Saturdays: Just As Busy {#31days}

If we aren't traveling to visit family, then you can usually find us getting our grocery shopping done, playing at a park, or hanging around the house. But most of the time it is getting the groceries.

Sometimes, it is just me and one of the boys. Or it is all of us. It just depends on what the day may hold for us. And today was a great one!

We headed out this morning after breakfast and tidying up for our day's adventure.

First stop: Best Buy. Not for anything in particular. We had to kill some time before heading across the parking lot to Moe's for lunch. The boys LOVED this pit-stop!

They were loving that Wii U. It was pretty cool.

After lunch, we ran a few mini errands before hitting up Costco. With 3 growing boys and a daddy in the house, becoming a warehouse member is just what you do. Though for a mama who likes to menu plan, it's a different process and I'm not the biggest fan at the moment. I did find a few menu plans that I am working through right now. So we shall see...

We finally headed back home to get the little one down for a nap and the bigger ones some needed playtime, while I got some of the menu items out of the way. I got 3 out of the 15 dinners made. Yay!

I tried to take a nap afterwards and, yeah, apparently Austin's "mama wants to rest" alarm went off. I swear...as soon as I hit the pillow, he was all, "Waaa!!!! Mama!! Ma! Ma! Mama!"

Ugh. Not fair. Oh, well. Guess I'll attempt going to bed early tonight. Hahaha! Let's be real, people. That is so not going to happen. The night is when I get all the other stuff done that didn't happen after my quiet time. Besides, sleep is for the weak. I kid, I kid.

When everyone was wanting a snack, we opted for dinner instead. A very early dinner. Apparently, I now offer an Early Bird Special when the kitchen is open. (Yes, I have operating hours. The boys know, too. When the kitchen light goes off, don't be asking for anything!).

Really though, we did do an early dinner as we needed to go to Mass tonight instead of the morning. And, of course, we go to the one closer to our house this time. And, of course, they have NO nursery. I'm sorry. I'm just one of those moms that needs the baby (around the 4-6 month mark for me)in the nursery so I can get all that I can from the Mass. The moms that take all their kiddos to Mass...more power to you. I am not that mama.

Andrew and Alex? Now they go to Mass unless they have Sunday school. But, as I said, this was Saturday evening and around that "witching hour" (hmmm...if you are going to Mass, can you still call it that? Haha! Kidding.). So, Andrew, who is typically very well-behaved at Mass, was very giggly and just, oh my. So, he sat next to Jason. Alex, who we are still working on proper church behavior, was just not in the mood for any of it. We had the giggles, the bounces, the folded arms, the pout face..

AND! As we are coming back to our seats after Holy Communion.... Alex crashes into the window next to the door. Poor guy. He didn't think it was a window... But, yes. crashes. Like, with a bang. A big, booming bang. So loud that the usher came to see if he was ok... My poor Alex was having his version of the terrible, horrible, no good very bad Mass. And, of course, since that happened he was mad the remainder of time there... Awesome.

After we were out, Jason and I decided that the boys needed to run off all this energy that they had. So we headed to the park. Yep, at this point it was after sunset, too (Did you know that some playgrounds stay open until 10 pm...? Wow. That's what ours said on the sign. Interesting.), so of course, the boys thought this was super cool. We probably stayed about 30-40 minutes before leaving to get them ice cream. I know, right? What are we doing?! Playgrounds in the dark and ice cream before bed. We rock, you know.

It was a pretty awesome day, even though we had a few bumps (some quite literal) in the road. Here's to another great day!!

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Road Trip - Minneapolis {Wedding / Heading Home}

Note: If you followed our travels on Instagram, these pictures are pretty much the same. But, enjoy them just the same!

Wait! Did you see the pictures from yesterday's adventures? Click here!

Wedding Day!!! How exciting!! YAY!! Let me just tell you this day was amazing, exciting, crazy, super fun! Jason, who was one of the Best Men, and two of my boys, who were ring bearers ALL had to be ready and at the church bright and early Saturday morning. Of course, this meant that I had to be completely dressed, hair, makeup, etc before them to have them ready and also feed/dress a baby. I don't believe I ever got that ready that fast in a long time.

