Spring Fever!!!

Looking back into early March, I think, we were able to finally hit the park for several days in a row. These two love the swings, and if I were willing to stand and push them the entire time we're there, they'd be content. However, that said, they also live for the slides. Miles follows Grace on up to the twisty slides, the tube slides, the roller slides... and I follow along to make sure he doesn't just jump down it. When the weather improves every spring, we migrate outdoors. The neighbors know where to find us on most days, and feel comfortable strolling on over, which is great. We have a great neighborhood with lots of kids, lots to do, and good friends. I think that perhaps Grace's favorite outdoor activity is bike riding, especially when Daddy runs with her. They go all over town, miles in a single trip, with those little legs. I think that was the best part of him being home for such a long time... both of them got to spend time with Bryan that is usually crammed into a weekend or evening. It may have been long and stressful for us, but two little people had a great time with Daddy home. = )

Tool Man

Displaying both a recent hand-me-down tool-bench from his cousins and his super cool suspenders like Grandpa wears, Miles is quite excited to show everyone his "CHEESE" face. My sisters have been fabulous when it comes to sharing clothes, toys, etc. for Miles from all 6 of the boys between them. It's been great and Miles, and Grace as well, get a kick out of anything new! (to them = P ) Some things we've bought so they don't have to worry about getting a whole tote of clothes back, and some I plan to sell and just allocate the money back to them. The perfect setup, I think. I thought that Grace was quite the ham, but this one, he's something else. Well known for walking up to unsuspecting friends, a few months younger than he, and following this routine: petting their hair nicely, whopping them on the head, stepping back with a smile and wave, and then saying "Hi". Thank goodness this seems to be passing, for the most part. When it comes to he and Grace, not so much. They play wonderfully together, and then fight over everything. We spent days refereeing because of the flipping wrench and bolt with that tool-bench. Even though Sir Miles couldn't do it himself, he still had an absolute meltdown if Grace tried to do it. And that stinking screwdriver that he kept sticking in his ear...

Miles' Big boy Room

Just a little catch up from the spring.! ; )

And we're back!!!

Alright, so I know that I have slacked and took a long hiatus, but I think I'm back on track. Taking full advantage of the current situation, we headed for the zoo this last Friday. It was a beautiful 55 degree day and Grace was thrilled. We didn't tell her where we were headed until she started to complain that she was ready to go home. Miles loved getting out to look at the animals, which were quite active and entertaining! He walked quite a bit of it and really enjoyed the indoor exhibits, being up close and personal. The turtles were a hit, and he was determined to try the door to the boa- constrictor's enclosure. Grace was excited by the bears and lions, but was all about going from one thing to the next in excitement. We finished off the trip with a picnic, mind you, in the back of the van since everything was wet. Hey, we all fit nicely and left he door open. (The back row of seats are out for Foster's comfort, so it was quite roomy). Hopefully the coming spring has found everyone well. Our computer room isn't quite as chilly anymore, making this blog a bit more appealing, and we will join the rest of the world with DSL this week, making posting pics quicker as well. The kids have grown significantly since December, mainly Miles of course when it comes to stature. Grace, though, is impressing us daily by counting to 100 and constantly trying to sound out words, followed by "How do I spell...". Each day is bringing us new challenges and excitement with them, and we just keep hoping for things in our lives to start falling into place.

Chocolate dipped?

Okay, so perhaps the phrases "Throwing yourself into your work" and "Jumping in with both feet" have a new meaning when it comes to Christmas baking with Grace. Subconsciously she took these literally and dipped herself in the chocolate along with the pretzel rods. Regardless, we dipped and rolled three dozen rods that afternoon and had fun doing so. We had a cookie decorating party with a neighbor the following day (a snow-day from school) and my black kitchen floor had more sprinkles than all of the cookies combined. I would think she would get tired of making things, but as I type I'm being hounded. "Can we make something. We need to make you a cake." No rest for the weary, even when they are 4 and awake at 5am. If you need a Christmas cookie, you know where to find it! Making Christmas cookies is one of my favorite memories of my childhood. My dad would roll about 500, only a slight exaggeration, and fill a few roasting pans. Frosting them took hours and we all did it, including Granny. One year all of the ginger-bread men were G.B. Packers. Another year I recall having chicken-pox, what I was wearing, and that my hair was in braids. I was in 2nd grade. I'm hoping these 2 will have as detailed of memories when they grow-up and share them with their kids as well.

Let it Snow!

Does any child not like snow? Grace was determined to go out and shovel this past Saturday, so we bundled her as much as possible and hoped she could still use her arms! She was out for about 40 minutes, shoveling the backyard with visions of creating a giant hill for sledding. Last year Bryan made a huge hill at the end of our driveway by piling all of the snow there each time he cleared it. She had so much fun on that mini-hill and would glide across the front yard on her belly each night after dinner. Although her attempts are slightly premature- I think we need a few more snowfalls- she was proud of herself. Maybe this year the big sledding hill at the park will get more than one use from her and Bryan and maybe I'll even get a chance! Fortunately, Bryan doesn't mind the cold, whereas I tend to sleep under 5 blankets (and a quilt...in fleece pj's) and bundle up in long-underwear all winter long. I am however looking forward to Miles growing and all of us doing winter activities in the coming years. I can remember sledding on snow (and ice) covered hills in Belleville with my family and going to Elver with friends, so I like the idea of creating those memories for my kids as well. Grace came in for her thousandth viewing of "The Little Mermaid" and warmed up with a cup of warm milk. The only thing remotely chilled on her were her nose and cheeks. I guess we did a good job in "bundling" department!

Parenting Project

Once a month Grace and I hit Super Wal-Mart in Freeport. No Daddy and no Miles. So, of course when I asked her if she wanted to get a Gingerbread House or Tree to put together and decorate, her response was "Yes, me and Daddy can do it." = P Shows where Mommy rates! They had a great time, and they even let me make the frosting. Grace was so proud and loves to do special projects and take little trips with her Daddy. Regardless of the differing parenting styles, views on discipline, etc, you work through them and results are children that love the things that make Mommy different from Daddy and vice-versa. Bryan plays pretend so much better than I do, because I'm always distracted. (No big surprises there!) Personally I think I stay on task a bit better. Bedtime is done and over within 10 minutes for me, but Daddy tends to read, voices included, a bit more enthusiastically and animated at the end of the day. An extra book or two never hurt anyone, right! So, whether you see Bryan playing princesses or me guiding someone through getting ready for school, these kids are so much fun...and work. We try our best to take in all of the moments that could be taken for granted and stick them in our memory, and in as many cases as possible a picture file!