I'm a big boy now!

Well I'M not, but Cole is.  Or so he thinks he is at least.   In the last month (that I haven't been posting anything) he's really turning into such a cute little toddler.  He sits up at the counter on a barstool with Carter for most meals now.  He's  likes to get his food on a plate and a use silverware.  But man does he make a mess doing it.   Fortunately I know how to mop a floor.  Here he is on his first official "counter lunch".

With the summer comes sno cone season.  Here is Carter on the counter with a homemade one.

With all the teeth coming in, popsicles seem to be Cole's only relief.  And I'll admit, it's always a great bribe!

Here is Cole, up at the counter again, with his first whole breakfast taco.  Shortly after learning how to eat one, he then learned how to dip it in queso - definitely his father's son. 

Here is Carter watching the Robbie Seay Band at our church's firework display on July 4th.  I posted this so you could see him doing what he loves to do - jumping.  Any time he gets excited he jumps up and down like a pogo stick.  He's jumping so much here, his hair is sticking straight up.  He's gonna have great calf muscles.

This is at the Build A Bear Workshop.  Mom took Carter there a couple weeks ago.  Great idea mom.  He loved it.  Here he is watching his bear get stuffed.  He spent at least an hour in there picking out which bear he wanted, finding clothes and accessories, and even naming him and receiving a birth certificate.

This was his favorite part though, after the stuffing you give them an air bath.  Carter brushed and brushed as the air blew all the extra stuffing away. 

Carter and Joey walking out of the store.

And in the car on the way home.  Of course Carter had to show off his loot.  I think this is when Mom was wishing she'd have made one for Cole.  Though I'm glad she didn't, after 3 outfits and some accessories (including sunglasses) she'd be out even more cash.  

Cole trying to put the sunglasses on.

We found a new play center close to the house that is perfect for kids under 5.  Lots of imagination play.  One of the sections has police and fireman outfits for dress up as well as a 5 foot fire pole.  Here is a picture of him sliding down (with lots of help from me).

On Cole's 18 month "birthday", I took him to get his hair cut.  When we were in Colorado I noticed that the way his hair curled in the back, would no longer curl up or under.  And that he basically had a mullet.  So something had to be done.  I had them cut off his "humidity curls" as I call them.  Here are some before shots.

Giving the stylist a high five, while actually watching the video playing in front of him.  He sat perfectly still and did a wonderful job. 

After we were done, he wanted back in the chair so he could finish watching his video. 

We have been so  busy this summer.  I can't believe school starts in 4 weeks.  I started the summer wondering how I was going to keep the boys entertained all summer. We aren't having that problem.  One day last week Carter was tired, but refused to admit it.  I told him he didn't have to take a nap, but that he did need some quiet time.  So he could read his books on the floor.  30 minutes later I found he had taken a pillow off the bed and fallen  asleep.  I subsequently covered him up.  Mother's know best.

Last Friday I took the boys to the big dog show in town.  Here is Carter with a Great Dane.  It was almost as tall as him.  Charlie, the dog, was super sweet.  He has one brown eye and one blue eye.  Just precious. This is one of the few pictures I took.  I made the mistake of taking a picture of a little dog during one of the agility trials.  I was scolded by a judge saying that my flash photography would blind a dog.  I put the camera away after that. 

The boys got out some of Carter's boots.  Cole had such a hard time walking in the cowboy boots.  It looked like he had just gotten off a horse, rather appropriate though :)

I took some videos of Cole playing back in June but hadn't found the time to upload them.   Here he is putting together a puzzle.


This is a clip of him singing "Ashes, Ashes, We all fall down!"  Cole doesn't have very many words, though he can mumble the words to Ring Around the Rosie, which is cute. 

And this is actually some footage I took while trying to get him to talk to me.  He just babbles all the time.  The word he says the most now is "Thank You." It's super cute.  You give him anything and he most always says Thank You back.  This is a video of babbling, I need get a video of him saying thank you - I'll work on that.

