Been awhile

Oh boy!  So much going on and so much to try and remember about the past couple months.  Well, it's summer!  And we had a great first day!  The boys and I went with Zeratskys  to North Bar lake.  Lovely sunny day, with lots of water and beach fun.  I loved watching Nicholas get into it.  He has always been. Decoys of the bathtub and I will can't get him in without tears.  But he sat at the edge of lake and splashed, and scooped sand and water in buckets, and threw rocks in the water.  4 hours of happiness!  Beats the random temper tantrums he throws at home.  Love his little words too.  He waves and says 'hi' to random people and of course random dogs.  I think he just said bubble and flower for the first times today.  And the cutest little 'dada' word is the best! Colin has been so happy too.  He can't for his preschool party tomorrow (last time at ALSH) and for camping this weekend. He is a talker and goofy and cuddles when we read books.  He has become a fan of Dragon Masters books.  He still wants to do almost everything Evan does.  Soccer was not his thing this year.  Last game we left early because of tears and refusal to go on the field.  Oh, I can't rush him.  Sometimes it is easy to forget he is 4.  Sweet Colin!

The things they say

Colin: (in his sweet innocent face) Can we get married?
Me: sure, sweet boy
Colin: (as he is somewhat quiet and unsure of the right words) I don't know any other girl to marry.
Me: aww, you are so sweet.  I love you so much.  Maybe you will meet a girl when you are 25.  (In a voice that doesn't know how to break it to him that life changes from when you are 4).

Then later tonight when I was saying bye on my way to work.
Evan:  have a good night!  I hope you deliver babies and get some sleep too!  (It didn't take him too long to figure out what makes a good night and what our conversation will be about in the morning).

8th birthday

Evan turned 8 a couple weeks ago.  He was so proud and happy on his day.  We spent the evening going to Cherry Republic.  The annual birthday event.  Special night to celebrate Evan and see the boys play happily and we get a dinner treat.  Then, we had 7 boys over for a party on Sunday.  They were a little wild! We played a few games outside in the couple inches of snow we had left.  Then some loud donut eating and nerf battles.  Evan- I miss those days of you being little, but it's so amazing to see you as a big 8 year old.  You are smart and  nice to your brothers.  Two things mom just is so happy about.  You are quiet, well not all the time!  But certainly quieter than some of those friends of yours.  Quiet, and respectful, and a thinker.  You remind me of myself.  Thanks for being you.

Morning snuggles

If I could have one thing every day it would be 10 minutes to snuggle the boys in bed in the morning. Today, I got to do that with Evan and Colin.  Nicholas was still asleep.  But 2 out of 3 is pretty good!

Surprise compliment

Friday morning

Evan: "mom, why are you wearing that shirt? You look beautiful!  Are you going to work?" In this adorable excited surprised voice

I don't get a lot of compliments from the boys.  So it makes them all the more special when I do! 

Love and fights

Evan and Colin are good buddies.  I just got the idea to make a quick blog post about them as I sit downstairs and listen to their laughter and fun.  Makes my heart happy to hear them enjoy each other. So they laugh and laugh and squeal... And then have a little fight.  Thankfully they get right back to the fun most of the time.  Right now I just heard Colin's squeals and giggle again, and soon it will be "mommmm!"  

One year old

Wow, it's been a few weeks since Nicholas turned one!  Here is what he has been up to.  Was taking a few steps right before hitting his Birthday.  Then 2 weeks later he had it figured out.  And now I don't think I have seen him crawl for a couple days.  He may have started saying "hi!".  Sometimes he hides and then peeks out and says what sounds like it.  He gives cute open mouth kisses, sometimes when he feels like it and sometimes if you ask him to.  He loves to go through Evan's and Colin's most valuable possessions they leave all over their room.  He gets really excited to find a pack of gum.  And really angry when I take it away.  His favorite dinner is vegetarian chili with extra beans.  We made it for his birthday dinner.  And he had a banana smiley face cake. But he liked the beans better.  And he likes to mush into soft piles of blankets and sometimes looks like he wants to wrestle his brothers already.  Oh my sweet baby!  I still love those cuddly moments we get.  I don't even mind sometimes to snuggle if you wake at night.  I love to see you happy and exploring the world!