Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, this was not quite the Thanksgiving experience that I would have predicted for 2013!  We ended up staying put at home, not traveling, not dining on turkey and fixings and well, I think the only Thanksgiving-type thing we did was watch the Macy's parade.  The boys loved that, by the way!

Nearly a week ago (Sunday), little "L" was not quite himself.  We soon discovered that he had a tummy bug.  So, that day was spent home with a little TLC.  "L" also hung out at home with Mom on Monday too.

I started packing the loads of stuff that we would need for a trip west.  I thought, well, might as well use the time that I have for something productive!  We planned to depart on Wednesday.  "K" got the tummy bug on Wednesday.  So, we decided to stay here.  Mr. Fixit was then the next victim on Thursday, and then I lost the battle on Friday.

Today will be a day of cleaning, and laundry and cleaning -- oh and did I mention cleaning?  We are thankful that everyone is on the mend -- and hope that all of your Thanksgivings were marvelous!

Best Bros

The boys are starting to play together more now -- which is so much fun to witness!  However, they also fight quite a bit too.  I really was not prepared for all the "tousling" that boys seem to do.  One minute, they are best friends, and the next -- they are scrambling to grab the same toy!  Of course, tears usually follow.

So, I thought I would capture a photo of a more calmer moment between the two.  They love being reunited at the end of each day of childcare.  Then, before bed, they love chasing each other around the house.  It is fun to see that sibling bond forming.  Let's just hope that sharing skill continues to develop!

"K" Pumpkin Paints

One of my absolute favorite things to do as a kid, and well, as an adult too -- it to paint!  What better fun could one have?!?  The boys selected pumpkins, and could then choose a paint color for his pumpkin.  "K" selected a brown color -- which seems to be his favorite right now.  This brown reminded me of chocolate milk!

"K" painted his pumpkin and then headed off to explore the garden.  He actually found some cherry tomatoes that were still green.  This year's late freeze was a nice treat for the garden produce!

"L" Pumpkin Paints

It was definitely a brisk, fall day at the pumpkin patch childcare day!  "L" picked out his pumpkin and he selected red paint for the decorating.  Each child selected one color to paint his or her pumpkin.  The paint was Tempura -- a wonderful, washable paint!  "L," donning a paint smock, is having fun painting away.

After pumpkin painting, there were straw bales to explore, pumpkin guts and garden remnants.  We had fun gathering leaves, riding in the wagon and sliding down the slide.  Then it was off to lunch and a nap.  It is a full day at the pumpkin patch!

Halloween Dudes

This was the first Halloween of trick-or-treating for these little guys.  We attempted to trick-or-treat last year, but "K" was not really sure about going up to people to ask for treats.  Plus, "L" really could not eat any treats, so we visited one house last year, and called it good.  But, it was a whole new year!  The boys were excited to give it a try!

We carpooled with some neighbor friends to a nearby small town.  We visited a nursing home, did trunk-or-treat and walked a couple of blocks for the "real" trick-or-treat experience.  It was just perfect for these little guys.  Each received about 10 pieces of candy, which was perfect.  The boys have been enjoying a piece of candy for dessert each night.  "K" wanted to do it by himself, once he got the hang of it, and "L" did not let go of his bucket the entire night.  I think it was a success!  "K" was Thomas and "L" was "being good" ;)!

Inside a Pumpkin

During the month of October, the boys' childcare center had a fall pumpkin day.  The kids entered their playground to discover hay bales and pumpkins!  Each child selected a pumpkin and were able to paint his or her pumpkin.  Parents were invited for the fun too.  The weather was a bit brisk, but fun times were still had by all!

One of the "centers" was a giant pumpkin -- in pieces.  You can see the table with the pumpkin pieces here.  Kids could explore the pieces, the pumpkin insides and touch all the items on the table.  It was fun to see the kids' expressions, and hear their comments.  "K" actually snuck a piece off and tried to taste it!  He did not eat much.  When asked what it tasted like, he said, "pumpkin!"

Meet Jack!

We were quite successful in our first pumpkin carving!  I decided it was best to keep this experience simple, because two-year-olds really do not have much patience for intricate details. =)  So, here is "Jack" the jack-o-lantern.  How about that?  We carved him on Sunday, and he really did quite well until Halloween.

