The Brothers O'Connor

2011

2011-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

A new day, a new year.

Change is in order. It is time for something new. This will be the end of thebrothersoconnor. It's been a good run.

With the two most precious little boys, I go with no doubt there will be joy and laughter and love in all that we do.

To Rob and Ben and Liam. I love you forever. Let's go exploring!

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T20:50:00.000-08:00

The day was spent playing with all the new toys. We got out Liam's new race tracks and came up with this amazing track. There was lots of cheering as the cars raced through the loops.

Rob and I got to have a rare evening out while the boys played at our friend's home (many thanks). Ben took along his new Wall-e in the red bag.

Ben and Liam were in bed around 9:30pm with visions of 2011 dancing in their little heads. Goodnight, my sweet boys. And, may all your days be blessed.

Let's go bowling

2010-12-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

And, so we did this morning. We tried to go last night but the lanes were full. Who knew it would be packed. That's when we headed for ice cream. So, this morning we tried again and basically had the place to ourselves. We had a very good time. And, then "we" were done. And, when you are done bowling, it's time to go.

Ben

2010-12-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

I love these two grainy photos of Ben. The first shows exactly what his mind is up to these days. He is constantly analyzing, questioning and building. He got a Leg0 Ben Ten figure for Christmas from Paw Paw and he has it close by all the time. He is studying the other Leg0 figures to see how they fit together. Smart boy.

And, this photo was taken tonight when we went out for dessert. Ben stuck his face in his ice cream cone. I love that he is serious and smart and silly and so so sweet.

Not the norm

2010-12-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

Rob went to get Ben for lunch and he was asleep in his bed.

He went back to check on Liam and he was actually eating his lunch.

Guess what Mommy got for Christmas

2010-12-27T20:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Liam!

2010-12-26T19:48:00.000-08:00

Big Three! Liam has grown up so much is year. All the baby is gone and we are left with the most precious little boy whom we love beyond measure. He is sweet and smart, funny and wild. Each day with Liam is a joy and exhausting as he goes 90 miles an hour and never stops. He gave up naps three months ago. Liam knows his ABC's, can count to ten but is not interested in any numbers beyond that, and can sing an excellent version of Row Row Row Your Boat. He potty trained in a few days with very few accidents. He eats about every third day. He hates getting his hair cut (we had to use a shaver to cut his hair this month because he refused to sit for it to be cut.) Liam loves monster trucks, transformers, power rangers, and trains. He is especially taken with race tracks right now. He is most happy when we head out of the house first thing in the morning and come back close to bed time (this never happens). He wants to be on the go all the time. Happy Birthday, Liam. You are our special boy. We love your hugs and kisses, your naked dance parties and how you need two bah bahs (blankets), two little horses, a deer and a big horse to go to bed at night. Your smile and bright eyes light up the room. We love you forever!

"My new Big Boy Bike!"

The most adorable THREE year old on a new bike!

He couldn't get his coat and shoes on fast enough. There were some starts and stops but he was on the go - it's going to be a fast paced summer.

We had Liam's party this evening. Grammy, Poppy, Na-Na and Paw Paw were here plus our sweet neighbors for the celebration. There were lots more presents (because truly we needed more toys), pizza and cake. Liam blew out all the candles and was so proud.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Jesus! At our house, we figure since this is the most special Birthday of all, everyone gets presents! Santa came in the night and left so many goodies for each of us. We were so happy to have Grammy and Poppy joined us this morning for the merriment. Ben and Liam were in giddy with excitement.

Turns out Santa heard Ben's request for a Wall-e and threw in a few extras for good behavior.

And, Liam doesn't have to wait another day for that new race track.

We ate breakfast and opened presents with Grammy and Poppy and then they went home to rest from the very early morning activities. Paw Paw and Na-Na arrived a few minutes later in a sleigh full of more presents! And, we hadn't even gotten to the stockings yet. It was full day of toys and celebrating. Oh, Happy Day!

Christmas Eve preparation

2010-12-24T19:48:00.000-08:00

Ben and Liam can hardly contain the excitement! We had several things to do tonight before bed time and there were strict instructions to get to sleep on time so Santa would come.

Grammy and Poppy joined us for Christmas Eve dinner and our first attempt at gingerbread houses. We started with pre-made houses and then added our icing and candy. Liam was pumped about the candy.

Some of it even got on the house.

Grammy put the icing on Ben's house while Ben put on the candy.

Good looking house - Ben and Grammy. Well done.

Liam thought it was finger licking good.

After the boys were bathed and in pjs, we made reindeer food for Rudolph and the gang. We started with chex and added powdered sugar,

and sprinkles. Nice combo, I think.

