What a great weekend!! Pt. 1

*****I'll post more pictures later*****

As is the case with every visit from the Lanes, we can't wait for it to get here and are sad when it's over. They arrived Friday evening, we ate some delicious chinese take-out, played and relaxed. Rach and Juj were ecstatic to see each other and had so much fun playing. Alex (and fam) was so glad to be out of the car and able to stretch and move around. We couldn't believe how precious, big and filled out baby Alex has gotten! He's not small and scrawny at all...he's the most gorgeous little boy with this perfectly shaped little round head and a squishy, round little body. And, his legs are so chunky and cute, I had to take a picture of them. Everyone slept really well and woke up Saturday ready to play again. We ate some cinnamon rolls and pigs-n-blankets and played out and inside. The weather was gorgeous, very nice but not much of a breeze. The kids had fun on the playground and big sis Julia even took Alex for a nice, quick stroll in the driveway. We came in to eat lunch and hang out and then the Lanes had to get dressed and packed up for the next leg of their trip. While we were inside, Bradley either ignored or was fascinated by Alex. At one point, Alex was in the exersaucer and Bradley decided to try to feed him his bottle. He was very cute trying to be "helpful" with his baby cousin. Rachel was very impressed with Alex too. She couldn't get enough of holding him and trying to get him to smile at her. But, as she told me last night, her very favorite part of the whole day was playing with JuJu!!

Slow down!

Yesterday, I had a break in the afternoon and I actually watched 3 silly programs that I never get to watch. I don't think they're the "best" shows ever or extremely profound or anything, but they can be quite entertaining. However, I never watch them since my kids are always with me and I don't want them to watch anything but children's programs. Anyway, Deborah kept the kids for me yesterday afternoon and I did some cleaning and then some relaxing. I planned my relaxation time around 3 programs: Rachael Ray, Oprah and Ellen. I enjoyed and laughed at RR and Ellen, and wouldn't you know it, the one day that I catch Oprah, it was about moms who get overwhelmed by the day to day things in their lives and then an accident happens. Some of the accidents were tragic and some were "almosts" that could have been alot worse. Anyway, I cried through some of the interview with this sweet, good mom who had too many things going on, lost her focus and then accidentally left her 2 year old daughter in the car, parked at the school where she was Assistant Principal, for 8 hours. Of course, the precious little girl died and that poor mom has to live with that guilt and shame for the rest of her life. The interview was handled very well and was not judgmental or condemning towards this mom at all. In fact, it was quite the opposite...Oprah had lots of other moms who shared stories of having too many things going on and losing their focus and barely escaping a tragedy in their own lives. The summary was to slow down and live in the moment. The challenge was to let some things go and decide what you could and couldn't do and then ask for help when you needed it. I think all moms have this ingrained feeling and drive to be a "perfect mom" and then are hugely disappointed, embarrassed and ashamed when we don't measure up. Of course, there is NO perfect mom, but we feel that way just the same. And of course, the message didn't apply just to moms. The message to slow down and not let yourself get overwhelmed is for everyone. I just thought it was a great segment and an extremely important reminder for me. I sometimes get overwhelmed by the day to day things that are required of me. But, I just need to remember to slow down, remember what's important and mostly, not lose my focus. My main priority is to take care of my kid's needs but I also want to make sure I rely on God, ask for his help and trust him.

Pop's Project

"I'm having so much fun!"

This is so cool...looking for rocks!

"Please pet me!"


"I sure do love to get dirty!"

"Wait up, Rachel!"

"I'm on a 'huge' mound of dirt and I love it!"

A few weeks ago, Pop and Nana decided to build a swingset in their backyard. When we went over for dinner a couple of weeks later, Pop had gotten the main structure built and the kids had so much fun playing under it. They collected rocks and filled up holes and ran around just enjoying being outdoors. I don't think the kids were even concerned about what the end project would be...they were just happy to be playing in the dirt. I know they will love it when there are actual swings and play stuff, though! Can't wait to see it, Pop!!

Fridge Fun

Last night, before bed, both kids were sitting in front of the fridge playing with dinosaur magnets and having a good old time. I just thought it was cute seeing them sit there and play together.

All tuckered out!!

Gee, I don't know, do you think we should try naps again?!? :)

I hadn't been making Bradley take a nap and he generally does pretty well. But, today he barely made it through his corndog before he fell asleep at the table at 6:00!!! I'm not sure what that means for us in the morning as to whether or not he'll be up at 4am, but oh well! I decided I'd rather let him continue to sleep than make him wake up just to put him back to bed at 7:45. Poor little boy was just pooped today!

Friends and s'mores

A couple of weeks ago, we had our dear friends, Jen, Micah, Angie and Brian over for the evening. We had a mexican theme dinner and everyone brought their favorite mexican stuff. It was sooooooooooo yummy and very filling! After that, we made s'mores even though no one was very hungry for them. This fun part was mostly for Rachel since she loves campfires and the whole s'more experience. Bradley loved holding his little coathanger over the fire, but didn't care anything about eating a marshmallow...he mostly rubbed his all over the ground. He did hold onto a piece of chocolate long enough for it to melt all over his little hands and make a huge mess, though! It was a great evening with great friends!!

Bathtime fun

Silly faces!
wow, a boat!

gettin' sleepy

lovin' on bub

ready for bed

picking out a bedtime story

reading Berenstain Bears

Most days, bathtime and bedtime are still a fun time of day for the kids. So, here are a few pictures of all the fun!