Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ice Skating

We live in a beautiful town, and they flood the ball field at the park during the winter to turn it into a skating rink.  This was something I wasn't exposed to as a kid, so I wanted to make sure Brooks and Adlyn were comfortable with it at a young age.

Zach and I took the kids to the skating rink this month, and luckily, they had skates to fit them.  They were eager to try the snow sport and although we weren't at the rink for long, it was well worth it.  They could 'skate' if we held their hands, and they both stood for a short time while wearing their skates.  I think we'll give it another year before we try it again, but I'm glad they gave it a try.  Nobody fell, and it wasn't a horrible experience for either of them.

After skating, we went to the park, although it was covered with snow.  They enjoyed the tire swing, and we took some video of them.  As they swing, they love to say happy birthday!  Brooks and Adlyn made snow angels with Dad. 

We haven't been sledding this winter, but we hope to go after the first of the year.

Winter Words

Last year the kids referred to a snowman as a mi-mi.  We have advanced this year, and now it is called a no-mi.  Hopefully by next year it will be called a snowman. 
Brooks received a really pretty green and white snowflake blanket for Christmas.  He calls a snowflake a no-flag.  It makes me laugh. 

This year they have been doing a great job telling people Merry Kif-ma! 

Adlyn Pic

Zach did some Photoshop work to some photos this month for Christmas presents.  Here is one picture of Adlyn that I liked.

Don't Shoot Your Eye Out!

Zach and his nephew shot a BB gun out behind the garage a few weeks ago.  Brooks was a little young, but he did give it a try.  We'll try again next year.  It won't be long until he can enjoy hunting with Dad.

Brooks

Bubble Bath

The kids had their first bubble bath this month.  The whirlpool jets make a lot of bubbles in the tub!  In case you are looking for a tip, Bath and Body Works Shower Gel makes really good bubbles in the tub.  This won't be the last bubble bath.  Enjoy the pics.

Fun in the tub!

Bubble fight!

Adlyn enjoys looking like Santa.

Nice muscles, Brooks!

Adlyn and Brooks swim in the tub.

Adlyn hides in the bubbles.

Brooks hides in the bubbles.

Birthday #3

The kids had a great 3rd birthday this month, and we had friends and family over to help celebrate.  Both of them were happy all evening.  The soup was delicious, and the whoopie pies turned out great.  It is a great day to reflect on their birth and it makes me smile.  Happy Birthday Brooks & Adlyn!

Brooks takes a big bite of his whoopie pie
(chocolate cookies, coconut filling, and snowflake
sprinkles) while Adlyn looks on.



Happy Birthday Adlyn!



Whoopie Pie fillings - caramel, peanut butter,
chocolate, and coconut.

Brooks and Adlyn are wearing the shirts I made
for them.  I also made Adlyn a tutu.

Adlyn loves to draw and color.

A&B playing with their new train.


Thanks for the robe Grandma!

Thanks for the robe Grandma!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Party Prep

This weekend we had Brooks & Adlyn's 3rd Birthday Party!  Has it really been three years? 

They love the book, "Go Dog, Go!" It was an easy party theme.  We placed pictures from the book on fishing line and hung them from the ceiling.  Their favorite stuffed animal dogs were at the party, Cupcake and Mo-Mo. 

In the morning, we took the kids to the grocery store to pick out three balloons for their party.  They loved the process and the lady who filled the balloons was very nice.  Both of them carried their balloons around all day! 

Grandma and I spent the morning making whoopie pies, mixing up four different fillings (coconut, caramel, chocolate, and peanut butter), and prepping the toppings to roll the whoopie pies in (mini chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, coconut flakes, and sprinkles galore).  It really was a prefect day of cooking, and it could not have went any better.  In the afternoon, we prepped the soups and punch.  We had antelope chili, Mexican soup with chicken, and cauliflower cheese soup.  The sparklin' apple punch was delicious and consisted of apple juice, cranberry pomegranate juice, ginger ale, and apple slices.  Thanks to Paula Deen magazines, we found the punch and whoopie pie recipes. 

Adlyn took a long nap on the day of her party, and Brooks stayed entertained with the boys.  An hour before the party, Brooks put on his #3 shirt that I made for him, and Adlyn put on her party leggings, tutu and shirt that I made her, without hesitation.  She was even patient while I put her pretty hair ties in.  They couldn't wait for their party to begin!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Preschool

Last week we took a brief tour of the preschool that Brooks and Adlyn will be going to in January, once they turn three.  I've had a few realizations about preschool. 

1.  How in the world are we going to get the kids to preschool by 8:30 AM?  On the day of our tour, we were to be there at 9:30 AM.  It was everything we could do to get out the door to be there on time.  We will need a schedule overhaul before January!

