Oh My...

We were out enjoying our last nice day until (hopefully) this weekend since the forecast is rain until Saturday. Dane climbed into the power wheels and Gavin was trying to help him go and ended up just climbing in and driving them around. Dane wasn't quite sure. He liked the going part but not the being squished part. It was pretty cute to watch.

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful day. Lots of fun, good food, and beautiful weather!

Gavin is thoroughly enjoying his new slot car track (and he loved that he was allowed to have some chocolate first thing this morning).

Dane is enjoying his new tool box set.

Scott is enjoying Gavin's new slot car track (since it really was for both of them).

We are all enjoying the delicious Sarris Chocolates we received.

Scott got up with Gavin this morning. Bright and early. Although, it was as if Gavin had forgotten it was Easter because all he wanted to do was to go outside and have Scott start up the power washer. Last night, Scott had pulled it out to do some maintenance so he could use it this year and Gavin loved it but it was bedtime so he only got to see it for a couple of minutes. Scott held Gavin off from going in to Scott's shack and seeing the bunnies filled with goodies while Dane and I slept in a bit. I got up and Gavin headed that direction and didn't even notice anything because he was so focused on heading out the back door. When he finally realized what was in there, he was shocked and excited. We let him have some of his Sarris chocolate and then we took him downstairs to where the track was all ready to go. He absolutely loved it and was so excited. I stayed down for a few minutes to take some pictures and watch him enjoy it but then I headed back up stairs to take care of a few things for dinner and get dressed while I waited for Dane to wake up. It was fun to hear Gavin's excitement while I was busy upstairs.

When Dane woke up and was ready to play, I brought him in to check out his goodies. He had fun exploring all the tools, nails, bolts, and nuts that came in the set. We spent some time together and then headed downstairs for him to see the track. He loved it and so we let him have a turn. He really loves pressing the trigger for the car but he also was trying to catch the cars as they zoomed by in front of him. We played downstairs for a bit and then convinced Gavin to come up and take a break to check out Dane's new tools and have a snack.

Gavin spent a lot of time downstairs throughout the day. He didn't even want to go outside initially but once the garage doors were opened, he was out pretty fast. He loves being outside so much, he was totally willing to walk away from his new race track. We had fun outside enjoying the warmer weather while Scott used the pressure washer to clean off the lower part of the driveway. Gavin and Dane had a blast. They both love playing in the water. Gavin can't wait for warm enough weather to be able to get the sprinkler and pool out. I bet Dane will be really excited to see them when they get pulled out as well.

We headed in for early baths before I needed to finish dinner. My parents came over and we had a great time visiting and eating (pulled beef on fresh rolls, potatoes au gratin, deviled eggs, and salad). We had lots of dessert options. I made angel food cake to have with whipped cream and strawberries. My mom made chocolate covered shortbread and a different kind of lemon bars with a coconut crust and meringue top. They were both delicious. She was quite busy because she also made coconut bread that was for us for later. (I decided to put that in the freezer to enjoy another time because she also left lots of treats and we didn't want anything to go bad).

A really wonderful, relaxing, and fun day together. I really enjoyed being able to spend the day with my family. We all enjoyed being together, playing with some new fun toys, and eating great food. Quite the successful Easter!

Riding into Spring!

So apparently even though Gavin hasn't touched his bike (you know, the real bike with pedals and a brake - not his Strider balance bike) in at least 4 months, maybe even closer to 5 since we had such a cold and snowy winter that went on forever, he is now able to ride while pedaling, steering, and braking. I am completely shocked, even though I know I shouldn't be, by how he seems to have been able to put it all together with very minimal help from Scott Sunday evening. It is amazing to watch him riding and so enjoyable to watch how excited and proud he is that he is doing it all by himself. I knew he could do it and we decided to go with the 16 inch because we knew it would fit him better in the Spring than the Fall, but it is still so amazing to watch. Once he decides he is ready to do something, he does. He never ceases to amaze me. He looks so cute on his bike too. He seems to big to me in so many ways and yet because his bike is still technically a bit big, he looks so little and the bike looks huge!

Off he goes!

Gavin is really enjoying his new found freedom as well and I look forward to many bike ride at home and on the rail trails!

Why Hello Spring, So Glad to See You!!!

After 3 days of rainy and cold weather, we seem to be finally heading towards spring appropriate weather! YAY! Today turned into an absolutely beautiful day, quite unexpectedly. It was pretty windy, but it was warm enough that we were still able to enjoy some fresh air!

We had a lot of fun today despite choosing to skip our regular playgroup activities. We decided to go out to lunch. Gavin was originally requesting the colorful chips that Mole Mole (an awesome local Mexican restaurant had for a while) but Scott informed us that they didn't have the cool red and green chips anymore so Gavin was no longer interested in that and requested the mac and cheese from Panera. We decided to go since we so rarely go to lunch and I am so glad we did! We had a great time. Gavin and Dane really enjoyed their lunches and were very well behaved. I got to enjoy my lunch while helping Dane eat some of his (to avoid the usual mess that goes with him trying to use utensils). Gavin was a great helper with cleaning up and loved that we were close enough to a garbage can that he was allowed to get up and throw things out by himself.

