St. Patrick's Day . 2014

First, I posted this on Facebook the morning of St. Patrick's Day.  I thought it was just too cute to not share!

Ryder, excitedly, greeted his classmates this morning saying "HAPPY FAH-VER'S (Father's) DAY!!!" ... turns out that if your dad's name is Patrick, the name of today's holiday is a little confusing!
(picture from 2012)

On St. Patrick's Day the boys had a fun day full of green food.  Green oatmeal (with berries) for breakfast; cucumbers, green (sprinkles) yogurt, Lucky Charms, and a few green treats with lunch; green chocolate chip pancakes, green eggs, green apples, and cucumbers with dinner; and green apple fruit leather with a few more green treats for dessert!  Ryder even wore his green underwear!

Everyday Life . 01.2014

Some everyday moments of life in January...

Sometimes it is the everyday tasks that I want to remember most.  I find myself pulling my camera out less and less - the boys have passed the stage of having "firsts" each day, and it's easy to leave the camera on the table when what is happening is just the "everyday".

This Sunday evening the boys helped me to make dinner - mini hot dogs rolled in crescent rolls!  Having them help makes the task more enjoyable...even if it takes twice as long, and makes a much larger mess!

Playing with trains is a common occurrence in our home!

Harvick and Jarrett have such a special bond - they really enjoy playing together!

I had Martin Luther King, Jr. Day off from work, so the boys and I had a day at home!  They had orange roll "waffles" for breakfast, and we played with beads and pipe cleaners.  I took pictures on my phone to text Patrick, so he could see the fun we were having!

When the boys were so well coordinated in their black, gray, and white collared shirts with sweaters, I couldn't resist taking a few photos!

Random . November 2013

The majority of the family scrapbook pages are for events, activities, or projects.  Sometimes I can't help including some of the random photos we take.  It's part of our real life too!

Random pictures from November.  Puzzles, playing in the basement, trains, getting water, removing pumpkin seeds, stealing cashews, eating Frostys, and MORE trains!

Some weekends we have busy, full schedules.  But some weekends we take time to just have a lazy day.  Ryder has started to call these days "Pajama Days", and looks forward to them.  On this particular Saturday we just played together in our Family Room.  I pulled out the camera to take pictures of the boys, and each of them wanted a turn of their own.  These pictures are just a random sampling of our morning.  As much fun as are adventures are together, days like this are just as fun!

For dinner Ryder helped Patrick made pizza balls.  And, after dinner, all of the boys helped make cookies for dessert!

Sometimes when someone is being too wild or loud, or when they just request it, they will sit on the counter while we get things done in the kitchen.  On this occasion Jarrett is keeping us entertained by roaring!

Harvick fell on the tile, leaving a rather noticeable goose egg on his forehead - in order to keep the ice pack on it we wrapped his head.  He didn't even mind!

Park City Vacation

For the past 8 days we have been away on vacation.  Our first vacation, not visiting family, with our family of five.  We have used our timeshare smartly (ie, trading our weeks for "off season" times), and had a "use or lose" week this year.  Patrick & I debated several possible destinations, but settled on Park City.  It's far enough away that neither of us would be tempted to go into work, or to get household projects/chores/errands done; yet, it's close enough that traveling with 3 toddlers for a week seemed feasible.

While Park City isn't glamorous, in that it doesn't have attractions specifically for children, it was a great trip.  We had something planned for each day, but really were rather loose with our routine.  We spent more consecutive time together than we ever have (and will continue this weekend...).  And, more time together without any family/friends as well (although, we did enjoy time with Patrick's mom & Ann, and my parents).

Harvick & Jarrett will not remember this trip long-term.  Ryder may remember a highlight or two.  But, we got to spend time together, and for that reason, it was a perfect (and much needed) vacation for us. 

Although I needed no confirmation that this trip was good for all of us, Ryder's bedtime prayer tonight confirmed it for me.  "...and, God, "fank" (thank) you for our vacation to Park City.  I "willy" (really) liked spending time "wif" (with) all of my "famiwee" (family)...".

Watching the snow fall outside.
(Ryder, Harvick, Jarrett)

Now...be prepared to be overloaded with recaps of the vacation on the blog...I may have taken lots of pictures...

Everyday Memories . Popsicles

Most of the posts on this blog are the "big" things we do as a family.  But, I'd like to make more of an effort to post the "everyday" too.

(Hot weather means popsicles are a common after dinner treat!  Eating them outside is preferred - by all of us - less mess, and more fun!  This hot summer night I thought it would be best for you all to be shirtless (again, less mess!) - which provided for a perfect picture opportunity.  Such a routine event often goes without photographs.  As you grow older I hope it's nights like this that you remember.)

