We love them. Need I say more?
Justin, Renee, Paul, Ben, & Amanda
Guns or Babies?
I found the boys on the couch together, one hugging his baby and one loading his 'shooter' with ammo.
All Month?
First it hit Paul.
And then it hit Ben.
It felt as if it lasted all month.
Fortunately, I think it's behind us now.
After a nice reminder, we are once again grateful for good health.
Halloween
Catching up with a few over-due posts....
For weeks leading up to Halloween, Paul consistently told us that he wanted to dress up as a present for Halloween and that Ben wanted to be a pumpkin. We weren't sure where Paul's costume inspiration originated, but we loved how dedicated he was to it and how specific he was about it. We took him shopping for supplies and here is how his costume turned out.
A major part of Paul's design was to wear a yellow bow on his head-- yellow being his favorite color. He wore the bow for a few minutes and that was enough for him. It was a little on the feminine side, so we weren't too disappointed when the bow was left out. :)
We took the boys trick-or-treating at HP. Ben was very content holding his bucket in one hand, a piece of candy in the other. He didn't quite understand the concept of trick-or-treating and instead of gaining a bucket full of candy, at each candy stop, he would trade...
For weeks leading up to Halloween, Paul consistently told us that he wanted to dress up as a present for Halloween and that Ben wanted to be a pumpkin. We weren't sure where Paul's costume inspiration originated, but we loved how dedicated he was to it and how specific he was about it. We took him shopping for supplies and here is how his costume turned out.
We took the boys trick-or-treating at HP. Ben was very content holding his bucket in one hand, a piece of candy in the other. He didn't quite understand the concept of trick-or-treating and instead of gaining a bucket full of candy, at each candy stop, he would trade...
Paul enjoyed spending time with Grandpa in his office. Grandpa even let him draw on his marker-board.
Mom actually let the boys eat some candy (a rare treat) and Ben thoroughly enjoyed it.
Happy Halloween!
Sledding Fun (and a bloody nose)
Snow + Creative Dad + Trashcan Lid & Rope =
 |
| Even a bloody nose, caused by a whack (accidental) in the face, couldn't keep Paul from enjoying some sledding. |
Little Brother?
Paul may soon regret ever taking advantage of being the older, bigger brother. Though Paul is a nice, caring, thoughtful older brother, he is a little boy and has done some typical older brother type things to his younger brother. Ben has always been able to hold his own with Paul and generally always wins a good game of tug-o-war. Now that the size and age gap is closing a little, Ben is seeming less like a "little" brother. Though he is about a head shorter than Paul, he is built a lot more sturdy and thicker than Paul...and is very determined.
See for yourself.
Paul was by himself, reading his "comics" (toy ads that he brought home from my parents' house that he can't seem to get enough of) and minding his own business when suddenly....
This isn't to say that Paul is a wimp. He is a sweetheart and knows better than to hurt his little brother. Ben is now old enough to know better as well and we are trying to teach him to be nicer to Paul. The most difficult part of teaching Ben to be nice is trying to keep a straight face and not laugh when we see this type of interaction.
We love these boys.
See for yourself.
Paul was by himself, reading his "comics" (toy ads that he brought home from my parents' house that he can't seem to get enough of) and minding his own business when suddenly....
This isn't to say that Paul is a wimp. He is a sweetheart and knows better than to hurt his little brother. Ben is now old enough to know better as well and we are trying to teach him to be nicer to Paul. The most difficult part of teaching Ben to be nice is trying to keep a straight face and not laugh when we see this type of interaction.
We love these boys.
Paul's Grandkids
Paul recently informed us that he loves his grandkids...and in doing so, we learned that he has grandkids.
Each night, Paul's grandkids sleep in his bed with him (with their own blanket) and each get 3 goodnight kisses from me. If I "accidentally" skip over one, or only give them 1 or 2 kisses, Paul becomes quite upset and only settles down once I correct my mistake.
Sometimes his grandkids misbehave and have to sit on their bed for "so sad time". (Paul is quite the disciplinarian). This past Tuesday, Sis stopped loving Paul and ran away. We were so relieved when Sis returned home and started loving Paul again. (I don't know where Paul learned about running away--- he has quite the imagination).
For your viewing pleasure, here are pictures of each of Paul's (current) grandkids.
SIS (formerly known as baby Paul; still a boy)
OWL (a Christmas tree ornament made by aunt Keely)
ROCK
DUCKY
Idaho- Part Four
The boys loved playing outside, doing whatever it is that boys do. They spent the better part of an hour running up and down the bed of this trailer.
But the most special part of the trip, of course, was the time spent with their grandparents.
The boys handled the looong car ride so well (thanks Dad for coming with me when Justin couldn't!) and we had so much fun that I am determined to make the long trip out to Idaho more often. Visiting more often is always a goal of mine, but as with most of my goals....they continue to be merely goals. But this one is in writing now....so let's see if I follow through :-)
But the most special part of the trip, of course, was the time spent with their grandparents.
The boys handled the looong car ride so well (thanks Dad for coming with me when Justin couldn't!) and we had so much fun that I am determined to make the long trip out to Idaho more often. Visiting more often is always a goal of mine, but as with most of my goals....they continue to be merely goals. But this one is in writing now....so let's see if I follow through :-)