We still had enough left over candles from the wedding reception, that we should be good to light pumpkins for years to come!  So, here is our "big" pumpkin with the "baby" pumpkins.  I really can't say that I have seen a happier pumpkin family!

First Pumpkin Carving

About a month ago, I took the boys to select some pumpkins.  I told "K" that he could pick out one big pumpkin, and the rest would be little pumpkins.  Well, the day had arrived to carve the big pumpkin!  As you can see, "K" is eagerly watching Mr. Fixit carve the lid to the pumpkin.  What would we find inside?

After the lid was carefully cut, I asked "K" what shape we should make the eyes.  He responded with "triangles."  "K" also requested a circle nose, and some teeth in the mouth.  "K" helped me draw the shapes, and I did the carving part.  I did not snap any pictures of this process because my hands were too messy!

Grandma & Grandpa Visit

We have had a beautiful fall, which makes it all the more fun to host guests!  Grandma and Grandpa came for a recent visit to lend a hand, while Daddy's "owie" healed.  Mr. Fixit had surgery, and I needed a few more hands to cover all the bases during the recovery time.  =)  Mr. Fixit was not to lift or carry anything over 20 pounds.

I have desperately been trying to capture a "good" picture of the boys and Grandma and Grandpa.  Usually one kid (or both) are crying, and well, "L" just never wants to sit still long enough for any time of photo opp.  So, this is what a got.  Not too bad, right?  We will simply keep trying!!

Finished Walk

A day later, Mr. Fixit removed the wood forms and added a bit of dirt around the edges to bring the walk flush with the ground.  I swept the excess dirt off, and the boys gave them a test run!  We love our new walks, and are excited to welcome guests to try them out too.  Best of all, we will not and (you will not) get muddy shoes walking to our doors!  This photo is of the walk leading to our front door.  Eventually, there will be hand railings to help with the step up.  However, I think this already is looking more inviting to guests.

Smoothing

After the concrete was poured into the forms, the sculpting and smoothing part was next.  This is a long process!  As the concrete hardens, it requires different tools to smooth the walks and add a little bit of texture.  Finally, when it has set up enough to hold some shape, lines are added.  The lines help guide the concrete breaks.

The final step before the concrete totally set, was a little bit of broom brushing.  This adds just a hint of texture and keeps the concrete from becoming to slippery when it is wet.  I told Mr. Fixit that the troweling and smoothing part would have totally been my favorite thing to do!  It reminds me of art!

Pour

We have sidewalks!!!  I know, who would possibly get so excited over sidewalks??  Well, it is exciting I tell you!  We finally have walks to our doors, and it has been a big project that Mr. Fixit spent many nights prepping for the big day!  The boys, of course, "helped" along the way, so it took a bit longer than without the extra hands ;)

Mr. Fixit dug, leveled, added gravel, built forms, wired rebar and checked to be sure each area was level.  I am sure I missed a few details here and there, but that is the basics of what happened.  So, here is a photo of the concrete pouring from the truck.  Wow!  Right?  It was pretty cool to have a front row seat!

Lots O' Laundry

My Saturday time is spent doing lots of laundry!  This happens to be one weeks worth of little boy laundry.  It usually translates into three loads.  I often spend Saturday mornings doing the entire week's worth of laundry.  It seems like the week nights are too hectic to really get anything accomplished, except dinner, dishes and baths.

So, here is the finished product.  I am patiently waiting to put all the clothes away - after the boys wake from their afternoon naps.  In the meantime, I think I better start on some house cleaning!!

Little "L" & Lots of Rocks

I think if I remember correctly, Mr. Fixit indicated that we had 13 tons of gravel dumped in this large pile.  Oh wow!!  Talk about the best - play - place - ever!!!!  The little boys loved this rock pile!  Mr. Fixit leveled it a bit, to enable the guys to climb to the top and slide down.  Thankfully, diapers add extra padding ;)

The pile is a bit smaller now, as some has been used for the sidewalk project, and some has filled in some driveway low spots.  However, there is still plenty left for some awesome fun!!