2.  I'm not for sure how Brooks is going to do.  I don't think he is going to want to go.  The morning of, he told me several times, "No drop off."  This little guy, he is rarely away from Zach or I, or are kind neighbors, family, or previous babysitter.  He hasn't been in a single situation where he hasn't been directly with one of the people listed in the above categories.  (Except in the hospital for five weeks where I left them during the evenings so I could sleep.)

3.  Originally, the preschool wanted to split the kids up in different classrooms.  Ummmm, no thank you.  I disagreed and I think they have to listen to my request.  We should finalize everything this Friday.  Honestly though, based on reason #2, if you separate Brooks from Adlyn, he will never want to go to school, ever, and there is no way he would even get in the car to go to school.  I don't think he will only play with Adlyn, but, if he just knows she is close by, then he should do better.

4.  Who knew that before they turned three, I'd be consulting other friends and teachers about the advantages/disadvantages of splitting twins up in the classroom.  There are differing opinions, and I'm not an expert, but I will learn first hand!  Then, can you really compare identical twins to fraternal twins in this case regarding classrooms?  I don't think so. 

5.  I'm not so sure I'm ready for them to venture into the preschool world, even if it is only two morning a week.  I think they will benefit from playing with other kids and it will help their vocabulary, but, my mind also thinks about the hundred things they will learn from other kids that I prefer them not to know.  I like knowing that they have a small world where we, as parents, have the biggest influence on them.  I think they are well-mannered and well-behaved children, and I don't want that to change.  Deep down, I know that this step will be good for them and will help them develop in many ways that we can't at home.

We'll see what January brings for us!

No Way, Hosie! YES!

During Thanksgiving break, Adlyn learning the phrase, "No way, Jose," from Grandpa.  But, instead of saying Jose, it sounds more like, "No way, Hosie!"  Now, instead of just saying no, she frequently says no way!

In the past week, Brooks has been saying "YES."  Not just a "ya" or a "yes".  It is drawn out and pronounced very precisely!  It is cute and Zach and I have found it humorous. 

Baby, Its Cold Outside!

Last night after church, we went to the grocery store.  Upon leaving the store, we walk outside and we immediately notice the cold.  Brooks makes a comment about it being freezing outside, and do you know what he does?  He lifts up his coat, and his shirt, to feel the cold air on his belly!  I ask him what he is doing, and he just looks at me smiles.  He knew he was being funny, and then Adlyn joined in.  I sure didn't join them!  It was soooo cold!

Busy

Adlyn has been saying this for several months, but I don't think I have documented it yet.  Adlyn likes to spin around in circles in the kitchen and she likes the feeling of being dizzy.  But, instead of saying dizzy, she says, "Busy!" 

When I ask Brooks to do something, he often respond to me that he is busy, or he tells me to wait a minute.  I'll try to stop saying this upon his requests, and maybe that will help reduce the amount of times he tells me to wait!

Look at me! Watch me!

We have entered a stage where the kids want us to watch them do something, anything, no matter how big, or small, it might be.

Adlyn enjoys saying, "Wa-me".  (Watch me!)  She might do a little jig, or show us a new spin, or something like that.  I also think it is hilarious that when we are driving, she will say over and over, "Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad," trying to get his attention.  Zach can say, "What?" after each request, and she keeps badgering him.  She really wants him to look at her, even though he is driving.  Eventually, he'll turn back to look at her and she'll usually respond with, "Hi."  I just laugh while sitting in the passenger seat!

Brooks also likes to get our attention.  You'll find them coming up to you if you are sitting somewhere and grabbing your head to turn it in the direction they want you to look.  It makes me chuckle even writing this. 

I'm glad to see them using more and more words!

Cosmic Bowling

This wasn't just bowling...it was Cosmic Bowling!  Will bowling ever be the same for a 2-year-old?  I don't think so.  How can you compare flashing lights, bright colors, and music to just a plain old bowling alley?  I hope they aren't disappointed the next time we take them.

While visiting family for Thanksgiving, we all went bowling.  The kids had a great first time and Brooks enjoyed pushing the ball down the lane.  Adlyn landed on her rear end a few times with the slippery floor and resorted to drawing.  Later, she resumed her bowling activity with the form of an adult.  I guess she was observing while drawing!  Brooks really liked how the ball came back all by itself, and they did a great job taking turns with their cousin. 





O Christmas Tree

The tree is up!  Brooks has been excited for several weeks to put up the tree.  The hardware store had their trees up early this year, and he has been asking me about when we'll be putting up our tree.  Last Sunday he woke up and the first thing he said, with a sad face, was, "No Christmas tree yet." 

We put the train around the tree and both of the kids were very helpful at putting the ornaments on.  They hung most of them down low where they could reach and move them around.  I put the breakable ones up towards the top. 

Last night, after church, we walked to the front to see the Advent wreath.  Brooks called it a circle tree and told me he wanted to make one of those.  It was cute!

