Did He Really Just Say That?

Tonight we had the chance to go to dinner with some amazing friends. It was at a laid back little Thai restaurant that doesn't have children frequent often; there wasn't even a kids option on the menu. Thankfully my children are well behaved and when boredom does set in they are pacified with a movie on my phone, sound free. I had to break out the emergency binky for Ian too, not to plug him but to give him a healthy alternative to the table that he was contentedly sucking. While we were eating a couple of nice ladies with silver hair came over and complimented the boys on their excellent behavior. Tate said, "Thank you, Bye bye Grandma." The lady very kindly responded that she liked that. One of our friends asked, "Did he really just say that." I was so grateful she was so gracious and appreciated the accolade she gave. I guess we need to redefine grandma. His idea is probably skewed because we have adopted a few grandmas out here but regardless it was a memorable moment.

Socked

 I have recently discovered a trend that happens in our house. We have 2 golden days with naps and then a week of trying to figure out the magic way to help Tate fall asleep. No method works more than twice. It wouldn't bother me that he didn't nap so much if he was pleasant the rest of the day; I can do without the irritable evenings and catastrophic bedtimes. His new ritual that keeps him quiet in his room is putting socks on, lots and lots of socks on. He has definitely mastered the skill and killed all excuses that he is not capable. In the last week his once plentiful sock drawer has become barren twice due to naps.

 5 socks on each foot.

 All of those socks came off one foot after circulation was starting to disappear.

 Decorating for the upcoming holiday.

 This is Tate's loving face.

 Getting cozy at the library.

 Sending a wink your way. Tate is now mastering this skill. He winks before bedtimes, when he wants to make me happy, before he hangs up the phone, and whenever he feels like practicing. He informed me winks make you feel better.

Ian's night time stretching routine. This kid is one of a kind. At his doctors appointment this month he was in the 8th percentile for height. My little short stuff may just turn out to be a gymnast some day.

Duck Duck Goose

A couple days ago I brainlessly introduced the game of duck duck goose to my children. Tate caught on well and loves the idea of surprising, running, and chasing all in one game; Ian's understanding of the game is that you have permission to go around hitting people on the head and then they follow you in pursuit. To him it applies in all contexts at all times. The transfer of ideas that happens in his head is phenomenal. I am constantly amazed at the things he learns and applies so quickly. He reminds me of Roz from Monsters Inc; he's always watching. His new favorite games include running and falling (just like his older brother but with a little more grace), crashing trains (mostly just to warrant Tate's attention and not normally resulting well), and reading whatever book Tate currently has; basically he has already to decided to grow up just like his big brother. Glad he's got such a good one to look up to, despite his train addiction.

Above Freezing Temperatures

After failing as a fun mommy this morning by being over controlling and not remembering that sometimes learning does not have to occur, I tried to redeem myself by taking my kiddos out in the snow. I am no snow fan whatsoever at all. I like to look at it from a warm distance before anyone touches it. Today was the first day with temperatures above freezing since our return from Utah so we went out and made sure our snow told a story of busy bodied kiddos. Tate informed me we now need to invest in a sled.

 The only way to get a picture with both of them facing the same way was so shove them in the snow. Ian literally could not get up.

 He hated his gloves. I contemplated taking them off and letting his hands freeze, but decided against it. He's got his whole life ahead of him to figure that out.

 Tate's snow angel has horns... and no halo?

Tate and I decided to build a snowman. After our fist one was finished he asked me how we make it come alive. When I told him our snowman didn't have those abilities he handled it like a champ. A few minutes later he informed me the snowman needed a girl friend, the two word version. I don't know if this stemmed from our FHE on Monday when we talked about Adam needed a wife but he was adamant his snowman had a companion. After building the girl he wanted it to have a bowtie, and he supplied bread as the material to make it out of.  Then he was sure we should build a snow train with wheels, a coal hopper, and lots of freight cars. I am going to have to invest in better gloves to keep up with the snow construction this guy dreams up.

Loving to Listen

Kids say the funniest things. I am so grateful I get to listen to mine, and wish I could listen to what they say when I'm not there. Tate started in Sunbeams last week in our ward and I can only imagine the conversation that goes on in that classroom. Last week Tate told me that I sounded like a monkey when I was mad, that if we crashed our car it would make Heavenly Father sad but he could fix it, and to avoid napping he told me that instead we should just learn something together. Ian has perfected singing Chuggington just like the theme song with perfect pitch. between that and his dance skills his future is promising.

Extreme train crashing 101. This was a 3 hour endeavor. If only we could play with the strength of the engines.. That would make it more interesting than the anti climatic crash in the middle and grinding engines until Tate decides which side to supply more force too. He plays his favorites for sure.

To utilize the blasted cold weather we did some science experiments. We filled three cups to different levels, added a toy for entertainment purposes, and stuck them outside. Within an hour they had frozen almost completely with a little water remaining in the more full cups. The kids enjoyed retrieving the toys and watching their ice cups melt as I contemplated what else we could put in a snowbank...

Ian loves sugar. He is just discovering most of it. He has had the worst luck with allergies and now that they are finally under control I got to enjoy these "say cheese" moments. I love this funny little duck. He even likes to eat cake with me!!! I am 1 for 2 in children who enjoy the birthday treat of champions.

Playtime at our house. These boys are my world and there is absolutely nothing I like to watch more. Josh has been busy with school and we haven't seen him as much as we are used to but when he is home we do have a LOT of fun.

Marshmallowless Mateys

Yesterday we returned from our adventures away in Utah. Coming home is always a challenge as the children go from unlimited attention and fun to simply me for entertainment. Ground rules at home day one went pretty well and I am expecting great things tomorrow, along with the -40 windchill and daddy home from cancelled school. 

I am sure while in Utah Ian grew at least 2 inches. After walking into another room I speedily returned to the kitchen after hearing a crash to find this; 

Ian was happily kicking around in a sea of marshmallowless Mateys and discovering how high he could pull up his pant legs. Tate had left them on the table earlier with the threat of no other food until they were gone. Upon hearing the commotion Tate also raced to the kitchen and said, "Oh darn Mom," before running back to play. So much for that teaching moment. Ian on the other hand happily enjoyed eating under the table for a solid 15 minutes. The end of the Mateys for these kiddos until we return again to Utah someday.