As a side note, the popsicles above - these - are some of my favorites.  They are the "fun" ones on a stick (instead of the OtterPop type), but they aren't crazy big!

Movie Night!

The boys are limited to no more than 30 minutes/day of TV at daycare, and don't often get to watch much at home.  But, we've recently started watching a "movie" (often a Blue's Clues episode) on weekend evenings.

On a recent Saturday night, we picked a classic - The Fox & The Hound - to watch together.  After a full day of playing/working outside, we had the boys take an early bath after dinner, and get in their pajamas.

We started out on the couch like this - with a special treat of popcorn!

As the movie went on, the boys one-by-one started to snuggle with me...this is my favorite part of watching movies!

Harvick & Jarrett . 2 Year Comparison

Today Harvick & Jarrett turned 2 years old!

These boys have brought so much joy into our lives.  They were very much an unexpected double addition to our family, but we wouldn't change it!

Today we celebrated as a family - just the 5 of us.  As I transferred the (many, of course) photos to our computer, I couldn't help but share one tonight (more will come later).

05.04.2013
2 Year Birthday

The boys all had a great time today.  Harvick & Jarrett weren't able to stay awake, falling asleep before we made it all the way back to the Front Runner station.  Patrick & I each were holding one, when Ryder (who was having a hard time staying awake too) requested to sit with Patrick - I offered to take both Harvick & Jarrett (both sleeping).  As I looked down at my boys, the picture from the day we came home from the hospital flashed in my mind.

05.06.2011
2 Days Old - Minutes after coming home from the hospital

My boys have grown so much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABIES!

Harvick & Jarrett . Toddler Bed

Out of necessity, we transitioned Ryder out of his crib a bit earlier than we had planned - at 18 months old.  So, with Harvick & Jarrett, we really didn't know the "right" timing.  In the end, we decided to take advantage of my last 3-day weekend (an extra night without work the next day!) for awhile, and over President's Day we transitioned the boys to the Toddler Bed.

My (limited) PhotoShop edited "before" picture.

While Patrick worked, the boys took advantage of the mattresses being on the floor.

Once the front rail was down, Jarrett & Harvick immediately climbed on Jarrett's bed.

Of course, we added the partial rail guard.

Ryder & Harvick wanted to help with the second crib.

Harvick enjoying his "new" bed.

Harvick was having a hard time covering himself up, so Ryder helped!

"After"

Both Harvick & Jarrett have adjusted well to their Toddler Bed.  About a month prior to transitioning, they had weaned themselves completely from their pacifiers.  A week or two after transitioning, they both reverted to wanting it at bedtime.  They both struggled slightly with having the new option of freedom at nap time - including a few instances of every single diaper pulled off of the bottom shelf, and strewn about the room.  They quickly learned that this wasn't okay!  We've had a few instances of one (or both) boys getting out of bed before falling asleep, but closing their door initially has helped with this (during naps we open it up again after about 20-30 minutes; at night it is opened when we go to bed).  The funny thing about this is that they each have the ability to open a door, but somehow seeing it closed is enough to stop them!

Although I want them to sleep in their own bed, I have to admit that the handful of times we have found them in each other's bed is about the cutest thing - these boys play hard (and rough!) with each other, but they have an undeniable connection!

Also - over the first weekend we had transitioned them, both Harvick & Jarrett climbed in bed with Ryder during their naps (Ryder has "quiet time" in his room at the same time).  Ryder loved it, and even helped them hide under the covers when he heard me coming back!  Clearly, this wasn't okay for the long-term, but it sure was hard being upset at them for wanting to be together!

Brothers . Stacy's Photography

1 year, 10 months, 2 weeks, 5 days, and something like 1-2 hours.

That is how long it took for me to get a good picture of all 3 boys, all looking at the camera and smiling.  I mean, I do take the monthly "Brothers" picture - while I love this self-imposed project, I do realize they do not qualify as a professional photo!  Also, we do have several good family pictures, and some cute pictures of just the boys - but never with all smiles!

Brothers . Stacy's Photography
(Harvick, Ryder, and Jarrett)

Seriously!  I know I am bias, but just admit it - that is one of the most adorable photos.  Ever!