We put lids on the bowls and shook it up. There was lots of squealing.

Next the boys poured it on the lawn so the reindeer can find their way to our house and get a snack. And, hopefully bring Santa with them!

Then we went inside to get our milk and homemade cookies ready for Santa. The boys also got out some carrots (also for reindeer) and elf food for Santa to take back to the North Pole. There was the usual talk about how Santa is going to get down our (never used) chimney. We opened the doors on the (never used) fire place.

And, off to bed with smiling faces.

Leaves

2010-12-23T06:02:00.000-08:00

We've had some mild weather this week. It's good to get out of the house and run around with the neighbors. Daddy raked huge piles for the boys to jump in. Just a few more days until Christmas!

Wrapping it up

2010-12-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

Ben and Liam did some wrapping today while I was at work. I can't wait to see what's in those packages!

After they finished, they used the wrapping paper tubes as swords.

Ho Ho Ho

2010-12-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

The four of us spent the day in Jonesboro with Na-Na and Paw Paw. Oh, what fun! The boys got presents. They were thrilled. Then we went to the mall to see Santa. Ben is sticking with his request for Wall-e. He told us early on this was what he wanted and that was all he was asking Santa for. He figures if he doesn't beg for lots of stuff, maybe Santa will throw in something extra for good behavior. Nice plan. Liam wants a "new race track". That's it. For months he has been asking for a new race track.

We had a quick bite to eat, looked at the turtle fountain (had photo taken) and then Na-Na and Paw Paw had a big surprise for the boys.

Bui!d-a-Bear! The boys each got to choose an animal. There was a Rudolph display right inside the door and Ben was sold instantly. Liam picked a horse - no surprise there either. First they got to help stuff their new pets by pressing on the foot peddle that blew the stuffing into their pet.

They each selected a heart for their pet.

Then came the best part. Our Bui!d-a-Bear "helper" was amazing. She has probably assisted in the bui!ding of hundreds (thousands) of pets but it as if she had never done it before and she was just as excited as the boys. She told them to rub their pet's heart on their forehead to make it really smart.

Then they were to rub their pet's heart on their ear to help it listen really well.

Then they rubbed their hearts on their belly so their pet would never be hungry.

Lastly, they kissed their pet's heart so it would always know it was loved.

After placing their hearts in the pet's body, she sewed them up and the boys headed over to "wash and dry" their pet. Ben took this job very seriously.

Thanks, Na-Na and Paw Paw for our new Pets! Those are some happy boys.

Cookies for neighbors

2010-12-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

Today we made cookies for our neighbors. A fun activity for Ben and Liam to participate in giving this season. They had a great time decorating and delivering the cookies.

I think their favorite part - was eating the left overs.

Sweet Ben

2010-12-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

Ben has the sweetest spirit. He hugs all the time. He is thankful. He is generous and thoughtful. Rarely a day goes by that he doesn't give me a treasure that he has found or made. I am so thankful for Ben. His smile is contagious. He sings in the car. He is polite. He loves his home and his family more than anything.

Each day during the month of December I think about where I was on that day in December of 2006. Those were the sweetest of days.

And, the best was yet to come. Today, Ben wearing Daddy's shirt. Also, a very silly boy. My sweet Ben.

Fun filled day with Daddy

2010-12-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

Rob and the boys had a full day of playing. This morning they went to P!ay Wor!d and climbed through the huge maze and ate lunch.

After that fun, they headed to NLR to see a model train exhibit. Ben and Liam were mesmerized. Good times. Thanks, Daddy.

Defender of the Universe

2010-12-17T20:28:00.000-08:00

Ben and his imagination are working over time. He completed an entire set of Vo!tron figures today using his Tr!os. Each Vo!tron was labeled - Vo!tron - of course. Then, after completing the set, he used the individual robots to transform into a larger robot. He was then prepared to defend the universe. Sweet. We are in good hands.

Christmas Program

2010-12-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

Ben sang every song in the Christmas Program today at school! He did so good! We loved seeing our boy singing Christmas songs and ringing his bells.

After the program we enjoyed Happy Birthday, Jesus cake in Ben's classroom. Ben has a wonderful teacher this year - Ms. Kimberly. She is so smart and fun. We love her very much!

Errands

2010-12-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Ben does not like running errands. He hates it actually. But, tonight he got to be a big helper with Daddy. And, I bet he got a nice treat while they were out. This sweet boy might not like errands but he is a very good helper!

Painting for presents

2010-12-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we painted sacks to wrap our teacher gifts. Ben helped paint the teacher's initials on each sack and Liam helped decorate them! I think they turned out great.

