Mama's Little Helper

Austin helped me bake a cake today and was such the little helper. He helped me crack open the eggs, stir the batter, and most importantly he helped me lick the spoon! You can't bake a cake without having a taste of the batter - yum! :)

"Mama Shadow present"

So what did your kids get you for Christmas? Do you want to know what Austin gave me for Christmas this year? A baby - in a container! lol I was in the dining room when I heard this strange noise coming from the hallway. I walk over there to find my boys cutting the corner. Austin pushing Jake squished in a plastic container (to hold Lego's). I about died laughing! So I went to get my camera and by that time he had pushed him around towards the entrance way of the living room. He proceeded to take Jake (who was unsure about this whole situation) over to the Christmas tree. He then put him right in front of the tree, gave him a kiss on the head (because he was starting to fuss), and said "Mama Shadow (Jacob) present!" He gave me Jake as my present - squished in a box. How thoughtful of him! It's the best present I have ever received! :)

Where did my babies go?

With Austin now talking in sentences (and holding a conversation with me at any given moment), reading his ABC's, counting correctly, and being such a little man it makes me realize my boys are growing up. And I know I had a little baby around here somewhere. Where did he go? I swore I had one. He is about 30lbs, red hair, and the biggest blue eyes you've ever seen. Oh that's right...he is about to be a year old and doesn't need his mommy anymore. Ugh! Granted Jake is the biggest mama's boy I've ever seen (which I looooove), but I see him getting less and less needy (especially with him now walking - still has to hold on to something though). Sigh. He is eating regular food with his favorite being bread, cheese, and pretty much everything that goes into his mouth. He is now weaned onto whole milk, which is nice. I can't believe I am about to have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I'm going to have 2 toddlers. :( I hope David is ready to try for number three next fall!! ;)

Boys being left out...

I was watering the plants out in front and noticed the boys were watching me. So I ran inside to grab my camera for some pics...which I think confused them even more. Austin kept trying to get out and Jake looked at me with his big blue eyes saying "why are you leaving me behind?" It was cute!

Thanksgiving

We had two days of great Thanksgiving feasts filled with family, fun, and amazing food! Thursday we spent the day at Grandma Mata's with Dave's family (where the pics are at). The boys loved starring at Robert's Christmas tree and the light. Jake was zoned out for awhile trying to figure out what it was. Austin had a great time with Missy (their dog). On Friday we went to my grandparents house for my family's Thanksgiving feast. The boys did wonderful and for the first time Jake stayed in his pack and play for several hours. He and Austin were playing in there and having a blast. One thing I can always count on is Austin keeping his little brother happy and entertained. God bless brothers! :)

Christmas Cards

I took the boys out to get their Christmas cards done and it went well! I will only show one because I don't want to spoil the cards! ;) Here is one of our sweet loving boys!! :)

Giddy up!

I took Austin out to my mother's barn today. Austin loves going up there and seeing the horses and playing with the dogs. Today though my mom had a surprise for him and saddled up Cher and let him ride along. Boy was he excited!! He kept saying "Aussie ride nan-naw's horse!" The excitement in his face was priceless. We'll have to get him a kids saddle some time in the future. He loved his first horse ride!

Sickies...

Aus and Jake have both come down with a cold...tis the season I suppose. We have been hibernating inside staying away from play group activities and being outside. Poor little guys!

Park

I took the kids out to the park today and brought my camera long this time (I know, I've been slacking). Austin had a great time playing as usual. Jake took his first swing ride today with his girlfriend (and birthday buddy) Kailey.

David's Birthday

We celebrated with David's family at Toykohana's for his 31st birthday. Austin really enjoyed the cooking show (the chef cooks your meal in front of you and puts on a show while doing it). He laughed at the egg trick where he flipped one in his hat. Austin was smart and said "what about that one?" pointing to the egg in his hat. It was great! When the chef did the big fire show Austin got really nervous, but overall had a good time. One of his favorite foods is rice and chicken, so he was in heaven. The food was excellent as always. Happy birthday David!!