So close....

Camping

We went camping last weekend with good friends. We had a great time. The weather was beautiful. The scenery was gorgeous. Fun times!

Lots of ways to measure success --

1. Good food

2. Dirty faces

3. Exhausted children. 

Definitely a successful time!

Busy days

Only two more weeks before I return to work. Maybe that's why I have been cramming so much fun stuff into the days. 

Monday we went to a local splash park that had all sorts of water features to keep kids happy - and cool. Since Monday reached triple digits, I think it was a really good idea. We met up with some friends. Here are some pics--

So much fun! Both boys were asleep even before we got to the freeway from the park. 

Then Tuesday we decided to participate in a town parade that ended with free admission to the county fair. Another set of adventures!!

Ready for the parade. (Yet another opportunity to wear our batman and Robin pajamas) 

The fair offered some new opportunities too. 

Helping brush a cow. 1200 lbs. wow!

Corbin's first ride. He loved it! Especially since he got the green airplane. This is one brave kid!!

And fair food, of course--

Curly fries!

And shaved ice. This picture looks kind of weird but I do think it was bigger than Corbin's head. Don't worry, though, we ate all of it. Yum!

Cole had fun, too. He found lots of new admirers at the fair. He was a bit disappointed that curly fries weren't on his menu though. 

One last funny picture of Corbin. He is in the little basket under the stroller where I usually put my purse. This is where he hung out while in line for the fries. It was a long line - it would have been nice to have such a spot for me, too. 

And the boys made it all the way home from the fair before falling asleep. But then they both slept for almost 3 hours. It's exhausting having so much fun!

At the park

Swings are always fun!

I was trying to figure out what to do with Cole while I pushed Corbin. Duh! I guess I am trying to ignore how old Cole is getting. But Cole loved it!

3!!

Corbin turned three this past week! He has had the hardest time understanding why he had to wait and why his birthday couldn't just come when he wanted it. But he definitely understood that it was all about him. 

We first did Popsicles at school with his friends. 

Then we left Cole there and we went to Safari Sams. Think Chuck E Cheese -- kind of. Lots of fun things-

Mini golf. 

Arcade games. 

Jungle gym. 

Cool buzzer things when your food is ready. 

Bouncy houses. 

Overall, a very fun time. I think we both enjoyed the one on one time. 

That night we had milkshakes with dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt Jacci, cousin Nate and cousin Eliza. And presents!!

Corbin has grown up so much in the past couple months. He is potty trained now! He likes to tell jokes - usually with "dirty diaper" as the punch line. Always cracks him up. He is usually very good with his brother. He is an amazing staller at naptime. He still has a binky addiction and will even steal Coles if he feels it is necessary. He loves to make up songs - again, dirty diapers are a common theme. He loves anything to do with a ball. Baseball, basketball, lacrosse, golf, etc. He is always asking questions. Always. Always. He loves to run, dig, climb, and try to ride his bike. He has no fear. He is also a mamas boy who likes to cuddle. He will wrestle with dad but then snuggle with me. And I love it! 

I am glad Corbin is my son. (When I say this to him, he always says it back. I try to cherish it for when he's 15.)

Happy birthday, my love!

August 4.

Happy 7 months Cole! 

We sure love this new little guy. He is a super serious studier of people and often people think he doesn't smile much. But he has a great grin that lights up his whole face. He is doing this rolling almost crawl thing that is super cute and reminds me that I have to pick up everything. He is not as keen on solid foods as much as I think he thought he would be. Or I thought he would be. I have given up gluten and eggs for him as he gets an awful bright red rash on his chest and tummy when I eat those things. I am learning that a lot of things have gluten hiding in them. Red vines! Teriyaki sauce! As well as the obvious things I love like bread, hamburger buns, cinnamon rolls, cakes, etc etc. The dr seems to think he will grow out of those allergies and I hope so. It's a tough road. He's a great cuddler but has become quite the hair puller lately. Ouch! I am afraid he's another mamas boy, but i am not complaining!! I am sure glad he joined our family. We love him!

Brothers

It has been fun lately to watch as Cole and Corbin connect more. Cole is getting more fun for Corbin to interact with and Cole loves to watch Corbin run around and play. 

These are some of my favorite brother photos. 

After Corbin's haircut. Yes, AFTER!!

I know you have seen the coordinating pajamas before, but this is a great shot!

With me. 

Binky loving brothers. We are trying to stop Corbin's addiction but he loves stealing his brothers pacifier. 

First time in the cart together. So fun!

Okay, so Corbin isn't in this picture but I bet you can guess what direction he is. Ha!

I really hope that Corbin and Cole develop a strong connection. I have been blessed with two great brothers myself. A protective big brother who would still beat anyone up if they made the mistake of messing with his baby sister. And a younger brother who I miss dreadfully. I cannot count the times that I think Uncle Chad has been there looking out for my boys. Moments when a head seems to just be that close to colliding with the wall or whatever. I keep thinking it is Chads hand that keeps them safe. 

And now I don't know how to end this post. :)