Easy Rider.

If only this boy pedaled as much as he chit chats while on his trike...

{Week 18} The Boys

Kingston, Week 18*: Practicing in the backyard with daddy (he got a new bat and now requests to practice a lot).
Cole, Week 18*:  Even though it was raining and not all that warm out, this boy wanted to run around the yard in only his diaper.  He may even be telling me "no" in this photo.  Ah, the joys of an almost-two-year old!

{Following the 52 Week Photo Project... taking one photo each week of our boys in 2014.}

*{Sorry this one is nearly two weeks late... whoops.}

Almost 2-year-old Photo shoots are the pits.

Now that it is May, I am trying to get our summer calendar organized and finalize plans... which includes this nearly-two-year-old's birthday in June.  So today I decided to order Cole's birthday party invites.  I guess I failed to remember that he is nearly two... so things didn't go quite as planned.  But, I did still come out with a pretty great photograph to use for his invite (not included above).  Hooray!

{Week 16} The Boys

Kingston, Week 16: Proudly showing off his colored Easter eggs (complete with silly face)
Cole, Week 16: In his great-grandma's backyard on Easter Sunday, after eating a few M&Ms.

{Following the 52 Week Photo Project... taking one photo each week of our boys in 2014.}

{Cole} Our 20 month old baby moose.

Oh this little boy toddler of mine.  Cole being less than four months away from turning two years old is a weird idea for me.  He is such a fun-loving, happy, spunky, stubborn little guy -- but I swear he has to be turning almost one, not two.  Then he throws one of those "yep-I'm-almost-two-years-old" tantrums and it brings me back to reality.

This kid has many loves: his beloved "dog dog" (stuffed animal), 'toons, action figures, balls, the backyard, milk, cellphones, the swings and/or slide, toy cars, bath time, mega blocks, wrestling, story time, his big brother...

...but dislikes: haircuts, the drive through car wash, bed time, dirty hands, raw tomatoes.

He is a big boy wearing big boy clothes... size 3T... and size 9 toddler shoes... weighing in at nearly 37 lbs.  

I always say I wish this time would slow down, but I am looking forward to the next steps in his development.  I guess that is why this switch from baby to toddler-hood is truly so bittersweet.  But, one thing is for certain -- Cole is our baby moose and I love him so.        

Sink Bath for a Sick Baby.

I'm pretty sure there is nothing worse than throwing up... especially when it is a little baby/toddler throwing up.  That was the case for our poor little Cole on Saturday.  This marked the first time he was sick like that and you could tell he wasn't quite sure what had hit him.  In fact, we didn't even realize he was throwing up until after he was pretty much done - he just quietly sat in his high chair until his big brother alerted us that something was up.  We almost thought he had choked (scary!), until he was sick again later that evening.  But, when it first happened... the only remedy I could think of to keep him calm and clean him up was a sink bath.  And let me tell you, he loved it.  In fact, last night... days later... he begged me to have a sink bath while I was making dinner.

I am home today with what appears to be the same little bug both of our boys had (Kingston had the same thing about a week ago).  Can this cold/flu season be over now, please?    

Smiles for Miles.

Meet our little friend Jeannie, the daughter of the hubs's best friend Eric.  She turned 3 in September and is from Mexico.  Eric and his family are visiting for a year or so and we are so happy to be able to spend some time with them.  

I took these random photos of Jeannie a couple of weeks ago... she was so happy to have her pink sucker and I just had to capture that smile.

Anyway, happy Wednesday!  We made it halfway through the week... I'm ready for Friday, how about you?

Cole, at 18 months old.

You are such a big boy at 18 months now, Cole.  Not only are you big in size wearing mostly 3T clothing (100% for height and weight... 99% for head circumference), you are also a big boy in behavior.  You want to be a part of everything, especially if it involves your daddy and big brother.  You absolutely love balls and sports; nothing better than a little baseball practice or a good basketball hoop.  While you grunt more than speak, you love to clap your hands to show your happiness.  You are probably "Daniel Tiger's" biggest fan and your favorite toy is your stuffed animal named "Dog Dog."  You have 7 teeth and one molar.  You can't quite jump off the ground yet but try often.  Your most favorite food is oatmeal with blueberries, but really if we're honest, you'll eat most anything except for tomatoes.  You like to splash in the bath tub and enjoy the outdoors.  You are our youngest and we love you dearly.    

Hey Santa

We made our annual visit to Santa at Alderbrook the first full weekend in December this year.  The resort always decorates so beautifully and the boys get some nice quality time with Santa in a more relaxed environment (this is not an ad for the resort, by the way).  