One of Carter's new favorite things to do is type on the computer.  Or what he calls "Spell the Letters."  I took this a few weeks ago and now he can spell it without me typing it first. 


I chuckle watching this video because Carter doesn't know how to use a slip and slide.  I showed him (not on video of course!) and he still couldn't figure it out. 

Vacation time

2400 miles, 7 days, 2 small children, 4 states, countless hours of DVD watching, and only a few meltdowns - but a priceless vacation.  We saw lots of family, old friends, and even met some new ones.   We had a wonderful time but are certainly glad to be home and back in our own beds and into the swing of our normal schedule. 

We left on Monday morning the 14th and drove to Oklahoma to see Brendon, Stacy and Brady.  It was so sweet to watch all the boys play together.  Carter loved "Baby Brady", though he's the same age as Cole.  Here are some pictures from our two night stay there.

This is my nephew Brady.  Super cute isn't he :)

Uncle Brendon playing with his nephews.

Carter makes a basket from "downtown" :)

"The Three Little Pigs" eating pizza. 

Then Wednesday morning we left really early and drove to Colorado Springs.  Well, actually Woodland Park.  We met my parents and brother at a cabin in the mountains.  It was almost as gorgeous as the weather.  I definitely want to go back.  It was so refreshing to have cool weather.  We sat on the porch, looked at the mountains and grilled out.  Even got in the hot tub one night.  We took the Cog Railway up to the summit of Pikes Peak.  It was phenomenal.  What amazing views!  But holy cow, it was freezing cold.  The wind chill was 14 degrees that morning up on the mountain.  Here are some pictures from our adventure.

On the way up to the top. 

At the top of the mountain.

And on the way down, the boys were super tired.

One afternoon Mom, Dad and I took Carter to the Dinosaur Center.  He had such a good time.  This place helps make casts of dinosaurs for museums all over the country.  And it was only 5 minutes away, we were lucky.

 

This photo makes me want to enter Carter in a "Milk, it does a body good" campaign.  He was showing off his new safari outfit that Grandma and Grandpa bought him.  Cole has one too, but he was taking a nap :)

While we were up there Grandpa bought him his first fishing pole and took him to a pond to catch his first (and second) fish.  We all had a blast watching him.  He caught one in the first 5 minutes we were out there.  He had fun reeling in the fish.  He would let go and the reel would sing, and the fish would swim out, then he'd reel some more and this went on for a few minutes.  I was getting frustrated because I had the video camera and was trying to film it but only had a bout 5 minutes of battery.  I didn't end up getting video of the fish out of the water, but did get footage of Carter getting excited about reeling him in.  I hope to download that this weekend and post it.    As soon as Dad got the fish off the hook and pole, Carter turns around says "I want to catch another one."  So he did.  He caught two rainbow trouts, 14 and 15 inches each.  And about 1.75 pounds a piece.  Dad gutted them right there at the pond, and put them on ice to take to Matthews and grill for dinner.  When he tells people he caught a fish this is how the conversation goes.  "I caught a fish.  Then Grandpa cut his head off."  It's funny to listen too.  Here are some fish catching pictures.

Carter wanted to catch the fish, but he did NOT want touch it.  I think there is a picture of me when I was little doing the same thing.

The marker was 14" long.

Daddy might not be a fisherman but he loved watching his son catch a fish.

After our fishing expedition we went up to Denver to see Matt and Alli, and their new house.  It's perfect.  It has charm, character and is decorated beautifully.  The four Sheltons took over the basement.  Which is pretty big.  Here is a picture of Brian playing Matthew's (formally Mom's) guitar and the boys dancing. 

And here is Uncle Matt playing ball with the boys.  He was using Carter's head as the bat.  Carter kept telling him to bonk him on the head.  Matthew, if my child has any delays in school, I'll be sending you the therapy bills :)

On Saturday night we went south of Denver to Conifer for a wedding.  Brian's long time friend from high school, Ross, was getting married.  We left the kids, and the camera, back in Denver with Mom & Dad and Matthew.  We had a nice evening celebrating with Ross and Christy, as well as meeting some new friends.  In fact, I stole these next two pictures off Facebook  since I didn't have our camera.  Thanks Geoff! 

