hiking in the woods

we live near a park and i convinced the hubby to agree to get the metro pass to make us go after our trip to colorado. we really had a great time hiking out there and felt like the kids would really enjoy the time connecting with nature. two weekends ago, we headed out to go for a hike and had breakfast as a family together. the kids did really well and #2 sat better on the bench while eating than #1 (he couldn't sit still!).
it looks like a night shot here, but only because if i didn't use the flash the photo would have been all blurry. what a bummer that would have been. anyway, #1 was stoked about hiking through the woods... all smiles.
#2 was a bit more excited about the sticks and things that he could hold or throw into the brush nearby. the latest thing we're working on with him is not throwing when people are around. #1 is getting pummeled sometimes because of the lack of understanding (not everyone is always ready to throw a ball with you, #2! you need to wait till they look at you... i know you'll learn).
here's the hubby and #1 taking a break on a log. this is one of #1's favorite things to do. sometimes he'll even sit on a stick because he wants to be *cool* like that and take a break like daddy does. at this point, i'm not really sure why scratching of heads is occurring other than i have three or four of this same shot. we're going to pretend that they are wondering where to go next and what to do.
good thing the boys are here and can point us to a sign! the kids loved this thing and wanted to slap around/touch/bend/pull/push each one we passed. love those kids.

all in all, it was a great trip and we had a stellar time hanging out even with the bugs biting. we're going again this weekend and are hoping that we'll have been luck not being attacked by bugs on the other side of the park. one can only hope!

glitchy videos can be fun (it's glitchy b/c it's long, sorry!)

i think that my kids are happy to be home.

i know that they had fun with the grandparents because when the hubby and i went out to dinner for our 5 year anniversary last friday, they were hardly phased by the fact that we were leaving for the night. i don't think that they knew we'd be gone only for a few hours. it could have been a few more days and they would have had the same response. this is obviously both good and bad for us parents. good: because i know that my parents are doing great with the kids and giving them the attention that they crave/need (especially my mom dedicating her time to help out!). bad: because they do not seem to be remotely phased that we could be gone for a longer period of time. does this mean we aren't needed? wanted? missed? oh how sad.

it's moments like this video that i've posted above that make me *so happy* to be a mom. i love hearing the boys laugh and watch them be silly with one another. i can't wait to add to the bunch and see the blessings expand in my life (Lord let me be present for those blessings! needless to say, i might be a bit nervous!).

a taste of our travels from the past week, below. enjoy!

just a tidbit about me...

i love comics. i always have and once had aspirations of being a comic strip artist. that kind of went out the window when i realized i can't really draw, and you have to keep up with one theme in your strip. one of my first comics was about this worm who saved other worms from drying up on the sidewalk. note: worms are NOT difficult to draw. i have a knack for knowing my skills and adhering to them (though it is kind of restrictive).

one of my favorite comics that i'm enjoying right now is *sheldon* and it can be read here. i love the concept, the general clean humor and the art. great stuff. take a trip over there and have a good read a couple times a week. and maybe even a laugh. if you want to know about the characters, check it out because it gives you a great background for the strip.

besties of #1

i love the lighting in this photo even if it isn't the best. photo taken june 4th at the park

well.. i've weighed myself a couple times lately, and i'm losing weight. i'm not quite worried, because i know i'll pack it on again, but i feel like 6 lbs is kind of a lot. i guess not eating everything on my plate because i'm full so early in the meal is making a difference. we'll see what the doctor's scale says next thursday. i feel like those aren't as forgiving.

some fun things about #1:
• when we go get #2 from his room after their naps, #1 knocks on the door and says "knock, knock!"
• taking off his shoes always is done the same way: sitting at the bottom step and then running with one shoe in hand, and the other on his foot the LONG way around the stairwell to the closet. then he heads back to the step and repeats with the other shoe in hand. so handsome.
• wanting more freedoms. he takes pride in his ability to put on his carseat straps by himself and won't let me help him unless he's holding something like a book or a toy (even though i have to wait f-o-r-e-v-e-r for him to do so).
• the way he is repeating what we say during prayer times. *adorable*
• the way he talks to daddy on the phone. sounds kind of like he's really sick or losing his voice, but he's starting to really like it
• when he runs in circles in the dining room area and counts to ten. then he runs through the kitchen, front door foyer and heads back (it's a circle). and repeats.
• how he says "i love you"

he's wearing a sticker eyeball on his head. he finds it hilarious. i love it... of course!

yo.

i've made it two days with out a nap. i feel like a million bucks. well... i need to go to bed really early, but it's nice to be able to get really things done without passing out (figuratively) by 1pm. I have been trying to be good about taking it easy, though, without much success. my back is totally weak this pregnancy. i'm feeling good otherwise. i can run (albeit slowly) and do some pretty active stuff. I can really do things that are active, but not really like cleaning. boy... doesn't that sound like i really want the husband to be able to do a lot more. i'm like the worst wife ever, eh? :) (good thing i'm a lucky wife!)

okay! on with more cool and fun stuff...
kids!

my sort of shirtless wonder.

look at this kid's hair! the husband is totally wanting it to grow out again like this. i think that it will take a little while, but he's been eating really well so maybe faster :) ha.

family lovin'

i love my lil' family. here's a pic of my boy and two of his cousins when they came to visit. ever since #1 has been allowed to go up in the tree house- he's been all over that action. it's cute, but it is also kind of high up (in my opinion). both boys are really growing up. #1 has been saying three word sentences and i've been challenging him to say longer phrases and trying to get him to understand how to respond to questions. #2 is sort of mimicing sounds that we say. i think he's saying amen... although right now it is sort of "aH!" followed by a giggle. then he has been responsive to me asking for a kiss. he's kind of already over that, but i'll keep asking because it is so cute. - though i have to say i'm waiting for my head to have a bruise from the impact. #1's kisses are getting a little bit... um, much. kind of overly passionate for a 2 1/2 yr old, but it is still cute. for now. and only with me, thank goodness!

freelance is going crazy, i'm pretty pumped about it. i'm going to have to take pictures/link up final products for y'all to see.

what? i'm really here...

seriously.

i think that this little man is adorable. especially now that we are letting him drink out of a cup these days. i love the ring of smoothie that is on his face. #1 is sure growing up fast (even when i realize we sometimes are way too protective...)!

just so you know... my fellow blog-readers i'm 3 months pregnant and i am due dec 1st, but have a hunch it will be around nov 17th. we'll just have to wait and see!