed off to grab some lunch. With four kids under the age of seven, our dining experience needed to be fast and accepting of noise. They agreed on Wendy's and off we went. Amanda and I could tell the kids were fading fast but they gobbled up their food and had an impromptu art session at the table. While the kids created works of art, Amanda and I were able to chat and relax a bit. We noticed yawns and some bickering back and forth so our play date was over and we said goodbye until the next time. I hauled the boys to the car and buckled them into their booster seats only to pull away and see this in my rear view mirror.




What a play date indeed.

Field Trip

The boys were able to go on a fantastic field trip today with their daycare. They hunted butterflies and learned about their life cycle. A huge layout of electric train models entertained Elias. Multiple indoor and outdoor waterfalls fascinated Carson. Crafts were crafted and gifted to parents. There even was a park and playground. It goes without saying that both boys are asleep already and it's only 7:30. Hooray for field trips, butterflies, and early bed times.

Hoppy Easter

Al's parents came up for the holiday weekend and it was amazing to spend time with them once again. We miss them like crazy and wish they would migrate north (hint, hint!). The weather turned out beautiful although Saturday afternoon was incredibly windy. Mr. Easter Bunny hopped over and delivered two baskets of goodies for the boys filled with their typical art supplies and a bit of candy. Check out the new shades the bunny gifted Carson and Elias too.

Mr. Conductor

You want soap with that?

This evening at the dinner table Eli fell off his chair (again) and out of his precious little mouth came, "Crap!". Carson looked at me and Eli tried to read my reaction. I said, "What did you say? You know that is a bad word and we don't say it".

He stared straight into my eyes and asked, "Why? Are we only allowed to say SHIT?".

After stiffling my anger and laughter Al got a phone call about his potty mouth and Eli had an appetizer of soap. We are going to have our hands full with his sassy attitude in the future.

RIP Petey

A wonderful dog died this morning. Our Pete Man was 13 years old and gave our family lots of love over the years. He will be sorely missed.

And the clouds parted....

Thankfully the sun decided to show it's lovely face after months of hiding behind grey, snow filled clouds. The boys are recovering from strep and I am on day 4 out of 6 of antibiotics since they decided to share. Al is busy volunteering at the local fitness extravaganza today so we headed out to the park. About 6 inches of snow still campused the ground but the equipment was dry and the sky robin's egg blue. Carson and Elias sprinted to the castle park and were non-stop for about an hour. I snapped a few pictures in between navigating through the snow in my 2.5" heeled boots. Trust me, I didn't realize there would still be so much snow! Today was a glimpse into spring and we can't wait!!

Strep

The boys are sick and Elias tested positive for strep yesterday. They both are hacking, feverish, miserable shells of their normally active selves. Al and I are showering them with loads of snuggling and comfort foods. Carson was on day 9 out of 10 of antibiotics for a sinus infection so he isn't on any new meds. Elias is now on a free antibiotics that should wipe the strep right out of him. Hopefully my boys will be feeling better in no time and I stay far away from any illness!

Snow Day!

Two Extremes

My boys are enjoying the two extremes of sandy beaches and snowy backyards this weekend. Both Carson and Elias can't get enough of the outdoors no matter what the weather. Amazingly children have the ability to find happiness in any situation. I wonder when that intrigue and bliss for the world starts to fade?


Carson playing in the snow as I get home from work


Elias enjoying the beach with Gigi and Bobpop (the sound was lost)

Beach Baby

Our little Eli is having the time of his life in Florida with Gigi and Bobpop. I'm sure they are spoiling him rotten as usual. It should take about 3 weeks to get things back on schedule once "vacation time" is over but it's well worth it. We all miss him and the house is so different without his curly hair and class clown humor. Carson even said that he "can't wait until Eli is back!". After today's adventure on the beach, I'm sure coming home is the last thing on Eli's mind.

Check out our little man loving the ocean and playing with the waves.

Super Dogs

Due to Eli's upcoming trip to Florida with Gigi and Bobpop, the boys and I drove over to the fabric store. I make the boys a new blanket every year for Christmas and they always pick out the fabric ahead of time. Elias is a bit nervous about being away from Mommy and Daddy for 10 days so he wanted a blanket that smelled like us to take with him. Unfortunately all of his train blankets are way to big to haul onto the plane. Carson also wanted another sensory blanket to snuggle with so I told them both to find a pattern they both agree on and I would get it. They found a nice doggie pattern that worked and we headed over to the "scrap" material to see if there was anything that matched the dog pattern's color scheme. We found just over a yard worth of solid red that fit perfectly.