Not the best pic of Brian and I, but it was the only one. 

The next morning we packed up the car (again) and drove towards home.  It wasn't much of a Father's Day for Brian and Dad.  They spent all day in the car.  So we took it upon ourselves to reschedule it to this coming weekend.  Can't say I'd be so gracious about that if it were Mother's Day, but they didn't seem to mind.

We stopped in Abilene and spent 12 hours at Sissy and Rupperts.  Thanks for the dinner and breakfast Sissy.  Delicious as usual.  Oh, and sorry for barging in on your birthday Ruppert.  Happy Birthday! Wish we had more time to visit  with everyone.   Glad Nana and Papa came over as well.  Never enough time with family, but I'll take what I can get.

We got home Monday afternoon and have been readjusting ever since.  The boys were so good in the car, though Brian and I did spoil them.  We gave them whatever they wanted whenever they wanted, just so it would be a pleasant trip.  But now, we're paying for it.  Baby Boot Camp has commenced at home and it is a "No Whine Zone." Fortunately, Carter is figuring it out quickly.

Well I really must get back to my to-do list.  I hope you enjoyed the run down of our vacation.  We enjoyed the actual vacation :)

Summertime Fun

Carter has been out of school for almost a month now and we're really in a good groove.  It's been one of the hottest Mays on record, somewhere in the top ten or something.  But that won't stop us from having lots of fun.  If we aren't at Mom and Dad's pool, were we spend lots of swim time, then we're at the neighborhood pool, the splash pad, Joanna's backyard, Jen's neighborhood pool, or even the plastic baby pool in our back yard.  We aren't picky - just want to cool off.  Carter has become a really good swimmer.  Cole likes to crawl in and out and stay on the steps, but man, Carter swims EVERYWHERE.  It's wonderful.  Here are some outdoor pictures ...

The waterfall at our neighborhood pool. 

Cole interested in a cool drink instead of a cool pool.

Cole taking another snack break instead of swimming. 

Carter jumping into Joanna's pool.   

Cole at the Splash Pad. 

Carter petting Fudge and riding Trigger (Awbrey's pony and horse) at Joanna's ranch.

And we do spend plenty of time indoors.  We're making crafts, coloring, playing blocks, going to the library, watching magic shows, playing with friends, and of course we watch our fair share of movies.  Check out our indoor fun photos ...

Reading a Bugsby book with Grandma.  Cole insisted he hold the tool and point out things.  Carter just laughs along, as usual.

Cole loves to play peek-a-boo.  Here he is in Carter's bed. 

Carter loves to play dress up.  Unfortunately, the only costumes we have are 3 left over Halloween costumes.  The rooster, Handy Manny, and a King.  I need to get some more play clothes for him. I hope remember after this Halloween and get them on sale. 

And again, Carter laughing along.  They really do crack each other up.  This is such a fun stage.  They laugh so hard they give each other the hiccups. 

Big tower of blocks.  I'm surprised Cole hadn't come knock it down yet. 

Playing grocery store. 

A picture of the garden of flowers we made with egg cartons, popsicle sticks and muffin liners.  We sent a picture to Uncle Matt and Aunt Alli to celebrate their 5th anniversary.

Cole cracked me up the other night.  We had dinner and went outside so Brian and Carter could mow the lawn.  Cole came in and crawled up on the chair, stood up and started shoveling handfuls of beans in his mouth.  He's getting better at using a spoon.  He's good with a fork, as sometimes he dumps out whats in his spoon.  It's adorable.  Messy.  But adorable. 

Carter is learning how to color in the lines.  And Cole is learning how to just put crayons on paper.  We color alot and I'm really noticing a difference in Carter's capabilities. Right now he's in a line phase.  He draws lines everywhere.

I saw this photo op and took it.  He looks so funny to me.  He loves trying to play t-ball like Carter.  But here he has the bat in his hands and a sucker in his mouth.