We got there a little early, so Kingston decided to send his letter to Santa's workshop before he sat down with the man.  He made sure to write his list (Skylander Swap Force) as well as brother's (a big fluffy stuffed animal dog).  He may have even mentioned he and his brother have been really good boys this year. 

Then, it was time to see good ole Saint Nick.  Unfortunately, Cole was not a fan.  Many tears were shed at the sight of Santa... which made Kingston reluctant to sit on Santa's lap.  However, Kingston did agree to sit in the sleigh while Santa stood next to him and have a heart-to-heart convo about his wish list, the holiday season, and his good boy behavior.  Cole, on the other hand, chose to enjoy the view at the resort with Santa... from afar.  

The hubs and I weren't really sure what to get each other this year for Christmas, so we decided to pick a night in December near Christmas to stay at the resort sans kiddos.  Pretty pumped.

Oh, and this visit with Santa?  One of three this year... all fun and all definitely necessary.  But, I'm thinking we're good for the holiday season now.    

52 Days/11 Days.

Blog friends, I am sorry.  I am not quite sure where these past 52 days have gone since I last blogged... and did I really miss the whole month of November?!  Yikes. 

But... it is nearly Christmas (11 days!) and we're ready.  I'm pretty sure of it, anyway.  We are hosting my side of the family at our home this year on Christmas day, so we have been pretty busy.  I plan on sharing some holiday/festive decor, DIY projects, our semi-finished kitchen cabinets (yes! but let's call it Stage #2 of an at least 3 stage project), "Elf on the Shelf" failures, and all sorts of holiday goodness in the next days before Christmas.  

And I'm thinking I'll also share a few posts I should have already published in blog-land back in October/November on Thursdays until I am up-to-date... consider them "Throwback Thursday" posts.  

Oh, and I'll probably throw in a few updates on the boys... can you believe Cole is nearly 18 months?! Blows my mind each and every day.  I took the above picture when we went hunting for our Christmas tree back on November 24th.  Such a big boy these days. 

Anyway, if you are still following my blog, thank you.  I look forward to seeing you around this site a little more often and hope to not be such a stranger around these parts anymore.  

Now & Then: Lion Halloween Costume

One fun thing about having two little boys is our ability to recycle a few of our favorite things.  Blankets, clothes, shoes, toys... and of course, Halloween costumes.  Kingston was a lion the Halloween just before he turned two years old, in 2011 (right lion in above photo).  I absolutely loved that costume - it kept him warm and he was pretty much the cutest thing I had ever seen (and I'm not biased one bit).  At the time, I took one of my favorite photos to date: 

Now, fast-forward to 2013.  Our little, Cole Henry, is sporting the lion costume this year for Halloween at 16 months old (left lion in the first photo).  Although Halloween is not until next week, we have already put the costume to the test when we went to the carnival at my mom's school last Friday.  

Oh yeah, still pretty darn cute.  Maybe it is the 80's rocker look this costume sports when you see it from behind... or the little tail that swishes when he walks... or just seeing a little body dressed up in a Halloween costume; it is just too much.

Goodbye, Summer Soccer.

Ah, three and four year old summer soccer.  What a fun summer activity you were. 

This month, Kingston played soccer on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  It was a fun way to get out and enjoy the summer weather, and Kingston felt like a big boy going to the soccer park... sometimes after bedtime!  While he wasn't always focused on the game (he's three years old), he liked to run around with his teammates and always looked forward to the snacks.  I think we'll sign him up again next summer... if nothing else, just to get him out of the house to socialize a bit.  And because little kiddos at this age just look so darn cute trying to play a sport.  Love it.   

And this little guy: 

He was his brother's number one fan (or maybe he just liked staying up a bit past bedtime, too!).  At one point during the game, he grabbed my camera, sat it in front of him, and tried to take a few photos.  I suppose he has seen me take a few photos before... I thought this one was interesting: 

Catching Summer Light - by Cole C.  (Ha!)

Summer soccer, you will be missed!  

High Steppin' + Wobbly Walking

That is one proud little nearly-one-year-old, friends.  

Our boy Cole is officially a toddlin' baby-toddler/toddler (when does a baby officially become a toddler, at a year?).  His little walk kills me... booty slightly out, arms up in the air.  Hey, anything to get the perfect balance... am I right?  While he hasn't quite given up crawling yet, he sure is loving his freedom when walking.  It sure makes it that much easier to get into brothers things, like that blue pinwheel.   

And those dimples... couldn't you just eat him up!?  

Summer Soccer

We decided to sign Kingston up for summer soccer this year - the first year he is eligible to play.

To get him pumped up, we picked out some shin guards and socks to go with his hand-me-down soccer cleats over the weekend.  The boy thought he was Joe Cool with his "gear" on... so you know I had to take a picture.

