Lucas is 2 1/2

Oh sweet Lucas, already 2 1/2 as of June 26 (Yes, I am behind again.) Here is what Lucas is up to these days:

• Lucas has an excellent vocabulary and puts sentences together. We are impressed by how much he knows and verbalizes.
• Lucas loves books, trucks, pushing his toy lawn mower or firetruck, exploring, and is often in his own little world. ;o)
• He still very much attached to his dear doggie and blankets.
• He generally loves playing with Christian, but has become a little rough with Noah especially as Noah is becoming much more mobile. Lucas really loves Noah, and often wants to get him in the morning by opening his bedroom door. ("Wanna get No-mah."
• Lucas LOVES to go to "Pawnga and Pawnga's" (Grandpa and Grandma's) house and "Ne-na and Papa's" - so blessed to live close to both of our families and all of the cousins!
• Lucas likes to "go" and often doesn't want to go back home after our outings. ("Wanna go home" - actually means [Don't] want to go home. - Gotta love the world of contradictions for a 2 year old.)
• Lucas is definitely displaying some "strong opinions" and becomes easily frustrated these days. For someone that has an easy disposition, I am ready for this phase to pass....
• Potty-training has been a bit of "challenge" this time around, but we are truly hoping that something with click sooner rather than later.
• Oh yes, and candy- Lucas has always been a pretty good eater, but he has definitely developed a sugar tooth. (I have no idea who he got that from!)

Love, love this sweet boy on easy days and hard days alike. He has the sweetest smile and brightest eyes, an adventurous spirit, and spunky personality. We love you Lucas Jude!

Compare: Christian at 2 1/2

Brothers

Please stay small. That is all. ;)

Noah is 9 Months

Noah has grown and changed so much this past month! It seems like so much development in such a short time. He cut his 4th tooth (upper right) shortly after turning 8 months, and then just a couple days ago Noah cut his 5th tooth! He is still eating purees and some solid foods, but is noticing our "big people" food more and fusses because he wants to try them. He started crawling (no longer army crawling) after turning 8 months, and now is super speedy getting around. Noah kneels to get into toys (which directly go into his mouth,) and even pulls himself to standing with support. Noah has also figured out how to crawl up the stairs- yikes!! He may actually be our first boy to learn how to walk before 16 months. Gotta keep up with big brothers! Noah is also doing some more "talking," although I think he mostly likes to hear himself. He is such a love bug- definitely loves Mama right now...and I am okay with that, even the face grabbing and big slobbery kisses. ;o) Treasuring these sweet moments and memories, because in three short months Noah will be ONE!

Kisses from Aunt Kim!

Compare: Christian at 9 Months
Lucas at 9 Months

Attempts

Attempts to get some good photos of the boys...but mostly just silliness. :o)

4th of July 2014

We had such a wonderful 4th of July weekend. The morning of we participated in my parent's neighborhood 4th of July Bike Parade. Children decorate their bikes and ride through the neighborhood. Nana jazzed up Christian's bike while the rest of us walked. After that we attended the Highlands Ranch festival with Uncle Ryan, Aunt Kim, and cousins Linden, Shepherd, and Hudson. It was hot! and we waited quite a long time for Linden and Christian to get their faces painted. C loved his super cool shark! We then attended a BBQ at my Aunt and Uncle's home in Monument. THEN- we did some small fireworks in the street which was really the first firework experience for both Christian and Lucas. They loved them! Lucas kept saying, "Mo (more) Fire!" We had put the boys "to bed" only to get them out half an hour later because we had an awesome view of the Highlands Ranch fireworks in my parent's backyard. On Saturday we saw my brother and his family again- for dinner, fun at the pool, and Papa purchased more fireworks because the kids just loved them so much. So thankful and very blessed to spend time with our family in Colorado, and more importantly for our freedom and those who have sacrificed for it!

Sweetie Pie

For the past 6 + months (maybe more?) I have been called "Sweetie Pie" by Christian. I would say that he refers to me as Sweet Pie 75% of the time, versus Mommy. In fact, I am only called Mommy when he REALLY needs my attention. It's funny how it is so commonplace for both of us, he says it without pre-mediation and I respond without noticing. I don't know how much longer I will be "Sweetie Pie," but I do know that someday I will surely miss it!

Summer Vail Getaway

Mid-June (ahh, I am behind again!) we took a mini vacay to the mountains with the three boys and Grandpa and Grandma. It was a bit cooler and a bit of a ghost town, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful still-snow capped mountains, water features, and a mini hike. The boys loved exploring, watching the (very high) water in Gore Creek, climbing on rocks, and one day we even visited 3 different playgrounds. So nice to have these beautiful majestic mountains nearly in our backyard! We love Colorado!

The boys didn't care how cold this water was...or that we didn't have change of clothes...or even towels. Oh, to be a kid. ;)

Lucas thought riding on the bus from Lionshead to the hotel was the coolest thing!

View from our hotel room.

Noah's first time on a swing- he really did love it!