Here is a picture of Cole at his first movie. Well, technically second movie.  I took him in a sling when he was 3 weeks old to see a movie with a friend.  He really enjoyed this one, we saw Shrek 4.  He also enjoyed the ginormous bucket of popcorn.

And here is Carter at his first 3D movie.  Mine too actually.  Mom and I took him to see How to Train Your Dragon.  We liked it.  A little dark and over his head, but we had a good time.  Again, the popcorn helped :)

I didn't realize how far behind on posting pictures I was. Mom and Dad threw a 30th surprise party for Matthew a couple weeks ago. He and Alli came in town and we had a ball. Here he is with two of his nephews. Jake and Carter.

And now to even show how long it's been.  Here's a picture of Brian, the boys and Becky from Mother's Day.  Shame on me!  I promise to get better. 

Carterisms

You know the saying "Kids say the darndest things?"  Well, I think three years old seems to produce some of the sweetest, funniest, and ridiculous sayings.  Here are just a few from the last 2 weeks or so.

Carter is very into numbers right now, and associating amounts with their respective numbers.  So he'll hold up 3 fingers when he says 3, 1 when there is one, and so on.  Well the other day we were headed to a friends house and he wanted to know how long we would stay there.  I said a long time, he said "3 minutes?"  I said no, longer than that.  He said, "4 minutes?" I said, 100 minutes.  He looked down at his little hands and was trying to put his fingers into an arrangement.  And then just looked up and said, "I don't know how to do a hundred!"

Dad was in India for a week and while he was gone Carter spent a couple nights over at their house with Mom.  One morning on their way back over here, mom was sitting at the stop light that seperates our neighborhoods.  She proceeded to go straight through the light and enter our neighborhood.  Carter shouted out "Why are you going straight Grandma?  I don't want to go home?" Mom told him that I was at home waiting for them and wanted to see him.  He told her to just run in and he would wait in the car.  Jeez, thanks Carter.  I feel the love now :)

Yesterday he was asking if Uncle Brendy had a "baby coming up?" I said yes, he and Aunt Stacy are going to have a baby soon.  He said "Brady is going to have a baby brother like me." "Yes Carter, they're going to have a baby boy." He then said, "are we going to borrow Brady" Uh, no sweetie, we aren't going to borrow baby Brady."  He replied, "why don't we need him?"  I'm not really sure what he meant by that, but I told him we love Brady, but we don't need any more baby boys in this house to feed.

We went to Mom and Dad's last night and went swimming and as usual, Carter begged us to let him stay the night over there.  Once we said yes, he basically kicked us out of the house.  I think he was afraid we'd change our minds and make him come home with us.  Though he did come up to me and sweetly put his hand on my shoulder and looked me square in the eye and said, "Mom, I'm going to spend the night with Grandma.  I'm not going to say the night with you.  Okay?"  He shook his head in agreement with himself and then said "I love you.  Now leave"

With all the summer weather, we've been spending alot of time outside and in the pool.  Being a little boy, it is rather easy for Carter to just run to the side of the house and relieve himself.  As opposed to me drying us all off and dragging him inside dripping everywhere and taking him to the bathroom to pee.  I questioned that decision after what he said last week on the way to friends house in the country.  He was falling asleep and while trying to prevent that I was telling him to look at all the horses and cows on the side of the road.  He then started giggling and pointing.  He said "Oh Mommy, look at that silly dog.  He's peeing in the grasss.  Dogs aren't supposed to pee in the grass - just big boys!" Uh, parenting error on my part ...

And if you didn't already know, Carter spends a great amount of time with Grandma.  We are all very lucky because of that.  And it was obvious when he said this the other night ... We were reading a Berenstain Bear book and there was a page with a family picture on it.  We were pointing out the Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Brother Bear, Sister Bear, and Baby Bear.  Carter says, "Why don't they have a Grandma Bear?" 

Well thats enough for now.  I'll have more for sure.  And I'll probably post some pictures over the weekend.  But for now it's just the sayings of a sweet 3 year old.