Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Thursday

 I love this picture. Confusion on Colby's face & pure joy on Tyler's. I love the way Tyler loves Colby...
 The excitement builds early in the morning. We rush around gathering clothes, finding shoes, packing snacks and lunch. I threaten too many times that the plan will be aborted if they don't follow directions. As we pull away from the takeout window with a hot steamy coffee and a couple of bagels, the radio goes up and we settle in. This is our adventure day, Thursday.

A weekly day off from school (a bonus of afternoon kindergarten) falls perfectly after Wednesday, the day I work and arrive home well after they fall asleep. The more I am away, the more I crave everything about them. Their hair, their laughs, their smiles, their hugs. I don't invite anyone to join us - unusual for me, but oh so needed. I need them to myself. And as we zoom down the highway to the next destination, I am so content. All my babies with me, an adventure in itself.

I am so lucky.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Going Back

 It had been almost 2 months since we went back to New Jersey. 2 months too long to see people you love...and who love you. The thing about living far away from family is that it sucks. It does. There is no way around it. Birthday parties are missed, park playdates are impossible, and Sunday dinners are smaller.

But there is a silver lining.
 The visits. The visits are awesome. The time together is suddenly upgraded to almost Holiday status. Kids are hugged tighter, the camera clicks away during the ordinary moments that are now extraordinary. Families change plans and drop everything to meet at the zoo for an hour, or grab a bite at the Diner.

It almost makes up for the time apart.

Almost.

Friday, February 24, 2012

We are Family




So much family time in the last few weeks...awesome, just plain awesome!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Cool Colby

I have lots of pictures to share and not a lot of time to write...so how about a few days of pictures to finish off the week?



ps. no time to edit sorry :(
pps. Yes, he had 5 stitches after slipping into the brick hearth...shhh don't tell Nana!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Together

 From the very beginning they have been inseparable. Sticking close, playing together, eating at the same time, sleeping in the same room. And I always watched and wondered how long it would last. How long these twins of mine would stay super close.

These days they sleep in separate rooms. Have their own friends at school and often split up on the weekends. She likes animals, he prefers Ninjas. Occasionally they join together in a game, but the change is obvious. I know it is a necessary stage, they need to be independent. But at the same time I want them to stay close, special, twin-ey. Twice a week at open skate, they are as Twin-ey as can be.

They stick together. Make up their own skating games. Wait for each other if one falls. Laugh at the same things. Watch out for each other on an ice teeming with crazy kids skating in mayhem. I love it. And hopefully this will be the ticket. Finding an activity or hobby or interest that they can share, just the two of them.
My twins.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Funny Valentines

Ahh, the school Valentine. Im not one for the store bought variety, although Im sure one day the kids will beg for them. But, I like the kids to think a little creatively...which translates into me searching the web and then convincing them that they like the idea I found. 
Oops, did I say that out loud?! 
Anyway, we actually did this idea last year as well, but new schools filled with new classmates means a repeat performance. 
I take the picture, the kids pick which "sticker" decorations they like, print them out and then punch two holes on either side of their fist. Slide a lollipop through the holes and - Voila! Creative Valentine done :)


Can you get enough of this little stinker?! He insisted on the moustache...and Im so glad he did. I can't stop giggling at Tyler's Valentine!

xoxo

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Old Flame

Over 60 years ago, Nana Ruth was engaged to man who was not destined to be my grandfather. She dropped the poor guy when she met Big Sid...and the rest is history. 

But, not quite. Nana has an admirer. 

This same man tracked Nana down from states away. Having had no contact for 60 years, he is now writing her notes and cards. He sends her pictures. And today a big box arrived - her Valentine! 

Mom says that Nana glows when he is mentioned. Im getting over there ASAP to see for myself! I love that she feels special. And I can't help to imagine my grandmother 60 years ago casting spells over helpless men! 

Happy Valentines Day, Nana! xoxo

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

T for Two

 While the big kids are in school and Colby is sleeping, the middle child and I enjoy some quality time each afternoon. We paint, read, play army guy and board games. He sits next to me on a computer game while I check email and try to avoid Pinterest. We chat about school, tv shows, and poking out eye balls (his favorite subject).
Today my Tyler T. and I shared tea time. Green Tea is my drink of choice, while Ty indulges in hot chocolate, made with milk of course. We cradled our warm mugs and sat. Content. He described his latest castle drawing with hot lava and "stink butts" to deter enemies. I prodded, unsuccessfully, about school. Then he hopped up and away to do his own thing, and I followed his lead and did the same.
ps. he is MORE than happy to use Drew's mug..."we don't have to tell him, o-tay, mommy?"

Friday, February 3, 2012

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Colby...We Hear You!!

At almost 18 months old, Colby G makes himself known. 
"AH, AH, AH!!" 
That's his way of pointing out something interesting, asking for help, wanting food, well...just about anything. We hear that ALL. DAY. LONG.
He also calls his buddy, "Ey-ya" and Ella comes a running. He answers nearly every question with an enthusiastic, "Yeah!" 
Once I start to dry my hair he sticks to me like a monkey, for fear I'll sneak out on him. 
He loves, loves, loves to be outside. Still a dancing fool and if you read him a book you'll be friends for life. He follows close behind the big kids intently mimicking their every move. 
He makes us laugh. He makes us pull our hair out in frustration. Mostly he just makes us so thankful.