Stacy offers special mini sessions at Easter with live bunnies & chicks.  I have taken Ryder since his first Easter (2010), and we have gone back every year.  We started out this years session with all 3 boys, and the animals.  We did our best, but couldn't get a good one.  Harvick was too busy looking at the animals, Ryder was a bit frightened by them (he has been every year), and Jarrett was too busy trying to hug (squish?) the bunny out of pure love.  When I reviewed the photos Stacy was able to get (individuals too!), I commented about how much I wanted to get a good one of the boys.  She offered to try again...and, on the second to last shot, she captured this one.  All we had to do was skip having the animals, trap each boy on a chair, "roar like a dinosaur" (Ryder's request), and sing any kids' song we could think of that didn't have hand motions that the boys would mimic.

I mean, really - this photo could not be any cuter!

If you're interested in a session by Stacy (she does regular ones too!), you can contact her via her FB page: Stacy's Photography.

Raspberries

The boys have rather good table manners.  Harvick & Jarrett have been using a fork for months, and use spoons on occasion (really, that's more Patrick & my fault, then theirs, that they aren't proficient). But, there are some foods that are just more fun when eaten off of your fingers...

Ryder has started a game...he pretends he will eat the raspberry, then pulls it away at the last second, and laughs hysterically.  Harvick & Jarrett think it is the greatest game!  And, our berry-hater of the family (Jarrett) will even pretend...but will NOT eat it, his raspberry just gets placed back on his plate!

Glasses

The boys, most likely, will end up wearing glasses.  Each of their vision is fine now, but given the strong family history on Patrick's side, we've been warned by the Opthamologist that it is likely to happen for each of them.

The other night, Patrick took off his glasses for a few minutes at dinner (really, he does this very infrequently, so it always elicits a reaction from the boys).  Due to their reaction, he placed his glasses on each of them for a minute...

Pretty sure they will all still be adorable!
(Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett)

Harvick's reaction was the best - Patrick's prescription is VERY strong, so without vision issues, it is hard to look through the glass - Harvick's immediate reaction was to look over!

Weekday Morning Routine

Our weekday routines are similar most days.  The boys only have a few minutes between being ready and it being time to leave.  This time is often filled with chasing each other around the family room, or attempting to build a quick train track set.  Or, with each boy playing on their own.

My favorite is when they play together, especially when they are calm!

Reading together (or, at least near each other!) before going to the babysitter's home.
(Ryder, Harvick, and Jarrett)

Snuggly Boys

We've had a busy weekend...to be blogged more later!  On our drive home, after church and errands, Jarrett fell asleep.  And, stayed asleep getting pulled out of his carseat, and brought inside.  When Harvick saw me sit down with Jarrett, he came over also!

(Harvick on the left, Jarrett on the right)

And, of course, when Ryder saw Harvick and Jarrett sitting with me, he had to join us - so happy to have a recliner for moments like these!  I'm not going to be able to hold all 3 boys together for much longer, so I'm happy to take a few minutes when they want to sit with me now!

Trains . Sharing

I shared in a recent blog post about the boys having to share a train that Ryder was given for his 1st birthday.  Typically, when one boy starts playing with it (it doesn't matter who), another will want to join him.  And, when it's just 2 boys, they make it work.

When there are 3....it's a bit squished...

(Jarrett, Harvick, & Ryder)

In this instance, Ryder had actually been the one to start playing with the train, and both brothers wanted to join him.  Thankfully, Ryder was willing - his brothers had been sick (RSV) the whole weekend, and both were a bit anxious to leave the house.

Baths . 02.20.2013

All three boys love to take a bath!  And, until they will no longer fit together, they typically will take a bath all at the same time.  It's a bit chaotic, but fun!

Ryder.
Ryder loves using containers to pour water in and out.  He's a fan of pretending that he is making various drinks and/or food, using the toys.  Ryder has never been a splasher.  If given the option, he will be the last boy to get out.

Harvick.
Harvick loves the bath, but is the least adventurous in the water.  He likes to stack toys along the edge of the tub, and have us knock them back into the water.  One of his favorite things is to watch himself in the reflective overfill cap.

Jarrett.
Jarrett is our fish.  He's willing to dunk his whole head in the water (he has done this since being a small baby), and often will pour water over his own head.  Jarrett is the splaher, and finds himself hysterical when he does it.

Hugs!

Today, I saw a "contest" on FB from PaperCoterie (Order from them, if you haven't already.  Their product is awesome!).  They asked for women to post pictures of what they love about motherhood.  I thought it was cute, but didn't think about entering, until I ran across this picture tonight.

