Rainy Day Fun

What the boys are up to while I'm at work.

Guest Blogger

Self-portrait of the artist.

The artist's socks.

Ezekiel would like to showcase his latest photographic achievement. I would characterize his style as photo-journalistic, but you can be the judge.

I'm only going to post a few highlights, as the batch included many incredible images of things like, the carpet. Bookcase at an angle. Laundry basket detail. New box of diapers. Extreme closeup of the door. You get the picture...

Like Father...Like Son

Potty training is going really well. But there ups and downs. Today Zeke was taking care of business and called me for help. Since he was giggling, I had to run and grab the camera. I mean, he didn't fall into the toilet like his daddy once did, but he couldn't get up either.

Side note: Robb is working on a little step stool for him. It is going to be amazing.

Peaches!

Tonight we tried a little experiment with some fruit for Lincoln. He was really excited at first. Lately, when we eat, he tracks us like a little seagull and lunges for our plates. It was no different with the peaces. As soon as the spoon got to within his reach, he flung out his little hands and tried to grab it.

But, he was not very pleased about the actual content of the spoon. He got about half the jar down, but only amidst horrid expressions of disgust. We let Ezekiel finish off the peaches, he was much more appreciative.

Shop Time

The guys got to spend a little time in the shop this evening. Robb has been working on a little project for Ezekiel. It is going to be so cool when it is finished. Meanwhile, the little man finds all sorts of things to get into and "organize". Or un-organize.

It is still cold enough that Zeke runs back to the house and rings the doorbell to demand a hot rice pack if he has been out for longer than 15 minutes.

Lazy Afternoon

It was the perfect afternoon for cuddling under blankets and taking a break. Even Sheila agreed. Zeke was excited to get in some quality story time with Rachel.

One Sock Off

He usually doesn't fall asleep anywhere but in his crib. So I guess he was quite drowsy this morning. Somehow this reminds me of a nursery rhym about a dumpling.

Wrestle Mania

Zeke has been coughing and snotty in the mornings, so we thought it best to keep him from church today. Boo. But he has been as energetic as ever and ended up going after his little brother.

His interest in the little guy has been very gradually growing. He was actually trying to hug/pick up his little brother, but Lincoln was so pleased (and grabby) that they looked like they were tussling.

Long Overdue

It's been cold and wet outside lately. And Sheila has been spending some time out in it. Robb has been wanting to give her a good warm bath, but she is big enough that it was almost impossible to get her into one of our showers.

And then we finally got around to taking off the very dated etched glass doors. (Wait, did you have an ulterior motive there?) Robb still had to pick her up and put her in the bathtub. She is now glossy and smooth and much better smelling.

Lil' Sticker Head

Looks like Zeke has taken to decorating his little brother.

At Home with the Boys

I love these little moments that Gabby captures. She often sends them to my phone while I'm at work. How it both brightens my hours away, but makes them longer...

We're a Hammock Home

So, we have officially regressed. At one point we had longboards (of both the surf and pavement variety) hanging on multiple surfaces of our home. But when we made the move we tried for a less collegiate look.

And then the hammock went up. It is a slippery slope. But Zeke loves it so much, and the baby falls asleep like a charm, so it will probably be there for awhile. Oh, who wants to grow up anyway?

Return to the Dirt Pile

We spent an awesome afternoon out at Jo and Chelane's today. We got to know the Smith family a little more and there was plenty of time for the kiddos to explore the dirt pile. I'm so glad Anthony was able to capture this image of Pepper and the troll under the bridge.

Another Portrait Attempt

When they boys are all dressed up for church, there is just this uncontrollable urge to photograph the family. These little self portraits don't typically turn out well, but they are fun.

Today, Zeke was all about making a silly wide mouth face. This was just about the best smile we could get out of him.

P.S. Doesn't Robb look amazing in purple?

Valentine's Day

Such concentration.

Fun with gift boxes.

Smiling for Gabrielle.

It amazes me how holidays are so much better with kiddos. I'm usually pretty ambivalent about Valentine's Day, but this year was so much fun. I got some card supplies and stickers for Zeke and we set to work making valentines. I drew some dotted lines and he traced the names over them. He picked out colors and stickers and really took it seriously. What a funny little dude.

Then the day got even better! Valentines from Gabrielle, and more in the mail. Good times. I'm already planning what we'll be doing for Easter.

A Slice of Life

"we're wonderful one times one"

Robb hung some mirrored closet doors last weekend, and Lincoln couldn't be more pleased. They go all the way to the floor, so he can lay there and make faces at himself. He was being so cute, that I had to run and grab the camera.

And of course, on my way down the hall I checked in with Zeke, who was doing his business. A little reading material was the order of the day.

Bedtime Routine

Most evenings find me in the loft working, while Robb wrangles the little ones. Tonight Ezekiel got a cool hairdo that he wanted to show off. I'm not sure that he wanted to pose with little brother, but there you have it.

With dad's supervision, Zeke also gets to use the dry-erase book to practice his letters. I don't know what his obsession with writing is about. Probably because daddy started teaching him letters with his bath crayons...

A Quiet Moment

There are precious few of these.

This Craziness

This doesn't look nearly as dramatic as it is. Nel was standing in the corner of our kitchen when suddenly her back went crazy. It was one of those things where you can't move, or get into any sort of a position that is comfortable. We tried to ply her with drugs and snacks, but it became apparent that she needed to go to the hospital.

David had to get Oliver home and in bed, so of course Robb and Corren were far too eager to take her to the hospital. They made a little bed in the back of Corren's car and it took three people to help her in. Oh goodness. Get better quickly, Aunti Nel!

The Birthday Girl

How Lincoln looks after a good snooze.

Captain Underwear crashes the grandkid picture.

So, yeah. If you couldn't guess, the birthday girl is Aunt Pat. Her grandchildren were all eager to help  open her cards and gifts. What a cute little bunch. Happy Birthday, Aunt Pat!