After both blankets were finished and slept with overnight, Carson and Elias decided to play "Super Dogs" using their new found blanket capes! They had a blast running through the house saving dogs and pretending to be super heros. Certainly worth the ~$10 spent in fabric and 60 minutes of craftsmanship.

Super Dogs to the Rescue!!

I need a bigger lap

Cloudy with a chance of sharing?

Tonight the boys decided we would have movie night.  I was cooking a feast for dinner and so we finished up at the grocery store and then headed over to the movie rental place.  After much debate they convinced me to rent Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and G-Force.  I picked up The Hurt Locker for our adult movie.  We arrived home and once Al made his appearance, stuffed ourselves on pulled BBQ chicken, homemade four cheese mac and cheese, honey baked beans, potato salad, and slaw.  Yummy!  The boys couldn't wait to have their special movie night and they begged to have a private showing in their room.

Usually this would be a bad idea and lead to someone getting pushed, punched, or hit with a pillow but I was feeling nice.  I set up the portable DVD player in their room and they spread out across Carson's bed with their snacks and blankets to watch the movie.  The lights were turned out and laughter was heard on and off for two glorious hours.  There was no pillow fighting.  No hitting.  No kicking.  No teasing.  I think G-Force puts a spell and children (at least ours!).  Tomorrow we will see if meatballs have the same effect.  It was great to see Carson and Eli enjoying time together and getting to feel a bit grown up.  I know I say this every year but it's so rewarding to see the brotherly love and companionship develop.  Here's to many more nights of bonding to come!

Why you don't run with your shoes untied!

Carson learned the hard way today at recess that you should NEVER run with your shoes untied.  Poor boy is all torn up and looks like he fell off a motorcycle.  How he did this wearing a fleece pullover and a winter coat is beyond me.  We even had to go out and buy bigger bandages!  He's been practicing tying his shoes tighter all evening. 

The String Bean

Eli had a follow-up appointment with his physical medicine doctor this morning and he is growing! I was surprised when Carson had a friend over last week who just turned 7 and Eli was about the same height as him. I guess I shouldn't have been so shocked because he is TALL! He was 45.25 inches today which was quite a gain from his last appt in September. Unfortunately he is only growing up and not out. Our string bean lost about a pound and is down to 38 pounds. This puts him in the 97th% for height and the 50th% for weight. Who would have guessed he was a micropreemie? His weight-for-length ratio could use some work (<3rd%) but we'll get there.

Good news on his CP as well. His tone is a little tighter because of the quick linear growth but our stretching is really helping. He is still toe walking without his braces on but when you remind him he self corrects for a couple of steps. This is great progress. The doctor loved his blue snake AFOs (she had not seen them yet) but it looks like Elias won't be wearing this exact pair for much longer. He has already almost outgrown them and he's only had them since the fall! They think by his next appointment in May he will be ready to get casted for a new pair. Keep your fingers crossed that the insurance battle won't be too long!

Winter Gala

The boys had a special evening planned with daycare for all of the parents last night.  They had put together a winter gala complete with activity stations, snacks, and a performance from the older kids.  It was so much fun to see them beam with pride.  I love those boys!

Eli showing off his snowman picture

Carson standing by his "iceburg" with his penguin drawing

Eli's polar express picture with snowman background

I'm trying to edit the video of Carson reading his polar bear poem in their performance.  Hopefully I'll have it up soon.

Japanese Snuggie

Eli was "freezing" last night and insisted on being able to use my Snuggie to warm up.  Since he has a terrible cold and is hacking like a chain smoker, I let go of common sense for a minute and wrapped him all up.  Of course the traditional method of Snuggie wearing (albeit not extremely attractive) would not work for a 4.5 year old boy.  Elias suggested we "burrito" him like we did when he was swaddled as a baby.  This didn't work either so what were we left to do? 

Meet Kimona Snuggie Elias!

It's Raining Roses

After much anticipation and great adversity The Ohio State Buckeyes reign champion of the 2010 Rose Bowl!  What a game!  I can't wait to cheer on the team in the fall.  Go Buckeyes!