I ♥ Spring!

What a joy to be out and about! I have always loved spring for the mere sake of refreshing a relationship with the outdoors. The wind in my face, the sun on my skin and the sounds of wildlife all well up in me a gratitude and praise for our Maker and the blessings he so abundantly bestows on us!

One of our many recent outdoor moments.

We spent quite a few days this last week at Grandpa and Nanannette's house because we had visits to the doctor in the big city (both boys well and growing). Despite 4 (!) shots for Jaxter, all went well. We went out for pizza, we walked on bridges, we had a picnic at Nana's office, we spent many moments outside, we made a friend at our lunch restaurant on Friday after our (second) doctor visit, we visited A.Corrina and U.Maury, we impressed the staff at the hospital with our cuteness and contributed many squeals and giggles to the general hustle and bustle noise of the city.

Picnic at Nanannette's work. Desmond thought this was great.

And now you know what leftover computer boxes are good for (that is, if you're not moving). =)

We came home to Dad Saturday afternoon and both boys were ecstatic (as usual) to see their paternal figure. =) I was, too. We spent some leisurely time outdoors and then resumed routine as usual Sunday morning.

Monday we watched the tractors, visited the Elk (the stuffed head in the back of the grocery story: the real purpose of these visits are lost on the boys but they never complain about having to go buy milk cuz we get to visit the Elk), stopped by to say hi to a friend and her dog (big milestone, Desmond petting a dog taller than he) and spent more time outside!

Tuesday was an unintentionally exciting day. Jaxter didn't fall asleep in the morning so we got him up early and decided on a whim to head to story time at the library, which is usually not an option because Jax is sleeping. Well, just so happened that they had a guest appearance by a lamb! Only 2 weeks old, this lamb was just as interested in the kiddos as the kiddos were interested in her! How fun. I am *so* mad at myself, though, because I *always* carry my camera with me but, of course, today I thought: what in the world could I take a picture of at story hour? So I left it at home AND my phone died so... no pictures of a great experience. The video of the kids and lamb chasing each other would have been worth $10,000 I am sure. =)

Desmond got special treatment from the lamb as she peed all over the rug right next to him and he (of course!) fell into it and now keeps referring to the "wet baby sheep". Sure enough when we had our recap of our day to Dad he told the story of how wet the baby sheep was. He has really gotten into telling stories to Dad at the end of the day. How heart-bursting-wonderful to hear your little boy recap his positive moments to you before bed time.

Jaxter is learning more and more words, so many that the Doctor was impressed. He knows a ton of animal sounds and has been trying to imitate all our conversation with some success. His newest phrase is "Here you go" which sounds more like: helego but we know what he means. =) He is completely bipedal now, always choosing to hoof it over crawling or being carried. We always have to fight in the parking lot and grocery store because he wants to walk! I'm sure people think that I'm dropping my baby when in fact he is just straining to get down and walk.

Last, but definitely not least, I leave you with this serene image:

This may seem somewhat routine to you - two kids having breakfast in their pjs but to me this is a bliss long awaited! Do you notice a cup of coffee and bowl of cereal at the assumed parent post? The coffee is hot and I got to eat the cereal before it was uber soggy. I have, since Desmond was old enough to have a solid breakfast, not gotten breakfast (let alone hot coffee) before 9am most mornings because I am attending to little ones' morning needs. Jaxter (obviously) has needed help eating and Desmond always demanded the same service. This is not a complaint, merely to explain how THRILLED I am to just, in the past two weeks, be able to sit down and have breakfast (and coffee) *with* my boys. They are eating cereal independently like pros and I am loving the run off blessing of just "having breakfast with the guys." Have a great week - I have several videos I would like to share so look back soon.

Valiant Effort

I am trying (in vain?) to be more consistent about posts so hopefully you will see some results of my valiant efforts in that direction. Our week has been fairly low key but with lots of *great* weather (save for a few hours of 3 inches of snow which gracefully bowed out by mid-afternoon). Unfortunately, I seriously injured my toes last weekend so instead of walks in our Cadillac stroller we've been taking tours in the Corolla, with the windows down of course. =) This actually works out ok because they have a big project close to Marc's school with lots of tractors so our little rides give an excuse to go check the action out - the boys love going there even if noone is driving the tractors.

