It's almost August

What a week. Since my last post, we've been on the run. We were at the Cape again last week for a few days and the weather was great. We took a ride on the Cape Cod Railway on Friday which ended up being a fun trip. We boarded in Hyannis and had a 2 hour round trip up to the Sagamore Bridge in Bourne. The boys absolutely loved it.....though I think that the last 1/2 hour or so felt a bit long. We learned some history that we didn't know and even learned the correct whistle a train makes when approaching crossings. Christian has since brought his own train whistle to the train at the playground at the beach and is able to make the same sounds.

Connor has been quite a handful the past few days. I can pretty much sum him up by saying that most things that he's not suppose to be doing or touching, he is. I think it all started with the crib/bed change last week. I am hoping that the old, mellow, follow the rules Connor returns to me soon because man, I'm feeling tired.

Around the homestead, we're just getting ready for the party this weekend. We're looking forward to seeing all the family and John and Julie and the kids!

Connor and Christian waving goodbye to Daddy.

Christian is teaching Connor to wave the right way.

Christian riding his new 'Motorbike' on the Cape

The Cape Cod Railway

Christian and Grampy

Group Photo

Grammy and Grampy

Connor and his Mammy

Grampy and Connor

Christian conducting the train at the beach, whistle in hand

I think this is one of my favorite pictures yet.

I can just imagine all of them out for a drive in another decade or so.

Treasures:

*All of the wonderful weather we've been having.

*A trip out to the hair salon.

*Seeing all of the mischievous things that Connor has been up to. Though it's a little crazy now, I know that I will think back to all of them someday when he's older and smile.

*Listening to all of the things that Christian talks about - he is learning so much.

Connor's got a 'big boy' bed

I decided to bite the bullet today and just disassemble the crib and pull out the toddler bed for Connor. He slept thru the night fine last night, but climbed out again this morning. I figure that sooner or later he's got to learn, so there's no better time like the moment to give him a real bed.

Bedtime tonight proved a little tricky. Connor cried, which is a bit unusual. I put Christian to bed, at which point Connor decided it was a good time to bolt from his room. I intercepted him mid-run. He was basically going every which way to get away from me. I put him back in his bed, finished with Christian and then had to tend to Connor again. I found him in his bed, crying with his 'new' (Christian's old) sneakers in his hands. Now that he can come and go freely, he chose to get out and get the shoes he'd like to wear to bed himself. He's probably wanted to do that for the last year, but hasn't been able to - he loves shoes like I do. So, I put them on him, then took him to Christian's room to show him that Christian was in bed trying to sleep too. That seemed to settle him. I put him down again and this time he stayed. Wish me luck thru the night. It could be interesting!

Today Guy took my car to work so that he could bring it to Mike @ night and have him replace the tires. That meant that we stayed home all day long. I guess it was the perfect day for that since it was quite stormy on and off all day. It felt a bit like winter or early spring. We did venture out a few times to play in puddles, but each time the horn on the golf course went off,warning of lightning strikes. I was able to get a lot of indoor projects done, so at least it was productive.

Here is how I found Connor right after he fell asleep.

I removed the Puppies, but notice the shoes

Here's Chrisitan getting his Zsssss

A pic from Connor over the weekend

Treasures:

*The boys were much happier over all today, they played well and less intervening on my part.

Connor learned a new trick today

As luck would have it, today Connor learned a new trick. Up until now, he has been a champion sleeper (except for one recent night on the Cape!!!). He goes to bed fairly easy, even for naps. Well, today I put him in and I knew that he was pretty exhausted. I thought that he had gone to sleep, as all was quiet upstairs. Christian was settled with a movie, and I went to the basement to clean up some glass that had fallen. I wasn't down there 10 minutes when I heard a lot of footsteps above my head, then just seconds later, a little voice was coming down the basement steps to greet me "All done nap Mama, all done nap Mama." We officially have a crib climber outer.

I guess we'll just have to see what develops over the next few days, if he continues the pattern or if it was just a one time deal. He might be making the big leap to the toddler bed soon. Christian was a climber, but he never attempted to climb out of his crib. Then I hit the jackpot when I transitioned him to his toddler, then big boy bed. I feared that he'd never stay in it long, but from day one, once he got into it, he never got out on his own. He'd just call or cry for us to come to him. I was amazed. For someone who didn't follow too many rules, that was a blessing. I'm not so sure I'll have such an easy time with Connor. He's got his own agenda. We'll see.