And everyone had a good time getting messy!

I do it

2010-12-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

We hear that a lot these days. Liam has become more and more independent, which is wonderful and I am so proud of him. This also means that we get some really silly moments. I love that, too!

Santa, here we come

2010-12-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

The boys told me they were headed to the North Pole this evening. It's pretty cold there so they better bundle up.

Huh?

2010-12-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

Power R@ngers and Christmas? That's weird. But, oddly normal at our house. Especially when Daddy spends the whole day with the boys.

Let there be light

2010-12-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

The boys were THRILLED when we got home tonight and they saw the Christmas lights on the upstairs railing of their fort. They ran right up there and danced around the tree. I love their happy smiling faces.

We have made several trips out to look at Christmas lights and each time it is so sweet to hear Liam say, "look that one, it's so pretty." Now he can say that about his fort too.

My boys

2010-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

I get Ben first when I arrive at the boys school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those are the days Liam is there also. Ben and I go together to get Liam. When we got to his classroom today, he was sitting on the bean bag reading a book.

Ben went straight over to him and laid down with him.

I love these moments.

Gifts

2010-12-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

Several times a day, I found myself turning the Wise Men and Angel back around from this nativity. Each time, I told the boys to please not touch this nativity. It's special to me and their nativity is for playing with. So, today I said, Don't touch this nativity. Ben calmly replied, Well, Mom. I had to turn them around so the Kings could give Jesus his gifts. Oh. Right. Thanks, Ben. Good point.

Family Day

2010-12-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate being a family. This is day Ben joined our family, forever. Now we are a family of four but on this day, four years ago, we became a family of three. We are grateful everyday for our Ben.

Baby Ben

2010-12-06T20:04:00.000-08:00

Four years ago today, I turned a corner and looked straight into the eyes of my son.

I love my Ben Ben. My sweet Ben.

Yummy

2010-12-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

We went out for dessert tonight. Probably the last time for ice cream for awhile.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

2010-12-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

Run for your life

2010-12-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

Morning, noon or night, Ben can be found creating something new and exciting with his Tr!os. Hands down, these are the most played with toy in our house. Ben is very creative and comes up with new things to make each time he plays with them. Here is his head gear - he is ready for the action. Run for your life! He's gonna get you!

Sucker

2010-12-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

I took Ben shopping for winter clothes several weeks ago. We got several pairs of pants and long sleeve shirts. Then he spotted the shirts that come with toys and Had To Have One. Ben is very particular when it comes to clothes and he promised he'd wear the one with the toy. I'm such a sucker. He has never worn the shirt but the toy has gotten a lot of use.

Fossil hunting

2010-12-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Ben told me first thing this morning that it would be a good day for fossil hunting. I wasn't convinced because it's the first of December and getting colder each day. But, by the time I picked Ben up from school (11:30am), it was getting pretty nice out. We headed home to eat lunch and gather our supplies. I had two happy campers by the time we were headed out for our favorite digging spot.
Happy Camper #1

Happy Camper #2

Check out the sky - it was beautiful!

The boys would have preferred to jump right in but we had strict rules on this outing - no getting wet. If someone gets wet, we are heading straight home. It was nice outside but still way to cold to play in the water.

They did great. They dug and filled their buckets with rocks.

No one got wet. Pretty impressive balancing.

When they finished hunting in the water, we moved up to dry land and dug out some larger rocks.

Ben did the digging. Liam did the loading.

Good work, guys!

And, a nice chat about the adventure on the way back to the car. Well done boys.

Yum

2010-11-30T21:00:00.000-08:00

Ben asked for spaghetti for dinner tonight and everyone ate up! Successful dinner. I love that.

Imagination

2010-11-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

Ben found some rolls of clay in the play dough box this afternoon and put his imagination to work. First he rolled out each color of clay to make flat pieces.

Then he formed them into a square "fence" and put a bunch of animals inside. Turns out it is a snake farm.

On the farm, there is a tree and small pond with a duck. One pig, three squirrels and lots of mice. Plus, one meteorite.

The snake attempted to encircle the pig but this pig can fly and got away with no problem.

The snake headed for the mice next.

Thankfully, most of the mice escaped the death trap of the snake farm. But, the squirrels and duck are left to fend for themselves.

Liam was sitting up at the table and loving Ben's story telling! Way to go, Ben!

Guess who

2010-11-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

Who is that boy wearing underwear?

It looks like Liam! Could it be?

It is! It is, Liam wearing underwear! Hip Hip Hurray for Liam!

The dinos go marching

2010-11-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

one by one. Hurrah, hurrah!