(Jarrett, Harvick, and Ryder)

It was a simple moment.  Jarrett was upset, and needed a hug.  Patrick & I were cleaning up after dinner.  I sat down where I was (notice the oven behind me), and obliged.  Harvick, not one to be left out, sat on the other half of my lap to get a hug.  Ryder, also wanting in on it, ran over, and hugged his brothers.  Luckily, my camera was on the counter!

This simple moment happens often in our home.  Our boys love to show affection, and I couldn't be happier about it.  I'm glad to have a shot that captures the real life moments that are so easy to overlook, or forget.  I won't always have the opportunity to stop what I am doing to meet their request; and these boys won't always initiate hugs.

I posted the photo on their FB page.  Their reminder to appreciate the small things helped this picture (one with no one looking at the camera) to stand out when I saw it.

Winter Wagon Rides

These pictures were taken from a few Sundays ago, but this happens most Sundays when we get home after Church and errands (including today!).  The boys need to burn a bit of energy before coming in for lunch and naps, and enjoy playing outside.  Ryder LOVES to give his brothers rides, and they LOVE to let him!  They are, however, beginning to out-grow their single seat wagon...

Ryder pulling, with Jarrett in front, and Harvick in back.

And, I LOVE that my boys enjoy being outside, and have so much fun together.  Now, we just need to work on Harvick & Jarrett's ability to pull Ryder around - they each want to do it, but just don't have the strength - Ryder's eagerly awaiting!

Ice Cream Cones!

Blogging has had to take a back seat recently.  I'm still taking (too many) pictures, and have lots to share, but time available is short.

I took Harvick & Jarrett into the doctor's office this past Thursday (the 17th), after they were getting a bit sicker each day, for about a week.  They had congestion and runny noses, slight coughs (mostly when they were very active), and low-grade fevers (never above 101).  The both would pull at their ears, but never consistently the same one(s), and more in a playful manner.  Their diagnosis (after the longest 90 minute wait time, WITH an appointment SCHEDULED) was a left ear infection for each boy, a possible eye infection, and RSV.

So...we've locked ourselves at home, and have been working to get the boys healthy again!

In the meantime...here are some old pictures (taken at night, with no flash...pardon the quality)...

My parents gave the boys some coupons for a free cone at Arctic Circle - on my way home from work one day, we stopped by to redeem them before they expired...

Harvick didn't hesitate at all, but was very cautious in eating the ice cream!

Ryder loved his, but wanted to eat it out of the cup...then wanted to be silly while I took pictures!

Jarrett loved the idea of it, but wouldn't really eat it without help - when it got on his face a little more than he wanted, he freaked out (bottom left, obviously) - it was short lived, though...

When Jarrett became upset, Ryder came to the rescue - showing his little brother how to lick the ice cream, without getting it on his face!

The dessert was free (well, under $2 - I picked up a cone for Patrick & me also!), but was such a fun memory with the boys!

Playing Together

One of my favorite things right now is to watch my boys play together.  They fight hard, but they also love hard.  I know they are young, but they already strike me as a group that will be rough with each other, but wouldn't let anyone else treat their brother that way!

Recently, Ryder learned "Ring Around the Rosie", and we have been working to get Harvick and Jarrett to play along with him.  Ryder has the tune nailed down, and is able to sing most of the song - the parts he struggles with, he just hums!

I do have the cutest video (quite possible, the cutest ever!) of the boys doing this in their underwear/diapers only.  Patrick says it's the kind of video all of them will cringe at when they are older.  It's a good thing for the boys that I don't know how to post it!

At first, the babies needed help with the motions of the song - but, the routine came quick!
(Harvick in blue, Jarrett in green)

"Ring around the rosie..."

Over, and over again.

Another few dozen times for good measure!

And, when everyone wants to do their own thing, they independently spin, and fall down!

Spinning, spinning, spinning!  I love that they all enjoy copying each other...that is, until they are copying each other doing something naughty!

Ryder . Just Because

I have a dozen posts of fun things we've been doing.  Seeing lights, baking and decorating cookies, Christmas outings and activities, and on and on.  But, tonight, I love these pictures more!

When I stopped in at Old Navy recently, I saw this shirt - it's technically from the toddler section (he wears the boys' sizes there now), but I couldn't resist.

Ryder LOVES robots.  And, he LOVES dancing (that may be due to my encouragement of it whenever music is on!).  So, despite it not having a train, I knew he'd love it!

I asked for a picture...so he danced (walked?) like a robot toward me..."Mom! Me is a dan-seen (dancing) robot!!".
(and the self portrait, I was zoomed in too close, but I love his smile!)

Ryder naturally posed himself like this - good thing my camera was close by!