Today we had Lucy over in the morning for a little while, then we ran some errands. In the afternoon, Heidi, James, Cooper and Keegan came to play. My boys were a little wound up. We couldn't help but wonder if the full moon last night had something to do with how everyone was playing today.

Treasures:

*Hearing Connor tell me in his sweet voice that he decided he was done napping. As much as I want him to sleep, it was somewhat amusing.

*We passed the week milestone of Christian wearing under ware to bed and he's been successful in staying dry. Yippee!! I had doubts the day would ever come.

*Hanging out with a new friend and finding humor what the little boys do......sometimes, even if it's not so humorous.

The Pool

We've got a new pool! I am so excited, perhaps more so than the kids will be! Guy and I met last night after he finished work and we picked it out. It was pretty late when we got back, but he started to work on putting it together and filling it up. Tonight he finished, so we should be able to use it tomorrow :-) I know that the boys will love it.

The past few days have just been quite busy. Yesterday we went to the playground with Heidi and the boys. It was quite the happening place, loads of kids. The boys all enjoyed themselves and little Keegan is just the happiest, most content baby I think I've come across. Today we played at their house for a bit in the morning and spent the afternoon hours here, trying to stay cool. Christian was actually willing to share his race car with Connor for increments of time this afternoon too, which is just huge! Connor was so thrilled.

The new pool - almost ready to be used.

Just another summer day

Where does the time go? Our days are so busy and every time I turn around I feel like it's 10 PM and almost time to go to bed so we can wake up and start all over.

Today I did some sale shopping for the boys, planning ahead for next summer. I visited a bunch of stores and really did get some bargains. I do think that I am now all set thru next summer, except for the occasional fun outfits I might buy for them.

James came over for a visit today. It was extra special because Christian and James got to play for almost 2 hours alone, with no siblings. It was interesting for me to see them play and converse. I told Heidi that they had one very unique conversation about 'strangers'. Oh, if you could have heard it. A four year old talking to an almost 3 year old about strangers. Yes, it was that special.

We all had a great afternoon and Heidi joined us after Cooper and Keegan's appts. Again, the weather was perfect so we stayed outside, went in the hot tub and the kids all played until it was time for our friends to leave.

While I was out and about today I got Connor a new Spider Man big wheels. It is his own special toy, and he knows that it is his and not Christian's. For those of you who might not know, Christian believes that every toy belongs to him, no matter how hard I work to make him realize that they don't. It was a bit of a challenge for me to piece the bike together, but eventually I did. Guy might have to look it over tomorrow though. Anyhow, Connor really enjoyed riding around on it later this evening. While they were outside with Guy, Dana and Ryan stopped over for a visit. We enjoyed their company, but poor Christian was soooo over tired that he wasn't much fun towards the end of the visit. Tomorrow he should be well rested again.....I hope. :-)

James and Christian playing Play Dough

Chrisitan and James in the hot tub

Playing on the patio

Cooper and Connor

Busy Day

Well, what were we up to today? Lets see. Our day started early, with lots of play dough! We moved onto to color wonder finger painting, and shortly thereafter, Caroline and Juli arrived. Caroline stayed with us for a few hours and played today. I think she had a blast and at times just sort of sat back and took in all that the boys were up to. The four of us spent a bit of time in the hot tub, then moved on for a popcorn snack.

Grammy and Grampy also arrived this afternoon, much to the delight of Christian and Connor.

This evening we also went down to Susanne's house for a while before dinner. She got a new jumpy castle for her girls and the boys loved it. It will be a hit this summer. All in all a very busy day, with another coming up quickly. James will be coming over tomorrow afternoon. Christian is very excited!

Play dough in the early morning

Christian and Caroline "cooking at the store"

Popcorn time

Day Trip into Boston

We had a lazy first half of our day, just taking our time getting going. Sunday mornings are great for that. Guy let me sleep in and once I was up and going, the boys and I headed outside. We spent a while in the hot tub, which was totally relaxing. It was a perfect day. After the hot tub, the boys went off to play in their kiddie pools and with hoses. The hoses seem to entertain them for hours. Luckily we have two close to each other, so they each get their own in the same area. (No fighting!!) Guy came out to join us and he did a bunch of yard work.

By mid afternoon we were ready for a change, so we headed out to do an errand. Once we were out and about, Guy had the idea to head into town to the Frog Pond. We do go there fairly often, and last time Christian was itching to get in the water, as he had done last summer. Today we didn't have swim suits, but I always have plenty of extra clothes in the car so that worked perfect for them. They were having a blast splashing around with loads of other kids until a guard told Christian "No Running" which somewhat scared him. After that he wanted to leave.

