William's Birthday Week

Sweet William turned two today. I didn't plan a big birthday party for him, but we decided to make a big deal about it as a family and celebrate in small ways many times. So, this week, we celebrated with bike shopping (his birthday gift) and a trip to Monkey Joe's with his girlfriend and down-the-street-neighbor Lola, and a brownie tonight with dinner. William is a sweet and gracious child and loved every minute. Today, we sang "Happy Birthday" at our meals and John was so happy to tell people that today William turned two. 

Leaving the bike shop, "walking" with his dad. After knocking over two big bikes, William was embarrassed, so we picked out a blue bike and silver helmet for him!

(John was so in love with his new helmet that he didn't want to take it off.)

John checking out his reflection. Safety never looked so good.

We headed to the mall for lunch and play. William enjoyed a grilled cheese.

Who needs hands?

Taking his first ride--he's a natural!

A little help from Daddy

Going in circles

Here's Lola--looking a little terrified!--at Monkey Joe's

Young John loves this place!

William is all smiles.

And as usual, William is not afraid of much and is happy to have his picture taken with Monkey Joe.

Happy Birthday, William! We love you so much and can't imagine our family without you. You are so kind and sensitive. You remind me of how important it is to be tender and thoughtful of others. You love digging in the dirt, reading books, and taking walks. You don't really like watching movies, you'd rather chat!

Recent Conversations

While watching Mighty Machines:

J: Mom, they're at the demolition site. You know what happens at the demolition site?
Me: Tell me.
J: (with preschooler intensity) They tear buildings down. The buildings die!


While "reading" the Bible:

J: The word of God says...and he hit him and killed him. Cain was angry and killed his brother. Then Noah built the ark and fight the animals!

And another time:

J: The word of God...glory it says...and the word of God said to him...and many people...glory and grace and the Jesus...


While eating dinner:

J: Mom, my food is sad because my teeth are crushing it.


While reading with Gigi:

Gigi: Maisy arrived and Cee-ril was buying tickets.

J: No, cee-ril is something you eat. His name is Cy-ril.

Gigi: (silence)


While riding down the road:

J: Mom, don't do that with the horn. You scared me.

Me: Well, that car was breaking the law and I was reminding him of that.

J: Well, you scared me.


At breakfast:

J: Hey Dad. It's rainy outside you you'll want to make sure you wear a jacket.


Learning about a new babysitter:

Me: Boys, Monica isn't going to babysit tonight.

J: Who is going to babysit us?

Me: Her name is Mary Fran.

J: That's a strange name!

Pause

Yesterday, John was so excited to tell his dad all that he'd done during the day. We usually give him a run-down, but John had added two Mighty Machines episodes to his repertoire and wanted to tell his dad about every detail among other things. His excitement was really sweet. Here's a sampling of their conversations:

Young J: Dad? Hey, Dad?

J: Yes, son.

YJ: I was watching (voice deepens) "Under the Sea"and the boat went under water!

J: Was it a submar--

YJ: Pause! There was a man and he dived down!



Later on...

YJ: Dad? We read George (voice deepens) and the chocolate factory!

J: You did? What was it about?

YJ: George ate all the chocolates.

J: Why did he do that?

YJ: Pause!


While getting ready for bed...

J: Ok John. What would you like to pray--?

YJ: Pause! Daddy I want to sing another song.

Self-control

There's a lot of talk around our house about treating each other with love and respect, considering another more precious than ourselves, and exercising self-control. (Please tell me this is totally normal in a home of a preschooler and toddler.) We have a great CD with songs about the fruits of the Spirit that the boys love to listen to. 

Yesterday, John and William were in the basement playing while I folded laundry. I headed upstairs to make lunch and within 90 seconds heard William crying. I went to the top of the stairs to see what happened and I found William working his way up the stairs crying and saying, "Took it from me!" Below is the conversation that transpired:

Me: John, was that gentle to take the tricycle?

J: (through gritted teeth) I needed to do that because I don't have self-control!

Me: (chuckle in agreement) John...

J: (teeth no longer gritted but still yelling) I do that because I don't know self-control!

Lord, help me!

Bike Ride

At least once a day, we talk a walk around the neighborhood. Lately, William has asked to "Ess-ercise" (walking as fast as his little legs will take him and swinging his arms in earnest) instead of riding in the wagon. John rides his bike and has learned to wait for us at the end of the sidewalk.  Sometimes we see our friends along the way, but either way, it's a fun way to pass the time.

KY State Fair and Around the House

In mid-August, I started feeling better and John was wrapping up his vacation just in time for the State Fair in Louisville. We thought about it that Saturday morning and were on the road with our picnic lunch by 10:30. 

What a cute goat!

Goat comes close and it's almost too much for John

You may not be able to tell, but the rooster in that cage is crowing at us. John was on his knees examining the cage when the rooster began his chorus. It was slightly alarming and funny at the same time.

What an outlaw!

Stroller nap--they missed the petting zoo and police helicopter :(

A couple weeks later at home, I'm upstairs trying to get some things done for work and I heard an unusual clanging and came downstairs to find this. That's probably two pounds of flour. Thankfully they're very willing to vacuum and help clean up!

John took the old iPhone and asked to take pictures. He came in with this one--I love his little shadowed hand and fingers over the lens.

Late Summer

I've never been faithful in updating this blog, but I'm feeling the urge to post some pictures of our darling children, so I'm going to catch up on what we did over the summer. For six weeks, I felt terrible, and it all made sense when we learned I'm pregnant with twins. So, there was a lot of laying around, reading books, and watching Might Machines. We went to the beach with John's parents and while I wasn't in top form, we had a great time.

This is not a picture from the beach, but look at that sweet face!

Grandaddy reads a new favorite Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site 

William works the remote on the largest TV we've ever seen.

Young John isn't a water bug, but once I convinced him to try the slide, he loved it.

William enjoys the water swing

Digging with Grandaddy