Sunday, May 31, 2015

Summer is here!

Well almost here. But summer activities have started! The splash pad is open and Nolan could not be more delighted. We've gone once and will go there again this week. Liam was hesitant at first, but started to enjoy it near the end of our first trip there. The water is cold, so I can't blame him. 

Both boys got haircuts. William didn't need it on top, but he sure needed it in the back. His haircut makes him look so much older. I've used pomade to slick it down and style it, and he looks so adorable! The pomade doesn't hold his hair down for long, though. His hair just wants to stick straight up! 

Jason and Nolan went to the lake this weekend and got our boat in the water. Nolan got to go on a boat ride and a pontoon ride. He loved it. Hopefully Liam will like it too! Too bad he can't fit into a more comfortable life jacket. He's just a skinny guy! I can't wait to get on the lake though. We'll have to get down there soon! 

Both boys are doing well. They are battling a cold right now, which is no fun. But it isn't holding them back too much. Liam is saying more and more, which is fun to hear. Nolan has some cute sayings lately, such as "Sure I can!" It's so cute how he says it. At night when I put him to bed he will mimic what I say to make me giggle. I'll purposely say things like "Nolan is a silly boy" and he will switch it to say "mommy is a silly girl." He also will mimic all the kisses I give him, which I love because he isn't the biggest snuggler/isn't super affectionate. He has moments when he is though, and I eat it up. On the other hand, Liam is so very snuggly and affectionate. He will randomly back up into you to sit in your lap and will shower your face, arm, shoulder, etc. with kisses. It's the sweetest thing ever. 

It's fun (and bittersweet) to see Nolan changing into a kid from a toddler. He is really thinking things through, rationalizing things, and coming up with solutions. The other day he wanted my dad to play in his fort, and my dad said he couldn't because he was in work clothes and couldn't get them wrinkled. Without missing a beat Nolan very seriously suggested, "You can get naked and play in the fort." Duh, Papa. Hadn't you thought of that!? Haha.  

Both boys get so excited when Jason comes home from work. It's really cute. They have a ritual of going upstairs while Jason changes out of work clothes and playing up there. But Nolan gets absolutely devastated if he doesn't get to see Jason before work in the morning. Some days we have to call or FaceTime with him, otherwise Nolan is distraught. 

Here are some recent pictures! I need to upload my videos soon. I have a bunch of them. 

Cookie Monster 

I love how Nolan writes his name :)


Another season at the splash pad has begun! 

This ball has been a bigger hit than I thought it would be. We need to get another so the boys stop arguing over it! 


So handsome with his hair slicked down. 

He looks so much older like this!


MagnaTile creation 

Swimming lessons


Fresh haircuts! 

Mamie reading a story 


Chilling in the chairs 

Another masterpiece 

They both love these 

Climbing the giant spiderweb at Veteran's Park 

Nolan has mastered the fire pole 

Fun walk with Nolan riding his balance bike 



Saturday, May 16, 2015

Mother's Day

Mother's Day weekend was so much fun! It was a long weekend for us because Jason was off work Thursday and Friday. He started a new job at MTS Systems this week, so he took a few days off in between jobs. We all loved having him home with us. The boys sure missed him when he went back to work this week! 

On thursday we went to the Mall of America. First we went to Sealife Aquarium. The new stingray exhibit was open and both Nolan and I touched them as they swam by us. It was really cool! Both boys enjoyed seeing all the animals again. William loved watching the turtles swim around this time. After a quick lunch in the food court we went to Nickelodeon Universe. Nolan was in heaven! He is definitely a thrill seeker. He's already dying to go on the roller coasters. William went on a few rides and also loved them. Nolan was brave and went on a few rides by himself. He's already asking to go back. 

On Friday we ran a few errands and went out for lunch at Big Bowl. It was a long wait, but both boys did pretty well. After swimming lessons on Saturday we went down to the lake for an early Mother's Day with Jason's family. It was a fun day of hanging out, playing with Brunson and bLake, and eating good food. We walked out on the dock, which both boys loved. Nolan kept dipping his toes in the water. He can't wait to go swimming! 

It was rainy on Mother's Day, but the weather cooperated for us and we were able to enjoy our tradition of going to the MN Zoo. We focused on the outdoor animals and walked all the way to the farm. Nolan love feeding the goats, but William was a little hesitant. One baby goat actually sucked on Nolan's fingers. Nolan just grinned. It was so cute! I think the penguins were both boys' favorite of the day though. We watched them a few different times and were able to see the zookeepers feed them. After the zoo we went to my parents' for dinner. It was a fun evening relaxing, playing with cousins, and eating more yummy food.



Wearing the shirts Papa got them in Vegas...and also calling people on the corn husks.

Playing in Mamie and Papa's driveway

Fun at the zoo on Mother's Day

Hello mr. Moose 

MoA rides

Sealife Aquarium 

Carousel 

Both boys loved it 

Hard to get them all to look and smile! 

Docks are in!

It's more fun to push the car than to ride in it 

Nolan asked me to take this picture :) 

First water table of the season!