The dinos go marching one by one, the little one stops to make a splash.

And they all go marching home to get out of the bath.

Double Bonus

2010-11-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

Going out to lunch AND having Paw-Paw and Na-Na to share the meal - that's what Ben and Liam would consider a double bonus day! It's been a full day of playing playing playing.

Thankful

2010-11-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

We are very thankful at our house. Thankful for each other. Thankful for grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. Thankful for our home, the boys school and our jobs. We are thankful that we were able to spend Thanksgiving with so much family - who traveled from so many different places. We are thankful for the fun and exciting things we get to do everyday - playing! Ben and Liam both said they are most thankful for Mom and Dad, and each other. We are most thankful for them as well. We are thankful that we are able to spend so much time together. We have so much to be thankful for - we are blessed beyond measure.

There was added thankfulness today when Ben and Liam learned that Paw-Paw and Na-Na were coming to our house for a few days. The excitement couldn't be contained around here. Liam and Paw-Paw read books for a long time.

Ben was thrilled with his new Power Ranger$. He had Na-Na playing Megazord all day long. Sweet Na-Na.

Miss you already

2010-11-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

While Maggie slept in the car, we hugged our sweet Amy and Riley goodbye. We will miss them so much and are already looking forward to when they visit next summer.

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you,

in the palm of His hand.

We love you.

Projects

2010-11-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

The family dinner was at our house tonight and I planned a few projects that are kid friendly. First we used our butcher paper table covering to color pictures of what we are thankful for. Everyone enjoyed coloring in between bites of pizza. It's not every day that you get to color on the table. Then I broke out the sticker sheets and everyone made pictures of a thanksgiving feast. I love projects that the adults and kids can do together at the table. This was our last night with Amy and the kids. We are going to be sad to see them go home tomorrow.

Discover fun

2010-11-22T20:19:00.000-08:00

We went to the Discovery Museum with Riley and Elizabeth this afternoon. Everyone had a great time riding cows, playing with smoke rings, trains and ships. There was lots of discovery and lots of fun. When we left we managed to get ourselves on the evening news by walking past a camera man filming for a story on crime in downtown LR. For the record, we saw no crime. Just fun and games for us.

Passing it on

2010-11-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Uncle Paul (who is now 31) got bunk beds from our grandparents when he was about five years old. Approximately six years ago he passed them on to my nephew, Riley (now 11) who recently moved to Saudi Arabia. Upon his move, Riley passed the bunk beds on to Ben and Liam. We just had them painted with a fancy new coat of red paint and we set them up today. Ben will sleep on the bottom bunk for now and some time in the future both boys will enjoy this room together.

Here are all three boys and their bunk beds.

How sweet that we got them up while Uncle Paul and Riley were visiting. This is now one of my all time favorite photos. Thanks, Uncle Paul and Riley for passing it on. We love you.

We had our Thanksgiving meal at Grammy and Poppy's house this evening. I am so thankful that Amy, Riley, Maggie, Paul and Elizabeth were all able to be here this year.

Thanks for playing, Uncle Paul

2010-11-20T20:11:00.000-08:00

Uncle Paul raked up the leaves,

Liam and Maggie jumped in them!

It is so good to have them here! The kids are having a great time.

Cousins

2010-11-19T18:22:00.000-08:00

Ben and Liam had The.Best.Time playing with Riley and Maggie today. We played in the morning and again in the afternoon. We had lunch in the fort. We built a very large train track. We played at the store. We had snacks and a very high energy dance party. There were some angry birds and candy eating monsters involved. It was an awesome day.

Riley even figured out how to make a swing on the front porch of the fort. Very cool.

Thankful

2010-11-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving with a performance and feast with Ben at school.

He did an awesome job singing every song. My favorite Thanksgiving song was the one where the turkey got away so they all ate pizza!

Ben and his buddy Sam.

My gym class

2010-11-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

Every other day Liam asks if it's "my gym class" day. Well, today it was. Riley went with us which was extra exciting. Liam was happy to show off all his moves to his cousin.

And, of course, he was proud of his stamps.

Visitors

2010-11-16T20:03:00.000-08:00

Aunt Amy and cousins Riley and Maggie are here!! They have come for a visit from their new home in Saudi Arabia. They actually arrived at 12:30am so Ben and Liam didn't get to see them today and we opted not to take pictures at the airport. These pictures were taken the day they moved, May 26th.

We are going to have a fun-filled week with the cousins!

ABC's and drawing

2010-11-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

We are back at home now. We had a great vacation and an easy drive home this morning.

Ben is spending a lot of time writing. He is working on learning to write his last name.

