How many kids can fit on one small tramp?

Curly

I think I like this look the best with my additional hair! When I wear it like this random strangers comment on it all the time. It is kind of fun because that doesn't normally happen to me!

Buzz at the park

I'm sure my "Mother of the Year" award has been sent in the mail. All due do an awesome park experience the other day. I moved spots and was chatting with a friend, interestingly enough, on the topic of raising boys. I had recently done my eye scan to track the children and was about due for another one when I hear a man yelling "I have a Buzz here." I turned to look because I couldn't figure out why a man would be shouting Buzz at the park. Much to my horror I realized the man was pointing to a naked, crying child that happened to belong to me!

I think what must have happened is that Ethan needed to use the lou, tried to find me and didn't make it! So, of course what should a child do with poop in his pants, but take them off. I ran to grab some clothes and some wipes to clean him up. While in the bathroom I realized I hadn't told Cole where I was. I just kept hoping that the woman I was talking to would come through for me (we had only just met that day.) Of course, he realized I was gone and happened to find the same man to help him find me! We were just walking out of the bathroom when they showed up. Ugh.

I mentioned to the man that it really looks like I am a negligent mother, but that really I wasn't. He seemed to take the whole experience with a chuckle and asked me if Ethan's name was Buzz. Apparently that is what Ethan had told him. We had just watched Toy Story the other day so maybe it was wishful thinking.

After that experience we had a family night on strangers....maybe we should have covered nakedness in public!

7 Guests, 1200 Square Feet and 1 Bathrrom = Lots of fun!

Matt's sister and family came up to visit us! I was a little nervous about the one bathroom accomadating us all and even contemplated renting a port-a potty! However, we had no accidents outside the door and it just required us to get creative.

Four visitors slept in the front room! We put 3 others in our tiny spare room!

Four girls can get ready at once!

And when their isn't enough room there is always the reflection in the oven!

They traveled around see the many sites and we joined them for a nice rainy afternoon at the zoo typical Seattle style!

Easter Sunday

Easter morning was fun with the boys. The only candy in their basket was a small chocolate bunny! I'm a nice mom I know.

Cole got a two-wheeled scooter.

Ethan got some new legos.

We decorated eggs! I think half of them broke in the process...

Listening to conference all day was delightful! I love, love love conference. That night we had an FHE on Christ and watched a video the church put out on His life. Cole was fascinated the entire time and asked all kinds of questions. It was a great ending to a great day!

Easter Egg Hunt

Our friends always hold an annual Easter Egg Hunt every year. This year did not disappoint. Cole almost didn't make it because he was at the doctors getting a strep test in the morning, but a little ibuprofen and he perked up!

Found one!

Another one down.

Look, I found an egg between my legs!

Happy to be there.

Some friends at the hunt.

The boys ate all their candy before we even got into the car and made egg eyes.

A New Look

What do you think? It caused quite the stir at church today.

Peter Pan

The other night we went to a play that some friends of ours were in at an elementary school. It was Peter Pan. In the middle of the play Ethan had to use the potty (or really he was looking for an excuse to leave) so we all got up and left. While Ethan was using the lou he proudly exclaimed, "I'm peeing in Peter Pan's potty and it is just my size!"

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!