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 :-)

Idaho- Part Three

After a day of Ben digging out a box of chocolate pudding from a kitchen drawer over and over again and carrying it around the house, Great Grandma decided to see if he would actually like it (he'd never had any previously) and made it with him. 

Great Grandma was so patient with the boys the whole trip.  She didn't flinch when they made messes, cried, were loud, or were grumpy.  Her abundance of patience and energy made our trip fun and relaxing.  

Here are some pictures of Great Grandma making cookies with the boys.  She ended up doing most of the work once the chocolate chips were discovered :-)

Later that day I took the boys out on the farm again to play and get some energy out.  Ben kept perfectly happy chillin' and playing in the dirt....which turned to mud when his drool came in contact with it :-)

To be continued...

Idaho- Part Two

As any little boy would, Paul thoroughly enjoyed the tractors, 4-wheeler, and trucks on the farm.  He even got to drive (steer) a tractor around the farm.

He also enjoyed stomping around and exploring the farm.  It was hard to get him to come inside.

While Paul enjoyed the farm, Great Grandma soothed Ben to sleep and put him down for a much needed nap.

The next day, Austin and Keely came up to visit for the day.  The boys enjoyed spending time with them.  As he always does when he's around Keely, Paul attached himself to her for the better part of the day, though I didn't get pictures of the two of them together.

Paul getting a horsey-ride from Uncle Austin....

... and Uncle Austin trying to get a horsey-ride from Paul  :-)

Idaho- Part One

 

We finally made it out to Idaho to visit my Grandparents; something that I have been wanting and meaning to do for months and months.  The night before our long road trip, we kept the boys up late in hopes of helping them sleep more the next morning when we piled them in the car just before 6 am.  To my surprise, they both stayed awake the entire car ride, except for when Ben dozed off for about 20 or 30 minutes.  The boys did surprisingly well during the 12 hour trip from Colorado to Idaho.  They entertained themselves quite well and the whining and crying was kept to a minimum (yea!).  We made plenty of stops along the way allowing the boys to get some energy and wiggles out.

While in Idaho, the boys enjoyed riding around town with no car seats to watch some recently harvested sugar beets pile up.

Great Grandpa Wilkins entertained Paul with his magic whistling ear (hearing aid).  Paul was quite curious and very entertained.

Great Grandma spent a lot of time playing with and entertaining the boys.  One afternoon she took them outside with buckets to collect rocks.  This kept the boys busy for a long time.  

To be continued...

First Snow

Today we woke up to the first snowfall of the season.

We bundled up to go explore and play in the snow.  

Ben was quite fascinated with his mittens.

With the breeze blowing the snow on us, it was pretty chilly.  After a few minutes of standing in one spot saying "cold, cold, cold," 

Ben relaxed and joined Paul in the fun.

Paul was thoroughly happy being out in the snow.  


He smiled and made snow "balls"

and smiled

and smiled.

What a great start to the day.

Brothers

Paul, generally a sweet, loving brother, had a need to take out aggression on Ben repeatedly throughout the day.

After I comforted Ben and cleaned up his wound, Ben went over to Paul and gave him hug after hug.

I am so happy that they have each other.

Family Night

Monday night is family night.  Justin and I make sure to spend quality time with the boys doing something special; something that sets the evening apart from the rest of the week.

This week after playing at home and eating dinner, we bundled up and headed downtown in the bitter, windy fall weather.  

Stop #1: the toy store

Stop #2: the ice cream store

What a better way to warm up than by eating ice cream, right?