I had decided we were going to stop and get a donut to share on the way home too (but didn't tell Gavin) and so we had a bit of a meltdown as we tried to leave when Gavin insisted he needed one of the giant cookies from Panera and didn't appreciate me saying not today. He was so determined to get the cookie it took him lots of whining as he followed me to the car before he was ready to hear that I already had something else planned. Once he heard that we were going to get a donut to share he was immediately happy and was sorry he wouldn't listen before.

We went inside to pick out the donut and ended up staying to eat because Gavin really wanted to sit at the table with really tall chairs. It was fun and we all really enjoyed trying out the new Peeps donut. Gavin loved taking the Peep duck off the top and getting that all to himself.

 

When we got home, since Dane had decided he wasn't going to take another nap, we headed outside for a bit. We probably bundled up a bit more than was really necessary but I didn't want anyone to be cold since it was so windy. In the sun, it was really nice and warm. Such a nice and welcome change from the cold and cloudy weather we have had lately.

We went over to Valkill and when we got to the bridge, we were shocked at how much water there was. Given the amount of rain we just had plus all the melting snow, it isn't really a surprise. It is still impressive because I have never seen it anywhere near this high. The boys enjoyed throwing some rocks and sticks in the water before we needed to head home.

We are looking forward to heading back over tomorrow since the weather is supposed to be even better! I am sure we will have some rainy and possibly even more cold weather ahead of us, but it really is nice to have a glimpse of being able to spend more time outside soon!

Dear Spring,

Where are you? I know we are only now actually in spring but it has been a rough winter around here. Between the bitter cold temperatures, crazy amounts of snow, and awful sicknesses floating around we are all ready for more signs of warmer weather and healthier times. Yes, we have been overall lucky, but the last week and a half of the stomach bug running through our house has pretty much taken all I had left to tolerate being cooped up in the house. We need out. We need to be able to open windows, we need to see green grass, leaves, and all the beautiful flowers! The last few years the snow has been long gone by now and it has warmed up enough to be outside more and start going on walks again. Why not this year? I know I should be grateful for the snow because it is important but I think it is time for it to go and be replaced with spring showers (and even thunderstorms too because those are a lot of fun to watch and listen to). I am certainly not looking forward to the tick checks, frustrations, and constant paranoia that it brings but at least we can put things down in an effort to limit, if not eliminate, the little jerks.

Anyway, clearly it has been a rough week and a half and I am just antsy for the next season to actually begin. I will do my best to wait patiently for spring, but if you can hurry up, that would be great. Thanks!

(Plus a cute picture of Gavin in his new rain boots - even he is sick of seeing snow (and bundling up to go outside) and ready to be tromping through puddles (not snow) and digging in the dirt!)

(Plus, plus a cute picture of Dane from his checkup this morning - other than screaming bloody murder the second the nurse or doctor dared to even look at him, he did well. He is growing and doing what he should developmentally - 32.5 inches, 25 pounds 5 ounces

Snow, Snow, Go Away? Please?

I have really enjoyed winter this year. I have really enjoyed how most of the snow has happened during the day so we can be snowed in and go out and play with the snow still falling. It is beautiful and while I prefer the warmer months and the first part of fall much more, I also look forward to snow each year. I love living in a place with all four seasons. I am just really ready for spring. While I am not ready for the tick problem that comes with the warmer weather, I am ready to not need to bundle up three people (carting around three coats and putting said coats on, no fun at all) and to have more than 45-60 minutes outside at a time because it is just to cold lately!

While it feels like spring is getting closer because we have more daylight, it does not look like spring will ever happen since the ground is still covered in snow and ice and the temperature is just plain freezing still. There is a potential storm this week and I am really hoping that it is just rain. Maybe I should embrace it and hope for one more snowstorm to enjoy with the boys but I am having a hard time seeing that side and really needing some signs of spring instead.

I am really needing the spring so we can be outside more, hang clothes and diapers out (nothing better than fresh laundry from outside!), wash the car more frequently, open windows, attempt some gardening (which I am sure will make Scott laugh since I have yet to be successful in any way), grill more easily (and more frequently), have more fruit and vegetable choices, more options for activities and playdates, go for walks, and just more fun in general. Gavin and Dane don't seem to mind being out in the cold but man, I am tired of it and I bet once it starts warming up they will realize how much better it is without snow on the ground! So, please, pretty please, let spring be here soon!

The Many Faces of Gavin!

Gavin is so animated and loves to make faces and is just so silly. He loves when I pull the camera out and is usually quite willing to pose for pictures. He also loves to do crazy faces and set up toys for me to take pictures of. I indulge him because I would rather he be willing to have photos taken of him and if that keeps him happy and willing to sit for nicer pictures when I ask, I am happy to have more pictures to remember his silliness and involvement.