Teething

I almost cringe just typing the "t" word. My kids have had the toughest time teething and we are up several times a night for weeks before each tooth. Carter clings to his "softy" even more now when he is teething. It is in his mouth constantly and in the wash at least a couple of times a week. I often find him playing with toys with both hands, "softy" securely in his teeth! Once this tooth pops, we are going to get a bit of relief until the 2 year molars...it can't come fast enough, as tired as we are! Carter naps all day, we on the other hand, are the ones left wandering around exhausted! Guess that is all part of parenting!

Swimming Lessons

Ryan is in swimming lessons again at Foss. He is doing well with swimming...now listening is another thing entirely! Sitting on the step waiting his turn is not his idea of fun in a pool. The instructors are fabulous and have unending patience. We go on Friday mornings now and the pool is all but empty. When we used to go on weeknights, it was packed. I love the morning sessions - quiet - just what we need! Carter wanted to get into the water, too. I had to keep him in his stroller so we didn't have him in the pool. I guess it won't be long and he will be in lessons as well!

All it takes is a little incentive...

Ryan wanted to ride his motorized dirt bike tonight, and we had taken the training wheels off. He couldn't balance alone. We made a deal: learn to ride your bike, and you can ride your dirt bike. Never in a million years did I think he could do it...in one night! A couple of trips down the sidewalk hanging onto the bike, and he was off riding on his own! That kid has one thing...determination! I am so proud of him! We'll move him back to his bigger bike when he masters this one. I have a feeling it won't be long!

Rare Moment

It doesn't happen often, but once in a while they play very well together (ex. no hitting!) I had to catch this one! :)

Ready or not...

Ryan started Sunday School today, at the same church he attends preschool. He wasn't quite sure when we arrived if he wanted to stay in the room without us (in fact, he KNEW he didn't want to, but we were trying to convince him it would be okay). He did stay and had a great time. Carter went to the nursery for the first time today as well. He didn't even look back when I dropped him off. He jumped right in, playing with the toys with the other toddlers. When I picked up Ryan, the teachers said he did great. He looked mad when I saw him - apparently all of the other classes had snacks served in Spongebob cups - his class didn't because they didn't know if any of the children had allergies. Next time they will get snacks. A quick stop at the donut table on the way out of the church solved all of Ryan's problems. Maybe I'll try Ryan's technique next time I get worked up - just eat a donut! :) On a side note, with no children sitting next to us in church today, I heard a full sermon for the first time in years - what a relaxing service!

Kyle and Friends

Kyle and his buddies were at a costume birthday party on Friday night. Sometimes you just don't ask... :) He had a busy weekend with 2 overnight birthday parties and then he and I toured the Parade of Homes models today near our house. He picked out which bedroom would be "his" in each of the parade models (the one with the biggest closet, nicest view, attached bath, etc.) - I guess that is a perk you are entitled to when you are the oldest of 3 boys!

Ryan's Trampoline = Carter's Reading Nook

Ryan loves to jump on his new trampoline. Carter just uses it as a place to read his favorite book, Big Red Barn.