Children's Museum

My mom and I took the kiddos to the Children's Museum a while ago. I couldn't pass up these pictures. 

It is so fun having cousins so close in age to play together.

Nate's 2nd Birthday

Big Nate had his 2nd birthday a couple weeks ago!

I love my Nate. He is the passionate, joker, carefree, friendly, chunky monkey of our family.

We just had the usual small family party at our house to celebrate.

There were so many new toys, Nate would be so excited about one, he didn't even care that there were more to open. 

 

Showing us his awesome throwing skills. He actually throws better than 50% of our family. But that's not hard to beat.

Super-giant elephant from Uncle Matt.

Ah yes, the awesome perfectly homemade birthday cake. Decorated to please the eye and the belly.

I know it looks like James' birthday, but I promise it was Nate's!

(How awkward is that "family" sign in the background? A little too perfectly placed.)

Nate loves the cupcakes.

A little too much...

Kenley gets her hugs one way or another!

But Nate and Claire are tight.

At the end of the night, John started popping balloons with a fork. James was scared and ran to the other room. But Nate wanted in on the action!

Hard to believe that this little guy is 2 whole years - and so full of personality!

Much more handsome too, if I can say that.

The Mom and Nate birthday picture -

Wait, this is more like us.....

Happy Birthday Mr. Natester! We're so happy you're in our family!

(This is where Nate would say -in his deep, manly voice- "OH! Oh-tay.")

Pre-Birthday Cupcake Testers

"Somebody" thought red velvet cupcakes would be a great idea for Nate's birthday this year. 

I guess I forgot how boys eat....

 Nate demonstrates how to eat yogurt like a boss...

The first bike!

We got James a new bike as a late birthday present about a week ago.

He. Loves. It.

James rides circles around the deck as much as he can. The first day he got his bike, he spent an entire hour by himself learning how to pedal and get himself unstuck.

James tells everyone about his bike and how he needs to wear his helmet to be safe so he doesn't crash.

Tonight, James taught Nate how to ride the bike.

Nate can't reach the pedals, but the boys had fun driving around.

These pictures remind me of what's coming next.....

Using the Hammers

Mondays we typically have an at-home day to catch up from the weekend. This means that the boys get to stay in their pjs for breakfast and playtime, then have a morning bath. This past Monday, I was upstairs and heard a loud banging sound coming from the playroom.

The boys had their hammers out and were crunching every last piece of cereal on the table. I didn't stop them because of the great entertainment, but I still haven't been able to get all of the crumbs out!

James' First Day of Pre-Preschool

You read that right. Pre-Preschool. Or as I like to call it: pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-school.

We're overachievers over here.

A few weeks ago a few friends and I started a little preschool coop for our 3 year olds. It's been a blast so far and James always looks forward to going.

Keri has a lot more pictures of the day.  Lots of fun!

James' 3rd Birthday - The Party

We had a great 3rd Birthday Party for James-Bug.   (On his birthday... Like, a month ago!)

James got a Nerf gun - it is still a big hit at our house!

Happy 3rd Birthday Jimbo!!