I am super impressed by his concentration and determination. It's actually his favorite thing to do these days.

This is the notebook where he does most of his writing and drawing.

I really like this butterfly. He likes to erase most of what he draws so I have to be quick and take pictures of his work.

Vaca - Day 3 - More fun.

2010-11-14T19:32:00.000-08:00

We spent most of the day playing at Si!ver Do!lar City.

Liam skipped his way through the park most of the day.

When he wasn't skipping, he was riding roller coasters. Which, he loved!

Everyone enjoyed a ride on the tea cup.

But, the frog was definitely the favorite.

There was cookie decorating.

We rode the train around the park and then strolled along the paths and ate dinner.

After dark, we watched the lighted Christmas parade.

Back at the condo, we all piled in the bed and watched a movie. It was a great day.

Vaca - Day 2 - Swimming, Si!ver Dol!ar City and Frosty

2010-11-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ben's #1 request for vacation was swimming so that is the first thing we did when we woke up this morning. The boys had a blast. We haven't been in the water in months so it was a big treat to have a heated in-door pool.

After lunch, we headed to this amazingly fun place.

The boys got to sit on stage and sing songs during a live show with Frosty. At the end of the show, it snowed! Ben is on the far left and Liam is in the blue coat center on the bottom.

We had a great time in the ball shooting pit, climbing through mazes and going down slides. Too much fun to get out the camera. We also got the lay of the land for our return trip tomorrow afternoon. We spotted Rudolph on the way out - guess who wanted a photo!

Vaca - Day 1 - Express to the North Pole

2010-11-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we left for a much needed vacation. First stop on the agenda was a trip to the North Pole on the Po!ar Express in pjs. See the big train in the background.

It's a bit easier to see how big the train is in this picture of Ben who was a tad bit excited about the reindeer he was standing next to.

On the train, we got our own table and seating for four. The trip was not too long. There were lots of things to look at along the way.

We got hot chocolate and cookies. Yummy.

The ticket checker sprinkled "snow" in our hair as he punched our tickets.

And, we got to see Santa! No changes on the wish list. The boys are holding steady with a Wall-e for Ben and a race track for Liam. Santa better get busy.

There was also singing and laughing and playing. It was a great time. You'd think everyone would be worn out by the time we got settled into our beds for the night. No chance these two were going to sleep in the same bed. This didn't last long.

This one is for you, Grammy

2010-11-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday! Cha Cha Cha

Stamp time

2010-11-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

Liam is loving his gym class. I am so proud of his good behavior during class. He follows the directions and participates in the whole class. He can do all of the routines and can walk on all of the balance beams. At the end of class, it's STAMP TIME - and he loves stamps! So much fun!

Taking care of business

2010-11-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

We spent the afternoon fighting off the "bad guys" in the backyard. All clear now.

Ouchie

2010-11-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our sweet neighbor for doctoring Liam today after he took a fall. Turns out the boo boo was on his elbow not his back. I loved how all the kids gathered around for the cleaning and bandaid process.

Playing at the park

2010-11-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

All three of my boys played at the park today while I had to work. Here they are with a big hug send off. I missed them all afternoon but by the looks of the pictures they had a great time with Daddy.

Loving Liam

2010-11-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Sweet boy was in the best mood today.

Watch party

2010-11-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Toy St0ry III was released on DVD earlier this week and some friends had us over for a watch party tonight. There was a brief period when I thought we wouldn't make it to the party because Ben was afraid he'd have to sit through the entire movie and there are in fact some scary parts. He was pleasantly surprised to learn that the kids didn't have to sit the entire time and watch the movie. There was lots of running and playing. This is the only picture I got and it is really bad. Look closely - Ben and Liam are in there.

Big little boy

2010-11-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe this is Liam. He is growing up so fast.

Liam and Daddy spent time at the park today. Perfect fall weather. Sweet little boy to run and play with.

Backyard fun

2010-11-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

This was ALL afternoon. The dinosaurs, the sand, the playing together. We LOVE our fort. We pretty much don't go in the house anymore. If the weather is nice we are in the backyard. We eat most lunches and lots of dinners in the fort. It's pretty much perfect.

(Liam cannot get over his costume.)

Capuring the moment

2010-11-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

I'm sure going to miss it when they decide they are too big to bathe together. These are good times.

Imagination

2010-11-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ben often asks to look at photos of Power R@ngers on the computer. Today he found this image decided he could make it out of his trios. I think he did a great job. This lead to hours of "robot" building.

Trick or Treating - take three

2010-10-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

Ben opted for the Optimus costume today. Rob got him a sword to make it complete. Thrilled doesn't begin to describe him.

