High Five

Aiden (L) and Chris (R), now know where their ears are!



Aiden (L) and Chris (R) pose in their T-shirts from Daddy's alumni school, Grove City.



Aiden thinks he is getting away with something, wearing a wet shirt that was literally JUST washed!



Peek-a-boo Aiden!



Chris waves high after he has successfully helped to remove all of the wet laundry that Mommy just hung outside to dry... what great "helpers!"





It's funny to me that when I sit down to write my posts on Sundays, thinking back to the end of last week (as in Thursday) seems nearly impossible! I guess that's why I should be thankful for my datebook. It keeps me on track when I have brain freeze!

So Thursday I braved the playground by myself with Aiden and Chris. I say braved because in the past I had scared myself out of thinking it was possible to do on my own. I recently came to the realization that even in the worse case, I pack up and head home after 2 minutes, right? After all, it was a perfectly gorgeous day and I know it is always a better day for all of us when we get out, even just for a brief change of pace. The playground was just that... brief! We went for about 40 minutes of which, Aiden was not happy for more than 5 minutes. He decided that he hated his shoes and was upset having them on his feet. In trying to be accommodating, I removed them for him. He then quickly realized that a ground covered with wooden splintery wood chips is certainly not much better. I guess that was a lesson that he had to learn but his comeback was to resort to crawling again. Kids will be kids! Chris enjoyed himself and ran around like a little monkey. The sunshine and fresh air did us all good and we came home and the boys took afternoon naps without any arguements or complaints - success!

Friday morning we ventured out on our daily walk to beat the rain and the heat but didn't make it very far. It turned into quite a workout for me as I got a flat tire on the stroller about 1 1/4 miles from home. I must admit that trying to lift a stroller filled with two toddlers was not my idea of a leisurely walk! I am sad that our stroller will be out of commission until we can figure out our next move. Uggh! Although it was a cool morning, I somehow managed to make it home all sweaty and needing a second shower after our 2 1/2 mile walk that took me an hour and 15 minutes!

Thankfully Friday afternoon turned around for us, even despite the rain! Grammie Pt came for a visit and we brought the boys to the Enfield Square Plaza Play Zone. Aiden and Chris rain in circles (literally) and had a ball! They both have taken a liking and are showing some serious ownership toward the two play cars that they have in that area. Watch out boys and girls - you don't want to know what will happen if you try to jump in for a ride with the boys :) Poor Chris had a head on collision with another little girl who was 16 months old but he recovered in no time to get back to playing - you can't miss a beat when you're a 17 month old ball of energy! They skipped their afternoon naps but loved their time out and time with Grammie. I also appreciated the extra company and hands on what could have been a long, cranky afternoon. Thanks Grammie!!!

Friday night we headed to a delicious dinner at the Ryan's house. We had an awesome time and Karen being a new second mom, "wowed" us all with an amazing homemade meal! Unfortunately the nap-less afternoon quickly caught up with Aiden and Chris and as the sun went down, their complaints came out but we all had fun none the less. We also got to visit with the Tetreaults. It is always so nice to catch up with our friends in between catching our little ones. What a treat!

Saturday morning Mike was on Daddy duty as I attended a memorial service for my Uncle Art who was honored and remembered for his wonderful, kind, loving ways. It was a beautiful morning and a beautiful service. Mike had fun and stayed out of trouble with the boys... at least that is what I am told. I then headed to a baby shower for my friend Steph. It looked like is was going to be a hot but gorgeous afternoon but the rain quickly moved in and moved the shower and all of the wet ladies indoors! It was an adventure but certainly so nice to see Steph honored in such a special way. Mike enjoyed the boys longest record naps of 3.5 hours!!!! I am hoping that there is more where that came from - wouldn't that be a great treat!

Later Saturday afternoon I headed to my in-laws to meet Mike and the boys there. The boys were having a ball when I arrived but Grammie and Grandpa Hopkins had an exciting day with no power! You have to love country living! All of the little things that you take for granted are quickly no longer available and you suddenly appreciate them so much more! We stayed for a bit then headed to the Southwick Fireman's Parade. Aiden and Chris were in awe! They didn't miss a beat and sat quietly and attentively for over a half hour! They both enjoyed their very first lolly pops. I guess it comes natural to know what to do with a lolly pop as they were both pros after the first lick! We had an awesome time and really enjoyed our visit.

This morning we went for a brief walk in our smaller travel stroller (hence the brief part) then headed off to church. After church the boys had a brief/boycotted nap time before we headed to our friends Tonya and Gary's for lunch. I guess being "brief" as the theme of the day! Tonya and Gary are great sports as they don't have kids themselves yet but still opened up their home to our monkeys and love the boys even when they are cranky-puss's. Our friends Megan, Oran and their son Calvin were also there so it was toddler central! Aiden was in love with exploring their woods and had a one track mind the entire time we were outside. Chris enjoyed heading across their newly planted grass and out onto the street and driveway. I guess boys will be boys. We had an awesome meal and great company and came home for much needed baths after all of their time outside. We couldn't have asked for a better Sunday afternoon and a more perfect weekend!