Cole is growing up

When Cole turned 4 we all celebrated a little bit. It was almost like he became a different child! In his journal I always would say, we love you but you are difficult! He has finally learned to channel his energy and keeps his listening ears attached for the most part! He is very loving and always wants to sit on me, next to me or by me whenever he gets a chance. He is the defender of the little one and is very compassionate. He loves to show brother how to do things and enjoys having him in his room.

He can swim! We go to the gym and I don't even worry about him anymore. He can doggy paddle and even take breaths while swimming.

The other day he drew this. It is Ethan.

He is perceptive and notices everything! He noticed that I pierced my ears before Matt had, he notices that I put in hair extensions and he always notices the shoes I am wearing. The other day I was leaving without children and he commented on my new purse! He said, "Mom, this is new, where is your diaper bag today?"

He has come a long way with food. He even ate cooked noodles with sauce on them. I had to take a picture to document!

The beach in March!

This year Seattle weather has been kind to us. We have had several days of sun and even warm temperatures. One day happened to fall on the day that Matt had a weekend off. We took the kids to the beach! They got soaked and dirty until their hearts content. It was a good day.

Can potty training really be this easy?

I hesitate to write this post....as I don't want to jinx it! I decided to make a potty chart for Ethan mostly because I had bought a Mac truck for him that I wanted him to "earn." He got a sticker for every time he used the lou and once he filled the chart he got the truck. He really liked the idea of it and at about day 4 he decided he only wanted to wear underwear and he has been wearing underwear ever since! Of course he has had a few accidents, but for the most part has done great. He earned his Mac truck and is pretty pleased with himself!

Here is baby underwear bum crack to prove it!

Sharing a Room

A few weeks ago a friend of mine asked why the boys didn't share a room. I guess we had them separate for ease of sleep schedules when they were smaller, but since Ethan was in a big boy bed we thought we could give it a whirl!
The first night was hilarious. They went to sleep telling "knock knock" jokes for about 45 minutes and went to bed. They woke up really early telling the same "knock knock" jokes. That lasted for a few nights and for the most part they do great together. We have taught Cole to sneak out if Ethan is still sleeping but Ethan has yet to learn the same courtesy. He always shouts for Cole the minute he wakes up.

Random Good Times

A little game of Elfun for family night.

Ethan thought he would put the net on his head!

A cousin sleepover. It took the kids forever to go to bed, but all four slept in one bunkbed.

Dollar store police kits.

Ethan was cracking us up with his many poses.

Science Museum

We spent a day at the local Science Museum. We saw an IMAX and spent a lot of time playing. The boys loved this place. They still talk about the volcano maker.

Gavin's Birthday

While we were there we got to celebrate Gavin's 4th birthday! We spent the day at a Children's Museum of sorts. The boys had a great time!

The friends.

So serious.

Thomas.

Moon sand.

Bunny

My sister has a bunny and the boys were very entertained with her. Ethan talked to her every time he walked by. They also loved to feed her and touch her nose through the cage.

Snow!

Normally we go to Georgia when it is a little warmer. We figured we couldn't expect much for February but we never thought we would see snow! We got about 4 inches. We were NOT prepared but the boys were good sports and played anyway.

Cole only had crocs so I ended up putting bags around his feet to help keep out the wet!

Ethan spent most of the time eating the snow.

They even did some sledding in the yard!

Ella's Blessing

The timing of our trip rolled around Ella's blessing. She was well behaved and cooperated the entire time. What a beautiful baby!

GEORGIA!

We made the trek back to Georgia again this year and it did not disappoint. Cole and Ethan were thrilled to see Cooper and Gavin and still talk about them daily. They played and played and played. We met new baby Ella and she is adorable and I was so happy to have my sister to talk to everyday.

Of course it wouldn't be a real trip unless someone got sick. Cole ended up with a high fever on the flight home and I got a double ear infection. The boys adjusted to Georgia time really quick, but took awhile to get up at normal hours again when we got home. The first day home they woke up at 4:30am!

A few things we didn't catch pictures of:

We ate at Chick fil a several times and took advantage of the kids eat free Tuesdays!

We went to an Asain Market warehouse and bought cheap yummy Thai food that I lugged home.

We were the last to board the plane and by the time we raced through security and lines I realized all of us were sitting in middle seats on separate rows! (I had pre-booked seats but apparently on Alaska Air they aren't officially yours until you check in.) I talked to the stewardess, she asked a few folks to move, (who refused) and said maybe she would have to seat us separately. Yeah funny, I'm sure everyone would be fighting to sit by a squirly 2 year old. In the end a very nice lady had to switch seats with a few folks to make it work!

I made 4 batches of sugar cookies. They were DELICIOUS! The best I've ever done.

I got my sister to take me shopping and bought a few new shirts. :)

Everyday my boys would spill their milk and Cheerios all over the floor. I know they miss cleaning up all our messes!