GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!

The boys scored their first goals in a real game today!

Grant was mightily proud of his goal...

...and Cole scored twice in what was probably a solid win (if anyone had bothered to keep score).

Gearing Up

Breaking in the new equipment for SOCCER SEASON!

At long last, our boys are old enough for organized (if you can call it that for 5 year olds) sports!

At their first pre-season soccer camp, we were relieved to discover at least one thing:  I don't think we have any "daisy pickers" -  a sports loving parent's worst nightmare.  They got right into the spirit of it, as Grant (in the green shirt above) and Cole (in the white) shows here.

Our favorite part was when Grant came over and told us after practice that the coach told them they should throw their elbows around if someone was in the way.  After we laughed our heads off, we explained that he missed one key word... NOT.  He was sooo disappointed.  He couldn't see anything wrong with this tactic, as demonstrated below: FOUL! (He's not even going for the ball, just the opponent.)

Brynnie is getting into the spirit of running around.  She's very good at running around.

Cruisin' Crunchers

Warning! The following boys are growing up fast.

And those biking jerseys are only making them faster.

Almost makes you want to be five again.

Ski Buddy

Hey, Cole - what's your favorite part of learning to ski?
The shuttle?
The moving carpet?
Making the "pizza"?
Lunch outside?
Looking like a pro on your first day?
Going fast?
Seeing the sun?
Being on Mt. Hood - and actually being able to SEE Mt. Hood? (A rare occurrence in the winter)
My favorite part - hearing him say over and over, "can we go down one more time?" Cole, you're a natural!
Jan. 22, 2011
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area, Oregon
Just Mom and Cole

Uncivil Engineering

The boys have always been good at destroying towers of blocks. Lately they've become especially good at building them.

Now it's Bryn's turn to destroy towers.

Bow Hold

We haven't written anything about the boys playing violin on our blog. I'm not sure why. I guess we've been waiting for them to do something AMAZING. But the truth is, this whole last year has been amazing! Miraculous, really. We're putting together some video of what they've accomplished since starting lessons just after they turned 3 (a little over a year ago.) But for now, here is Grant with a great bow hold: bent thumb, finger over the "frog eye", pinky on top of the bow...
All year, their teacher (Sarah Oehler - a truly incredible and talented violinist and teacher) and I have been trying to get him to hold it the right way. Cole caught onto this much earlier. But Grant finally reached a moment where he wanted to master this detail on his own, and he's very proud of it. Grant has incredible pitch, and can follow notes on a page with his voice. I got a tear in my eye one week when we was doing it at a lesson. They each have different strengths, but both boys have surprised and impressed me as they've allowed practice to become part of every day, and part of their lives.

Here's Cole:
Now, stay tuned! (no pun intended)

Public Alert!

Be on the lookout for a deceptively youthful gang of bikers. They go by the name "Mom's Angels".
Suspect 1: Cole AKA "Coleoptera" "Beetle Boy"

Suspect 2: Grant AKA "Grantelope" "Sweet Cheeks"

Suspect 3: Bryn AKA "Brynderella" "The Instigator"

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Exhibit C:

Surveillance Video:

Suspected detonator hidden in nose?


Please consider them armed and sticky (and 66% training wheel free).

Look Ma! No training wheels!

I arrived at home after work tonight to find the following in my driveway:
Despite the poor cell phone video quality, you get the idea. He's pretty pleased with himself.

Okay, I'm pretty pleased with him, too.

How about a celebratory cupcake?

Spring Sabbath

"My baby and I are looking for my brothers."

"It's time for church and I know they're hiding around here somewhere. Ooo! Here are some pretty flowers. Baby, don't get all dirty before church!"

"Of course, where else would you expect to find monkeys?"

"Come on boys, primary isn't that bad."

The Blustery Day

The boys got kites for Easter and today was the first day with sufficient wind to fly them. Due to a sudden "potty issue" we didn't keep at it long but we got both of them aloft for a few minutes.

Caped Crusaders

The boys received an early birthday present from Grandma in NE Arizona.

SuperCapes^®!

Here SuperCole and SuperGrant demonstrate how to fly.

Naturally, they're monogrammed on the front.

With arm bands for that billowing effect all the superheroes are into this year.

And when you land it doesn't hurt a bit.

Now they're off in a flash to thwart (or become) perpetrators.

And what does our resident damsel in distress think of all this?

"Please save me from the superheroes."

Now that I'm ONE

I can tease...
drink from a cup (sort of)...
wash my own hair (after I'm done drinking from a cup)...
push my baby... (oh - and WALK!!!)
and cuddle with Grandma...
for as long as I want.
We miss you, Grandma and Grandpa!