Kingston ran around our house for a good 15 - 20 minutes "practicing soccer" by himself.  We were rolling.

But seriously - how cute are those little legs all dressed up and ready to go?!  I die.

Practice starts June 17th, games June 24th.  More photos to come, for sure.

Nothing Better.

Although I do not want my boys to grow up any faster than they are, I am loving watching them interact with each other these days.  And I know it is just going to get better and better.

Kingston has to be one of the best big brothers I have ever known -- he is so kind and considerate to his little brother.  Kingston loves giving him smooches and making sure "Coley" is included in everything.  I am hoping this lasts... because soon Cole will be messing with his toys, being big brother's shadow, and doing all sorts of little brother things, I am sure of it.  

Cole is the happiest little guy there is, hands down.  Full of smiles, even though he has been teething since he was 3 months old with nothing to show for it.  He is so easy going... yet he lets you know when he is frustrated or really wants something.  He is such a joy to have around and I am so happy to see him every day.

Oh, and the above photo?  It was not planned and yet it is probably one of my favorites.

Peace Jammies: Then & Now

With two boys, I am lucky to get to reuse most of Kingston's baby clothes with Cole.  These peace sign jammies are one of my favorites and I am thrilled they are fitting not-so-little baby Cole these days.  And maybe I'm still a little shocked with how big Cole has gotten in the past few months.  Kingston was walking in these jammies; Cole is crawling.  And both are more than a little handsome in them in my book.  

Captain Cowboy, a True Adventurer

Knights, pirates, cowboys... and Curious George?  Kingston's imagination is definitely raring to go these days.

Of course, he wanted me to participate in his pirate-play today, rewarding him with pirate gold for completing pirate missions.

And wouldn't you know that one of those pirate missions was to pose for a pirate picture; the biggest mission there was, rewarded with 10 pieces of pirate gold.  This boy sure earned his keep.  

Easter Goodies for Good Boys

This year I had fun collecting little goodies and treats for my two sweet little boys.  I tried to not overdo it by finding little things that they needed, paired with a couple of wants.

Because we had plans to head to my parents' home for Easter, we didn't do any plastic eggs/Easter egg hunts at our home.  And there weren't any in their baskets either.  But Kingston still managed to get two chocolaty treats in his basket.  

For the big boy, I got two main fun things Kingston wanted/needed... then threw in a few extra treats.

1. Pinwheel (this ended up being the desired toy for both boys)
2. Wreck It Ralph (His "want" for sure)
3. Ironman Headphones (His "need," as daddy's headphones are broken and he needs a pair to listen to ABC Mouse.  And when I found a pair that had his favorite superhero designed on the earpieces, I knew I just had to grab them for my boy) 
4. Chocolate Frosted Sugar Cookie Bunny (he snuck this cookie behind our couch and started eating it... before church... without us knowing... and then got a baby wipe bath before we had to leave)
5. Easter-themed M&M Fan (Because I knew the boy would have a blast pushing the button and making it spin)

For our little, only two things.  He didn't need much and will share the DVD and books with his brother.

1. Chick Stuffed Animal (something soft and cuddly for him to play with)
2. Jack & Lily Soft Sole Slip-On Shoes (a little big, but the boy needed a new pair... a pair of his own that were not previously worn by his big brother)

I am a sucker for books and could not pass up on the good deals I got on these four books.  They weren't going to be part of their Easter goodies, but with the holiday coming and these new books in my hand, I decided to just place them with their baskets for the boys to find on Sunday morning.

Kingston couldn't wait to flip through the superhero book... and Cole thought "The Happy Egg" was a good book to use for a teether... so, score?

I will be sifting through my Easter weekend photos throughout the week and will share them with you - we had a wonderful, relaxing weekend and hope you all did too.  And for those of you in Western Washington: can you believe the weather we had?  The best. 

A Boy and His Superheroes.

My boy loves his superheroes.  He has quite the collection and they tend to be his go-to toys right now.  So when I came into the kitchen yesterday afternoon to start dinner, I wasn't surprised to see he was actively playing away with them.  What I was surprised to see, however, was Kingston playing with his superheroes on our kitchen trashcan.  Again.  For like the second or third time this week.  Instead of interrupting him and asking him why, I quickly grabbed my camera to take a few photos.  Isn't that what you would have done?

A Few Good Reads.

Kingston and Cole are two very lucky boys.  As we walked into my parents' home last night for family dinner Thursday, my mom surprised them both with a big bag of books - a few discarded from her elementary school library and a few new.  Kingston could hardly contain his excitement... and he has been enjoying looking through each and every one of them today.

My personal favorites?  The discarded ones from the library.  They have some great illustrations in them, are easy reads... and who doesn't love a book still complete with a barcode and library book card pocket?  Pretty much in love.