Liam wouldn't be caught in anything other than his Power R@nger costume. It fits him perfectly and he will not let go of the mask.

Here they are collecting their loot.

In between houses, they ran.

And, that about wraps up Halloween for the year. Expect for all the candy we have to eat.

Trick or Treating - take two

2010-10-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

This afternoon was our (now annual) Halloween party. It was a total blast but I have no photos.

This evening our neighbor friends brought pizza and we all ate in the fort amongst the trees.

After we ate, the kids went "trick or treating" to the four doors that face our backyard. They loved it. When their bags were full they perched on the wall for a treat.

Next it was time for making goofy shadows on the fence.

And, playing with flash lights.

This is shaping up to be the best Halloween ever.

Seat belts and heros

2010-10-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ben decided that today was the perfect day to start helping get Liam out of the car! Hurray for helpers! Today was also a perfect day for Liam to wear his Power R@nger costume all day! Hurray for Power R@ngers!

Dirty feet

2010-10-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's inevitable. If we play outside, we have to come in and wash feet. The boys sit up on the counter and I scrub their feet. Today Ben said, "Mommy, I want to wash your feet". And, so he did. My feet have never been so clean. He is such a thoughtful boy. My precious Ben.

Trick or Treating - take one

2010-10-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

We went trick or treating tonight at the Hendrix dorms. As always, it was a blast. Liam was very serious about it. He knew exactly what to do and didn't miss a door. Ben had no trouble filling his bag and had fun with his buddies.

Front row, left to right - Addie, Zoe, Jake, Ben and Sam
Back row, left to right - Liam and Beckett
Beckett wins the prize with the monster truck costume. Very sweet.

Treasures

2010-10-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

At the end of a typical day, I will pull three to five things out of my pockets when I am changing my clothes. Here's what I found tonight.

Liam found this key outside. Ben got the broken silly band at the dentist office. The beads are from Ben - he finds them for me. Sweet boy. Liam brought the S hook home from the store while he was working with me today. The two small plastic tubes are from the glow sticks that Rob got the boys. I don't know why I have a clip thing in my pocket. They are all treasures. I wonder what I will have in my pocket tomorrow.

Fish bag

2010-10-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

The coveted fish bag came home from school with Ben on Friday and we have waited ALL WEEKEND to bring it back with an item for show and tell. It has been a very long weekend. The rule is that only one item can be in the bag. No weapons and no live animals. Those are good rules.

Ben decided early in the weekend that he would take a new "morphing" toy but by Sunday night we knew it wouldn't work because it kept coming apart which really made it more like six toys. We all agreed the toy needed to find a place on the book shelf and Ben would pick another item for the fish bag.

He went to bed unsure of what he would take the next morning. About 30 minutes after bedtime he came out of his room with the fish bag. He told us that he was so excited to go to school in the morning. He was taking Rudolph in the fish bag. This was an extra special trip for Rudolph. He usually only goes to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Ben stays for rest time.

Ben woke up bright and early Monday morning, ready to take the fish bag to school.

Racing

2010-10-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today we made a race track and the boys raced monster trucks for most of the afternoon. The weather was yucky so it was a good day for indoor playing. There was no fighting. No arguing. Just fast trucks and good times.

My happy boy

2010-10-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

Ben is a happy boy. I love it when he flashed me that beautiful Ben smile. Just like the first moment I saw his face - that smile always warms my heart.

Little hands

2010-10-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

Liam found a penny and was determined to get it into his pocket.

He was so proud when he got it in there.

Mountains of sand

2010-10-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

Finding "dirt clods" in the sand box is super cool. Ben found tons of them today and made this awesome mountain of sand! Pretty impressive.

Brotherhood

2010-10-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful afternoon playing in the backyard with the boys. The weather was perfect. There was climbing, jumping, running, eating, and lots of laughing. Ben got out his awesome spy vest that my sister made for him and they played spy heros. Ben and Liam are playing together so well. Tonight, Ben said to Liam, "Thanks for playing with me today, I really had a good time".

Way to go, Mom

2010-10-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the encouragement, Ben. You are such a sweet heart. I love that about you.

Angry B!rds

2010-10-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Ben spent his "break time" today building a house out of his legos for Angry B!rds. Creative, I think. I like that kind of imaginative play. I joined in the fun when "break" was over and we built a nest for the golden eggs and then sent those birds flying.

Sneak peek

2010-10-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

The Family Farm - Fall

2010-10-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

We loved it as much as we did in the spring. The boys got to do so many cool things. The weather was perfect. Many of our friends were there which added to the fun.
We started out the day on the wooden seat carousel.

