Flower Picking

It was really hard for "K" to get back into the swing of daycare.  Both boys had a week's vacation while teachers attended in-service training.  So, the boys headed out west for a little grandparent time.  Unfortunately, "K" battled an intestinal bug the entire week, and then some.  So, "L" started back first.

"K's" first day back was tough.  It was hard for him to get back in the groove after a week and a half break!  Miss "T," "K's" teacher did a super job getting him readjusted, and snapped some photos of him enjoying the flowers.  Thank goodness for great teachers!  They truly make a big difference for so many little people!

Grapes Galore

I love grapes!  I really think the seedless technology is brilliant - and really have a hard time choosing.  Should I try green, red or black?  Well, fortunately, I could try them all -- so I did!  I purchased these grapes at Eastside Westside Market.  Yummy!

The market is like a step back in time.  Produce is displayed so beautifully in bins, baskets, barrels and such.  All three grape varieties were side by side, and the same price.  So, I mixed all options in my brown paper bag.  I asked if this was ok -- and yes, it was quite fine!

I must say, these grapes did not last long.  My parents gobbled them up while visiting.  I really can't blame them because they were to delicious to resist!

Grandma & Grandpa Time

Since the child care facility was closed for a week of teacher inservice, the boys had a bit of a vacation from Mom and Dad.  Although, we certainly missed the little dudes!  The boys headed to visit Grandma and Grandpa out west, and enjoyed some marvelous weather and outdoor time while visiting.

"L" intently pulled flowers and gathered rocks.  "K" explored the implement shed and tried his hand at digging in the dirt.  Both enjoyed gathering and tossing pine cones!  Grandma cooked, and "L" enjoyed trying some new foods.  "K" had a bit of a tummy virus, so his appetite was a bit on the lighter side.

We drove them out for their visit, and Grandma and Grandpa drove them back.  Mr. Fixit and I both had to work that week, and work we did!  Not only at our careers, but also at home in the evenings.  We mowed, installed car seats in Mr. Fixit's vehicle, loaded up some cows, hosted an overnight guest, cleaned the house, did loads of laundry, cooked, packed up too small clothes, cleaned out files, updated baby books, graded the driveway, painted, varnished, weeded, re-arranged some furniture and a few other odds and ends!  We worked until 11:00 each night.

We were excited to have some time to get the house and yard in order, but are certainly excited to have our little guys home!  It was sure quiet without them!

Blueberries

Blueberries were on sale!  99 cents a pint!!  I was super excited about this awesome price, because both of the boys LOVE blueberries.  I often offer blueberries as their dessert at least 4 or 5 nights a week.  They are easy to eat, and packed with antioxidants to help keep kiddos healthy!

The disadvantage of blueberries is that they are usually pricey, and their shelf life is short.  So, my solution has been **ta da** the freezer!  Freezing makes it much easier for the boys to eat them, and I can simply pull from the freezer the amount that they will eat.  Perfect!

This picture shows washed blueberries on piece of plastic wrap, on a cookie sheet.  They are ready for the freezer.  I freeze them on trays, because the blueberries will be frozen separately and not as a big blob.  This makes it much easier to get the select number of blueberries you want from the freezer later.  After they are frozen, I put them in a container, and then scoop out what I need.  Marvelous!

Rain!?

The end of July and beginning of August really were a bit on the wet side!  Mr. Fixit spent the better part of one night, and an early morning, pulling carnival ride trucks out of a very sloppy area.  The nice, dry, grassy area at the start of fair certainly was not so at the end of the fair!!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch - we were getting lots of rain!  It was a nice, slow and perfect soaking rain.  The kind that farmers-are-so-happy-that-they-dance-and-shout-for-joy-kind-of-rain.  Ya, that kinda rain.  Anyway, after a good 48 hours of this, I checked the rain gauge.  This is what I saw!  I could not believe it!  We were quite thankful, as was the garden, but the carnival ride company was not really very excited about the gauge total!

Brotherly Love?

The best of friends and then the worst of enemies in about sixty seconds -- is a rather accurate descriptor for these bros at the moment!  "K" will request that "L" play with him, but then if "L" happens to touch the "wrong" toy, then the angelic, cherubic moment is completely lost!!

"L" received these toys for his birthday, so in all common circumstances -- they would be "L's" toys, right?  Wrong!  See, you have not entered 2-year-old logic into this equation.  When 2-year-old logic is considered, here is the real answer: "The toys are mine, and when you want to play with them, I remember that they are mine again."  "Oh, and I want them, whenever you decide you want to play with them!"

So, we are working on the word called, "sharing."  Right now, it is a foreign concept, but I am convinced -- with practice -- that all will enjoy participating ;)

Mobilization

Sister #2 has been mobilized for one year.  She will be serving in a military role at a location within the United States.  A deployment is when a person serves at an over seas location.  Now you know the difference!!  I was a little confused for a bit, so I thought others might be too.