Watching the tractors.

We also got to take a road trip to watch Marc's middle schoolers in a mass concert (with 8 other Middle Schools). The boys loved all the instruments and seeing Dad on the "box" (podium, conducting). Marc conducted the first song and after that Jaxter conducted every other song from his seat in the audience much to the amusement of the other attendees.

Marc conducting the megaband - and you can't even see the percussion section!

We continue our Messy Me class at the Rec Center which Desmond is not so good at the messy part but does love the interaction with other small people. Its also good for him to be a part of a group activity. Jax is learning more and more "words" and has started mimicking Desmond's curiosity (read: Desmond's constant "What's that Mommy? What's that Mommy?") by continually asking "wha, wha" and then intently staring at the item as we explain it to him.

Our latest messy activity: sand.

Today we did yard work which was fun for all of us. The boys helped fill the trash cans with leaves, pines needles and branches while getting their full dose of fresh air. We also took a trip to the park last weekend where Jaxter got his first full on swinging experience, he was an immediate pro hanging on for dear life (as was Marc). =)

Outside working.

More "working".

Desmond has the daily chore of feeding the cats and therefore an interest in eating the cat food, so we compromise: a Des treat which is dried fruit in a bowl which Des insists on eating "with" Monte.

Jax showcasing his animal sounds. And yes, he says "hissss" for "What does Tana say?"

Jax swinging.

More than adequate.

Well, we have had quite the month. I keep setting my sights on a "less-busy" time, but alas I am beginning to accept the reality that it is *not* a reality. We just are busy. This month we've been to the doctor (the boys are healthy and growing, praise the Lord), tried corn on the cob (a big hit), started doing "activities" with Desmond during Jaxter's nap time, went to a superbowl party (the true intent of which was lost on the boys but they completely enjoyed the extra attention), have become a completely bipedal family (thanks to Jaxter's hard work and Desmond's cheering support), had a play date, made lots of messes, had a big boy lunch date with Nanannette, turned Jaxter's car seat forward facing (which has made car rides much more pleasant for *everyone*), Jaxter learned how to go down the slide by himself, Desmond started his first "class" (a grouping of toddlers for an hour once a week to do fun group activities) and Desmond got to go to his first concert (Marc's music groups from school) while a babysitter stayed with Jaxter (the concert was after his bedtime).

Jill got to judge a speech and debate event which was not only fun but nostalgic as well. =) That same weekend we had Nanannette come stay with us to help with our church's second Ladies' Social Event, which went well with lots of laughs.

Marc and I went to the "big city" this last weekend to go on a "date" which consisted of going to the movie Avatar. We got to go to the 3D version thanks to a gift certificate from A.Corrina for Marc's birthday. It was a good movie, and even better to sit in a room for over two hours with no kid distractions! =)

The boys are learning new things every day. We never are ceased to be amazed at what they show us. Jaxter continues to mimic Desmond and therefore learns things beyond his years. He has all sorts of sounds and "words" now. We are also enthralled to watch them play "together" such a sweet sight to watch. They are the best of friends, and the worst of enemies. =) Today we went for a walk and to entice Jax to come to the right door I told him bye-bye and walked toward the door, Desmond immediately got upset and said "Jax! Jax! Mama, Jax!" In other words, he was telling me not to leave Jax. I asked Des: should we take Jax? And in a pitiful voice Desmond replied: "Uh-huh." I really didn't mean to start a drama but it was fun to watch Desmond stand up for his brother.

Well, that's enough rambling. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here are some videos and pictures to make thousands of words which should be more than adequate for a blog post. =) Happy March, known to us as faux spring, which we are thoroughly enjoying with many outside ventures.

Jaxter enjoying his forward view.

Big Boy with big boy drink out to lunch with Nanannette.

Another Big Boy enjoying a smoothie.

Playdate

Being entertained by Marilyn at her SuperBowl party.

Jaxter's first corn on the cob (Desmond had had it before).

One of our recent activities: sock puppets.

Des at his class getting engulfed by bubbles.

Post bath affection.

Jax doing the slide all by himself and Des following suit.

Desmond having a little difficulty with the title of the book - he now can say it, but this is funny.