Liam wasn't so sure about the carousel in the spring but he loved it this time.

Ben got to go flying through the trees on a zip line! He had a blast doing it three or four times. Love his face when he is coming down. Huge grin.

Zip lines are not quite Liam's speed but he loved being pushed in a circle on this big boy swing.

Liam rode in a train pulled by a tractor. He was trilled and not the least bit concerned about not knowing the girl in the car with him.

We got to see a puppet show featuring Flame.

Liam LOVED it. His laugh was so adorable.

Hay tunnels are so fun.

Liam and Daddy got to take a canoe out for a spin around the lake.

While they were doing that, Ben and I headed out in a paddle boat.

The smile on Ben's face says it all.

My two personal favorites of the day. The boys each got to pick a pumpkin from the patch.

Dark night

2010-10-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ben and Liam had a blast tonight playing outside after dark. It's getting dark around 7pm. Usually we are starting to get ready for bed at this time. Tonight we had our neighbors over to play after dinner. The kids ran around the yard with flashlights in the dark night.

Just like yesterday

2010-10-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

October 14, 2009 - My wild boys.

Last time for the year

2010-10-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

The boys took advantage of a warmer afternoon and played in the water. The grass was grateful for the drink of water and the boys were giddy to be wet in the sun.

Lots to say

2010-10-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hey, Mom. Watch this.

I write dirt.

See that, B?

Hey, B, does too, Mom.

Mom, see that, Mom?

All by himself

2010-10-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

I was wrong. I thought it would take awhile for Liam to figure out how to get up the first ladder of the fort. It's 5 feet high and straight up.

Here's Liam - grinning from ear to ear - as he reaches the top all by himself. So proud.

Now he just needs to figure out how to get down.

Science lesson

2010-10-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

A neighbor brought over a bucket of wood eating beetles for the kids to "enjoy". He asked if we'd like to let them loose in our yard. Apparently there are about forty in this bucket. Um, no thanks. But, I really appreciate the science lesson for the kids!

Warning!

2010-10-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

Don't buy the red, white and blue star shaped ice cream at Da!ry Queen unless you want your tongue to look like this.

Very manly

2010-10-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

Liam has started pedaling and he is very excited about his new found talent. I am so proud of him - he has worked really hard and it is finally paying off. We took a stroll around the block today with our neighbor friend. She borrowed Liam's bike and he rode her Tinkerbe!l big wheel. These aren't great quality photos taken with my phone but I love them for many reasons.

My Liam is absolutely precious. I love the big smile on his face. He looks so sweet and kissable.

I love the serious, game-face in this photo. When Liam decides he is going to do something, he gives it his two-year-old all.

He is really going for it in this photo - wind in his hair, back straight, shoulders hunched.

Mostly I love getting to go on a ride around the neighborhood with this amazing little bundle of energy. The contrast between his monster Halloween shirt and the Tinkerbe!l big wheel is like his personality. He is sweet and cuddly one minute and a fire cracker the next. A perfect combination.

Afternoon errands turned field trip

2010-10-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

We passed a fire truck while out running errands this afternoon. This prompted Ben to suggested that we stop by the fire station and check out the trucks up close. Since we were enjoying a laid back afternoon I agreed and we headed straight there. As per usual, the fireman that came out immediately to greet us was extremely friendly and invited the boys right in. I love fire fighters. They are the most polite, gracious and kind group of professionals. We have toured our local fire house many times - in groups and individually, as we did today. Every time we are greeted in this same way. And, to my knowledge never by the same fire fighter.

Ben and Liam were thrilled to ring the bell, sit up in the driver seat and climb in the mid-section of the truck. Ben asked lots of questions which was precious! I loved that part. When the fireman couldn't find any stickers, he took us inside.

That turned into a bonus because we got to meet several more fire fighters, see their living area, kitchen and control panel. And, we left with hats and coloring books.

Really, you can't beat that for an impromptu field trip.

Eve

2010-10-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

We are still in love with Trio's around here. They are the perfect size and snap together with ease. Ben asked me to get a picture of this creation "just in case it breaks". That's Eve's Recon Ship. From Wall-E Very well done, I think.

**turns out it did break so it's a good thing we got this photo to rebuild.

Sixty-Six

2010-10-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

Poppy turned sixty-six today. In honor of his birthday, the boys ate cake. And, ice cream. And, played in the fort which he had built for them. So, all in all, it was a pretty good day. Thanks, Poppy. We love you!

Poppy and Liam - June '09, riding horsey.

Poppy and Ben - Spring '07, Blue Bell's 100th Anniversary Tour through AR.

Nanananananananana - BATMAN!

