Tricks of the Trade

Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom got the boys these cute stuffed animals that go with the "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie" Series. These animals got the boys to sleep this day - they were fighting it big time!!! I've learned a few distraction techniques .....my new one after they go their new workbench.....they will both be fussing, needing me, falling to pieces.....I find a screw they can see somewhere near and ask them if they can "fix it"? They both immediately stop fussing, start grunting, mosey off to find their tools and return with a smile on their face and get to work!!!! When we return from being at Ryan's grandparents in the country (they love all the cows there, getting to feed them, see them up close etc.) I can holler "Where did the cows go?" while driving for about a week after our trip down there and they will stop and look out the windows and look for cows for a bit....just long enough to take their mind off of whatever they were upset about! Do what you have to do, Right? :)

On to see Santa!!!

We have been so lucky to have a conncection to the Addison City Christmas Party through my Aunt and her time on the City Council there. She dresses up as Mrs. Claus now and is kind enough to always extend an invitation to us. I never knew people wait for 6+ hours to see a Santa at Northpark!!! I feel so sheltered! We wait through a couple families for pictures, enjoy a delicious catered lunch, decorate cookies, do Christmas crafts and are entertained with some wonderful Christmas music! So glad my sister and Mason joined us - Truly, not only b/c I love them dearly but b/c Ryan was not feeling so well on this day and stayed home. We got a great picture with Santa but I don't know how to put it on here. All the machines are malfunctioning or......maybe it is just me! Brody and Findley didn't get much decorating done! Don't think they touched them. They just thought this nice lady put a plate of goodies in front of them and they oh so politely ate it up!!!! Ainsley went up on the stage and helped the band sing one of their songs!! *Sidenote - she added this apron onto her dress b/c she wanted to look like Mrs. Claus! Brody trying to swipe Findley's food! I really think Brody was just hugging him but Findley immediately went into defense mode!!!!

Ainsley's Christmas Pageant

Joseph and Mary Our little Indian and her number one fan - cousin Mason!!! Christmas Around the World - They sang and acted out Christmas Songs from all over the world. Ainsley has been going around the house singing Japanese, African, German, and probably some I don't know - It was a really sweet program and the music was beautiful and fun for the kids!!!

Birthday Party

New Duplo Lego Fire Truck - my how much fancier they are from when we were little!!! It has working sirens! Both Brody and Findley got new bikes!!! New books..... Yummy Cake!!!! Had a wonderful time with both of our families here to celebrate! I made football cake balls Kiddos table New Soccer Ball "Electric" Guitar!!! We all had a wonderful day and can't believe it has been TWO years!! A little bit sad, a little bit amazed, and really excited to see what is too come......Brody and Findley are the sweetest boys and very enthusiastic about life. They love to play and just enjoy the simple things in life. They were so happy with their first present of books - they would have been totally fine. We had to hide presents to get them to open more. They were content with whatever they had. A new tool bench and bikes, an indoor lawn mower, legos, and they are thoroughly enjoying them all - big and little!!!! Happy Birthday to my two favorite little boys!!!

Happy Birthday Brody and Findley

To celebrate Brody and Findley's birthday we went and had lunch with Daddy at McDonalds I took a special snack up to school and hung out with them and their friends for a bit and then we headed out for lunch together. It was a lot of fun seeing them in their school environment. They are much more reserve. They were very independent and into their regular routine even with me being their but much more quiet than they are at home!!! Circle Time Music time Snack - Findley swiped the "y" before I could take a picture!!! Indoor recess/Large Motor Taking turns washing hands. It is amazing what these teachers are able to do with all these 2 yr olds!!! Birthday hugs from their good friend Harvey!!! (paint, he's not bleeding!!!)

Ready to Potty!!! Mommy wants to Par-tay!!!

This is the internet appropriate pic! Brody is using the bathroom when asked. Probably no where near actual potty training but a glimpse of no more diapers is so nice to see! There will be no rush though this go round. I don't have the energy to force it!!! Findley wants NOTHING to do with going to the bathroom anywhere but his diaper!!!

Snow in Dallas

this was probably two weeks ago.....I'm a little behind!!! It snowed early morning, Ainsley jumped out of bed when she heard it was snowing! We let her play as long as she could before heading off for school. I then immediately woke the boys and drug them out in the snow - they were not thrilled at first with my choice but warmed up to it after getting outside. It was all melted in a few short hours.