Mr. Brody: The Sensitive One

Ok, it's no secret that I have had my struggles (and still do) with Mr. Brody. I have a hard time with his squealing, lack of obedience and toddler ways.

There is one thing I can't complain about though and that's how super sweet he is with babies. I mean, he is always concerned about Hunter and wants to hold any baby he can get his hands on. The other night we watched Miss Isla (she's 3 weeks younger than Hunter). Isn't she a doll? Brody would have held her the whole night if we let him.

So although he gets my blood boiling every once in awhile, it's calms it down when I see how sweet this little trouble maker can be.

Summer To Do #22: Ride the Bus

As school was quickly approaching, we realized we still had several items on our To Do list. #22 Ride the Bus.

A quick e-mail to playgroup confirmed the day, time and location. We walked with Isaiah down to the bus stop at the opening of our neighborhood. They found this feather.

They waited patiently for the bus to arrive and were very excited to see it was decked out in Cougar Crimson.

The boys climbed onto the bus to discover Tegan. (They got on at their stop.)

Let the adventure begin. Brody would sit and stare and then start singing "The Wheels on the Bus." It was so cute.

The kids were anxious about what seats to occupy. They moved around a lot, until we got closer to campus and the seats got full.

Pulling to stop rope.

Twenty minutes later we arrived at our stop. You can see I made Braden carry the diapers, wipes and my wallet. I didn't want to bring the stroller and didn't want to carry the diaper bag. It was nice and he was happy to do it.

We had a little walk ahead of us. Maybe a quarter of a mile.

But it was worth it to make it to Ferdinand's Ice Cream. It's the WSU Creamery.

We met up with Lucy and Maile and let the kids pick their flavors.

After we finished the ice cream, we headed up to the room to watch the cheese being made.

And then, back to the bus stop to head home. Yep, the feather is still with us. We were right on campus. It was fun to remember the feelings of the first week jitters. I am SO glad I am done with school.

Headed home with my 3 boys.

Braden and Brody insisted on doing their hair this morning. Brody chose spiky while Braden chose a fohawk.

We bid fairwell to Tegan and Jaclyn and made it back to our stop. Isaiah and Brody were being so funny. We'd walk a little ways and then they'd pretend to faint (it looked pretty realistic though) and rest. Then we'd walk a little ways and they'd faint from exhaustion. 

It was the best $3 I have spent. We were gone about 3 hours and the boys loved it.

I Workout

That's right. I workout and my boys do too. I did an awesome circuit last week using rope ladders and battle ropes. I promised the boys I would leave them up so they could get their own workout in. After a couple of alterations (on their behalf), they began their circuit.

I love that they love "getting sweaty," as Braden says.

Lentil Festival 2012: The Parade

One of these years I will run the 5K or do the 100K bike tour, but not this year. Actually I spent my morning at the doctor's office. We thought Braden had an ear infection. Turns out he didn't that day, but one week later he did. That's another story.

We got to the parade around 10:30ish (it starts at 11 am). The kids all lined up and got ready for some candy grabbing.

Brody and his best friend Evelyn. (They are 2 weeks apart.)

And the parade began. I love the parade because it is so small town. We sit by a bunch of people we love and are bound to see people we know throughout the parade. The bottom right is our very own Distinguished Young Woman of Pullman Shayla. I happen to work with her at church. She's a doll.

And the parade gets underway. I didn't include the many many politicians who walked and handed out pamphlets. It's actually what made the parade a little boring this year. They didn't even pass out tons of candy. Come on people, if you want my vote you need to pass out more candy. Still, the kids were happy to see the small bus, tractor, airplane and Ronald McDonald.

And then WSU came. They have a lot of sports teams walk. In fact, the new football coach (Mike Leach) told his football players that if they expected to play this season, then he expected them to be walking in the parade. If he (a busy football coach) could spent 30 minutes in the parade, surely they could too. So yes, the WHOLE entire WSU football team made an appearance. Braden was wearing a Cougar jersey, so the players loved giving him high fives.

Then came the marching band. Typically we have Calvin George (family friend) who takes the lead at dancing and walking with the band. He wasn't here this year, so Brody took his place. (Take note of the video below, SO FUNNY!) Yes, Butch is a crazy looking mascot.

 The video of Brody (and Evelyn) dancing.

This was Hunter's first Lentil Festival Parade. He enjoyed himself. This has been his new look lately. So funny!

More kids have joined in the candy getting fun.

Our family.

The parade was a huge hit. We packed everything up, said our goodbyes and headed home. This is how they say goodbye every time they leave eachother.

We went home, ate some lunch and then headed to the waterpark. It was a great day. Until next year...

Lentil Festival 2012: Friday Night Street Party

Ok, I will be honest. All these posts, although a year apart, are the exact same. It's because it's the Lentil Festival baby and lentils don't change much. After last year's Friday Night Street party, I declared we would not be going this year. (It's tough with 2 young kids.) Fast forward a year to Friday morning. Blake says he really wants to go. Fine! We load all 3 kids up and head downtown. We actually had a blast. I am so glad we went. Braden got to see Spongebob (who scared the heck out of Brody).

