Friends!

Today, my friend Kristen and her two boys came out for a visit. She was our neighbor in Yucaipa and we miss her and her family! Her kids are the same age as mine and they always have so much fun together. We went to Victoria Gardens and made good use of the kid friendly environ -ment. Tanner says his favorite part was eating his treat (an ice cream sandwich) and Hunter liked riding the Choo-choo train. Here are a few pictures from the day!

Playtime!

It is so fun now that Tanner and Hunter can actually play together -keeping each other entertained without any involvement (or protection) from mom. These are pictures of their game of the week-we'll call it "GO!" Tanner says "ready,set, Go" and runs down our tile hallway pushing the digger. Hunter shouts "GO" and chases after Tanner, both giggling the whole time. So simple, yet apparently the best game around. They have been playing it all week and it just keeps getting funnier and funnier. Then, I look at all the toys in my house and wonder why we have so many when all we really need is a digger, a hallway, and a couple good pair of lungs. I hope this brotherly love continues as the boys get older!

All Boys Valentine's Party

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tanner had a little party today to celebrate Saint Valentine. We invited four of his friends from church over and I planned cute little Valentines activities. They decorated bags, made puzzle Valentine's to give to someone, passed out Valentine's, went on a Treasure Hunt, played Musical chairs, etc. But somehow, all that they talked about was tornadoes and Godzilla and aliens. Put five boys six and under in a room, and that's what you get. Tanner said his favorite part was musical chairs. This is where the tornado talk began. When the music was on, they ran around saying what kind of a storm they were - hurricane, tornado, etc. The Godzilla/alien talk occured during the decorating of the ice cream cone cakes, as each boy made his cake into something fiercer than the next. So much for little hearts and pink flowers on Valentine's Day! But, fun was had by all and that is what is important on Valentine's Day when you are four!

Ladd surprised us by coming home during his break with flowers and chocolate! He has class late tonight, so we will have to have our "romantic night out" another time. I hope all of you enjoy your Valentine's today!

Neighborhood Olympics

Today, we had a neighborhood Olympics at a local park. It was mostly families from church. It was so much fun! We were at the park for almost three hours with probably about 45 kids and everyone had a ball! Each family came prepared with their own event and everything ran very smoothly! Tanner, Hunter, and I all came home exhausted and RED! Who thinks of sunscreen in February? Anyways, here are some of the pictures to recap the day:

Sponge Relay


Oversized Crouquet Game


Hunter watching the activities while making a mess


Cartwheel race, or "roll on the ground" if you are Tanner


Tug of War!



Long Distance Run


Everyone enjoying a popsicle after doing their best at the Olympics!

The smiles are back!

This week, Hunter got 6 new teeth! He was miserable, and so was I! He didn't sleep or eat well, which made everything worse! Poor Tanner was such a trooper. He tried to do all he could to help and was very patient with his cranky, tired mom. This morning, Hunter woke up happy and stayed happy all day! He even took a three and a half hour nap! We all went out for ice cream to celebrate the new teeth and to reward Tanner for being such a good big brother! I am so happy the smiles are back!

Can He Build it?

Yes, He Can!

Tanner LOVES to build! Even as I write this, he and Ladd are building a huge "tent" in my bedroom. Blankets are much more fun when they are used as roofs! If Tanner is asked his name, his common reply is: "My name is Tanner, but I am Bob when I'm building!"

Here is Tanner building a bridge to go over our water table, so his cars can cross safely.


Tanner is building a "football stool" at the Home Depot. The first Saturday of every month the Home Depot has a free Kids Clinic. He feels like a real builder and always has fun. If you have an aspiring builder at your house and live near a Home Depot, you should check it out!

Spaghetti, Anyone?