Oh, but wait. As prepared as I typically am, I was not at 100% without my coffee beforehand... When we got to the church, Jason and the boys headed in with their "finish getting ready" bags. But, where are the boys' shirts and ties??? Oh. My. Gosh. Back at the hotel. That I already checked out of...

So, what's a mama to do? Floor it through downtown Minneapolis using GPS, no thanks to Siri by the way. Yeah, apparently, I am too Southern for her and she has no idea what I was asking for. Grrr. I also called the hotel, while running a red light or two (Hey! In my defense, those lights aren't even in the right place. They are off to the side - not over the road. What is that about? Ugh. Northerners.) hoping that they had the shirts. And, begging that they bring them out as I still had Austin in the car.

Thankfully, as I pulled up, the awesome valet came out with my two tiny shirts and ties!!! Back to the church we go! So glad I got back in time for the photographer.Time for the wedding!!

 Ahhhh!!! My handsome men ready for the wedding!

 

Cuties playing around just before to get the giggles out :)

Side note: As soon as I get a hold of some more wedding photos to share, I will update this post. :)

 My amazing husband giving his Best Man speech - I hope our boys continue to be best friends as Jason and Justin are. Just so sweet. 

Crazy Side Story:

After the reception was coming to a close, it was time for us to do a wardrobe change and head back to the South to thaw out. I kid... But, really. It was time for us to head back home. We ran into some crazy construction traffic - again. While Jason drove the first half to St. Louis, we talked and laughed about our wedding and such. But as we, kept talking and driving...we ran into snow. Yep. Snow.

 First it was nothing. Just some flakes that make the windmills appear even spookier. 

 And, then, it turned into more snow. We are driving SOUTH, aren't we?

 Then, it was a LOT of snow. 

 By this point...I was checking the radar to figure out where it ended and what storm warnings/watches were where. Yeah. After we passed Cedar Rapids, Iowa it was decided. We were going to drive ALL THE WAY HOME. All the way home with 3 little guys and two tired parents. 

As it was getting darker, the Leapsters were handed over (we let them keep them for as long as need to get the safe driving without the whining taken care of) and we announced that it was bedtime. Andrew was pretty tired so he was kind of ok with it. By they were both highly confused as to where the hotel was... Well, after stopping for gas, high caffeine coffee, potty breaks, and getting the boys comfy, it was my turn to drive. And, the chaos began.

Austin decided to get mad about being his seat or scared about the dark or something. We aren't really sure. Jason climbed into the back and gave him another bottle while telling him a version of Goodnight Moon (the book I read to him every night before bed). It was the sweetest and funniest thing ever to hear. 

"Goodnight moon. Goodnight room. Goodnight light and the red balloon.

Goodnight van. Goodnight mommy. Goodnight Andrew. Goodnight Alex.

Goodnight Tusker. Goodnight Roary. Goodnight Baby Fox.

Goodnight cooler. Goodnight snacks. Goodnight Austin."

It went on for a while. I was cracking up and getting teary eyed at the same time. It was adorable. I have the best husband...he is such an amazing dad...

Anyway, that was only one out of the three. Luckily, Andrew fell asleep. Two down. One to go. And that one was rough. He was beginning to pitch a bloody fit from you know where... Thankfully, Siri came to the rescue (apparently she can understand Jason better) and found us a 24 hour CVS in St. Louis. Jason ran in a grabbed some Zarbee's Kids Sleep... Night, Night Alex. In a half hour he was out.

3 AM rolled around and this mama was getting tired... We stop for more gas (which by the way... BP Gas SUCKS! Worst gas ever. Killed our mileage. But, it was the ONLY one most of the way... And the wind. The wind was terrible.), coffee for Jason and made the switcheroo. I fell asleep on and off, but he got us McDonald's at 6 am for breakfast in Tennessee, just north of Nashville.

We let the boys play in the play place (something we don't typically do at McDonald's because they are gross) to let out some energy. Once everyone was fed, happy, and ready to get home, we left with me driving again. 

And, finally...we made it home.

It took us 19.5 hours from Minneapolis to Home Sweet Home. 

We made it home just before 10 am. Everyone was happy to be out of the van, as great as it was. Andrew and Alex instantly got out the train tracks while Austin played happily, stretching out his little legs, in his bouncy seat.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures and stories of our adventures!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

I feel like I just wrote about June coming to an end...and now we are a bit over half way through with July! We had a few outings this week (and last). We have also made a few changes around the house as the summer moved along.

