Just to make Julie laugh

So, I took a 2 hour nap and can't sleep. I found this old video of Logan, it is my favorite. Enjoy!

Definitely boys!

In the past week I took our boys to the train park and camping. One was a certain success, the other, eh, not so much. They loved, loved, loved the trains. Logan especially cannot wait to go back. They took a train and a carousel ride, went on a short little train ride, played in mud, and ran around on the playground equipment.

We took the boys to the ward campout... and learned that McKay is too young to camp. They had fun until we packed up and left at

at 10:30 at night.

I also marked one year as a stay-at-home mom. It is by far my hardest job, but there are certain rewards I cannot receive with other employers. I have learned a few things in my first year:

1) Hand sanitizer takes out marker used on microfiber couches

2) Always keep toilet paper rolls, they are used in a ton of crafts

3) Get the paper. There are a lot of activities going on

around Phoenix, and you can get fun ideas and coupons by just paying attention

4) I have to have an activity planned almost every day. I go crazy if I know I have to stay home all day with the boys, I have to get out of the house. We try to go to something in the morning and leave the afternoon for naps.

5) Enjoy the nap. Relish the nap. Do not take the nap for granted.

6) Kids, if you let them, actually can eat PB and J seven days

a week.

7) Oh, if you find a blue soup like mess in a diaper--it was the Fruit Loops.

A SAHM doesn't get sick days, vacation days, retreats, bonuses, work lunches, or incentives. But, McKay hugs me, Logan tells me he is proud of me, and I get to see all of their little moments. I sure do love my boys.

Just some Children's Museum Pictures for Grandma

New Stuff

When our lovely tax return came in we finally got some carpet on our first level. The kids are boys and they need to be able to tumble around. They are loving it! McKay will roll off the couch: "Mommy, I fell down!" Giggle. Repeat. Endlessly. I have even fallen asleep on the floor. We still have a never ending expanse of tile, but we need to take baby steps. At least I no longer hear an echo.

Sigh. Yes, I caved. We had Ray's car for a few weeks, and I got used to having two cars. Loren convinced me it was cheaper to get a motorcycle, and that Arizona is really a great place to own one. The kids love it, I cannot get them loaded into the car until they sit on it a few times. Logan wants to know when he gets one.

May Bits and Pieces

Some cool ladies in the ward and I have set up a co-op preschool for a few 3 year-olds. We each take a turn teaching and assisting. Here is Logan and his friends making a vinegar and baking soda volcano. The letter of the day was "V," he also got to play a violin. Logan can usually tell you what he did, and what letter he learned about. He knows his ABC's by sight, but cannot draw them yet. I have "W" on Monday--any ideas?
Logan has given up nap time (sigh) but will still go upstairs and play quietly for 40 minutes or so. Yesterday he came down with some new attire, and wanted his picture taken. He also has put a tie on McKay (didn't last long enough for a picture, but was adorable) and his friend Mason. Ah, he's getting so big! I was listening to his conversation with his friend Brea last week, it went something like this... Brea: "Let's play house. I'll be the mommy and you be the daddy. Logan: Um... How 'bout I just be the Logan bad guy." I don't force gender roles on him, he is just picking them up.
Mother's Day was awesome! Loren took the boys while I went and got a massage, we all went out for Chinese, and Logan made me this cool present! He is starting preschool one day a week this fall, and went for one session to make sure it was a good fit. It happened to be the day they were making the presents. He got to paint, frost and draw! Score! He is going to love it.

Now for the bitter portion of the blog. We moved here less than a year ago in part to be closer to the two Chase families in the area. One family moved in February, and Mom and Dad Chase moved last week. I might have cried. I love my in-laws, and having them so close by was amazing. The kids have felt very comfortable around them, and have developed a close relationship. I think Dad Chase was pretty proud when McKay came running out of the house towards him yelling "Grandpa! Grandpa! Grandpa!" Of course, he didn't look so excited when the next sentence was "I POOPED!" We want them to be happy in Idaho, but they better visit as much as they have promised. These boys grow up when you aren't looking.

Does he get a tip?

I love it when everyone is happy. Wheee!

McKay!

Here is a little video of McKay. He decided this weekend he wanted to go potty on the potty chair, so we let him. Don't get excited, he is not ready, it is just a new toy. But he sits and chats so I thought I would get an example of his new words. What a cutie!