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!

An Ugly Phase

Both of my children are very opinionated and particularly about appearance around age 2. We just call it the ugly phase!

Currently, Ethan will only wear super hero shirts and "soft" pants. That means, non of his shirts match his pants and he always looks like an orphan. (I guess I should be grateful because Cole would only wear pajamas)

He is also anti haircuts which means, we resorted to buzzing it, but it is still uneven because he screamed, cried and squirmed through the entire thing.

He is also very accident prone and is contantly covered in scratches and bruises. They last forever because he won't stop picking them. I even caught Cole picking it the other day! Maderma might be our best friend.

It is a good thing he is so darn cute.

Grateful for Medical Insurance

Today I am very grateful for the Microsoft Medical Insurance. I have made this reference before, but it is truly amazing! We don't have copays, we don't pay for prescriptions and everything medical is covered completely. In the last two months I have had several doctors appointments, had a mammogram (nothing is wrong), an x-ray, an MRI, got fitted for new orthotics ($600) and have just been prescribed physical therapy and we won't pay a dime.

One of the reasons for all of my appointments has been my foot injury. After my marathon my foot didn't quite feel right and ended up being very painful. I have stopped running for several weeks to see if it would help. It hadn't so I finally had an MRI and I have a ganglian cyst on my nerve that was caused from inflamation. This means, no running for awhile and I have to start physical therapy. The doctor thought it would take about a year to completely heal. :( I miss running.

It's been awhile

We have had a really mellow start to the new year! I guess that is always a good thing.

Here is the short list:
-Matt started school again but we know this routine so the transition was much smoother!
-He also got released from being Elder's Quorum President. We have Sunday's together again and I have to say I love it!
-Matt also started P90X and is in week 4. He has gotten up everyday to do it! I can't wait to see his beach body baby.
-People made New Years Resolutions to update their resumes and I was able to work for an intense 10 days. It was great and I love having extra money!
-We remembered we could go swimming in the winter at the gym or in our friends hot tub and the boys have loved it.
-Cole and Ethan have realized that they make good playmates with each other. They play and play Batman together every single day.
-The boys broke the crib tent and after about two weeks we finally have Ethan on a good sleeping schedule in a "big boy bed!"