Both Adlyn and Brooks say Christmas quite adorable.  It kind of sounds like "Kif-ma".  I haven't initiated a single discussion about Santa, but they learned about it from a cartoon called Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express.  I'm glad they are still too young to ask for anything at Christmas! 

We also set up the Little People nativity scene today...all went well except I can't find Baby Jesus.  Yes, I know that is a problem.  I remember I put it somewhere last Christmas because they kept playing with it, and at one point in time we thought it got flushed down the toilet.  We found it shortly after and I put it somewhere special so it wouldn't get lost.  Now, if I could only remember where that was...at least I have about a month to find it.





Wednesday, November 2, 2011

No See

One of the highlights of my day is coming home from work, and when I walk in the doors, I can't see Brooks or Adlyn.  They often are hiding, and I have to go and find them.  I laugh because I'll ask out loud, "Where is Brooks?  Where is Adlyn?"  They will respond, "Outside!"  I just laugh as I walk through the house and hear them giggling as I try to find them.  Or, they will hide behind the curtains and their feet are poking out from the bottom.  They can't control their giggling as they think they are very good hiders.

Once I find them, they laugh even more.  They'll tell me, "No see Addy, no see Brus!" 

Sun, Moon, and Stars

Adlyn is very aware of the different times of day.  She likes to say, "Sun awake," which means she is happy because she gets to be up and play!  They love to look outside to find the moon.  Sometimes Adlyn smiles as she tells me about a man who lives on the moon.  They like the song Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and have started to sing portions of the song.  I love how they say, "Tinkle Are". 

Ever since Brooks was a baby, he has been sleeping with his hands behind head while on his back.  It is really cute.  He looks so grown up!  I think it would be uncomfortable, but he doesn't seem to mind.

A&B's Dictionary

Last week we had snow, and Zach and the kids built a snow/leafman.  There wasn't a lot of snow, but there were a lot of leaves.  Then, we got to thinking, what did the kids used to call a snowman?  We couldn't remember!  That is why I am writing this blog.  Then, a few days later, I remembered.  Last winter they called a snowman a "mi-mi".  I think it is a lost word, because now it is called a "no-man" or a "no-me". 

I wanted to document some of their other words that they use for real words.

Merriam Webster - Strawberry
A&B's Dictionary - Straw-bee

Brand Name - Gatorade
A&B's Dictionary - Gah-gee

Merriam Webster - Fire Truck
A&B's Dictionary - Figer Truck

I know there are a lot more, and I'll have to add to the list at a later time!

In regards to strawberry, Brooks thinks a lot of things taste like strawberry.  Their toothpaste is strawberry flavored, so that must be where he gets it.  He'll eat something and say, "Mmmmm, tastes straw-bee."

Big Buns, Part 2

You may remember an earlier posting about Big Buns back in September.  To quickly recap, Adlyn told me I have big buns, therefore I won't fall into the toilet.  Thanks Adlyn, that makes me feel really good!

I shouldn't even write this story, but I will.  Zach and I have been talking over the past few weeks that we feel the kids are thinking a thought in their head, and we know what it is, and how we hope and pray they won't say it.  Well, last week, Brooks said it.  We were outside in the front yard playing and the mailman came by.  It is a highlight of their day.  Shortly thereafter, one of the neighbors came out to get their mail.  She turned to go back towards her house, and Brooks said, "Big buns!"  Ugh!  How embarrassing!  Luckily, the lady did hear him, but what if she did?  How are you supposed to recover from that situation?  I guess you don't!  I guess this is only the beginning of comments that I will have to apologize for in the next few years.

It Must Have Been a Twin Day

Today I took the kids to story time at the library and we stayed late as we waited for Zach to come back and pick us up.  As we were getting ready to check out our books, a mom came in with boy/girl twins that were ten weeks old.  It was so neat to see!  (I am so glad we are past that stage!)  As I told her that we have boy/girl twins, another mom chimed in.  She was there with a little kid who was about Brooks and Adlyn's age.  She said she met Zach and the kids at the park a few weeks ago, and she has boy/girl twins that are in Kindergarten. 

What a small world!  What a small town!  Really, what are the chances that three moms with boy/girl twins would all be at the library at the same time? 

I gave my blog link to the mom with the Kindergarten twins.  If you read this, would you mind emailing me?  I wouldn't mind talking to you more about raising twins.  I should have captured your information earlier today.  aevenblog@gmail.com 

It's a Clothes Hanger, It's a Hunting Bow!

The kids are getting to the age where they repeat common phrases that Zach and I say in a very similar tone.  Zach must say, "I'm taking ____ hunting," on a regular basis, because the kids say it a lot.  They pick some random object in the house, and haul it to another room to play with it, and if I ask them what they are doing, they respond with, "Take hunting."  Ok, whatever you say!

