A Birthday Paradise

We let Nathan choose between Chuck E. Cheese and the McDonald's Playland.

Nathan style skiball.

He won a ton of tickets on this thing. Hes got skills.

Our mini party when we got home. I don't like to give them their presents from us if the party isn't on their birthday. I like them to be able to enjoy something on their day.

Not sure what is going on here.

Thanks to everyone who came to the party and provided him with new toys. He loved the package he got in the mail from
Grandma and Poompa on his birthday.

Babes? Mouths? Party February 28th.

Nathan's 3rd Birthday. He opened a game that we already had and said, "I already have this." Thankfully he wasn't too rude about it.

Everett enjoyed his first birthday party.

Dad helps out the birthday boy.

Pops...The face says it all. Grandma Barb knows the secret to his heart.

He had the darndest time blowing out the candles. A certain 3rd grader took it upon himself to blow them all out for him. Luckily Nathan didn't get mad. You just never know with him.

The Awesomest Snow Fort

It only took Keith all day...but it was so worth it. It didn't last long either before it melted. Nice butt!

Mary Had a Little Lamb and It Said "Get the Heck Away From Me"

Erica invited us to come see their lambs. They only have 40. The lambs and their mothers weren't real excited to see us.

Grandma escorts the boys to the barn.

Nathan was bound and determined that lamb was going to eat that piece of hay. It really wasn't interested.

We went with the Circosta sisters. This is our "goodbye lambs" photo.

Freezing Our Butts Off

It wouldn't be winter without a few trips down my grandmas hill.

I don't remember what was so funny. It doesn't take much anyway.

William made a snowman and we didn't have anything for a face. Papaw had a can of Coke and William used it to stamp a face. He is my creative, artsy kid. Our house is currently covered with handmade, computer paper snowflakes. There is almost as much snow inside as there is outside.

Papaw gets persuaded to go down the hill.

This kid just doesn't quit. I had to bribe them with "I wonder what kind of snacks grandma has in her house" to get them to come inside. Food is there #1 motivator.

I Like You Mom

When you cause chaos all day, it makes you really tired. Nathan crashed on the couch.

Couldn't resist a photo of the cute little footsies sticking out.

This is one of the said activities that wears him out. He painted himself a beard. When you don't see or hear Nathan, that means you are in for it. He keeps very entertained.

He is a little brute, bully but he is always cuddling me and telling me he likes me, loves me or that I am his best friend. He knows that makes his punishment less severe.

He is finally going on the potty. It is hit or miss but he is FINALLY doing it.

Late Christmas 08 or Early Christmas 09: However You Want to Look At It

Our last stop or a really early first stop....Christmas in Michigan. Ok, so Santa got the boys a Wii. William has been drooling over Mario Cart since they met at Best Buy. I think when I was pregnant I said, "I really don't want our kids getting hooked on video games." Is asking to play video games every waking moment considered "hooked." Video games:1 Mom: 0. We also have a PS3 that accommodates all of the Lego games that we have.

Meanwhile, Nathan is punching us with real punching hands. These dandies are courtesy of Mandy and Brad. The punching hands even tell you how much they hate you as they are bashing your face in.

Nathan snagged a bib out of the diaper bag, turned it around and saved the world. He kinda likes super heroes.

Well I am really bumbed that this is blury.

Thanks for everything Grandma and Poompa.

"I Don't Want That" and other Warm Christmas Memories of 2008

December 28th. Christmas with mom, Jamie, Dustin, Tera and Everett. One of these days I will put the pix on in order! William shows off his Lego Rescue Helicopter. He has been really wanting that. He just put it together today. Ripping it up. Helmet Heroes. Nathan loves dressing up and running so this is great.

William chose a gift for Everett. It is from China and is probably laden with lead paint. It was from the secret shop at his school. All of that stuff is cheapo.

William "I remember when it was just me. Now I've got 2 yahoos to deal with"

Everett has the right idea.

Christmas with the McGraw's. Lots of kids=lots of fun. December 27th.

Daryl and Terri came over on the 26th. Nathan got the Geo Hairplane. Yes, that is what he calls them. There was fighting because according to William that is what he had always wanted. News to me!!

Nathan is holding the infamous "I don't want that" gift.

Eating a choco pretzel rod like an ear of corn is nice and messy. Just the way he likes it. How else are you going to get the choco off? Duh?

Grandma Barb, Jennifer and Jessica came over Christmas night. Barb got Nathan an easel. Without a word he ran to his room and put on the apron. The kid on the box was wearing one. He is so funny. He keeps us going.

William got Spike. It is huge and really cute.

Nathan gets comfy for present opening. Its gonna be a long haul.

The boys discovered another one of their cousins Christmas Day at Great Grandpa Hummel's. It was kind of more that he discovered them though. His name is Grant but Nathan kept calling him Gramp. Very funny. At one point Gramp was looking at Nathan and Nathan said "what do you want?" Nathan wasn't sure what to make of Gramp.

Santa came and brought them the helicopters that they always wanted. Mainly because they were the last toy they saw before they sat on Santa's lap. You know the kiosk set up in the mall. Actually these aren't those helicopters. William is so creative with his ideas and Nathan is a copycat.

The snack they left for Santa. Cow cookie, grapes, clementine and a Capri Sun. And a football game, thanks Keith.

Christmas Eve at Ma Pigs.

Christmas in Ft. Wayne on the 20th. This is cousin Cole. The scene that followed was not for the weak of heart.

This is what Nathan thought of Williams school program.

Nathan is all decked out for the big guy. I tell ya he is something else. He is always in trouble. There is a reason he is so stinking cute.

Charleston Elves

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