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.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
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!
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.
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| 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.
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| Fun in the tub! |
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| Bubble fight! |
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| Adlyn enjoys looking like Santa. |
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| Nice muscles, Brooks! |
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| Adlyn and Brooks swim in the tub. |
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| Adlyn hides in the bubbles. |
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| 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!
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| Brooks takes a big bite of his whoopie pie (chocolate cookies, coconut filling, and snowflake sprinkles) while Adlyn looks on. |
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| Happy Birthday Adlyn! |
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| Whoopie Pie fillings - caramel, peanut butter, chocolate, and coconut. |
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| Brooks and Adlyn are wearing the shirts I made for them. I also made Adlyn a tutu. |
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| Adlyn loves to draw and color. |
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| A&B playing with their new train. |
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| Thanks for the robe Grandma! |
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| 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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!"
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.
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.
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