I seem to be going on a theme here

Luke's age and Noah's propensity towards throwing things have had me thinking a lot about the issues of safety vs. exploration. I just happened on this blog, which I quite enjoyed looking through.

I also watched Luke, from a distance, as he walked across a fallen tree about six feet above the ground today. That chance to test yourself and come out victorious is precious. Maybe Noah is ready to drive...

On Saturday Morning

Isaac fell asleep in my bed after having his morning milk.

So I had to take a picture of his perfect, chubby hand.

Then he started to stir.

He was a little surprised to find his mother in his face with a camera (he just needs a few more months and he'll no longer find it surprising that his mother is always taking pictures).

Then Luke, who was also in my bed, got Isaac to laugh for the first time. He then informed me that, "Isaac just likes me more." (He was also the one who got Noah to laugh for the first time.)

Throwing things, answered

Suspicious

The Blessing

Isaac

Isaac and his younger (by a month and a half) cousin Thomas were blessed together in matching outfits on Sunday at the mission home. It was a sweet, sweet experience to gather together and welcome these two into an already large extended family. The whole trip was a celebration of the family and friends who will support, guide and love these two through their mortal journey. Welcome, little men.

Isaac and Thomas together

Isaac

Thomas

Thomas

Telling secrets

Around the house

"Whale" Watching

No whales or dolphins were actually seen on the whale watching tour, the water was choppy and Doug threw up. But, Luke sure looks cute.

Mission Beach

Coming down

We are in post vacation mode around here after an incredible trip to San Diego. We visited with good friends, blessed two beautiful babies, went to Sea World and the Wild Animal park, explored tide pools, and enjoyed Aaron's excellent cooking. When I picked Luke up from school today his teacher said that he told the class that his favorite part was playing dragons with his cousin. I'd have to agree with him, sharing the ordinary moments with family was the best part. We are so blessed to have shared time with family and friends over this Valentine's weekend.

Thanks to the Fredins for travelling to be with us and thanks to the Donaldsons for hosting. I'll be sorting through pictures for weeks, remembering all the wonderful pieces of a spectactular week.

I did this to my husband today

I was giving my husband a quick hair cut this morning before church when the clippers slipped. I guess this is the inherent risk of home hair cutting by someone without training.

Cracking me up

Finally, a man who can multitask! Luke has always liked to talk on the phone but lately he has enjoyed talking while he does other things (like painting). He always wants to call his cousin Ivy. He displays all sorts of preadolescent phone behaviors. We all remember this trick right?
Luke: I have to go now, bye.
Ivy: Okay, I'll talk to you later.
(Insert pause here)
Luke: Are you still there? I thought you were going to hang up.
Ivy: I thought you were going to hang up.
Luke: I'll hang up if you hang up.
Ivy: Okay
(Another pause)
Luke: Are you still there?
Ivy: Yes, are you still there?
(This continues until Mom interferes and hangs the phone up)

He also goes into detailed descriptions about what he is doing, "Now I'm sitting at the table, just breathing." Or, "I am painting a picture of you, Ivy."


Here she is, cousin Ivy:

(On a side note: I am really not enjoying all the plain white walls in my house. Something must be done, and soon.)

Isaac, because I just can't help myself

A Maryland Snow Day

Luke had preschool called off twice last week (they cancel whenever the county schools do). The above photo shows exactly how much snow we got. I subbed in Madison schools for five years and I think that they canceled two times and that was twice as much as they had in the previous five years. This was quite a welcome (albeit, funny change) for us. There are a number of reasons why it makes sense to cancel in the case of small amounts of snow here; lack of infrastructure to deal with it, freezing rain, the fact that the county is large and there are more rural areas with even less ability to deal with weather. That said, it still makes me chuckle as I compare this winter to last.

I let the boys play on the deck. They were even allowed to throw snow off into the woods and at each other.

The following series makes me laugh:





One of my life goals is to someday understand what is so thrilling about throwing things off the deck or down the stairs (if any of you former little boys want to clue me in it would be much appreciated).