They boys have been enjoying their bunks so much! But, as we have had them sharing a room once before, we knew what we were we getting ourselves into. We were hoping that they were big enough to know a bit better, but...well, being almost 4 and a bit over 2 is tough work. Luckily, I remembered this clock I saw a good while ago at Barnes & Noble. And, a few friends have been using similar types of clocks for their little ones. Have you heard of the OK to Wake Clock?? It is GREAT!

Source - Amazon

While I was looking for the clock, Andrew and Alex played with the legos. Afterwards, we headed over to the Starbucks and got a goodie. Funny story... I told that that B&N is really a grown-up store and the people like to read their new books and have coffee QUIETLY. I told them we could sit in the cafe, too, but they had to be really quiet. It was amazing... They whispered how good their M&M blondie was and how other mommies that were there had hair like me or a stroller like Alex's. It was so funny. We may need to go there again when this mama needs the peace restored.

Anyway, back to the clock...

That thing is awesome. It glows green when it is time to get up. It glows a soft yellow to be a night light. It even has a nap time setting for Alex! They were getting up way to early...like, 5am too early. Um, no... I do NOT think so, little people. So, now they have this clock that "tells" them at 7am they are allowed to come out/wake up/etc. They still are up early, but they now know to stay in bed and NOT wake up mommy or daddy. That was getting old...

And speaking of getting up early, call me crazy, but I'm getting back into it. I know, I know. Pregnant and all getting up early. But, you know...I need that morning quiet time to myself before I have to get on with the dad. I am back to enjoying that glorious cup of coffee without microwaving it 40 times. I actually HEAR the news instead of catching bits and pieces here and there. I love it.

Can you tell I love it?! The morning sunshine ALL to myself in the backyard. I hear the birds singing and the "babbling brook" in our neighbor's backyard. I love that they have that water feature... 

And while we are talking about birds...that sweet cardinal couple had some babies!! Here is one of their little boys who still has his fuzzy head, but that wonderful red coloring. He comes around all the time and his parents are usually sitting on the fence just watching him close by. Sweetest thing ever. 

I have a few more bird stories...

Gotta love a good macaw picture! Yep, we headed to the zoo - again! 

While we were there, look what we found!! A mama Guinea hen with her eggs. A LOT of eggs!! When we were back earlier this week, she and the eggs were gone and placed safely somewhere else. We are hoping to see some sweet little chicks in the future! 

Last weekend...

I read a post somewhere from a mom who took here little guys to Lowe's for the Build and Grow Clinics. Her kids were about Andrew and Alex's ages. The website says "recommended for 5 years or older." She was talking about how hers love building and such just like mine do. I read on to see that her kids loved it and said that really any age can do it. So, I signed up Andrew for last weekend's project - the Pizza Planet Truck from Toy Story! Perfect! I begged Jason to take some pictures for me and just look at my little builder man!

He loved it!! Jason said that there were other kids there that were even younger and thinks that Alex will definitely be able to do it, too! So, Alex is signed up for the next project - RC from Toy Story! YAY! 

SUCH a cutie in his Lowe's apron - complete with his Toy Story badge for completing his project!

Look how cool that is!! Thanks, Lowe's!

Are you wondering where Alex was during all of this?

He and I ran a few errands and squeezed in a goodie...

At Dunkin Donuts!! He, of course, chose to sit at the donut table that matched his donut! Love it :)

A lot of fun went on last weekend. We made s'mores!!! YUM! 

This summer we have been working on their workbooks in between the fun and games. Alex is working on his cutting skills and tracing/easy mazes. Andrew is doing the same, just the next level up. Kumon workbooks are the best!!

We have been going on our morning/evening walks, too.At the beginning of the summer they only wanted to do our street plus a few more steps down another. Now, we do the our street, the next one, and a few more steps. 

Puzzles are great, too! This is a gift from one of our friends who got to visit us while on a trip up here! Thanks, Jessi!!

We have had so much fun these past two weeks, can you tell? After parking in the garage and getting things out, they were STILL sleeping. And this isn't just one day...this has been happening for much more than that. Cracks. Me. Up. Especially, when I get closer to having two "Mr. I'm Not Tireds" in the House. 