We eventually got them changed and took a stroll over to the public gardens to see the Swan Boats. There were plenty of people around, taking advantage of the great weather. The boys liked watching the ducks and ducklings in the water. Soon thereafter we headed back to our car to go home. Equally eventful for the kiddos is the ride to and from the city, driving thru the tunnels which just make their eyes sparkle. Guy even commented that we could just do that all day, drive around thru the different tunnels and they'd be just as happy at the end of the day. Oh, to be a little boy!

Treasures:

*Sleeping in......oh how I love sleep! :-)

*Playing with the boys outside in the morning

*Watching Christian and Connor's faces and smiles as we drove thru the Boston Tunnels

*Having family time

Connor playing this morning

Christian making a river in the mud with his hose

The boys helping Daddy out with his yard work

Walking thru the Gardens

The boys and I playing in Frog Pond

A beautiful tree near the Swan Boats

The Swan Boats

Connor getting a ride from Daddy

Connor and Daddy checking out the ducks

The hydrangeas in my yard

Hanging Around

Today was just a day for for hanging 'round the house. The boys and I played in the yard a lot and Guy got some errands done. It was a milestone day for Christian. He had his last speech therapy session with Shanna! Shanna started working with him almost 2.5 years ago and she has been truly a godsend for him. I credit her hard work and determination in his learning to talk and for so many other skills he has gained with her. Though we'll miss seeing her at Sherri's, we will still get together with her and Brady. So, it's not really goodbye, just another end to one of the chapters in the book of his life.

Treasures:
*Spending individual time with each boy this morning.
*Watching Connor completely enjoy his donut this afternoon - his face and hands were covered with glaze.
*Listening to Christian trying to convince me to drive over the Sagamore bridge on our next outing to the Cape. He's quite the negotiator.

Here are a few pics of the boys playing in the yard today.

Whirlwind Trip

We just got back from our whirlwind trip to the Cape. We are all wiped out, but we had a great time. This morning we spent time at one of my favorite places, Mayflower Beach. It was low tide while we were there and we had a blast. The boys were worn out from all the walking, running and playing that they did. I spent countless hours there as a kid and have so many special memories of that beach and playing with friends. It's so special that the tradition is now carried on with the boys.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon just hanging out at the house and playing in the yard. Connor enjoyed testing his boundaries, trying to escape the yard at times. Grampy took Christian mini golfing, so he enjoyed that special treat.

I am also including a cute picture of Judy and Jack doing the "Happy Dance."

Off to get some rest.

Treasures:
* Watching Christian jumping around in the sand and write words in it.
*Watching Connor pick up speed the moment I'd call his name to come back to the yard. He thinks it's a rather fun game and gets all excited.
*Being happy for my parents, the past two days were pretty monumental.

This is "The Happy Dance"

Here are some of Judy's Garden shots. Beautiful Hydrangeas

Connor helps to water plants

Christian taking a break at Mayflower

Back at home tonight, Guy and the boys hanging out on his truck

Heading to the Cape

Today we really did have a wonderful day. We started off the day with a trip to the bookstore. The boys were quite disappointed to find out that the train table had been taken away. However, they were easily amused picking out books and sitting to read them. Christian of course picked out 5 Thomas books that he wanted to buy, but we were able to leave the store with only one Thomas book each. On the way out of the store Christian spied Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, a book that he absolutely loves from school, so he was able to convince me to purchase it also.

Shortly thereafter, we headed back to the Cape to meet up with Niamh and Lucas. We had a terrific visit, I think the boys all enjoyed each other. First we went to the playground in the center of Falmouth, then we strolled around. Niamh and I found lovely earrings for a great buy! Next we stopped for ice cream, then we headed back to the campground to change. Then it was off to the beach. It was quite the windy day at the beach with big rolling waves and a cool, but perfect breeze. We stayed for almost an hour. She's flying home tomorrow and we'll miss them.

Now we are at Grammie and Grampy's house. They got their first ice cream from the local ice cream truck driving by in the neighborhood tonight. They played with Brian for a while and now they are all settled in and fast asleep. They need their rest because I know that tomorrow will be another fun filled, nonstop, summer Cape day!

Treasures:
*Seeing Niamh again and meeting Lucas while he was awake :-)
*Strolling around Falmouth
*Watching Connors eyes light up when he was sharing his popsicle with Grampy!
* Seeing how much Christian enjoys playing with Brian

Niamh and Lucas

Connor at the Beach in Falmouth

We think Lucas enjoyed being in the middle, esp. with that Orange ball!

Us back at the campground