2010-10-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Caped Crusader. Dark Knight. Cute Boy. Gotham is safe for now.

Sauce-y

2010-10-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

The boys were super excited today when I told them we were going to make apple sauce! They worked together really well cleaning the apples.

Nice apples, huh.

They helped measure up all the ingredients. Then they saw their friends out the window and we had to run outside to play. Priorities.

I came back in to turn off the stove and bring the finished product out for everyone to share. I didn't get a photo but the end result was very yummy.

Apples and pumpkins

2010-10-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

We are off on a great adventure.

Picking apples!

Inspecting our apples.

Reaching for the really high up apples.

Who knew apple picking could be so much fun.

When our apple picking adventure was over we headed to another near by pumpkin farm!
Liam has passed the three foot mark.

Ben is getting close to the four foot mark.

This awesome family farm has a lot to offer kids. The boys loved playing with the water pump.

And, this well was also a highlight.

There are also lots of animals. Liam loved the chicks.

He wasn't too sure about the turkey.

Ben made fast friends with the sheep.

And, the horse.

Ben was very excited to see the Tin Man. He thought it was very cool. We took a picture so we could make one at home.

I managed to sneak myself into one of the photos just to prove I was there too.

Each of the boys got to pick a pumpkin - it had to be one they could carry themselves.

And, that was just the morning... fun day.

The sweet life

2010-10-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

A poppicicle in the loft of an amazing fort - a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Really, it's pretty great.

Really great!

And, sharing it with your brother makes it even better.

Then, you can take a stroll around the tree.

Or, sit quietly on the ladder.

It's a nice way to spend the afternoon...

Oh, happy boy

2010-09-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Liam is doing great! He is talking a ton - some of which we can understand. He is sleeping great at night (not so much during the day). He is happy happy happy. Liam loves school. He marches into his class room like he owns the place. He knows where to put his backpack and his lunch box and then heads off to explore toys, crafts and musical instruments. He loves monster trucks. No idea where that came from but we now have several monster truck toys because of it. He still loves trains, tractors and anything else with wheels. He love to read books, snuggle and eat chocolate. Come to think of it, I love those things too. Sweet baby will be three in a few months. That's hard to believe.

It ain't over yet

2010-09-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

We weren't quite done celebrating our Daddy! Ben decided to whip up a chocolate cake.

He loves whipping up a cake.

Liam decided to get in on the action and make up a pot of soup for dinner.

Liam is great at stirring the pot. He also likes to sneak a bean or piece of corn which I let him because it might be all he eats. He is on the one day on, three days off eating program.

After the cake had cooled it was time for frosting. Yum. The boys worked really hard at getting it smooth.

One last minute sniff before putting on the toppings.

Ben handed over the sprinkles and let Liam start the decorating.

The cake turned out great. We even lit candles and sang to Daddy when he got home from work. The boys were so excited to sing - we did it three times!

And, three times they blew out the candles.

We love Daddy! Happy Birthday (again)!!

Active mind and keen imagination

2010-09-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

We got take out from our favorite Chinese restaurant and Ben's fortune cookie was no surprise to me: an active mind and keen imagination. This morning Ben arranged the couch cushions around the coffee table to make a car. Then he invited me and Liam to go with him on a ride - to Africa. I mentioned that we might want to fly so he quickly transformed the car into a plane and off we went - on an adventure! Oh, my! What fun it is play with an active mind.

Pre-birthday preparations

2010-09-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

A lot of hard work was put into birthday preparations for Daddy. Ben worked hard on Daddy's birthday packages. He spent a long time on this one in particular.

I thought he did an excellent job on that monster truck. He even got the lettering on the side of the truck. Way to go Ben.

We left the packages in the car over night so in the morning we headed out in our pjs to get them.

The boys were a big help bringing them inside.

Ben was very excited to celebrate with Daddy! He did a lot of heavy lifting.

Here's the big moment when Daddy is seeing Ben's work of art on the package. Daddy loved the monster truck.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2010-09-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

Two boys were very happy to celebrate their Daddy today. We had presents in bed (Ben was a bit disappointed Daddy didn't get any action figures), breakfast at iH0p, lots of playing outside and dinner at Chi!i's. Super great day for our super great Daddy!
Happy Birthday, we love you!

Dinner

2010-09-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

Dinner is much better when prepared by the loving hands of two adorable little boys. Liam made the soup.

Ben made the corn bread.

Excellent work, guys! It was delicious.

Helicopter

2010-09-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Liam spotted this super cool helicopter in the hospital parking lot and convinced Daddy to stop and take a closer look. Daddy took some awesome pictures for Mommy so everybody is happy!