I hope your summer is going great, too!

Half of June...is done??

Wowza.

This month is just flying by, isn't it? So, far we've been to the zoo a few times, rode a train with our besties, had a few parties, enjoyed the hot sunshine, and been busy working at Vacation Bible School.

I know, right? Aren't you ready for a nap just reading that?!

The great thing about being this busy is that the day we find out is Baby #3 is a boy or a girl is coming up very soon. We find out next week!!!! Any guesses???

While you think about it, here is a look back at the first part of the month :)

Wii would like to stay up all night!! Andrew has really figured out how to work to wii now. And, he has passed his old "controller" down to Alex. It was really a candy dispenser made to look like the real wii controller. Do you need to appease a younger player without risking any damage to anyone or anything? My friend, Rachel, found ours at Toys R Us, but here's one on Amazon if you don't want to go on a wild wii chase.

 Railroading :) 

 Jason's parents came into town for his birthday earlier this month to head out to the Regions Tradition at Shoal Creek! We got to go out on a date night to celebrate both of our birthdays for this month, too! OH! And, this baby seems to like Star Trek - he or she started kicking (finally!) during the movie!! Too funny :)

 Play ball!

 Birthday party time!

 Just keep swimming...just keep swimming LOL

 Jason's birthday dinner! Andrew, Alex and I made Daddy a birthday cake decked out with super hero "booms" and lightning bolts. These guys crack me up! they picked out everything for Jason's birthday - even a gift card to Buffalo Wild Wings. They are pretty amazing little dudes. 

 SO NOT a fun morning... Alex is out little motion-sickniess prone guy...which by the way is all random. I get no warning of any kind. Nothing. Awesome. I had to get my laptop out to figure out how to take all the belts/buckles out. UGH!! He is fine, of course, but, yeah... Thank you to some friends that gave some great tips on taming this little tummy of his. If anyone has any tips/suggestions, please leave a comment. Thanks!

 This is how we watch "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" - which is the best way to do so!

 Working hard on our writing skills! I'm so proud of him!! 

 Impromptu math lesson at Chuy's! Andrew was telling us the math stuff he knew then asked how to get the answers for other numbers. I will take what I can! :) 

 Finding bugs on our morning walk after a rainy night.

 This is how an engineer puts away confiscated legos...strategically placed in a box

 Riding the Rails Day at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum! Our friends, Kristi and Braxton picked us up and away we went for a fabulous day at the tracks! (From left - Andrew, Braxton, and Alex)

 You silly boys...I asked them to smile. Got one pick, but they blinked... I asked them to smile again because they blinked. So what did they do? A very exaggerated blink. Nice, guys. LOL

The boys have a new show that they LOVE...and you will never guess... 

River Monsters on Animal Planet! That show is a little intense...but they LOVE IT! Andrew now wants to go fishing (like Jeremy Wade, of course) and catch a catfish. Love these boys!

Well, I have one more day of VBS this week and then it is minivan shopping!!!!

Make sure you check back next weekend -- we find out if we will be having a boy or girl!! Make your guess!! What do you think this baby is?? 

Simple Things

the loves of my life

Simples Things

little. tiny. feet. 

Out to Dinner with Toddlers

NOTE:  GIVEAWAY GOING ON NOW THROUGH JUNE 30TH! CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!

 

Going out to dinner with toddlers always exciting (and sometimes scary). You never which one will decide that that night was not the night to go out on the town - i.e. tantrum fest. Or you never know if that will be the day you are showered with compliments and the best parents in the world with the most well-behaved children in the whole world.

Then there are the days that you never know when not just one but BOTH tots have a case of...

THE SILLIES!!!

Yep. The sillies.

Beware of this infection - it causes a ridiculous amount of laughter and somehow over-rides figures of authority causing them to laugh quite a bit, as well. Andrew decided he needed a bib and called himself a cowboy. Alex thought that eating an apple would be much cooler hands-free.

Even with the sillies, aren't they cute?

They were pretty good that night, too.They each ate all their dinner and - yes - few great compliments. :)

We love being parents!

Do you have a story to about "the sillies" that you would like to share? Let me know and I may feature your story :)