Our Little Toddler

Colton was an AWESOME infant.  He slept like a champ, he was content to just hang out, and he had a sense of humor.  He always had a smile on his face.  If he was crying, that meant he needed something.  My Father-in-Law referred to him as "the prayer answered".  I believed that to be true as well.  Look at this face!

Then he became a toddler!  There was a period of time when we saw a lot of this kid.....

...and some of this kid. 

 Matt and I couldn't figure out what happened to our happy Colton.  Then I realized he was 18 months.  Luckily, the phase seems to have passed and the REAL Colton has returned (that was a prayer answered;))  He is smiling, laughing and joking around.  I am SO excited to have the little man back!

Colton is also earning his toddler stripes.  He fell on his nose twice this weekend.   His poor little face is all scratched up.  He wrestles with his older brothers and does everything that he can to keep up with them.  

Taking a break.  

Check out those lashes!

Terrible 2's here we come.....

Disaster Strikes

WARNING:  This story is not for those who have a weak stomach.

Yesterday was one for the books.  We started out at the library for story time and a quick trip to Sam's Club.  When we got home, I fed the boys lunch.  Braxton was practically laying on the table ASKING to take a nap. I was giddy with joy at this request because naps are nearly extinct in our house.  We read a few stories, I tucked them in, and I began to enjoy a semi-quiet house.

I could hear them talking and playing up there (totally normal).  After about 30 minutes I hear Braxton yelling "Brennan's got to go potty".  I ran up the stairs to find 2 naked boys.  I took them to the bathroom....they did not have to go.  I put diapers back on them, tucked them back in and continued some cleaning.  

Another 30 minutes go by and I hear Braxton yelling "I pooped-ed! I pooped-ed!"  I ran up the stairs to find Braxton wearing a diaper and Brennan in the buff.  I went to grab some wipes to change Brax, and when I came back in the room (15 seconds later) Brennan had gone #1 and #2 ON THE FLOOR.  I was in shock.  I mean, SERIOUSLY?

As if that wasn't bad enough, Braxton began gagging at the sight of Brennan's "work".  This is not unusual.  Braxton and Brennan gag easily.  However, this was the first time that the gagging led to THROWING UP.  Now Brennan is yelling " Braxton puked-ed.  He puked-ed Mommy." (they add and extra -ed to everything)  

Now, I had to figure out a plan to clean this up.  Where does one begin?  I chose to clean up Brennan first.  Doing so caused the toilet to back up. ( I know, this is special)  Then, I tackled Braxton's contribution.  In the mean time, Colton decides that THIS would be a dandy time to wake up from his nap!  All of this happened in approximately 3 and a half minutes.

So all I can say now is TGIF!  I am looking forward to my college roommates coming into town!

Vacation

Matt took a week off following the 4th of July.  Since we live on a lake, we decided to take a  stay-cation.  We filled our week with swimming, boating, and whatever else tickled our fancy. I have to say, it was really relaxing and the boys loved EVERY minute of it.

Colton climbed up on his brother's 4 wheeler.  He discovered that pushing the pedal makes a really cool noise.  I just happened to have a camera in hand to capture this discovery.  Doesn't he look like TROUBLE?  

Splish-Splash

Braxton

This child has NO fear of the water.  I mean none, zero, zilch....I haven't decided if this is good or bad yet,

Brennan and Braxton had more fun jumping on this tube.  They did this for hours.

Win some....lose some

  I wanted to head to the mall today since outdoor activities were out of the question.  There is a mall about 35 minutes from our house that has a nice little play area that is for toddlers.  I figured that I would kill two birds with one stone and take the boys.  I have done this a million times and (for the most part) it is no big deal.  I have a system....take lots of snacks and  make sure that Braxton is secured in the stroller.  Plus, if things get out of hand I will just leave.

  We get to the mall and the boys are excited that they will get to play there.  (I am excited because I have a coupon from the The Limited burning a hole in my wallet.)  I find a shirt that I like in 2 minutes and go to check out.....only to realize that I left my wallet at home!  Oh well, some times getting out of the door is enough of a victory.  The kids had fun playing at the "park"  and they fell asleep on the way home.  THAT is a victory.

I LOVE a Great Deal

I have ALWAYS loved finding a great deal.  I have been using coupons for awhile now, but I have finally gotten the hang of Super-Couponing!  I have been following a few blogs that spell it out for you and think it is safe to call it a hobby now.  I scored all of this stuff for $14.88 and I even have a $4.00 Register Reward to use on my next purchase at Walgreens.

Is it weird that this excites me?

KrustBuster

Lately, we have been packing up lunch and taking it to the lake or to the park.  I have been making PB&J like it is going out of style.  I saw "uncrustables" at Sam's Club, and I started thinking....I should be able to make these myself.  I googled it.  

I came up with this....the KrustBuster!

 (aka my new favorite kitchen gadget)

I just make PB& J by the loaf (we go through at least 2 per week)

I put the sandwich in the KrustBuster and I get amazing little "uncrustables" of my own. 

I keep them in the freezer.  Each morning I take enough out for the day and they are ready before lunch. I guess it is the small things in life that make us happy, because I am giddy over this!

Happy 3rd Birthday

It is hard to believe that three whole years have gone by since the twins were born.  Where has the time gone?  To say that it has been a blur is a true understatement.  Look at how cute they were...

.....and now they are cool!

We kicked of the day with the big birthday surprise.  Daddy has waited patiently to give Brennan and Braxton these four wheelers since New Year's Eve.  I am still pleasantly surprised that he stayed strong (He was REALLY excited)   Braxton hopped right on.  Brennan watched Braxton for awhile, but he warmed up eventually.

We were really fortunate to celebrate the big day with family.  My parents, sisters and Steve-O were in town.  We had a lot of fun decorating the house with Toy Story garb.  The boys LOVED all of their decorations and squealed with delight when they realized that they were having a party.

I only wish that I was able to get more pictures.  The day happened so fast and I did not get all of the photos that I wanted.  Maybe next year?