(I'll sidetrack slightly to tell you about the phrase of mine they repeated this weekend.  We were at the back door getting ready to go somewhere, and Brooks said, "Right now!" in a demanding and loud tone.  Yikes, maybe I do say that, and I'll work on stopping.)

I don't know how or when it even got started, but they will grab a clothes hanger from the closet and pretend it is their hunting bow.  You know, if you turn it on its side, it really does look like a bow.  So, they go around the house and shoot imaginary objects. 

They will also take two clothes hangers and put their feet in the middle on the hanger while standing, and hold onto the hook, and pretend they are skis or skates while going around the house. 

I really do think our kids are creative.  They don't play with their toys a lot, but they prefer household objects.  Over the past few weeks, they have emptied out an area in a closet downstairs that is layered with shelves.  The bottom area is a few feet tall, and it a perfect little area for them.  They call it their clubhouse and the other day I noticed they had hauled down one of my pillows and a blanket to put in their space. 

I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Chores

For being two years old, I have to say that Brooks and Adlyn do their fair share around the house when it comes to chores.  Over the past year, they have been helping with all sorts of tasks, and are more than happy to do so!  They help unload the dishwasher, and to date, they haven't dropped a single plate or glass!  Sometimes they will even pick up all of the forks, or spoons, and have them sorted before they hand them to me to put away.  It makes unloading the dishwasher much more fun.

They are also good at pushing the diamond shaped button two times to make the laundry get started in the washer.  Adlyn tries very hard to help me fold clothes.  It makes me laugh, because I know she is trying to do exactly what I am doing.  She'll grab a piece of clothing, shake it to get out the wrinkles and to straighten it out, and then she tries to fold it, but it is more like wadding it up!  I try to fold clothes very fast to keep ahead of her so I can announce to her that we are all done.  They love to ride in the laundry basket with the clean clothes from the laundry room to upstairs.  Zach has to do that because there is no way I can carry them both like that! 

Every weekend, we clean the bathroom.  They are excellent helpers.  Their skills are very good when it comes to cleaning the mirrors.  I put on the 'spray' and they each get an old sock to clean the mirrors.  They are very good at it, and I rarely have to do any touchups these days.  They also argue over who gets to scrub the 'pobby'.  I don't mind one bit!  While I clean the sink, countertops, tile, tub, shower, all I have to do is patrol whose turn it is and encourage them to switch every once in a while.  Towards the end, I do some final scrubbing and it's done!

I really appreciate all their help!  They also like to help vacuum, and they like to have their own turn to vacuum the floors.  If they aren't helping with the actual vacuuming, then they are making it into a game.  They like to pretend that I'm chasing them with the vacuum, and they don't want it to get their feet. 

I hope this trend continues over the years to come.  But until then, we'll continue to make it fun and I'll enjoy all the help I can get.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween - Looking Back

I wanted to share a few photos from Halloweens past!
2009 - M&M's

2010 - Black Cat & Puppy Dog

2011 - Thing 1 & Thing 2

Halloween

What a perfect Halloween!  The weather was spectacular, compared to the snow we had today.  The kids were so excited and loved every minute of it.

To prepare for Halloween this month, we visited the pumpkin patch in Grandma and Grandpa's town and celebrated Zach's birthday.  We have been busy sewing costumes.  This year the kids were "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" from Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.  Brooks and Adlyn enjoyed making funny and crazy hats with mom.  I finished up the logo on their sweatshirt over the course of a few days while the kids and Zach were at Grandma's.  This weekend I finalized the costume by making an upside Cat in the Hat hat.  This weekend they helped Zach carve a pumpkin, and it was artistic, which was to be expected! 

Yesterday we enjoyed Trick or Treat on Main Street, along with 1,000+ other kids in costumes.  Then, we went to visit some friends and neighbors.  We wrapped up the evening by going to our previous babysitter's church for a festival.  The kids loved the elephant game again this year.  They would feed an elephant a peanut, and a treat would come out of its trunk.  Adlyn even wanted her face painted by Andrea.  She decided she wanted a "tinkle are" (twinkle star) on both of her cheeks.  Then Brooks wanted a turtle on his hand, and then Adlyn wanted a turtle.  Then, Adlyn wanted a black cat on her hand, and so did Brooks.  Then, Brooks wanted a choo choo train, as did Adlyn.  Then, we decided to give Andrea a rest!  The kids had so much fun yesterday, and they were busy for 4+ hours.  Not once did they get grumpy or argue!  Brooks didn't want to wear his costume initially, but once Zach brought him downtown and he saw all the kids, he didn't put up a fight to put it on. 

Now...what should I sew for 2012?  My only fear is that they will be three years old, and will have a mind of their own!  This is probably the end of getting to pick out their costumes for them.