During The Snow Storm

While E played in the snow, the boys were playing their own game...of dismantling the exercauser. I don't know why we still have the exercauser out and about. They don't really play in it anymore, but they do play with it and on it. Today they...well, O decided to yank the seat clean out of the center.

I mean, he just pulled it right off!

W looks like he's helping, but he didn't do much. He was helping O remove the seat though.

Here is where it got even more interesting. Normal really. W held the discarded seat as O climbed up on the exercauser. He looked as if to say watch this. I know from experience that when boys say watch this (or grown men for that matter) it's usually not good.

There ya have it, folks. Within a split second, he's down through the middle.

Realizing the not-so-great-decision and the pain searing through his arm...well, let me rephrase that. He does realize the pain, but knowing my son, he probably didn't realized the not-so-good-decision. That's just me hoping he did.

W quickly putting the seat back in place, hoping he won't get hurt like his brother.

Running to mom for comfort.

I kid you not...10 seconds after being comforted, they were back at it again.
Boys...

The Next Big Storm Of January

Another storm rolled through Carolina and left us with another 8-9 inches. It was a beautiful winter wonderland. This time we didn't even bother bundling up the boys. It was way too much effort to put a million layers on them, only to enjoy the snow for about 2 minutes. E loved it, yet again!

A lot of rolling around and pretending with friends.

Unearthing her tricycles.

It lightly snowed the entire time E played on the back porch. Then within a split second, a small blizzard surrounded E and panic set in. Fight or flight? It's a quick flight, my friends. But look, even when she squints, she can barely see her way to the back door. ;)

HELP!
She was fine...a little rattled, but fine. She undressed in disbelief of what just happened. "Whoa," she said. "I need hot chocolate."

Winter Song

Awhile back we had our first big snow storm of the winter season. Everyone loved it for the first 10 minutes, but then the boys changed their minds.

Three cheers for short, cozy snow storms!

Playing Basketball

E loves Daddy.
Daddy watches basketball, E watches basketball.
Daddy plays basketball, E plays basketball.
Daddy goes to play at the church, E goes with him.

Daddy began playing another season of men's basketball at church and E wants everything to do with it. E usually watches basketball on tv with Daddy and when she realized he was playing, she became a basketball player herself.

Stretching...lots of stretching before the big game.

Make sure everyone knows the rules.

We play for a bit and then after the loud beep, the game stops. We wipe our faces with towels and walk down the hallway for water (towards the washer and dryer).
Beep! We play again. Run!

Shoot the ball! Score!

The boys got the basketball goal for Christmas and we've kept it in the kitchen for all to enjoy. The boys love to throw the ball through the hoop, especially while standing on mommy's kitchen bench.

Here's O on the bench. He's not playing ball right now...he's fixing the net with a screwdriver.

Slowly

Things are slowly starting to calm down over here. It could be a mix between maturing, our extreme devotion to the classical music station, and the beginning of child labor. Hmmm...

W really does love the vacuum. He begs to vacuum every time I bring it out of the closet. If I open and close the closet door without getting the vacuum out, W will no doubt protest in some fashion. Tears are often involved. He follows me from room to room, turning it on and off, pulling on the cord, or taking the attachments. He can hardly stand to wait for his turn. He's finally content when I relinquish the vacuum. I have to admit...he's pretty good...and he can actually plug it in, push the vacuum, place the attachments on correctly, and vacuum most of the room.

O has been taking an interest in putting the dishes away. He takes the silverware from the dishwasher and plops them into the drawer. E is there to help organize. O has also done a better job at putting things away (books on the shelf, toys in the bins, or trash in the sink...yeah...we're still working on that).

I mean...look at this. This deserves documentation. I think this was the first time the boys actually sat down and nicely played together...quietly too. I had time to take a few pictures and video this momentous occasion. That is... before the mood changed. Yeah, it didn't last too long. O decided W's potato head was better and had to have it. W then swiped O's head. Pieces were thrown and the task was quickly abandoned. I'm glad I got it on video. Not only is it funny, but I've got proof of their shining moment of togetherness.

On a side note, Santa brought E a bike for Christmas and she learned to ride it in just a few tries. She even coasted backwards down our driveway!
She dressed herself this day, and yes, those are swim shoes. Cutie pie.

Oh...not only do I believe that classical music has calmed our household, but there are even more benefits! My kids dance to the music and E can recognize specific instruments as well as the mood of the song.
Pretty spiffy, eh?

Happy Birthday!

We celebrated Daddy's birthday and E was excited to help make the requested white cake with chocolate icing.

Here's the man. It's his special day and doesn't he look good?

O was excited to sing! We all know he's got some lungs, so it's a good thing he can sing in tune.

Dig in!

We love you Daddy.