Anyway, Sister #2 is leaving -- for a year.  I will miss her terribly!  She had to come and attend some special training, so I was able to see her for a brief bit before she left.  Her family will remain at home while she completes her mission.  Stay safe, thank you for defending our country -- and I will be sure to take very good care of your lovely Elna, in your absence!

Toy Negotiation

"K" has discovered that "L" likes toys too.  He will often jump into the action, right where "K" is, much to "K's" dissatisfaction.  So, we have been learning much about sharing.  "L" loves to knock down a block pile, before "K" is often ready, and grab a block or two for himself.

This was "L's" birthday gift from Mr. Fixit and I.  A flexible peg board, with hand-sized pegs.  "K," of course, thinks this is a toy for him.  So, we are again discussing more about sharing!  Lots of learning to be achieved ;)

12 Month Stats

The "official" stats are in, courtesy of the 12 month check-up!  "L" is doing well, and growing like crazy too.  It is always exciting to see how much they have grown and changed since the last appointment.  Here are the numbers:



*Weight - 21 pounds - 34%ile
*Height - 31 inches - 85%ile
*Head - 18.5 inches - 69%ile

"L" is a tall boy, for sure!  He is wearing 18 month fashion, and my next goal is to find him some shoes that fit.  Right now, he has been wearing moccasins, but since he is walking more, it it time to find some shoes!

Dirt Magnet

Mr. Fixit has a permanent, little shadow!  The shadow is complete with his own small shovel, determination and "get-to-work" attitude!  Mr. Fixit is already thinking about the odd job possibilities for when he gets a bit older!

Mr. Fixit acquired a load of topsoil, so "K," of course, traveled along to load the soil and then was very much a part of unloading the soil in the yard.  He grabbed his sandbox shovel to help move the dirt.  In the process, he dumped much on "L," who was less than pleased with the whole arrangement!  So, here is the little shadow, ready to move some dirt!!

Stop & Smell the Flowers

The boys' childcare setting believes in nature exploration, and they definitely get the chance to do that each day!  They are growing a flower garden as well as some tomatoes, watermelon (well, both melons somehow got picked recently - ooops!) and some carrots and peppers.

The toddlers and twos enjoy watering and pulling "weeds" while playing.  I am not sure if any of the vegetables will actually make it to maturity, but it is fun to see their excitement just the same!  "L" is pretty intent on snatching a flower here!  The colors are simply to irresistible!  I am so thankful that his teacher Miss "D" takes the time to snap a photo or two =)

Mom & "L"

Lunch was completed, and we were ready for cake!  Mr. Fixit thought it was a good idea to snap a picture of me getting ready to hand "L" his first piece of cake!  "L" is simply looking on in confusion, I am sure, wondering what all the excitement is about.  We never pause to take pictures during meals.  Food simply must be the priority!  So, here we are ready for the first cake experience.  I must say, the experience did live up to my expectations!  "L" loved it, and totally got into that cake.  Yeah!

Dad, Zebra & "K"

For those still wondering, "K" is still a huge fan of Zebra!  Zebra is getting a bit worn (as he gets a weekly washing), but none the less - he is still hanging in there!!  "K" requested that I snap a picture of him with Mr. Fixit.  So, I did one morning!  My photo goal was actually "L," but he is at such a tricky photo age.  He simply refuses to stay in one place for long!  "K" was in a silly mood here, and well, Mr. Fixit was still a little sleepy.  So, not the greatest pic, but I hope you enjoy it just the same!

Cereal Research

Working for a university has some fun attributes.  One such fun aspect, is being a participant in research projects.  I love helping students out with their research!  This past year has been a gold mine of opportunities, and Mr. Fixit is the only one who has not gotten to do a study in our house.

So, during the early summer months, "L" was invited to eat baby cereal on two testing occasions.  He thoroughly enjoyed the cereal samples - six total - and earning a bit of money for his time in the process!  I can someday say that he can buy a college textbook because he ate cereal when he was a baby!

As far as other studies, I participated in a physical activity study and "K" did a speech and language study.  Fun stuff, I tell ya!  I learned so much, and met new people too!

Too Big

This device was designed to help the "almost walking child" move about in an upright walking position.  Oh the fun!  What a perfect entertaining, yet containing, invention!  The only snag we ran into, is that both boys hated being contained in this apparatus. 

Both boys then stood on the side of the walker and played with all the tray toys.  It has been quite entertaining for them, and as a bonus, blocks them from getting into a cabinet in the living room!  Well, "K" has taken to climbing in the walker and trying to move about with it.  Never mind the fact that he is too big for this sort of toy!

I decided to snap a photo of evidence.  Some day this will come in handy -- I am convinced!  Until then, I do wonder how many more times he will try climbing in?  He can get in himself, but then requires adult assistance to get him "unstuck!"