Both boys got to play on the obstacle courses.

We took our time playing ALL the vendors games. We won a variety of stuff from socks to a folding cup to backpacks, etc. The boys had a blast. You can see Blake sinking his putt. We were hoping it would get us a free house (it was REMAX's booth), but no go.

Our last stop was the firetrucks. I wish I would have taken video of Braden and Brody. They were really intense when it came to driving the truck.

Hunter hung out with Isla. (She's 4 weeks younger than him.)

Of course there's the REMAX balloon that Brody keeps pointing to and yelling, "BALLOON!"

Which takes us to the end. Hunter's face says it all. He was hungry, we were a little hot and a little annoyed. We were waiting for like 10 minutes at the Shaved Ice stand and we didn't get any closer. They only had 1 person working. Seriously folks, 1 person? I had to break the news that we weren't getting shaved ice. I was just as bummed as the rest of them.

And of course, the HUGE pot of chili. I opted not to have any this year, but Blake sure enjoyed his bowl.

The offer still stands to all friends and family. You are more than welcome to come stay with us for the weekend and experience the Lentil Festival firsthand. I mean, you won't regret it.

Visit Daddy's Office

We all love this man. I mean, we really love him. I think he's the greatest husband around and I am confident the boys think he's the best dad.

Last week we were at the library, checking out books, acting out fairytales and whatnot when Braden said, "Mom, going to dad's work is on our to do list for the summer." The to do list has been a major focus lately because we start school on Monday. So, I called Blake and asked if we could visit.

Ten minutes later we were pulling up to his work. Braden informed me that he would be shy and wouldn't talk. We all know that's not true.

Here we are in the lobby waiting for daddy. The boys and I got to wear special guest passes. You know how often 2 and 4 year olds try and steal top secret documents.

We checked out the gym and then rode the elevator to dad's office, ok, it's a cubicle.

The boys getting some of dad's work done. Of course Blake's co-workers will find any excuse to stop working and visit and I have to say we have 3 very cute excuses. He works with a bunch of guys, so they mostly just stood around. When we headed to the female dominant area, you can imagine the responses. "Oh, they are so cute." "Oooo, he's so big." "When's the next one coming?" You know, the usual.

Still, the boys and I loved it. Blake's only request was that they not yell. 2 of us were able to abide by that rule, a certain 2 year old has no mute button, fortunately, the workers found it endearing.

Obsession with Water

I have to admit it, I was missing the water. The warm sun beating down on my white white body, the laughter of my boys, and hours of unscheduled time. I have heard of the waterpark in Moscow, but I had never been. Blake took the boys when I went to Girls Camp for the day, but still, I NEEDED water.

On Monday, I loaded up the boys and we went to the gym, I taught a class and then we met the Bischoff's for a couple hours of fun. And fun it was. 

We loved it SO much that we went again on Tuesday. This time the Bell's and Lionetti's joined in the fun. My favorite picture is on the top right. Dexter is smiling for the camera, but Evelyn and Brody are too into themselves to care. Those 2 make me sick.

I had 2 little boys who loved their mom. Braden would play in the water for awhile and then go relax on the ground or chair. This went on for hours. I could tell he was also getting more confident in the water.

Brody followed his brother. Water play, then relax and warm up. He too got really comfortable with the water. Being a swimmer at the age of 2, I have always felt my boys were tagging behind (although I know they are not).

Still when I see Brody putting his face in the water and swimming (hands touching of course), I couldn't help but smile. I mean, Braden just started doing the same thing this past year.

Camille taking the kids in the bubbles.

Dexter bouncing along the lazy river.

Me and Mr. Hunter. He loved it. I think it was all the excitement. He would hang with me in the water, eat then nap.

Blake, not wanting to be left out of the fun, took us all again on Saturday (yes, 3 times in one week). This was probably the best trip, why you ask? They had a huge obstacle course setup (think Wipeout).

And they let the kids spray the participants. Give a 2 & 4 year old a hose and tell them to spray and try and knock people off, and you will have a happy kid for life.

Braden was really into this. Notice the top left corner.

We were at the pool for over 4 hours. By the end of the day, Braden was swimming in the deep end (granted, it didn't look perfect, but still). He was more than comfortable putting his face in the water and holding it for long periods of time. There were a bunch of lady bugs flying around, this is what he is showing me.

And the best part, I got to be there with my husband. We took turns relaxing and playing with the kids. I can say that we all got a little bit of sun and had a great time. We stopped by Shari's for dinner on the way home. Note to self, Brody is at a terrible age for restaurants. Yes, he was the kid who opened the "Alarm Will Sound" door and yes, it does make a sound.

We love the water park. I am now mad at myself for not going ALL summer long. I think I see a membership in next summer's budget.